Dear Children,
It feels very odd to have something as big as a national holiday
declared on your birthday. I am humbled at the love and respect that you
all have for me. I do believe however, that everyone is equal so we
should not try to idolize anybody… but that is another story 
We are a great nation. The Indian subcontinent
being larger geographically than most developed nations. There is a
rich variety in the climate, vegetation, soil quality and river systems
which are the key factors in creating the diversified cultures that are
co-existing today. Over a billion people inhabit the country and I’m
sure all of you have talents that are unique and very important in
helping build the country’s cultural, economic, academic and political
forces.
I look at India today, after 67 years and I am very happy to see how
quickly it has adapted to the growing demands of a quickly globalizing
world. However, there are some things that still need to be worked upon
on a priority basis to help India realise its full potential.
Tolerance: Yes yes. I know we are a secular, democratic nation but
are we completely tolerant of everything and everybody around us? Are
we ready to look beyond ourselves to let others also live in peace? Are
we democratic in our personal relationships? Let me give you an example.
If you say you are democratic and treat everyone equally, but you
still ostracize your domestic help, their children, the watchman, the
garbage picker etc and are rude to them most of the time, are you really
treating them equally? You take them for granted and expect them to
pick up after you.
Is that fair?
These people work for a living and deserve to be respected. They may
not be born to some of the privileges that you enjoy but they are doing
the best they to earn in a dignified manner. They are helping you keep
your life in order! So give them their due respect.
Now let’s talk about your parents. If they feel the need to intervene
in your life, it means that somewhere you may be moving away from your
original goals. Trying to see things from another person’s perspective,
evaluating your current position will help you take informed decisions
and that might just be more effective a solution than shouting and
breaking all modes of communication.
You have a classmate at school who is from a culturally different
back ground or looks different, has a different outlook in life or does
not behave like most other children. Should you boycott them just
because they think and talk differently?
What about those people who bully, you ask. Remember, bullies were
bullied too. They did not have friends who could help them escape that
phase. What should you do in such a scenario? Stand up to them if they
are in the wrong or are hurting you or somebody. But never hurt anybody
just to take revenge. Violence is never the solution. An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. It only embitters and further weakens opportunities to develop the relations. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Speak the Truth: All my life I walked on the path of truth and
that was the reason I can fearlessly fight for any cause. This means
that not only was I unafraid to speak the truth but I was also open to
criticism and to the suggestions to improve myself. If you have not done
your homework, instead of making up excuses, tell your instructor why
you could not do it and promise to do it and get it for evaluation the
next day, (with his permission of course.)
I had once stolen some money from my father and I was so ashamed that
I could not meet his eyes at all. How could I steal from the very
people who trust me implicitly? I could not speak to him so I decided to
write him a letter telling him the truth and apologizing for my
mistake. I never thought I would be forgiven, but I was. My father
appreciated the fact that I had the courage to admit my guilt.
In the newspapers we hear about students running away or ending their
lives because they could not do well in exams and so could not face
their parents. I t pains me to see that we have become so weak. I
understand how difficult it is to face broken expectations but running
away from the problem is never a solution. It only makes you more
insecure about yourself. It will only lead you to hurt others more.
Become Independent.
“How do we become independent? We are only children.”
Independence means to depend on no one to do the work you are supposed to do.
You are young and that is the best age to develop independence! Stop
depending on your mother or your older/ younger sibling to arrange your
bed, your clothes, do your homework for you, pick up your plate or your
books after you are done eating or studying. These are small things that
you can do yourself. They bring in discipline and focus that is
important for making you into a self reliant and strong individual. When
you stop taking people for granted and stop expecting things to be
handed to you, you will realize how happy and successful you truly are.
Respect every person’s freedom to live, speak and practise faith.
It is their fundamental right. Work hard to pursue your dreams. If you
want to top your class, choose the best possible way you can to achieve
that goal. If you want to dance, work hard and dance your way to the
top. If you want to get into sports, practise hard. Remember, a man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes. Lastly, always be open to feedback from your family and friends. This will help you grow.
I wish you all the best
Bapu
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