My daughters thoughts on me...

 The following thoughts were published on social media, written by my daughter Sonal. It is not that I remember all that she has said, but I feel proud that Sonal has such profound sentiments about me. I don't think I am worthy enough of her portrayal of me. I could not support her emotionally and financially when she was in need. I have made a few serious mistakes in my life that I couldn't amend due to my stubborn nature, and I know it must have hurt my kids a great deal. I also am not happy about it, but I have my own limitations, which I know and repent of, but can't help. But both the kids made their own paths and are challenging the higher heights through their tireless work and immense compassion towards the world with noble deeds, which I always expected from them. 

Sonal is devoted to psychology and is always in an attempt to provide solutions to people who are in a state of disturbed mindsets through her firm "CEDAR". Her book "Breaking Point," published by Himalaya Publishing House, is also helping people who are facing relationship problems. A reader states on Amazon, "Really a Great book to understand the relationship between a couple. The author has explained various factors that help to remove negativities and strengthen the bond. A must-read for every couple." I think this one reaction speaks a lot about her writing. 

The fact is, I am not used to praise, and if someone does so, my eyes get watery and my voice choked. Here is my daughter, who has suffered because of me is praising my deeds of the past, those she says helped her. I am overwhelmed because this made me feel proud that my daughter is so kind that she forgot what wrong I have done to her, but remembered the good things about me. And this is what she does with the world as well, I know. 

Says  Sonal Sonawani - Kharde

Papa, this is what you have taught me and said to me while growing up! I will never forget your teachings. Happy Birthday to the most profound man I have had the honour to know!

"You are going to achieve GREATNESS"

"You are meant to change the world"

"Be humble. A tree with abundance is always in surrender; a tree with nothing on it is erect. Always remember to be generous and humble."

"Never believe anything at face value. Always question, keep questioning till your curiosity is satisfied. No matter what the world tells you as a fact, never blindly believe it. Always derive your own conclusions after considering all facts."

"Hard work has no substitute. Be disciplined in everything you learn, success will follow."

"Always use your privilege and knowledge for the betterment of others. Uplift others, never downgrade anyone."

"Add value to other people's lives and keep only those people around you who add value to your life. Never waste your energy on people whose only job is to suck your energy."

"Always surround yourself with secure people. Insecure people will keep putting you down, be intimidated by you, and will fear you. Secure people will uplift you and cherish you. Learn the difference between the two."

"Every situation in life is in transit. Never dwell on one thing."

I remember I used to come to you with a lot of questions. You always answered everything patiently and never treated me like a child by dismissing my questions. Some questions were more challenging than others. 

I remember when I was in 3rd grade, I asked you, "Papa, who am I?" You were stunned for a moment, and you answered, "Well, we have named you Sonal, and that is who you are." I was slightly frustrated by your answer. I again asked, "Papa, who am I? What does 'I' mean? Am I this body? if yes, then why do I say this is 'my' body? Then who is the 'me' in this? Am I the brain or the heart, then why do I say this is 'my' brain or heart? Am I the soul, then why do I say this is 'my' soul? Who is this 'i in all of this?" You were shocked that a 9-year-old child was asking you such a profound question. But instead of giving me random wisdom, you looked at me with pride and concern at the same time. Pride because you never thought such a young child could think this way, and concern about whether I was growing up too fast.

And you said, "I don't have an answer to this. But the day I do, I will tell you."

I waited for a few years and then I forgot as I grew older. One day, you came to me and said "Sonu, do you remember when you were very young, you asked me who you are?" I was confused. But then I played along, because I was embarrassed to say I don't remember, and honestly, I didn't want a lengthy narration from you, as I would sometimes get bored listening to your narratives and monologues as a teenager. 

You were excited, and you said, "Aham Kimaapi Na, Sarvam Aham Eva". And I went "huh?". You explained, "It means - I am nothing and everything is me." And you just left me pondering over what you said. Papa, I've spent many years trying to understand what you said that day. I don't know if I've fully cognitively got it, but I feel the essence of what you said.

All your teachings, your values, the way you see life and people have made me who I am today. Internally abundant with a rich inner life, a solid and secure person, a balanced individual, and so much more. Thank you for bringing me in this world, and I thank the supreme power who brought you into this world today. Wish you a very Happy Birthday Papa. Love you!!!

Happy Birthday Papa! We've had the most unusual upbringing ever and I thank you for shaping the person that I am today. Learnings that you have given us are invaluable. Lessons on humility, kindness, and an everlasting quest for knowledge, till date, remain in my core. All my achievements are thanks to everything I have absorbed from you and Mom since childhood. Your eccentricity, weirdness, coupled with intense and deep knowledge of almost anything and everything under the sky, your love for fellow Indians and citizens of the World, your untiring efforts to fight against discrimination and injustice, your sacrifices for the greater good and social change, and much more, have never gone unnoticed by me. I have deep respect and love for you in my heart, and I aspire to be like you to help make this world a better place to live in! Lots and lots of love and gratitude Papa