I will show you your connection with the five elements - Earth

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As a kid, i was always fascinated by the scent of the mud. Especially when it rained , the after scent of the ground was mesmerizing. I have seen that fascination elaborate itself across multiple experiences of my life. The best sips of chai have been had from a kulhad. The best walks in park have been barefoot, on the grass. The most satisfying trips which we had have been  at farms and farmhouses.

There might also have been a philosophical aspect to my being " grounded ". From the middle class background that i come from, i have learnt that one has to adapt to the situations. A place does not adapt to you, you adapt to the place. It might have been a reason why i loved Chennai instantly  , the city where I was posted first. Lot of my brethren from north India frowned upon this liking. But honestly, it is an amazing city. It opened its arms to me, accepted me and allowed me to have a great on -boarding to the corporate world. Oh and , it treated me to amazing tea, filter coffee, south indian thali and thunder beer.

We have tried to ensure that you are connected to "Earth" in its literal sense. And more than us, you have a liking for the same. The two favorite places in the park for you are - the sandy spot and the grassy lawns. The sandy spot is for you play with the soil and sand to make your mountains  and castles. You pick your treasures ( pebbles) and store them in a corner. How i wish we adults had your miracles of converting pebbles into diamonds.  The grassy lawns are for your barefoot runs.  The lawns are also your place to play "catchme if you can" with mumma - pappa.

We would love you to imbibe the virtue of being grounded as you grow up. May you achieve the most prized luxuries of the world which money and fame can offer, at the same time value things which money and fame can never buy. May you fly high in the skies, at the same time always being connected to the roots. May you travel to nooks and corners or this world, at the same time also make time for your maternal and paternal homes.


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