2. GIVE THE WORLD A BREAK! IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK!

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years back and the next best time is today.”

Chinese Proverb

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My Mom used to tell me “Do something to be remembered by. The world is heavy anyway with so much negativity. Don’t make it heavier by doing nothing. Take responsibility.” And these words have been etched in my heart since I was a kid. Not that I didn’t take any responsibility then. At my age, in my capacity, I sought to do the things which made me ask myself “Am I being responsible and living up to my Mom’s expectations.”

So this urge, this burning desire is still a rage in my heart as I think of the things that are my duty; the things that I have to do in spite of everything.

Now, with becoming a parent, my work as a responsible person has gone up manifolds. My sole duty is now to make an excellent person out of my child. I want to see him as one who will take on the world for reasons which will not only make me proud but also others. I want to see him as someone who again will take responsibility of his state, his country and in turn, the world.

So, as someone who believes that all children should become global citizens, I had chalked out a few points to start with. These are again for parents to follow so that their responsibility rubs onto their children. .......

Dear Parents,

It’s time we made our children global citizens. At least we can start by setting examples ourselves. The present is ours. The future is theirs.

 1. Moms and Dads. We have to start talking with respect to each other at home. (My child notices even a small lapse in our relationship)

 2. Watch the language I use at home. (If I speak lewd language, he/she will pick it up instantly)

 3. Treat my house-help with respect. (This will help my child to see everyone on an equal level)

 4. Conserve electricity. Switch off all electrical appliances I will not use while coming out of my room.

 5. Plant trees and raise my voice against illegal felling of trees and earth-cutting.

6. Inculcate this theory that the city is mine, the state is mine, and the country is mine. It’s my responsibility to keep it clean. Everything that I use. It may be a public wash-room. (I will make sure I don’t dispose empty chips packets, used coke bottles etc. on the road while driving or otherwise.)

 7. Respect elders (parents, teachers, seniors and people in general). (Leave my seat when I see an elderly person standing and speak politely to them.)

 8. Simple words but magical words. Thank you, Excuse me, Sorry.

9. The road belongs to me and I have to maintain proper traffic order whenever I am driving. (I may be late but I will never go against the traffic and take a short-cut while I have my child sitting next to me)

 10. I will obey the traffic signals. Wait at the white line of the zebra crossing and let the people walk by without trying to run them over. (I will not jump the red signal even if no one is looking)

 11. I will value money and I should know there is no such thing as 'easy money' (Input by Naina Barbaruah)

 12. I will save water. I will use only that amount of water that is necessary for me.

 13. I will save some time for prayer everyday and not pray just for myself but for the world. Pray for world peace!

  14. I will make some time to read. (Spend as much as you can on books, 'cause this way you are building a library for your kids.)

15. If I love someone, I should love unconditionally. (Teach your child unconditional love)

16. I should by now understand the concept of global religion. We have a long way to go...lot of contributions to make to the world. So we should rise above petty thoughts and teach our children global thoughts on religion.

17. What is missing in almost all of us compared to other civilized communities is the " Humbleness". As individuals, we are not humble in our attitude or action. We never respect other people’s right and presence. We try to Jump the Q either in a ticket counter or in a social counter (in that sense)... We tend to believe, Jumping the "Q" (there by ignoring the right of others) is the only way to establish our presence..!! This can only happen when if we, by heart love being "humane". (A world citizen), whether related or from our geographical boundary, or religious beliefs, known or a complete stranger...!! May be this is what u may call a part of global religion (I call it Global human custom). I have to teach my child the art of patience. (Input by Bibhu Bhuyan)

18. As part of Global religion, divine beliefs, beyond reach of man etc...Are to be strongly discouraged amongst our children... as if it’s a Horror Movie. Let's believe all in moderation...nothing is to be accepted as God Sent or Absolute!! Scope for questioning the old scripts must be within next generation’s sensibility tolerance’s freedom. Also all the "Self appointed Contractors of Religion”, be kept at arm’s length...and their influence on our life must be made limited. They must be treated as a Book Reviewer who reviews a Single Book as per their knowledge or understanding, nothing more..!! (Input by Raphael Warjri)

19. I should try and teach my children the art of watching good TV programs and also the Creators of TV programs should rethink the following: (1) PORTRAYAL OF COPS: Don't use long-haired, unshaven or pot-bellied actors. Cops should be smart, non-judgemental & avoid gratuitous violence in dealing with the copped. (2) LANGUAGE: To start with words like "OI" & "ABBE" should b outlawed. (3) INACTIVITY: There should b a conscious attempt to avoid portraying any character in idleness...to the extent possible all characters should be busy doing SOMETHING USEFUL. (4) WOMEN: Shad not be portrayed as if all they are waiting for is to get married. (Input by Deba Choudhury)

 And for all this, I have to give a lot of time to my child. I want him/her to be healthy in the mind, pure in the heart and clean in the soul. But I LOVE HIM/HER, don’t I and I want to give to the world the best person that it can expect. I took all the pain in the world to get him/her….so where is the question of not giving time. The TIME is now. Give them your time now, so that they fully bloom in the garden of life!

Indrajit Kr. Saikia

Tinat Atifa Masood