JUST ABOUT A 'HELLO' AND A 'THANK-YOU'
I
have observed an interesting thing during our Personality Development programme
(summer). A few parents, particularly the mothers, of our little ones or young
ones end up learning more from the programme than their children do. I, always, encourage the enthusiastic parents to feel free to sit for our sessions
whenever they are free or like. A couple of them end up sitting for the entire two-month
programme and enjoy it more than their children do. On the Certification Day, I,
often, surprise these ‘deserving’ parents with a specially-worded certificate.
When they come forward to collect it, they go speechless. They cry!
Whose learning was it,
anyway? Did they actually come for thier kids or for themselves?
It has, always remained
a mystery to me!
For last two summers, a
mother of young *Sam wanted to enroll her son for our programme. She was
extremely keen. But, Sam, who studied in 9th standard at that time,
was not. Sam’s dad and mom were working parents and he was their only child.
Despite good school that Sam went to and despite his regal physical-looks, Sam came about as a
cold person – very unenthusiastic and indifferent, poor in communication and
simple courtesies like a ‘Hello’ or a ‘Thank-you’. Yes, this was even after
constant ‘schooling’ at home and some ‘grooming’ classes!
“Sir, Sam is a
wonderful boy. All that I want him to learn is simple ‘Hello’ and ‘a Thank-you’,”
Sam’s mother would say, “But, he simply refuses to attend any classes. He
thinks he doesn’t need those things.”
Sam’s mother tried her
luck before this summer too. But, she failed again. Our summer programme got
over… A few days ago, I got a call from her again. “Sir, Sam has cleared his
tenth and joined Jai Hind College… But, I am worried about him.”
I calmed her down, in
my own way. “Ma’am, everything is going to change… He will learn these things
when his time comes. Don’t get too worked up.”
“But sir, won’t it be
too late?” the anxious mother asked.
“No ma’am… No learning
is too late in life,” I explained.
The next day, Sam’s
mother appeared in my office with him. Sam’s headphones were still on as I stretched
my hand and said, “Hi Sam… How are you beta?”
Sam was very tall, very
fair and very handsome. But, very frigid. We spent about forty minutes and, I
tried to use my own charm. But, his reluctance was visible, palpable. I knew,
he wasn’t ready for a ‘Hello’ and a ‘Thank-you'! As was my practice, I handed Sam
five of our inspirational books. “This is for you Sam with lots of love and
care. Do read beta,” I gently said as they parted…
Yes, I did not wonder
as to why I did not hear from Sam “Thank you, Sir”!
Yesterday, Sam’s mother
messaged me, “Sorry Sir. Sam is not willing to join PD. Thanks a lot for lovely
books. I have started reading them. The short stories are very good… Have started
with this book.”
I smiled and replied, “Don’t
worry ma’am. In life, everyone has his clock. Sam will bloom when his time
comes. Meanwhile, think it’s about your growth, your education. My Blogs might
help you, too. Best wishes to Sam and regards to all at home.”
Sam’s mother responded,
“Yes Sir. I will think God has a plan. That’s why I was able to meet a beautiful
person like you. And I respect you.”
I concluded, “That’s how
God really works His wonders, ma’am. Take care.”
*Name changed
GERALD D’CUNHA
Pic.: Chetna Shetty
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