12 Nov 2017
Respected Sir /Madam,
The mere fact that I am required to render a few lines about my daughter, Komalika, is like an invitation to write an autobiography. My belief, that, 'the child is the father of man', makes this proposition possible. I have held this belief for long, that we shape 'our own' destiny by relating and evaluating the teachings of our parents, teachers and the environment in which we grow. Therefore, my attempt during the childhood of my daughters, was to teach less and create an environment of learning. Towards this, I attempted to tell more 'real' stories than fables during bedtime or on dining table. Therefore, the desire of Komalika to volunteer as an 'exchange' student may have its seed in the narratives of Kon-Tiki, Hiram Bingham or Taro&Jiro. No less contribution would be on account of the voracious reading habits of her elder sister Supriya. Their bonding ensured that Komalika was always up to the scratch for the adventures narrated by her sister.
From a very early childhood Komalika displayed a keen senses of compassion towards animals, birds and the less fortunate. Invariably this would result in pleas to bring such animals in distress home. This was summarily rejected in the hope that she will outgrow the sentiments. Many years later, after patiently biding her time, we agreed to keep a dog at our home. Komalika has been more happier since then. Patience is her virtue and self belief an asset. These qualities have made her the darling of the household. Her caring nature for her friends have resulted in a strong bonds with no one 'more-favorite' than the other. The standards and yardsticks of parenting have changed radically due to emerging technologies. The fact that our daughters consistently out-thought and out-smarted us at parenting issues very early in their respective ways have resulted in both becoming self reliant and self assured at human values and soft skills. My frequent narration of a real life story of a French family consisting of grandparents, parents and children of school-going age on an oceanic voyage has remained a favorite with Komalika. That the children on the voyage do not go to school but learn skills of navigation, money exchange, management of food and water, and other life skills are a favorite concept of sense of independence. I only hope the discipline required to engage with the elements of nature are also equally well understood by Komal. Thus it is our cherished duty to facilitate the opportunity for her to undertake an exchange program – which we believe, will be a journey of self revelation for her.
Komalika knows to take adversity head-on. This is a trait she has acquired from her mother. Typically whenever Komalika is silent it is an easy indicator of her being in disagreement with whatever instructions have been given. Voluntary participation in (mini) marathons, taking part in school soccer practice immediately after emerging out of an injury or going for numerous hiking or organized trips have satisfied us that she can volunteer for challenging assignments as well as overcome difficult situations with a level headed presence of mind. She has, over the years, displayed enough caliber for us to believe that she can adjust and thrive in an new environment. Her ability to manage her own self with whatever resources are at her disposal – convince us; that she shall honorably discharge herself in representing her country. Her all round reading skills convince us that she shall provide a true reflection of our multicultural society and act as an ambassador for Indian morals and values.
Despite a four year gap, Komalika has consistently displayed a sense of maturity at par with her sister who is four years elder than her. She revels in a free and fair environment. She possesses a keen and discerning eye for things which are amiss in the environment she stays in. Therefore, we trust her to be able to make herself proud in any environment. We are sure she will faithfully share her experience on the assurance of our non-involvement during the tenure of her exchange. We are sure that which ever family hosts her, it will be an experience of kindness for them.
We wish Komalika the very best and assure the sponsors and the hosts that they shall forever cherish the association with Komalika.
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