Why do we hesitate to say 'no' to a gift? Our face lights up and we are overjoyed when someone actually hands over a gift, especially when it is least expected.
Gifts have become a fashion icon these days. Not only the gift that is given, but the one that's taken back. Even children, when they are the invitees of a birthday party, are eager to get something in "return" and that's how the modern concept of return gift was born. Children seem to be enchanted by return gifts even when they get a simple pencil box or a party cap. But how far this culture is taking us and the next generation, is a pertinent question.
Today being Teachers' Day, my thoughts roll back to this insignificant but impacting gesture of children in a school I worked. The day started with hoots and cheerful din which I thought were rather unnecessary, at least not from school children who are barely 15. I can understand if those in the late teens had behaved so. The children who made the most noise were under 14. Party poppers, cakes, chocolates, sweets, big gifts, small gifts, packages tied up in colourful wrappers -- the children enthusiastically brought them all to show love, affection and appreciation towards their teachers.
Some of the teachers loved to receive them, and a few children proudly declared that they had 'bought' the best gift for their teacher. But I preferred the gifts children 'brought' rather than 'bought' for their favourite teacher. There is nothing that can satisfy the soul of a true teacher other than a simple hand-written message with a few doodles here and there. The icing on the cake would be a few lovely words written in "raw" English, with a few spelling mistakes. I enjoyed the simplest of gifts that I received, and I will cherish the memories and preserve the doodles for the rest of my life.
The next generation should probably think about special gifts that can be 'brought' to the teacher rather than those that are simply 'bought' across the counter. At the end of the day, what matters most is the quality of the gift and the thought that comes with it, not the quantity or the price tag it carries. Love and affection that come from innocent children are priceless valuables and I'm proud that I received them in loads this Teachers' Day.
I strongly agree with you. In my school n college days, I've spent a lot on 'bought' gifts too. But now, so many years later when I look at the friends who have remained by my side through thick and thin, they are the ones who never cared if I couldn't get them a gift. Let us hope the future generation is less materialistic when it comes to relationships.
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