Hey Dad, be a MOM

In my travels overseas, I am sometimes pleasantly surprised when I see things like this. This was a baby changing station in the mens washroom in Singapore. I was super happy to see it. Always, we see mom as a caregiver and we plan things like these in womens washrooms. Never have I seen a dad take a child comfortably to the men's room (many reasons why). 

As a parent, I always believed being available for every important thing and every point possible for your children. Be it the scans when we were expecting or an injection or a doctor visit. I was there when my little ones were born, literally. This is a bit strange in India but yes, thanks to good doctors, our convincing skills and thanks to my beautiful wife. 

When you are in a situation where you can help, do it. Be there more than you can. Be a parent who is always there. Be a caring, loving, available on demand parent. Be available to appreciate the soap bubble, a fleeting butterfly, the beautiful art on the rented house wall, the pen art on your clothes. Be there to blow over that bruise, touch up the make up, wipe away those little tears, give that hug. Hug more often, reassure and be there to show you care. 

If there is anything that we are lacking in our children, that would be empathy, caring, being kind and being an emotionally healthy human being. Make sure you teach your children that you are there for the right things and you don't let the wrong things happen. Be there and lead by example. In other words, there is no more gender role rigidity. Change that and every day can and must be a mom and every mom can and must be a dad. Be a role model.

If you have examples of dads who are awesome or moms who remind you of being a caring, kind parent, tag them here and thank them. Have a great day.

The first person I can think of who is #MadeOfGreat

Made of Great! Well, I know someone who matches this description. While I have heard some stories about what this person used to do, I have seen on multiple occasions how he influenced me and changed how I felt and what I did. He has been an inspiration not just because he is related to me but because he is a good human being. Let me list out some of the lessons he taught me over the last few years.

• Be passionate about what you do: Born into a farming family, he was educated on his own and has been able to achieve what very few in his generation could. He had more than 7 job offers in hand (When getting one itself was an achievement) and chose the one he felt would let him help others. He takes pride in work and I have on many occasions seen people thank him from their heart for his guidance and help. He still goes to work much earlier than others and gets more work done than the youngsters half his age. 
• Keep learning: Regardless of being at a very high post in a Government firm, he still keeps himself updated and never says no to learning. He is an avid reader and motivational speaker himself but still is always game for learning new things.
• Being compassionate: Despite his busy schedule, he takes time to help others, guide in business, life and is deeply compassionate. I remember him donating most of the salary to others when we were in dire need and would just smile when people told him that he was not doing the right thing. His philosophy is that God is compassionate to people who help others. We can't eat two biryani's for dinner, right?
• Being Simple: His dressing, hair style, food habits and many other things have not changed in the last few decades. He follows a clean strict schedule and is never too demanding from his wife or son and always asks them to be simple and go easy. I still have to learn this from him.
• Having a clean conscience: One of the things he has taught me is having a clear conscience. Never go to bed with anger and wake up the same person. Mend the bridges as soon as you can and forgive or seek forgiveness if needed. I don't know how he can be so patient but I guess it comes with age.

I can continue all night listing more lessons but when I saw that Tata Motors has signed on Messi and the tagline of #MadeOfGreat I couldn't stop thinking of the one person who has influenced me the most in my life and am proud to say I am his son. I can trust him blindly, count on him, seek his advice to be the strong pillar of strength and courage. Thank you Dad for being there in my life. 

While Messi has been an inspiration for us all, Tata is the sign of trust and respect for over the last few decades. An awesome winning combination. Do you think Tata Motors' vehicles are as deft and sturdy as Messi's maneuvers. 

What do you think of Tata Motors'association with Lionel Messi?

Do you have an interesting answer for this? I get to give away a Rs. 750/- coupon from #Amazon for one of you. Do comment below and you never know!