myAutobiography-aCommonman - Elder daughter has completed her final year engineering examination today from KL University Aziz Nagar Hyderabad.
Today is a very special and emotional day in my life. Like every middle-class parent, I feel a sense of relief, and happiness, as my elder daughter, Ambica, has completed her final engineering examination today.
No more stationery shopping, no more printouts, and no more last-minute rush—those days are finally over
On my way to the office, I used to drop my daughter at school. Many times, I would bring her back home as well. There were moments of scolding—from my wife for delays, from my boss for being late—but in the end, nothing stands in front of our happiness as parents.
I never forced my children to secure high marks. Instead, I always encouraged them to understand at least 60% of the syllabus deeply. I would ask them to explain what they learned in their own words—even in another language—so that a layman could understand. However, in Class 10, I insisted on covering 100% of the syllabus.
I strongly believed that school is not just for studies, but for overall enjoyment and development. I always encouraged my children to participate in all activities and competitions. I used to tell them:
“You go to school to enjoy. After enjoying and learning through activities, dedicate the remaining time to studies with full focus.”
The sound of medals earned from various inter-school and intra-school competitions is something I truly cherish.
My simple philosophy for studies has always been:
Up to Class 8: Focus on enjoyment with basic learning
Class 9: Around 80% focus on studies
Class 10: 100% dedication
Intermediate: 200% effort
Graduation: 100% academics + 100% skill-building for future opportunities
Above all, till Class 8, children must enjoy their childhood.
We sincerely thank Pallavi Model School (Hyderabad) for ensuring the overall development of our children.
We are also deeply grateful to Maharana Pratap Public School (Delhi-NCR region).
We also extend our thanks to Vanasthali Public School (Delhi-NCR region).
I never missed a Parent-Teacher Meeting in any school. My children always wanted me to accompany them, as they usually scored average marks—sometimes a little above or below. My usual response would always be, “Next time, you will do better.” But in reality, we all know that the real turning point comes in Classes 9 and 10.
During my graduation, I had the fortune of reading Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, which completely changed my perspective towards children and education. I simply tried to implement those learnings in raising my children.