I Write, Even If That Means Going Against My Parents’ Wishes

When you are the eldest child in an Indian family, it’s not really easy to follow your dreams. And being a girl makes it even tougher. You have all the responsibilities for which you are supposed to sacrifice your dreams, your goals. It is the same for me. Being the eldest child of my typical Indian parents didn’t give me much choice to do what I love, i.e., writing. But that didn’t stop me from doing what I love. Writing is my passion. They say a good Indian daughter never goes against her parents’ wishes, so here I am studying what my parents want me to study but doing what my heart wants me to do.

The sad truth about Indian society is that if you are good at maths and science, then you are a brilliant child but if you are good at writing, arts, etc… then no one gives a damn about it. Instead, it’s considered futile. Thousands of youngsters are depressed today only because they are forced to do engineering or doctorate while they love writing or engaging in other creative arts. I understand being a parent is not easy. But sometimes, more than a parent you have to be a friend of your children. Try to understand them and let them pursue what they want.

You think your decision is best for them, but you don’t understand that it actually kills them from inside. Not being able to do what one loves to do makes them unhappy, not confident in life. They are scared to go on in life as the path that you have chosen for them is totally unknown to them. You not only kill their passion of life but the hope of being successful also drowns with it.

To the youngsters,

I know how it feels when you don’t get to do what you like, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. My parents too don’t like me writing too much but still, I do it without their knowledge. I won’t let anyone come between me and my dreams even if they are my parents. Because I know what’s best for me. This is where my destiny lies. If failure comes to me, I will hug it, embrace it but not let it deter my confidence.

I am not blaming my parents. Of course, seeing the condition of today’s society, every parent is concerned about their child safety. They want their child to be safe and secure and not become another victim of hatred and crime. They are right in their own views. But I can’t let them stop me just because they have some insecurities. Follow your dreams. Never give up. No matter what comes your way. Face all the challenges of life. That’s the way to success.