Value Never Undervalue

Sunita and Sarita are cousins from different economic backgrounds. Sunita could acquire a good education, became a Doctor and also married one. Sarita could just finish graduation was married off at an early age and had to take care of her twin sons. She chose to give quality time to her children. Time flew, lives changed.           Sitting quietly in her balcony waiting for her kids to return from college, Sunita walked down memory lane. Her husband and she were very intelligent, worked really hard and became reputed Doctors. Her career kept her so busy she could hardly cater time for her kids. They didn't go wayward but ended with minimal education and ordinary jobs. On the other hand, Sarita's twins did very well academically and became Professors of Maths and Economics.

"Life is most unpredictable. We never know when it will be turntables. I always walked with my nose high in the air but, today I feel I have been unsuccessful as a mother. I had no right to hurt Sarita." Now, after three decades Sunita repents the harsh words she often flung at her cousin. "You were never a good student like me. You were always into extracurricular activities. At a time when I was still studying and doing my M.B.B.S. you got married and ruined your life." I should have understood the circumstances in which she was brought up, that she channelized her potential towards the proper upbringing of her sons. Instead, I was wrong in being curt to her and underestimating her, repented Doctor Sunita.

Often when circumstances are suitable for us we put on airs and talk big. Some of us blow our own trumpets and brag about ourselves even before others appreciate us. A cousin of mine always preferred to avoid family gatherings because of her naughty son. He would jump all around the place, shout scream and drive everyone crazy. Some of us understood that it was just childhood behaviour and accommodation but others expressed their anger and annoyance. She had to discipline him throughout and could never enjoy it. She would feel so embarrassed, she would leave early at times. "Oh my God, he is so naughty. This boy is unbearable. Such indiscipline !! You better not attend, or avoid bringing this brat along." Such harsh sentences had to be digested with great difficulty by the patient mother. Today, that same naughty little one is a scientist. As he grew up, he became sober and worked hard to achieve his goal.

It is a common human tendency to underestimate people. To look down upon and to talk low. We often fail to understand the circumstances or the behavioural patterns of others. This is conspicuously present in a certain percentage of the population that has achieved success in life without facing major upheavals. We forget that life is most unpredictable and may change for the better or worse at any moment. Our yesterday was not like our today nor will our tomorrow be like today. We must hope for the best, be prepared and move on. Meddling with others' lives, pointing out a finger at others is very easy. We are quick and ready to be rude but do we accept and adjust to the harsh behaviour of others?

Today's small bud will be a beautiful flower tomorrow. A small sapling planted today will become a huge shady tree in the future. Whether it is people or things we never know how important they may prove in the days to come. Let us not devalue or hurt anyone, we may be powerful today but time is more powerful than us. The lesser-known hand sanitiser became the quintessence after the attack of the coronavirus pandemic. Mention must be made about the seasoning that we add to curries and other dishes to increase the taste. The condiments do look so tiny and insignificant but the taste of dishes is incomplete without them. There are many such things that look small but are highly essential. This applies to people too. There are innumerable examples of individuals around us who were despised by society due to their flaws but who rose to eminence by dint of their toil and struggle.

Let us remember we are humans with heads and hearts packed with feelings and emotions. Let us create a purpose for our lives. An objective of living and let live, give respect and receive it. Our behaviour and conversation let us create a happy, healthy and congenial atmosphere around us. Let us vow never to degrade another. Each individual is special in his or her own way, let us recognize this and give due respect. Kindness is more than deeds, it is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch, it is anything that uplifts another.

We have often come across this quote

A pot was once asked, "How do you remain cool in every situation ?" The pot answered, "I just remind myself that I am made of mud, and will return to mud. Then why have pride and ego."