A letter to my daughter ……on completion of her first year at school

Sanskriti third from right with Gayatri and Sridevi Ma'm

LKG 2016-17 Batch, Little Elly, Varthur, Bengaluru

 

My sweetest Sanskriti,

As you complete your first year at school, it just occurred to me to write a letter, a letter to celebrate your childhood, a letter to cherish your accomplishments as a four-year girl, a letter that is more for me to re-live each chapter of your life as you grow and expand your personality and navigate through this phenomenal gift from creator called Life. While you are an understanding and matured child at four amidst all your sweet childhood mischief’s (which I and your mother thoroughly enjoy), you might not understand this letter for quite some time, I do hope and wish you will read through these pages at later stage of your life.

You are unique and special

I was filled with honor to attend parents-teachers’ meet with your Mother and younger sister, Prakriti at your first school, Little Elly in Varthur, Bengaluru. Why not, it was one of those ‘First-times’ for me as a father. Your first class-teacher, Sridevi Ma’m made us aware of the new learning and progress you made, and shared your report card. She mentioned that you are sincere and diligent girl, plus a joy to teach while you were sitting quite shy unwilling to speak a word, exactly opposite to how you remain at home. 

“So you’re a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!”       – Mandy Hale

My baby, I want to let you know I will never ask you to study for a number 1 or any position for that matter. I want you to be free from the competition mindset. No comparison with peers. Give your best and that’s it. There is so much about you that is already so unique, special and lovely. Be completely yourself. While you are pro-active in learning and always curious to explore, and learn new things even at Four, don’t lose that fire as you grow my sweetheart and never study just for rank and reward, but for elevating yours’s and other’s life.

You are an inspiration

Sanskriti, I was inspired to write my first blog [when I became papa] only after your birth. Those were the times I was struggling with my career and finances. Up on your birth, I was charged up with a new zeal, vigor and purpose to conquer new avenues. Well, I succeeded to quite an extent. However, once again with my own limitations of the physical and mind (to which I am completely responsible), I am somewhat limping on the journey en-route my higher-self. I have found it hard to inspire myself in recent times. Career woes and financial concern are once again on the top of my mind. My baby, what got me here, will certainly not get me there. One cannot live on his / her past laurels. Life is a progressive endeavor of worth-while and meaningful karma. 

“Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”      – Mary Anne Radmacher

Sanskriti, as you walk through the topsy-turvy terrain of life you will meet with a mountain of challenges, when it will seem all uphill, and when you may face one loss after another, there may be people who will try to pull you down, force their thinking  and sometimes your own people will scoff at your vision and dreams, but my baby, you dare not give up, no matter what,  for you have the blood of a Fighter (metaphorically 🙂).

My infinite love and Blessings

My baby as you move along life’s terrain, I bless you with infinite strength, may you retain the resilience of spirits that burst from your soul, may you laugh even in the most trying circumstances, may you find happiness in the smallest things, and may you be ever-loving, ever-forgiving and ever-peaceful my child.

 

 

Sanskriti, you along with your sister and mother are pure blessings in my life after my Parents and I treasure every single moment of life with you all. My child it’s a beautiful crazy life, an adventurous journey to be your best. Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you have always imagined.

Sanskriti with her art works and accomplishments 

 

    Sankriti’s progress report for LKG

 

My baby these are memories I will cherish for a long, long time, perhaps till I breathe last and beyond. Your Papa loves you a lot and there is no limit to that lot.

Your Papa,   Narendra Gupta