Strong foundation to weather life's storms
India, June 27 -- The nature of my work doesn't leave me with enough time to socialise. I skip social functions not out of choice but because of the responsibility that comes with donning the white coat. But for a change recently, I found myself attending the bhumi poojan (foundation laying) ceremony of a school in my neighbourhood. I couldn't decline the invite by the principal because I could sense the earnestness in her voice.
The school is already an established institution in Amritsar. The management had bought an adjacent piece of land and decided to expand the campus besides upgrading the existing facilities. The school is popular because of the emphasis it lays on inculcating Indian culture and traditions in its pupils.
As I entered the marquee erected for holding the ceremony, I was left awestruck by the scale of preparations. For instance, I found the entire staff of the school in a uniform dress code. Women teachers were attired in subtle blue sarees with matching blouses, while the men staff wore blue trousers and white shirts, looking every inch the safe custodians of the future generation.
The programme began with the host welcoming the dignitaries, students and their parents. The theme of the inaugural performance was 'Sarv dharm sadbhav (Respect for all religions)'. Hymns and verses of every religion practised in India played in the background, while students dressed up in customary attires representing different faiths performed on stage, waving the national flag with gusto. Every single soul present in the function stood up to give a standing ovation to the tiny-tots.
The heartwarming performance was followed by the display of yoga postures and martial arts by young students. Their enthusiasm, skill and vigour was a sight to behold. While watching the performance, I was reminded that this is the real India we all aspire to be a part of, but sadly what have we come to. Regular reports of communal and sectarian clashes and riots leave a bitter taste. Cordiality and harmony are the need of the hour if we are to become a developed country in the near future.
Avinash Mohindru, the school's chairman, shared a valuable lesson with the students and their parents. He said, "The mantra to lead a healthy and fulfilling life is: Shraddha se bhakti, yog se shakti, gyan se mukti aur utsaah se prapti." In simpler words if we wish to pray, we must have faith, if we wish to become strong, we need to practise yoga or physical activity, if we wish to attain freedom, it's possible only through knowledge. Similarly, nothing worthwhile can be achieved without being enthusiastic and passionate.
As I drove back to my clinic after the function, I couldn't help but reflect on the pertinent life lessons to enrich our minds and souls to become a better version of ourselves and skillfully negotiate the twists and turns of modern times....
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