Papa – a simple life of great endeavor

       
      

My family is quiet well off from the blessings of Krishna and of course Papa. We have everything we need and luxuries want. Just 2 hrs ago I was watching a movie on our Bravia Led tv. Just now I was playing Counter Strike condition zero on my DELL laptop. Now I am writing this blog on my Xperia Z1 smartphone.
         Papa has provided us with everything we need. From our basic needs to be costly luxuries.  But there was a time when my family was not so well off(much before I was born).
          Around half a century ago, in 1957 papa was born to an extremely poor mother (Amma – my grandmother).  It was the time only 9 years after the India Independence.  The circumstances of the country was not good. The economy is its in its initial stages. There is large scale unemployment.
         My grandfather owned a small tea shop in the small town of Arki situated in the country side of Himachal Pradesh. He was second born to Amma. Four followed in coming years. With the 5 siblings my father was grown up in the small town.  Despite the poverty my grandmother (Amma) imparted him best possible moral teachings possible.  Though she had only studied till 5th class,  she believes that education is as important as 2 time meals. Despite her poverty she admitted all her six children in the local primary school.(which will prove to be her greatest gift for the entire family).  Her moral teachings and unconditional love will not go to unawarded.
        My father joined school in 1963. Immediately he proved his talents and devotion to study in all subjects especially maths. He wanted to support his mother in every way. Soon he started gaining scholarships after scholarships (I have to hide my face when compared to him).  He was never dependent on others for his education. 
      It was not that easy. Lots of ups and downs came in his life. My father knows that he would also have to support family in some way.
There were many times they couldn’t able to afford 2 square meals. My father along with tau(his bigger brother) and Amma had to cut their stomach to be able to feed the younger once.
         My grandfather was not so good.  What I can say? He did not care for his family when they needed him the most. The income from the small tea shop was usually spent on his cigarettes or his love for  non veg. He is not in this world now. But memories he have left behind are not happy once.
       With such responsibility I don’t think any child would feel like continuing his education. But my father don’t let this stop him. Even the desire to change the circumstances of the family become the greatest motivation in his life.
      There were some very depressing time. Like one time he needed to purchase a practical file for his school. But grandmother has no money for it. He was told to submit the file next day only. He purchased 1 kilo of jaggery for 20 paise(1 rupee = 100 paise). He spent entire evening cutting it in shape of toffees and wrapped them in pieces of newspaper.  He went to market to sell them for 3 paise each. Till the dead at night he sold them all an earned around 45 paise. That was his first income.  He finally buied file for 35 praise and gave the rest to his mother.
        Such dedication I don’t think is possible for me.  I shall prefer not going to school the next day. But my father thinks entirely different. He believes that not submitting work on time will raise questions to your dedication. 
        When Papa reached 8th class the family shifted to a bigger town Bilaspur. My grandfather rented a small general store. Usually my father had to help in the store after the break. He had to usually miss periods after the break.( i always feel a little guilt when I bunk for hanging out with my friends). Despite of teacher’s complaints, my father study with full heart. Because of his hard work, he stood 4th in Himachal Board Exam of 8th class.
       When he passed matrix (10th class), an important decision was waiting for him. In India after 10th students have to choose from 3 disciplines – Humanities, Science Or Commerce.  My father wanted to take commerce. It was his dream.  But at that time Commerce was not offered at his school and of course he can’t afford to go in some big city.  So killing his dream he opted for Humanities and pursues BA (Bachelor Of Arts) in political science. That was hard time for him.  He always wanted to pursue Commerce. But he studied whatever he got with full day devotion for his family and topped in second year of college.
        2 months after the results he got the call that will change his life forever.  He was selected for a job in the government. He was really happy at that time. Completing his education he immediately joined the job and family shifted to Delhi.
         In the free time,  he decided to pursue his dream. He started studying commerce.  Without any tuition or coaching he passed the entrance test for ICWA ( bachelor degree in commerce) in the first attempt. (My sister has passed this test in 3rd attempt even after getting the best coaching available).
      On completing ICWA, he was promoted to the rank of the officer and everything changed forever.
      It may feel like a made up story. But it is the true story of my father. 25 years later he have 2 children (me and my elder sister). 
        Father has given us a life full of love,  dreams and luxuries.  He has tried to give us everything that he can’t get in his childhood. May be he is not Steve Jobs or Mahatma Gandhi but to us he is a man born for greatness and source of endless inspiration.
       Thank you papa for everything.  I promise one day you will be proud of me as I am proud of you.(it is one of my main inspiration for started blogging).
    Papa Achche(papa is best)
   Many many thanks to you also for reading. Enjoy your life but never forget what your parents have done for you.
      Have a blissful life