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Growing Roots And Wings
We all face problems in the growing up stage. But we need to
remember that there is a solution to every problem.
Mr Shouri asked his daughter, “What is your problem Sunaina? Why are you so upset?”
To this an angry Mrs Shouri said, “Sunaina wants her way. She does not want to listen to me.”
Sunaina reacted, “No, it is not like that. You don’t understand me any more.”
Mr Shouri was really troubled with the mother-daughter arguments. Whom should he support?
He decided to support his daughter as Sunaina looked upset. He was sure his wife would understand.
But Sunaina needed a listener. He asked her, “Now tell me your problem.”
Sunaina started off with her complaints, “Oh Dad! Life is so difficult. I am facing some problems at
school. I am troubled.”
Mr Shouri asked, “Tell me your problem my dear. “
Sunaina became tearful, “Our home is nice, comfortable and cozy. Mamma and you are perfect
role models. You give me such good values. There is no conflict at home.”
“Then what is the problem,” asked Sunaina’s father.
Sunaina replied, “But school is another place where I spend so much of time. Girls and boys of
my age group are different. They visit each other and go for movies. Their parents allow them. My
friends dress up differently. I look out of place … so outdated. I know I’ll not be comfortable but at
least I’ll look like them. Please let me try to be a little like them. I understand that they are from a
different environment and family background.”
Mr Shouri thought for a while and said, “Listen to me…there is no difference between you and
your friends. We don’t give you freedom to be alone and independent…. that’s all. This is because
your safety is important to us… we understand you and trust you but you are too young to be on your
own. It is neither a boy nor a girl story…both are equally unsafe. Why do you think the government has
an age for everything? From voting, driving, alcohol intake to marriage; every thing is linked to the
right age. You are too young.”
Mr Shourie continued, “As far as clothes are concerned I feel you want a change just to be like
others. But then you also say that you’ll not be comfortable. Don’t you think it is like being some one
else. We ask you to ‘be yourself’. Why do you want to fit in somewhere you don’t belong? If you are
uncomfortable your self then do you think your clothes and copying their style will make you feel better.
It’s like being in another person’s cloak. When we ask you to be ‘yourself’ then we give you real
freedom… It means feel free to be what you are and not what others feel you ought to be.”
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