LET THE TEEN TALK....
What a brilliant idea, my dearest Varsha Aswani and you carried it out as conceptualized, very beautifully and with solid support from Apr and the CIYF Team...
I was completely bowled over and enjoyed this evening so very thoroughly...
Eleven young minds confidently talking about what they expect from their parents and teachers...
From the mouths of babes come the words of wisdom...
And they spoke without hesitation on what was on their minds, openly, straight from the heart, knowing full well that they would be patiently heard out without any adult outbursts...
And what did they want...
To be independent to make their own choices, to be treated as friends and with the respect they deserved as individuals...
They wanted the freedom to make mistakes and yes, to learn from them, for it was through facing adversities that they would mature and grow to cope effectively with them rather than being spoon fed by their elders...
The youth understand that things they may like to do are prevented out of concern for their well being but they also know that trial and error will bring out the best of knowledge, passion and compassion which lead, eventually, to success...
They want the opportunity to chase their dreams, cross hurdles and make their dreams come true...
They want the power of decision making with a little bit of justified guidance, as and when required...
They want the parents and teachers to be like the wind beneath their wings, not to cut their wings...
They listened in rapt attention to what I shared was the best attitude to overcome life's experiences positively and fearlessly, living every moment to it's maximum...
This evening is embedded deeply in my memory and I am so grateful to have been a part and parcel of this fantastic initiative...
My support and blessings for this empowering Youth Festival...
God is Great...
