Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.”
? Charles William Eliot
One such Book which will be a friend and an accessible counsellor to parents was released in Kuwait on September 6th, at GURUKUL, Salmiya.
‘Dear Parents’ ——authored by Dr Navniit Gandhi and published by Better Yourself Books, Mumbai, is a Book which is all about managing the little worries and resolving the big dilemmas while watching the kids grow. The Book was released amidst a heartening crowd comprising book-lovers, teachers, parents and other dignitaries in an impressive launch ceremony organized by indiansinkuwait.com
Navniit Gandhi—a freelance writer, author, academic and a trainer/counsellor who resides in Kuwait, has offered some very simple perspectives on about 30 situations which a large number of parents face these days. Principal Sherly Dennis from the ICSK Junior Branch released the Book, flanked by Mr Ali—Chairman of Lemonade International, Sunoj Nambiar—Director, Indiansinkuwait.com, and Wilson Crawford D’Souza—Director Marketing, Indiansinkuwait.com.
Sunoj Nambiar welcomed the audience and congratulated Navniit on having penned a Book on a subject which would appeal to nearly all the parents. The Book was unveiled by the Management of IIK and the Chief Guest—Principal Sherly Dennis from the ICSK (Junior).
Later, speaking on the occasion, Sherly Dennis expressed her happiness at the launch of a Book which she said, “can certainly assist the parents as they confront one difficult situation after the other, in this journey that parenting is.” She reiterated the need for parents to think deeply and dwell patiently on how to deal with their dilemmas and situations and cautioned them against instructing the kids all the time with dos and donts.
“A Book such as this offers sensible perspectives on several situations and by reading them, our own insights could be triggered and we will be able to calmly address the issues at hand,” said she and urged the parents present on the occasion to buy the Book and read it seriously.
The author --Dr Navniit Gandhi earnestly voiced her concerns when she said: “I bow before all the parents who are here… It is certainly not a role for the faint-hearted! We love our kids and yet the smiles and pleasures are inter-mingled with tears, sleepless nights, worries, and fears.” She admitted that,” The times have changed, and so have the nature, intensity and volume of challenges. We often tend to compare the ways of our parents with what the parents do these days---and that is certainly not fair!! Of course, it is not that all was rosy then and that all is bleak now. And yet, it is certainly not a smooth sailing anymore either.
Even if parents try hard to instil values in their child, there is that extra push needed to ward off the undesirable influences from the external sources. While it is true that nobody has the answers to all the questions, we must—nevertheless- start thinking and deliberating on the issues.”
Others who voiced similar concerns and presented their views on the Book , while also congratulating the author—included Amir Diwan, Mehwish Dalwai, and Wilson D’Souza. The evening was well-anchored by Soja, who also shared her own perspectives based on her experiences while raising her two kids.
“Parenting is like flying a kite. At times, you have to hold on tight and at times, let it loose. Sometimes your kite will fly effortlessly and at times no matter what you do, you cannot control it. 'Dear Parents' gives us pointers as to when you have to let go and when you have to rein in. It says even when you are struggling to keep your kite afloat and the string is cutting into your hand, don't let go,” she observed.
The Book is available in the leading book stores in India, and at Amazon.in
Those who wish to buy a copy in Kuwait may whatsapp at 97692149.