Monday 27 July 2015

Open Letter To Indian Parents

Dear Indian Parents,

I am writing out today to you not to criticize you but to help you broaden your perspective on things have changed from the time you were growing up, till the time we are today. I am not saying you are wrong, but I am saying that there are things we might be right

I am going to touch about one thing only today is this letter although I do feel there are a lot more issues we can speak about. The thing I want to share with you today is about your children's career choice. Why I am choosing this topic, that is because I feel here is where Indian parents play a decisive role in their children's future.

Over the last 7 years as a student, I have asked many Indian parents this question, "Uncle/Aunty, what course do you want your kids to take after they finished SPM?" and this is the most common answer I get back from there. Its either "I want them to do medicine" or "I wan them to do engineering" or "I want them to do law"

In some cases, yes the children do want to pursue this courses. At first I was under the impression that, this is what they want to do. When I ask this children is this what you want to do and their answer would be yes. Fast forward a couple of years later and ask them do you want to do this course? Most of them would answer no.

So why did they agree to do this course the first place? When I ask them this is what the most general answer would be." At that time I didn't really know what I like, Appa and Amma was asking me to do this course and I did well in my SPM in this particular subjects so I took it. But now I know I don't like this, but I like something else which I am good at"

You see Indian parents, the biggest problem here is that your kids are actually very very talented individuals, but at the age of 17, they still don't know what is their passion. What goes wrong is that, at an age where they are indecisive, you thrush your idea of doctor, lawyer and engineer to them forcing them to take it up. Most of them do so because they don't want to disappoint you. What happens next is that they would go on a life time working something they have no interest at

Here is some ways how you can make things right Indian parents. First of all, understand that there is more than just law, medicine and engineering out there. Perhaps at your time, this 3 courses would ensure most success, but trust me, I am a chemical engineer and it is not easy to even get an interview call. That is how competitive things are out there. Instead, broaden your perspective and see the different types of courses available out there. There are photography, journalism, film making, fashion design, and many more. Remember if you are passionate enough about something, you will become successful.

Next, you could help discover your kids passion from an early age. Some of them are into arts or dance or acting. Don't stop them from doing so. They could just make a career out of it. Being successful in life is not just about getting into science stream or scoring all A's in SPM. I've got friends who were in art's stream, did not do so well in their SPM but are now being so successful in life because they followed their passion. Guide your children Indian parents, not instruct them.

You are just like any parents out there who wants their kids to be successful and that is not wrong, but always remember this Indian parents, those who pursue their passion will be successful.

Warm Regards,
An Indian guy who followed his passion

No comments:

Post a Comment