A REMARKABLE EXAMPLE

Parents should follow simplicity in their homes so that their children can focus on their education and the higher realities of life.

A professor at a college in Delhi once shared an anecdote about an elocution competition in the city. Students from various colleges participated, delivering speeches in English. The key aspect the judge considered important was the style of delivery or presentation. Dr. R. K. Merchant’s daughter possessed the most impressive style, securing her the first prize.

What was the secret behind her success? I discovered the answer on August 26, 2009, during a program at the Sai International Center in New Delhi, where I had the opportunity to meet Dr. R.K. Merchant. A highly educated individual residing in Delhi, he attended the meeting alongside retired General Chhabra and several others. Dr. Merchant revealed that they did not own a television at home and relied on the radio for the news. In this simple statement, I found the key to understanding why their children were so successful in their education.

I had previously visited Dr. Merchant’s home, observing its simplicity. His two daughters were always engrossed in silent study and writing. Despite Dr. Merchant owning a car, his daughters travelled to school by bus. There was no trace of the “TV culture” in their home. This simple and principled way of life indeed contributed to the success of Dr. Merchant’s children.

In today’s times, fathers often complain about their children, but the truth is that they should be reflecting on themselves. Usually, parents contribute to this issue by failing to create a simple environment within their homes. Their primary desire becomes fulfilling every wish of their children, leading them to become absorbed in the “TV culture.” This very phenomenon is what causes deviation within homes. The responsibility for this degradation lies solely with the parents, not the children.