LETTER OF FATHER TO HIS SON's TEACHER

    In the prevailing political environment of unbridled lust for power and pelf, and the cancer of corruption so widespread throughout the body politic one can only pray that, against heavy odds, dedicated leaders may yet be born and raised, leaders who, if properly groomed and guided, will rise above the mire and morass that presently threatens us. And how should these messiahs be groomed and taught so that they can lead us out of the dark tunnel? Reproduced below is a letter of a father to his son's teacher on his first day at school, written about 150 years ago, which is so relevant to today's Pakistan. Hopefully, it just may make some one sit up and think if nothing else, it will be good for thought for your reader.

 

    "He will have to learn. I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader.

 

    "Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend. It will take time, I Know, but teach him, if you can that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can. Teach him away from envy, if you can. Teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick... teach him, if you can, the wonder of books.....but also give him quiet time to ponder over the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hill-side.

    In school teach him it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat....teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong....teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when every one is getting on the band wagon. Teach him to listen to all men but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.

 

    "Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad.....teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness ...teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob ...and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right".

 

    "Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient...let him have the patience to be brave. teach him always to have sublime faith in mankind".

 

    "This is a big order, but see what you can do, he is such a fine little fellow, my son".