Saturday, September 22, 2007
I think I was 10 or 11 years old, when somebody first asked me who my role model was.That set me thinking. I never considered any particular person as my role model till then. Anyway, was it necessary to have one? But I decided that if at all I had to have one, it better be my Grandmother, who always gave so much more to others than she ever received. I’ve always felt that she deserved a lot more happiness- something which she never got either from her parents or her husband.
As Igrew older, I realised that there are role models all around us and that you don’t have to go looking for one. Every individual who has overcome the odds in life, every single person who has succeeded inspite of the seemingly impossible circumstances is a role model. Even the very grass beneath our feet can be our role model—ever noticed how it springs back even after you have stepped on it, almost flattening it? It will grow back, vibrant in the sunshine and swaying ever so lightly in the breeze – even after you have uprooted it for the umpteenth time.
Having been a conscientious student and a topper throughout my schol-life, my Commerce teacher, Mrs. Biljee once asked me in my last year at school, what made me the person I was. More specifically, she was interested in learning what my parents did(or did not do, for that matter) to make their first-born such a success.
My parents, have always led well-disciplined lives.I had pondered over the answer to this question several times before and I promptly answered that I have been very lucky to have parents who are good disciplinarians. They laid down the rules for us, pretty early on in life and taught us what is good and bad in life. More importantly, they instilled in us a sense of self-discipline.
Today, while I was watching a show on T.V., on how an increasing number of parents are spoiling their children and ruining their future, I began thinking about this subject again. My parents never really spoilt any of their 3 daughters nor were they overly strict with us.Yes, they did draw the boundaries very clearly but at the same time, let us be ourselves. They’ve always wanted us to be independent individuals and pushed us to that end, at the risk of appearing to be harsh and heartless. During the years, there have been several times when I’ve envied my friends because they had parents who were more like friends to them. It took me some time to realise that what my parents did then, is what has made me the strong person that I am today.
But then, today it hit me that there is more to it than just that. My parents never actually told me that one has to be honest and generous to the less privileged. I don’t remembering them ever telling me that it is important to be hard-working and resilient to reach my goals, to achieve my dreams.
Then what exactly is the secret that has made me the person I am today? It has taken me a very long time-24 years to be precise-to figure that out.
My parents were, are (and I know will always be) honest, kind and hard-working people themslves. They never preached to us the importance of saving money. We learnt to respect money because we saw our Mom and Dad, both of whom came from small towns, and had a backgrund that was far from being enviable, struggle to make enough dough to raise 3 well-nutured kids. I have seen my father(who hails from a remote, nondescript village) sweat and toil for over 30years and save every penny to build our own home-his lifelong dream. And I know that the single-most valuable thing that my father can leave behind for his daughters is the goodwill that he has earned from all those people who have known him to be one of the most selfless, trustworthing and perseverent people ever.
I realise now, that all along, I have unconsciously imbibed the values and principles in life, seeing Mom and Dad lead their lives. My sisters and I have been emulating them without realising that they are and will forever be, our role models. Of course, I will still quarrel with Dad for the T.V. remote and will chide him for his lack of orderliness. I will continue to have a difference of opinion with Mom every now and then and may not talk to her for hrs, or even days at a time. But that doesn’t really change anything. I’m glad and proud to have the parents I do.
Thanks Mom and Thanks Dad for being the best role models one could ever have.
