Dare you be Happy My Child?

The world comes at the doorstep of India in search of happiness and satisfaction. When I see many foreigners roaming on the streets of Rishikesh & Haridwar, I wonder what we have to offer; when we Indians don’t have much to offer to our own kids. A recent study by HSBC ‘Value of Education-Learning for Life’ reveals that more than half of the Indian parents want their children to be successful in their job rather than being happy, healthy or fulfilling their potential.

The world is seeking Happiness, health and enough money to lead a comfortable life whereas we Indians just want to be successful at work. Can we term success equivalent to Happiness at life? I may be a continuous sales target achiever or revenue grosser for my organization but it does not guarantee time for family, a hobby or for lifelong learning.

We do not care that we give back to society but we expect a revolution in life. Parents in Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia expect their wards to be the contributors of social change and more than 60% of Chinese parents prioritize health for their kids; whereas the young Indians are burdened with tuition and coaching barring them from sports grounds as their parents expect them to be Doctors, Engineers and IT professionals.

Global parents see higher education as a means to build confidence and soft skills for success in life. The following figure speaks a volume about what kind of expectations the parents around the globe have from their kids. Can we honestly say the same for us?

Critical thinking, financial planning and cultural competency are the least important skills Indian parents would like to impart to their progenies. The success of any profession depends on individual leadership and efficient interpersonal skills. When you suppress the curiosity of a child as you deny him/her of an answer to an innocent question; please think again.

Aise Karega India, Toh kaise badega India…..

Comments

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