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Explore, Evolve and Excel
The cycle called “LIFE” revolves under two main events, viz; BIRTH and DEATH. Immortality
has not yet been bestowed upon humans. The intermediate period is the one termed “LIFE”. This is
the period where Humans, as the scholars, Pundits, intellectuals say, and as the topic say Explore,
Evolve and Excel. Every Parent would like their children to Excel in all aspects of Life, stating with
Academics, Profession, Family-life etc. However, all the plans may not materialize for the unfortunate
ones or sometimes may always do so for the more fortunate people.
The succeeding paragraphs narrate in brief how things have materialized for my only son,
Ashwin, presently a student of Class VI in Coast Guard Public School, Daman.
The year was 2006, we had moved to Kochi in April, on transfer from Chennai and just about
settled down in Jal Vayu Vihar. Ashwin was a naughty Five year old admitted to Upper Kindergarten
School. One fine day, a gentleman with civilian looks, burly, rotund and in the mid-thirties enquired
about Ashwin. My husband, then Deputy Commandant in rank, was surprised and went about in his
usual way of questioning him or rather interrogate him as they do to investigate suspect ships at sea.
The gentleman’s answer was even more surprising when he said that he was his friend. He introduced
himself and sowed the seeds of glamour industry in our minds to Explore. After much persuasion
we accepted his offer for a photo-shoot.
A whole lot of water had flown under the bridge without any result when suddenly loomed ICC
Cricket World Cup 2007 and Cricketer Sreesanth came out with an album where Ashwin got a minor
opportunity. India was out of the World Cup before the album released. This was the window which
saw Advertisement offers for Funskool, Nestle, LG, Oldenburger milk (Maldivian Ad) etc. Out of the
blue came a movie offer in Malayalam and since there was no looking back. Ashwin Evolved, as a
child artiste, and has done 05 Malayalam films, 01 Tamil film, Television Serial and numerous Ad’s.
The experience of the film industry further helped in his growth as a child artiste. The strenuous
shooting schedules and backlog of school studies were detrimental factors but that also propelled him
to Excel in academics and school activities. The icing on the cake was when he was adjudged “Best
Child Artist (Boy) – 2012” by Kerala Film Critics for his role of a neglected child. Whether he will
continue acting or choose any other profession? If he stays the course, will he explore new themes
and roles as an actor? Will he Excel in his profession and finally will he Evolve as a good human
being are things which cannot be foreseen or foretold. However, as is evident, it is again a cycle in life
between the BEGINNING and the END. As a parent, our role is to ensure that the child does not lose
his childhood, remains humble in his attitude, and learns his academic and moral lessons well. The
ultimate aim should be to Excel as a human being.
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Swetha Iyer
W/o Comdt UK Iyer
Dornier Training Flight, Daman