Dear son,
You must be aware of the many happenings in Kerala, including the arrest of young men in recent days. As sleep evaded me and I lie awake at midnight, I felt like sharing some thoughts with you. These are my dreams and hopes for a person like you with intense thoughts and stances in life. I am aware that an elder person, especially a parent has no right to impose one’s views and dreams on a younger mind. So I am only presenting a suggestion for you to consider .
You are now studying for a degree in Physics….this may help you become an academician or a scientist. But like what the 15 year old Greta Thunberg said ‘ What use is the school and college education in an Earth and Sky that is on the verge of total destruction? So it would be ideal if possible to redo and renew your vision of a life in a way that fits the call of these times.
I know that you have understood much about Gandhiji. It is assured that the revolutionary path you chose will never lose the wholistic truth that is needed now. This is the time for youngsters to travel and see the life in the villages of India. The values and ideas of Gandhiji, Ram ManoharLohya and JayaPraksah Narayanan are waiting dormant for wetness to germinate in the villages. The warmth and humidity of the sweat and compassionate dedication of young minds is much needed for this. I request you to include these thoughts when you formulate your life vision and path.
N.B.
I am sure you will be asked from where you will get the finances to live. I am now getting a pension of rs 20,000. I am confident that in this space where I live I can survive on Rs 3-4,000. I assure you that till my last day, you can use the rest of the money to pursue your revolutionary path and find the right way to live
With immense care
Your father
This is a letter written by Malayalam poet V.T.Jayadevan to his son. Translated with his permission by Anitha.S( anithasharma2007@gmail.com ) in response to the desperate, helpless and confusing reactions and responses by many a parent.
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