I have written about ATKT, pani puri, marathons and bad decisions taken with great confidence.
But not enough about my mother.
My report cards said:
Can do better.
There was potential. Evidence was limited.
I got into BCS, got an ATKT, and later rebranded it as:
Allow To Keep Trying.
My mother may not have agreed, but she never cancelled my admission.
Even today, at 50, our banter continues.
She tells me to run less.
I have spent ten years telling her to walk more.
Now I also tell her to do less Rotary work.
This is where my wisdom becomes misplaced.
My mother, Kusum Thakur, has spent years serving through Rotary—leading, guiding and working on polio and community initiatives.
I see meetings.
She sees purpose.
I count steps.
She counts people reached.
I ask her to slow down because I worry.
She asked me to slow down for the same reason.
Both of us believe the other needs supervision.
Neither listens properly.
At 50, I may advise clients and lead teams.
But with her, I am still the boy defending his report card.
She tells me to run less.
I tell her to work less.
The concern is mutual.
The logic is optional.
Life gave me many ATKTs.
My mother never cancelled my admission.
She still checks my attendance.
Perhaps I should stop checking hers.
Thank you, Mummy, Happy 70th
