The hospital sights & sounds should have been my favourite sights,they never were. The two most important people in my life worked very hard to make ends meet.We had no idea then. My parents excelled in their field & got gratitude for their work & not money,it was scarce then nobody had a lot. We only heard of Tatas & Birlas being very rich. The richness of relations,bonding between siblings,obedience, sincerity were the virtues.
They came late at night,around 9 & then my mother would cook & we would all eat together. In a nuclear family,her word was ultimate. She was up doing her house work,getting up at 8 was a norm for us. Studying & getting ready for school around 12. I remember we were not allowed to bunk school. Medicine always at hand & her strict vigilance over the children.( In 2000, my younger brother got married when I stayed at ‘Sudhanshu’ with my girls, my aunty commented,’ I never imagined you would take such good care of your children!’ Before I could say anything my cousin replied,’ She has always been taken care of,Why would she lack in her duties?’ I was amazed! My sis who never talks much had so much to say!! Of course, I have got this certificate from my ,none other, mother -in -law that I have taken very good care of my children!!!) My mother has instilled that training so much so that it is natural,I don’t have to think & then act!
For all our academic development she is the active member. For letting us get educated in an English medium school also was her persuasion. She looked after our studies & know in which subjects we were good or not. Habits,friends, books we read she knew everything. She made me work in the kitchen as soon as my marriage was fixed. She knew I was capable of blown up the gasket,my interesting point in the book I was reading could do that.I have really replaced a couple of rings because I had forgotten to switch off the gas below the cooker.I have also broken a couple of needles from her dear sewing machine but when I was in 11th std I also was able to stitch a Punjabi suit for myself,which I wore to college.
She doesn’t let go till, & doesn’t let you go. Her stamina is the same,her wrinkles have increased.At her age of 80, I doubt if we survive, but this kind of stamina! What happened due to her is that I rarely admired any feat,she was perfect! She would deliver a baby & roll ‘Puranpolis’ for three of us with the same enthusiasm. We believe that you excel in one field but not so well in the other. But I have seen her good at all the work she did.
My first teacher was excellent & failing her was my only worry.Being the eldest in my family they had many expectations.I wonder if I failed them but I tried my level best.My language teachers loved me ,I have my essays read in class but I am not sure my choice of vocation appealed them. The base that they provided I couldn’t ask for more. I have never fumbled in my work nor made any mistakes due to misinterpretation,at that in itself is a big achievement I presume!
My best teacher award is for my work but also all my students & teachers who guided me. It happens after generations & I was fortunate enough to not wait for it till my retirement which is now around the corner. My first teacher has made my way such that I could never think of lowering my standards & looking for better goals. Salute to her & all others who followed later in my life. Happy learning!
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