Learning

The other day we had a birthday celebration in our family. My husband who loves anything sweet and chocolate was the right candidate to get a surprise chocolate truffle cake from our son and me. We landed at the well known confectionery shop on Temple road, The Cake Walk. Arjun chose the cake and asked an attender to write the usual “Happy birthday Daddy”. The attender asked him to spell out Daddy and I was surprised. I was now worried and asked him if he had gone to school. He affirmed that he had and was a graduate. I was astonished. He then interpreted the reason for his statement to Arjun.

He said that most children call their that parents differently.He has written “Pops”, ” da” “Dady” , etc earlier. He elaborated more on that with some prodding. According to him, its not wrong, however the respect that was shown towards parents is lost in such cases. We Indians are known for our reverence towards elders, he continued. We are trying to become friends with our children and so the level has changed. He said that a child can get many friends but gets only one set of parents. We cannot change such a profound relationship. I just listened. He sited many holy books and various great thinkers to prove his point fortuitously.He then said that parents take their children only to theme parks and spend much to see what other countries offer.We should first see our country, because its beautiful, he said. Our heritage is limitless. I was now speechless.

I could not believe myself. A young guy so profound in his thoughts! I asked him how I can help him, in case he requires any. He just wanted books of leaders, thinkers and other holy books. He loves to read such books he said. I am sure I will go back soon and give him the books.

And I am sure I learnt something.