My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 02/2009

My Daily Ramadan Thoughts - 02/2009

A supply tent by Abu Dhabi co-operative society to distribute free Iftar packets during Ramadan

We are into the 2nd day of this years holy month of Ramadan. Mankind celebrate religion and the rituals and festivities associated with it in various different ways. There is a saying in Malayalam which corresponds to the meaning Different people Different ways. Everything corresponds to it. While reading my thoughts, some of you might be wondering why all these?

Different religion, various gurus, several hundred thousand types of rituals have all fascinated me from my childhood. Similarly my effort to continue education in various fields. This constant effort has developed a continuous approach in me to find good in all whom I meet and all religions they follow and to provide me with a strong belief in god to do a devoted life for family and mankind. During my school and college days and all throughout the 22 years of expatriate life here, I have had the chance of having plenty of muslim friends. Knowing them well and caring about them and their families provided me opportunities to learn about their religion and culture more and more each time. This has strengthened my respect for them as well as the religion. I strongly believe, if one is good at science, there is no rule which says that he should not learn maths or arts? Offering good wishes to all good things associated with this holy month of Ramadan, may I continue to my thoughts on this 2nd day of Ramadan.

Having completed the 1st day of Ramadan and the Iftar, I am sure a certain group might find it exciting to follow. They are none other than our children. As we all know, many times, they observe quietly what we say, and do and carry with them an urge to carry out and follow their peers. The rituals associated with Ramadan is also one among them. As they see their parents, relatives and friends fasting throughout the day during the holy month of Ramadan, and in the evening, after sunset, pray together and the break the fast by taking Iftar together as a group. It creates a dedication within themselves to follow suite on their own for the first time and they do it with utmost devotion. A challenge to make sure that they are at par with their peers make them more dedicated to follow these holy rituals with ease. No wonder, the seeds of unity, dedication and oneness automatically gets planted in their mind from a very young age.

Let me take this opportunity to narrate an interesting interaction I witnessed during my travel back from summer holidays via Goa recently. A young goan guy and his son studying in Gr 2 was sitting next to me. They kept on talking about all topics under the son and the interaction was really interesting. As the airhostess came around serving soft and hot drinks, the father asked for two beers. Pointing towards his sons seat, he requested the airhostess to keep two more if permitted. She did it with a smile and turned. Immediately, the boy opened out, Dad, you are cheating. You know that I don’t drink. You should not have ordered on my behalf.! Myself, the airhostess and of course our dad, were surprised by the momentary reaction by that small child. Children they are innocent and their mind is simple and pure.

The holy month of Ramadan and the short working hours associated with it is a blessing in disguise for many to spend maximum time with children. Utilise it to the maximum and you will find god in everything. Through various bits and pieces of Talent Share activities I will be also here around and if you find it interesting, please do spare a few minutes to make sure your child participate in them.

Wishing another blessed day of Ramadan to all my friends.

Ramesh Menon
23082009