I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.
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Dear Appa,
As I begin to write this, I realize I have never written to
you before! Perhaps, I have never felt the need to write, or tell you anything.
You have understood every unspoken word and every unfinished sentence.
Irrespective of whether you saw that expression on my face or heard it in my
voice on a faraway telephone. That’s the power of you and your bond with me.
Eternal.
I remember never having needed to ask you for anything. I have never known what to ask. You
always gave it to me before I even realized the need to have it. You have
brought me up like a true blue princess and I have never known what want is all
about. You have taught us to be satisfied and happy than greedy and needy. You
taught me that money was only as important as the things it could buy and never
a penny more.
You stood against relatives who jeered at you for convent
educating your girls. You told them your girls will make you proud one day. I
hope we make you proud! You gifted me my first moped on my 16th birthday with a license to drive. You have let me ride free on the roads of
life ever since, showing me what independence is all about.
It was you who pushed me into attending my first interview
armed with a hand written resume and oodles of confidence. Whoever had heard of
hand written resumes? But I remember you telling me that I had the most
beautiful handwriting, the most charming smile and intelligence and if anyone
would get the job, it would be me. I
remember brimming with conviction that if you thought I could then I would.
I remember dancing holding your hand as I showed you my appointment letter. You
didn’t think twice when I wanted to go to a different city for that job. You
gave me your blessing, while others thought you were being foolish to let a
girl stay alone in a strange city.
You let me marry the man of my dreams; in spite of threats
from the society, in spite of being ridiculed and in spite of being isolated.
Letting me have my happiness was far more important to you than anything else. You
always trusted my ability to make decisions, and I couldn’t thank you more for
it. Without your faith, without your approval and without your blessing I would
have faltered at every step.
You taught me how work was as important as family, friends
and hobbies too. If your colleagues talk about your passion to your work, your
zeal for theater and writing is still appreciated by your friends and your
commitment is most valued by your family. That intricate balance of the three
is something I still yearn to learn.
I have never seen a more positive person than you and I have
always marveled at your strength to remain optimistic in any situation. You taught
me that there is always a way out of our problems and no issue is big enough
for us to give up. You taught me that no pain is permanent and the worst
situations will also pass. Your sense of humor is your biggest charm and there
is hardly anyone who will disagree to that!
You taught me never to hate anyone. You taught me the joy in giving to others, and reaching out to anyone who needs my help. You have led by
example and that has taught me more than words ever could.
I never knew what inequality or gender discrimination was
all about. Maybe that’s why I never understood why some people would kill their
own girls, or deprive them of education or make honor such a big issue. Maybe
that’s why I never understood what men could do better that I couldn’t. Maybe
if all dads were like you, nobody would either. I am so thankful you raised me
that way. Not like it was expected to raise girls, not like raising a girl as a
boy, but simply raising a child, empowering me with skills to face the world, doing
the best you could for me.
You have always been my hero and I may not say this enough,
but you have been the best part of me growing up.
Love you always Appa,
Your little princess
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| Appa and me!! |
