WOH KAGAZKI KASTI, WOH BAARISHKA PANI **

“I am Cinderella . I am Siddhartha Gautam. I am Shrawan Kumar. I am the beautiful princess waiting patiently for a Prince Charming to come, and holding my hand, lifting me onto his horse, then ride me along with him to his wonderful palace.” Such silly thoughts ! All those dreamy days!

Once in a lifetime, all of us go through similar situation. It shapes our mentality, gives hint of what we are becoming in the near future according to the models we choose. Talking about her in particular, this very thing has both good and bad effect upon her. Let’s say about 50/50. To some extent, the effects will be shared through these pages.

After knowing the abovementioned figures, acting like them became a habit. Fascinated by their virtues, it was impossible to act otherwise. The innocence of Cinderella, kindness of Siddhartha, the obedience of Shrawan Kumar, and the beauty and charm of prince, princess, fairies, they all aroused that tiny heart. The heart followed them without any questions of doubt. “They are greatly admired and we will be the same only if we become like them.” This was the way thoughts developed.
As she started growing up, she kept following all her ideals as much as possible. Whatever she learnt from what she came across, she would pick up the good qualities from them and always behave accordingly because she had been taught to do so. But at the later period of life, too many confusions arose because of this. The little girl had become a young lady. Because of the confusions, she had a lot of questions in her mind. It took her years to get the answers, and not that easily. However, she is now a mature balanced personality and is provided with answers for most of the questions.

Let’s not digress much. To make it rather clear, applying those gained knowledge to the practical world became unrealistic. People laughed at her. She was made a mockery of her attitude. Poor lady! Totally in a dilemma and confused with everything. The result then was frustration. It took her a long time to know whatever we read is just for reading and in practical life, we are to act in totally a different way than what we are taught so far.

However, the reading habit of her childhood helped later greatly. She was imaginative and always a good scholar. She was liked by friends and teachers for what she was. Moreover, she possessed humanity. She cared for human values and so she had empathy for whosoever came in contact with her. This gradually expanded the horizon of company around her. She never hurt anyone knowingly. This resulted in maturation of the immature age. Because of her good learning, she acquired a number of skills. Whether talking about writing, increasing vocabulary, knowing things, or gaining confidence, her knowledge always helped. Wherever she went, success and appreciation followed her because of her efficiency and life became meaningful in all respects.

To sum up, childhood days, no doubt, are the golden days which tempt us to rewind it if only that was in our power. Such a carefree life ! No bonds, no stresses to worry about. That moment has to be lived to full. Eat, drink, and be merry and make each minute worthy –this needs to be the motto of anyone’s childhood. Whatever the skills learnt, they are certainly going to help us in the future. If not so, at least we can fill the pages and feel nostalgic as the way I have done. O sweet memories!!
Woh kasti, woh pani……….

** it is one of Jagjit Singh’s ghazals related to childhood days