Prowess of the mind
Wink of the destiny
Thy name is success
Sweet and shiny.
Consecration,
It demands.
Ambition,
Soaring high.
Ecstasy,
It brings.
Jubilance,
Fills the sky.

Failure, I
Must remind
Is the condiment
That brings
Flavour
To the broth
Thy name is success
You tame
Failure with your
Indomitable determination.

When I was a child, my Baba (father) used to tell me a poem which closely resembles the one above written by me much later. The crux of  Baba’s poem was, success would nevertheless come to you provided you’ve that much courage and confidence to accept the failures. My father is a self-made man and, he knows very well that one has to give up a lot to gain something, be it reputation, wisdom or money. From my very childhood, he instilled the fact in my mind, that, there was no shortcut to success. You’ve to work hard to be a successful person; to gain the honour and admiration  everyone wants to have in this world.

Every night, Baba used to tell me short stories. Those were very much creative and always had some moral in the end. Perhaps my inclination for writing was induced by his stories since I was a child. I also learnt the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. He made me understand, that, nothing in this universe occurs without any reason and, even if there exists something like destiny or fate, that too, can be reigned over by wisdom and prudence.

According to Baba, these two things, wisdom and prudence, are the guiding factors in one’s life. He still says to me that, with willpower and determination, everything is possible. To him the word ”Impossible” looks like ” I’m possible.” His positive approach towards life, his courage to keep smiling even in stormy weather, have made me a much stronger human being as a whole.

I remember one of my school’s annual events when I fell ill. I still wanted to participate in the 100 meters race. My mother discouraged me and said that my physical condition would worsen from the strain and hence I should refrain myself from participation. But my father said, ”Let her try, winning matters least. The fact that she has tried her best will give satisfaction and enhance her determination”. I secured the third position in that competition.

My Baba was like that. He believed in me, he had faith in his daughter for he knew that, his teachings and guidance can never go wrong.
He was not a strict father but, at times he could be as unyielding as anything. As a child, I had some grudges against him when he blatantly refused me to buy expensive dolls, when he was particular about keeping a rough account of my pocket money. But, now I realize his wisdom. Those discipline and self-restraint have helped me to make great strides. I’ve learnt the rightful use of money. I now understand that he wanted to make me understand the value of everything in life. His tutelage has made me a better person in every realm of life. I’ve learnt to live life in my own way. I’ve gained that circumspection to plan and invest properly so that my family shall ever be able to live a comfortable life. He taught me that we shouldn’t depend on anybody to lead a meaningful life. Apne Parivar  ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao, that was his mantra and, he has done that successfully. #MyFamilyMyPride

Watch this  beautiful, heart-warming video by HDFC Life to understand the real meaning of Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao in the sweetest possible way.

This entry is a part of the Indi Happy Hour “Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena sikhao” Campaign, in association with www.hdfclife.com and Indiblogger