I so relate to this meme and it takes me back to 1986. To make this long story short, just after I finished my PUC, as an 18 year old, I was greatly fascinated and inspired by this magazine Debonair (our timers know what I am talking about), and seeing those images, I developed a very keen interest in taking up photography as a profession. I even joined a Diploma (part-time) in Still Photography under the aegis of Bangalore University under an ace photographer Thomas, who is no more now. And at the same time I also did an apprenticeship with Pankaj Shah who used to shoot for Debonair. Working as a spot boy in his studio I learnt a lot, of course, saw a lot too!! All this happened while my family was away in Libya, with my father on a government deputation and I lived alone here taking my own decisions.
Hell broke loose when my folks (both my parents, dentists) learnt what I was up to, they were aghast with my crazy thoughts and my destiny changed. Much against my wishes, I landed in dentistry. Of course, I developed an interest, pursued it, eventually finished my masters, and also practiced and taught for over two decades plus, successfully.
But the photographer in my soul dint leave me. And after a lot of thought process, I finally decided to pursue my passion and quit my dental and surgical practice, of course, my near and dear stood with my idiosyncrasy!! I was drawn to wildlife photography (and not glamour photography, which was my initial inspiration) and have been pursuing that on a serious note presently and have accomplished reasonably well. I also published my first coffee table book on Wildlife Photography. Of course, Covid has temporarily halted it now but will be back on the field soon.
Though I don’t blame my parents to have rewritten my destiny, it was all in good faith, responsibility, and for the wellbeing of their only son. Somewhere I always feel if they had just understood what my heart and soul wanted to do, I don’t know where my fate would have taken me. No regrets though! I am happy I did dentistry and practiced Maxillofacial Surgery, and that’s what gave me the name, fame, money, and also some very good friends for life!! And of course, that’s what gave me my better half, who is the best support mechanism for me!!
My only advice to those parents out here, hear your kids out, listen to them, if they have a passion, be with them and support them. If they do what they love, and if you let them follow their dreams, they will reach greater heights in whatever they choose to do. Just guide them with your practical experience. Trust me on this!! Please don’t expect them to live or follow your dreams!!
#LetYourKidsFollowTheirPassion #LiveYourDreams
Comments
It is so wonderful to read your blog!!!
So glad to know you and have some cherished memories of you as a teacher and friend!!!
Thank you !!!
Author
Hey Ritu, Thanks so much! Great to hear from you after a real long time. You said it, really some cherished memories of you as a student and friend! Glad to have known you! Take care and stay in touch!
You need to advance kids not to give up the passion, you may get sidelined but it is your choice to repave the track of passion
Author
Absolutely bro, we need to encourage them if they have some interests and passions. As parents, we need to advise them of all the pros and cons.
Ab yeh bhi shuru kar diya. 😜🙄😜🙄!!!! Leave something for some other ppl too baba!!
Well written needless to say. I also wonder what or where would I be had I followed my instincts and passion.
Author
Hey Megs, thanks so much!!! Hope you enjoy reading my stories!! Take care!!
Wonderful to see your passion catching up with you again! Seems like it couldn’t live without you either 🙂
Author
Haha!! Hey, thanks Abhilasha!!! Hope you enjoy reading my stories!!!
Happy to read your blog sir.
Midale rasikaru Kate rasavattage irrutte.
I remember sarvjna poetry
Rasikanadida maatu
Shashiyudisi bandante
Rasika nalladavana bari maatu
Kivige koordasiyubadidante. Sarvgna
Author
Thanks Shiva for those kind words! Hope you continue to enjoy reading my posts!
Glad you are following your passion….. better late than never! Your talent and love for photography shows in the pictures you take. The blogging and the stories are cherries on top! Keep at it, kudos my friend…👏🏼👌🏼
Author
Hey Priti, thanks so much!!! You are the one who encouraged and I just started! Hope you enjoy reading my stories, my friend! Cheers!
Wah Sirjee, there is soul in your writing! Similar paths, just that I diversified into clinical research after BDS.
Author
Thanks bro! Finally we need to do what pleases us and makes us happy! It is a debatable thing, however! But, to each his own!!!
Lots of parents make their their dead dream live through their children. I personally feel every child is born with an aptitude and talent for something n as they grow their eventually realise it. But some kids are wanderers. Maybe for these confused kids parents can help them choose their passion but for those who have realised their passion, parents ought to support them and not doubt their intelligence of choice. My 2 cent advice 😊. You have written this piece with a lot of honesty that most of us can relate to.
Author
You said it right Shilpa. We need to encourage and guide them if they show any inclination. Otherwise, help them choose their careers if they arent inclined towards anything or are confused. Hope you continue to enjoy reading my blogs!