I read a flash news published by UN “India slips 11 spots in World Happiness Index, below neighbor Pakistan, China, Nepal. Finland is first.
The results are based on key factors found to support wellbeing: Income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, corruption and generosity.
I would add sustainability, respect for fellow humans and nature, cleanliness within and around, discipline, awareness of social ethics and usage of technology to reach and meet goals and many more.
I sincerely believe every single attribute for wellbeing and happiness has to be taught from kindergarten. There is still time and room for improvement if we start now.
I am continuing my experience of how we sustained happiness with love, trust in God, knowledge and commitment, which keeps us going no matter what.
…….I used to follow Missy by her heel like her obedient cats. Well she had so many cats, all over the place and there would be at least 2 always rubbing her ankles all the time. Anita would be perched on the tiny tot chair, lady like unlike me running all over. She could tolerate everything there, except Missy kissing her Cats.
Missy had a cane on her desk; I don’t remember her hitting anyone. I remember Missy rolling her eyes at me for not sleeping at noon, and distracting everyone around with my giggle. I think she moved me to the end of the room, so I had to face the wall and not disturb the rest of the kids. I could never sleep during the day, then, now and I don’t think I will make that a habit ever.
The first time I saw a real guitar and touched it timidly was in Missy’s house, Missy’s nephew Arnold, played guitar and sang English songs. I don’t think I deciphered anything out of the songs. For that matter I still can’t understand most of the English songs. Words are mostly swallowed and if they are pronounced it’s so slimy, silky and screamy. God alone knows what the lyrics are. Except for Jim Reeves Christmas Songs and of course our own Abba and Boneyeth as they said in our college days.
Anita and me, we never missed the opportunity to work in Missy’s garden. This was like Santinikethan by the Great Rabindranath Tagore, Kollam version of the gurukula samprathaayam I would say. We loved to play and be close to nature, can’t forget playing with water and the little cats, Missy’s pets.
The progression from Kindergarten to St Josephs Convent was seamless, upto 4th Std it was Co-Ed and called Special School. From the many who were admitted to Missy’s school, Beena Chechy, Valsamma Chechy, Contractor Thomas Sirs daughters, Veena P. N and Jessy Kovoor, who were my seniors, Reeba Veena’s Cousin, Rusha and Anita all of us went to St. Joseph’s for 10 solid years, and some of us met at TKM College of Engineering later.
Our School days will run into many episodes,
Anita, connected with my Amma, after her parents passed away, and she stayed solid as my parents daughter for more than 2 decades. She is an embodiment of service; she has been taking care of her niece, nephews and so many others, and Me too with her unconditional love, prayers, goodies..
Just before my Amma passed away Anita started a boutique in Kollam and called it “Tanman”.
She makes any one, feel good and proud with her unique collections, which she tastefully does with her amazing taste.
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