It goes without saying that every parent tries really hard to provide the best of opportunities and resources to his/her child. To see one’s child prospering in life is a dream nurtured by each and every parent. And for that, they are willing to go even that extra mile even if it means suppressing their own needs and desires. Not that they expect any personal gain from this, however, when the child acknowledges the sacrifice, their happiness knows no bounds. This is a story of one such parent.

“My father was a farmer–we could barely make ends meet. When I was 18 years old, the lake in our village dried up, there was severe drought and we were on the verge of starvation. That’s when I came to Bombay to make at least some money and feed my family. I got a job at a post office and began sending money home. I worked at that post office all my life. I retired a few years ago but then took up a job as a watchman here because 2 of my children are still studying and my biggest fear is that they won’t be educated well.

Recently, my son was awarded in college for receiving 100 marks in both Science and Maths– they even called me on stage to congratulate me! I was so proud, I couldn’t hold back the tears. 

After the ceremony, all his friend’s parents took all the children out for a meal in a restaurant–I felt so embarrassed that I couldn’t ever give him that kind of life–our every penny goes into fees and books. We ate a simple meal at home that night, all of us together. I think he realised what I was feeling, so after dinner, he hugged me and said ‘thank you baba’ and all my worries just melted–I felt like I was doing something right.”

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