R
Gopalakrishnan, executive director of Tata Sons,
writes to young suitors on behalf of fathers whose
daughters are getting married
Times of India —
March 23, 2004
She
is such a fine little girl, my daughter. I know
she has much to learn. That life is not one big
joy ride in which every wish will come her way.
But do learn, both of you together that for every
wish unfulfilled, several more will seem fulfilled,
if only you learn how to view it. Teach her that
if she decides to be happy, nobody can make her
unhappy. Learn from her that if you choose to
be unhappy, nobody can make you happy. Share together
the eternal truth that happiness is a companion,
not a destination.
And in that truth lies the purpose of your companionship.
May prosperity always chase you rather than you
chase prosperity ..... For, where there is companionship
and love, prosperity will have no place to hide.
And anyway, it is a lesson of life that adversity
teaches you more than prosperity ever could. So,
expect your share of, adversity, if only, to appreciate
the rewards of prosperity. True joy lies in sharing
whatever you have to share. You cannot give what
you don't have and you cannot have what you don't
give. That is the principle of friendship, and
partnership as well.
A little give and a little take is all it takes
to give and take. Be generous in your apologies
and accept graciously her apologies, because there
will inevitably be much to mutually apologise
for. The
sapthapathi says let us swear, in joy and
strength, one in thought and deed, one within.
But believe me, it is not easy to share one's
space with another. That is neither what schools
teach nor what society foster.
But, to this difficult task she commits herself
in the hope and faith that you too do. The true
test of this will begin later when the frills
of youth begin to crumple, and the stress builds
up in both of you, of the very fruits of your
companionship. Like Robert Browning wrote, please
say each day Grow old with me! The best is yet
to be. Young man, this is a big order that I set
before you. But please see what you can do .....
For she is such a fine little girl, my daughter!
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