Gerald D'Cunha

“We worry what a child will become tomorrow; yet, we forget that he is somebody today.” Stacia Tauscher   H is name is Namoh. They say, he is weak in studies, a slow learner, a tortoise. But, those who are very close to him – his parents and coaches – say, that he is strong in gymnastics... he is excellent, a Champ... So, the battle rages on: People like me, who coach Namoh in his academic subjects, often worry about his attendance... Every time I start a new chapter, Namoh has to proceed on a long-distance tour, often forcing him to miss his classes for weeks... We worry, saying that he is not good in any chapter... “How will he clear his 12 th Boards?” Yes, this is how the world wonders and worries unless it takes notice of the ‘good’ that resides in the young kid, right now... The world is a stereotype... I am no exception... Unless, the young kid is me... Stacia Tauscher’s words come to remind me: “We worry what a child will become tomorrow; yet, we forget t...

A week ago, a working mother called me up from her office. “Sir, this is regarding my son who is pursuing Marine Engineering. His Captain (trainer) has given a report saying that he (son) needs to build his self-confidence, interpersonal and communication skills. Can you help him?” The next day, the mother and son appeared in my office. Son had come directly from his institute and looked smart in this white sailor’s uniform.  We discussed the issue for over 40 minutes. I could quickly gather this: the mother had been over protective and over anxious all through the years. She had been taking decisions for her son for every little thing. The young man, as I expected, kept a little quiet in the start. But, encouraged by my simple and straight approach, he began to open up. The speech, initially, was just a mumble… I helped him with it… Soon, he was speaking clearly with his jaws widely open, slow and controlled… The speech wasn’t the problem… Englis...