They arrived, my grandchildren and it has been non stop banter and activity. They are like restless beings, running about, involving themselves in varied acts all at the same time. How on earth do they do it. They each have their high end iPad, they write essays, they play games on it and quickly flip touch to a entire history of music to be played as we drive around, in a rather crowded and traffic jammed Goa - a reality that one never saw earlier. And while they are involved in all this they are carrying out a most complicated and interesting conversation on some pretty mature subjects. Gosh ! You need a computer to keep pace with them !!

The little fellow is a reincarnated questionaire, who’s desire to be kept abreast of every information under the sun is just non stop. She, my gorgeous little angel, is the quiet, understanding and mature looks kind. She is delighted that her braces are off and that her pretty face does not have to stifle a smile, in order to hide the metal on her.

She is 13. He is 10.

And they can both out beat each other in technological accumen. In fact tomorrow I shall seek advice and help in setting up my iPad, my rather complicated little camera and how a true ride on a jet ski ought to be, from them.

So how does one sit and spend quality time with them to give them lessons on life and the way it ought to be run ?

One does not. One just hopes that they shall follow by example and pick up all the right moves in life. One hears such frightening details these days of what the youth is really up to. Is it really worth it at the end of the day. Will the values that we were brought up with have any say in their lives today. I guess not. Makes a good idea for a film subject, does it not ? But beyond that one hopes and prays that they remain true to their culture and being, their family and its important integrity. We are fast becoming irreverent to many truths. Truths that shall determine future choices and labels. It is never going to be too late. But that bell has to be rung, cat or no cat !

I feel the way to do it would and should be, to make a gentle and soft start with any one aspect and diligently follow it through. Once that has fallen into place, introduce the other that needs attention, and so on. The importance of legacy has drifted away from them today. I wonder whether they value the matter of continuity. Of wanting to function in such degree that generates interest in the progeny to arrive still.

It would be a great pity if this very sensitive issue were to be referred to another. What needs to happen must happen within the norms of the world. It must care for and be responsible for the next generation. Selfishness and egocentric conditions shall always be a matter that shall drain the issue. The issue needs to survive. Death by its own or through device shall mar purpose.

And the more I dwell on the subject, the more I feel the need and necessity to fight the odds in some manner. It is not enough for me, and I would hope for all the others as well, that they put in what they possess best, first. All else should wait with some patience. If we can imply this to ourselves, then carrying it forward to the other would happen on its own and generously. So be generous, be that ingenious self that aware of circumstances still continues to fight against the grain, knowing fully well that this is not his voice. It is the voice of circumstance and it needs to gargle to get rid of the excruciating pain that has accompanied it !

Worth a thought I presume …

Till the ‘morrow then with fresh hope and desire to reckon to improve … and to remain out of all previous troubles.

With my love and affection ~

Amitabh Bachchan