It was the look on the face of the little boy holding the bouquet of flowers at 5 in the morning that moved me. This is the group of fans from a nearby resort Amidhara that had put up the banner outside their facility and on the drive from where I was to pass.

I felt that our driving away was so inconsiderate to the boy, who must have had so much expectancy as he stood their waiting for me to acknowledge him, that I requested the administration to see if a meeting could be arranged in the morning. All efforts failed and so I thought as we drive to Diu to catch  a plane for Mumbai it would be desirable to stop at their resort. And so I did. I apologized on my behavior to them did some pictures and autographs and then drove away, satisfied that I was able to bring some comfort to my guilt.

It was not my fault entirely. A entire security and police contingent and routine was deputed to travel along with me. The administration have their own protocol and breaking that suddenly, would have caused them some consternation too. But I explained to them my agony the next morning and they understood. All is well that ends well and I am happy that it did.

The people of the Gujarat area where I travelled have been so warm and affectionate. They have shown love and enthusiasm to my cause and have generally been overwhelmingly well disciplined. My deepest regard to them. In not a single venue did I face any kind of unruly behavior ; they were cultured and obedient but never did stop to express their joy in finding me in their midst. I do look forward to being in their midst again soon, to take up the second phase of the program.

Emotions are an integral part of human nature. As a nation and as a community, we are emotional people. There is that within us and also basic love and tolerance. We are a most tolerant nation. We know where the mistakes are, what is wrong and where things are not going correct. But we have become tolerant to all this. I guess having been suppressed through invasion over hundreds of years, it has now become our cultural nature.

But we are emerging rapidly away from it. We are assertive in a pleasant sort of way now and greater value and pride rests on us. The development of our economic structure is without a doubt the reason why we are looking different and progressive. That we attract a large portion of world attention is no mere coincidence. The world looks at us differently now !

I think one of the most depressing moments apart from the country losing an international sporting event, has to be the moment of walking into an empty home. It is just not the same.

There is an air of activity when the house is full and busy. Different members of the family in different parts of the house. They all do their things, but at least they are under the same roof. All gathering together in one corner of the house, chatting sharing and discussing matters. This is an ecstatic moment. There is unasked energy flowing in. Optimism rules and all positive thoughts fructify into a bundle of laughter and togetherness.

This I love. And do at times pine for it to happen.

My FmXt is no less in its expectations. Members have their own agenda worked out for them and hopefully we shall be able to cope with their desires and expectations soon.

It is good to wait for that moment of fulfillment, for it can only enhance our beings. Impatience would destroy it. It would not be desired to be a strung up bow, pulled to its final extension all the time, like a ‘tana hua teer’. What good does it do to us when we will remain in such state always. Nothing. But, when it disappears life comes back within us almost. It is impossible to describe this feel, but feel it does and does become the reason for our moods. Let us discourage such attitude to harbor within us. Not for any other reason but to prevent ill health.

Bodies will heal, voices and stands will mellow down, if we were to understand this very special and worthy factor. It is not a sign of weakness to not be assertive. Contrarily, it has been known to be our greatest strength. Let us all then be strong and healthy. Let us live to live and nothing else.

With my love and with my health …

Amitabh Bachchan