June 2022

Dear Motherland It’s been a long time that I am thinking of picking up pen and paper and writing something to you; sharing some feelings with you. But I am also a little ashamed of myself. I have all time on earth to chat with my friends, to play games and watch the television. And when it comes to writing to you, I have always kept neglecting it. And here now stands before you a daughter who wants to apologize to you from the core of her heart. As a matter of fact, today, Rabindranath Tagore’s famous song “Amar Desher Mati” acted as an eye opener for me. I understood what wrong I did by ignoring you. You are my mother, and being your daughter I should not hesitate to confess my wrong deeds to you. While thinking about the so called NRIs, for instance, I often blame them for leaving this sacred soil and settling abroad mostly for material pursuits. But when it came to judging me, I found myself guilty of committing a similar offence. Maybe, so far I have not thought of abandoning the country like those NRIs, but have I ever done anything for you? I have had enough time to think for my family, parents, friends and relatives. But I have never taken a single moment out of my daily schedule to think about you. Without ever asking for anything in return, you have always gifted me with whatever I felt the need for. In return, I have always neglected you. I have abused your precious bounties. Who knows, every drop of water that I have misused is perhaps mingled with your priceless tears. Yes, I have always taken you for granted. The time has now arrived when I should pay back; not because you want it. But, I should do something because that is my first duty in life. I have to prove myself your worthy daughter. I will definitely do something to make you proud. Mother! I aim of being a doctor. I will not just be a doctor, but an honest person who cares for the soil that has given her everything. I hail from a semi-rural part of the country and I know what misery is. I know what it is like to die a thousand deaths in dearth of even the most basic medical facilities; that too after 70 years of independence. It’s my pledge that I will work hard to change the scenario. Besides, I also have other responsibilities towards you. It is our duty to keep our country clean. Again, it is we who can make our country completely literate. It is my solemn promise to you that I will always make my country – our India – proud of my deeds. The invaluable sacrifice of our freedom-fighters and great patriots will not go in vain anymore. Time has arrived when we will wake up and act. Oh mother, forgive me for being so naive and ignorant towards you; so far.  Thanks For reading Sourajita Kar Writer