Father of two daughters

            I vividly remember the day when my younger one went to pre-school.             It was five years ago. She was two. We had been preparing her mentally for the concept of school – a place where there would be no mummy or papa, or even nanaji (grandfather), but where she would still have a lot of fun. My elder one had contributed to the process by telling about the fun she had with her teachers and friends. She was somewhat convinced, but was still apprehensive.             The school was the ground floor of a neighbouring building. The walls were colourful and had a lot of cartoon characters – that surely was a good omen. The teacher was friendly, and talked very sweetly. She did not use her pet name, but called her Shaivi. This was a sign that she was being treated like a big girl – a girl ready to go to school. But she had her doubts. How would I know that it was time for me to pick her up from school? I explained to her that I had a watch, and that I will be there

I love to play. I am not a national champion in any game. In fact, I can play only a few games, and am not very good in any game that I play. But I love to go out and play. I am blessed, in a way. My job ensures that I regularly interact with many champions and aspiring sportsmen on a regular basis. I believe that some of their enthusiasm and love for game rubs on me. I have started enjoying the concept of playing, and I am physically more active than most of my colleagues. A spinoff of this situation is that while most parents are rushing their children from school to tuitions, I encourage my daughters to go and sweat it out. Let me tell you about my elder daughter’s typical day. She gets up in the morning – after a lot of coercion, I should add, and my wife and I have to shout our lung out to ensure that she is in time for the school. She is rarely late, though. In fact, she looks forward to school – speaks volumes about our success in the choice of school and art of pare

“Children are a gift from the Gods”             We have all heard the saying. Not having a male child is still considered to be synonymous with a failed marriage. It seems that the entire purpose of marrying is to produce a male offspring.             The reasons for a very clear male preference are numerous. I have tried to sum up a few from the point of view of my relatives and elders. Sons will carry forth the family name.        This is the first point that all elders come up with. It is closely associated with children keeping their father’s name, not their mother’s. And it is quite true. Perhaps that is why it is always brought out first. Thankfully, the society is giving greater credits to the achievements of the girls as well, and your daughter stands an equal chance of making you proud if you provide her with an equal opportunity. Sons will lead you to salvation in afterlife.             Pious Hindus believe that one cannot attain salvation till one has been o