My dearest Anmol and Rudra,
As I sit down to write this letter, I can’t help but smile. Life has been an incredible journey, and while it comes with its ups and downs, it’s also full of beauty and lessons. I’d like to share a few thoughts with you today, in the hope that these lessons will serve you well as you move forward.
When I was your age, or even 10-15 years older, I didn’t fully grasp just how quickly time flies. One moment you are in school and college, surrounded by friends, and the next, you’re looking back, wondering where the years went. That’s why it’s so important to be in the present. Really be there, in every moment.
These days, I notice how glued we all are to our phones — constantly checking messages, scrolling through photos, Instagram reels, getting lost in notifications. It’s almost as if the world around us fades away. But let me tell you, the best moments in life aren’t captured on a screen. They’re lived and one needs to experience it and be aware of it. So when you’re with your friends, your family, try to put that phone aside and soak in what’s happening around you. Life isn’t about how many pictures you have, but about the memories you create and the people you share them with and in the bargain spread happines.
Learn for Yourself…
Your education is a gift. I know school can sometimes feel like it’s all about passing exams or getting good grades, but there’s something deeper at play. What you learn is not just for the classroom — it’s for life. The lessons you absorb now will shape how you see the world, how you think, and how you solve problems. One may think as to how it helps me to know whether it is Cu + 4Hno3 or 3CU + 8HNo3 when my career is in a completely different space than chemistry. But if you recall this the same can be used when you probably interview a candidate in a campus where you would assess his overall capability.
But here’s something I’ve noticed: these mobile devices we carry with us, while useful, can sometimes make us lazy. Instead of memorising something or understanding it deeply, we just look it up. There was a time when I knew all the phone numbers by-heart but over time this ability has vanished & this can lead to forgetting what is truly important. It’s so easy to just Google an answer, but what stays in your mind is far more valuable than what you can find on a screen.
So, when you’re studying, don’t just aim to remember something for the test. Think about how it applies to your life, how it fits into the bigger picture. When you truly understand something, it becomes a part of who you are, and no one can take that away from you. Above all what you have studied is not a waste at all.
Balance Is Everything
I know how exciting it can be to dive into the world of social media, games, or even binge-watching shows. It’s fun! But, like everything in life, balance is key. It’s easy to lose hours, even days, in front of a screen, and before you know it, other things start to slip — your studies, your time with family, your chance to just sit quietly and think.
Make time for your studies, but also make time for yourself. Go outside, spend time with your friends without a phone in hand, and remember to connect with people in person. There’s a certain magic in face-to-face conversations, in the simple joys of laughter and shared experiences that no app can replicate.
One of the most beautiful parts of life is the relationships you build. Your family, friends, teachers — these are the people who will stand by you, who will shape your world, and who will share in your joys and challenges. Cherish them.
It’s easy to send a quick text or comment on a post, but nothing beats sitting down with someone and having a real conversation. The bonds you create with people are your greatest treasures, so nurture them. Take the time to listen, to care, and to let the people in your life know how much they mean to you.
And get yourself on the field, in your society compound with sports: football, tennis, badminton, cricket. Don’t worry about getting a few nicks or your clothes dirty. As the ad says, when it comes to playing sports, daag achche hain! As grandparents, one is likely to be lenient with grandkids by having the games installed on phone for the little ones while the parents of the kids will not like the same. It is good to play with grandkids games on the field – allow them to win and that motivates them – Playing cricket and foot-ball with grandkids is absolute pleasure
Stay Curious…
If I could give you one piece of advice that would last a lifetime, it would be this: never stop being curious. The world is such a fascinating place, and there is always something new to learn. Ask questions even if that sounds stupid – don’t worry if you become an object of ridicule as there is a learning attached, explore different ideas, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
And remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Be patient with yourself. Sometimes, things won’t go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is that you keep trying, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
There’s no shortcut to success, my dear. Whatever you do in life, do it with all your heart. Whether it’s studying for an exam, helping a friend, or working on a project, give it your best effort. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing you’ve worked hard for something. The rewards will come, but more than that, you’ll feel a sense of pride in knowing you earned it.
Lastly…
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, always be grateful. Life isn’t always easy, but there’s so much to be thankful for. Whether it’s the love of your family, your teachers, your friends… the opportunity to learn, or simply the beauty of a quiet morning, never forget to appreciate what you have. Gratitude has a way of making life richer, even in the simplest of moments. Count your blessings!!!
Loads of love and blessings,
Tatha
