
The world of colors was my home. An introvert by nature, I spent hours pouring my emotions into my paintings. They gave me immense joy.
“You cannot make a profession out of painting. How much will the paints and brush help you earn?” Dad snatched the brushes from my hands and put these instruments in them instead.
Forced to pursue Math and Science, I became an Engineer. On the day I graduated, I presented to him, my degree certificate.
“I did what you wanted me to do. Now please let me follow my passion”, and picked up my brushes again.
Today, my paintings are exhibited the world over!
In India, even today Engineering and Medicine, are the most preferred career option the parents want their children to pursue, despite their child having no interest in it. While it is encouraging to see a gradual shift in the mindset of parents to allow their children choose a non-science professional course, it will take a long time before all can have the freedom to opt for courses akin to their interest.
So true, Radhika! It is so sad that arts don’t get the respect they should.
Loved your take. ❤️
LikeLiked by 5 people
Yes, sadly so many talented and creative people have to let go of their passion. Thanks Punam ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s heart touching post.
And you’re right, it might take some time to change the mindset. But I hope that our generation understands this and give their children a time to shine.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, they should Ritish. They is so much scope today in non science fields too. Thanks a lot!
LikeLike
Very well expressed
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you
LikeLike
So true. We are not allowed to follow our passion, societal pressures.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Societal pressure often rob people’s life from them.
Thanks Usha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for joining in Radhika! It’s very true that we still are under the dated thought process that only “good “ professions are those of medicine and engineering. Times have changed, so the thinking should change too.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Absolutely. We should change our mindset and stereotype thoughts with changing times. There is no dearth of opportunity for creative pursuits today. Thanks Sadje
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh yes, absolutely right Radhika. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
It wasn’t until I retired that I could follow my passion (for writing) – unless you count writing risk management reports!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That sadly happens with so many of Chris. But I’m glad you didn’t give up on it and have taken up your passion for writing now. It’s our pleasure to read your amazing work 🙂❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely thing to say! Thanks so much, my friend 😊💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
True and in our country our talents are wasted. Even if we want to pursue other things because of money the parents will not allow you to take up arts. Very nicely done, Radhika.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes true. Thanks Kamal!
LikeLike
Most welcome dear Radhika ♥️🌷😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and well defined the professional pressure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tanvir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha. I can understand each moment that must have passed through this emotion. Important that we could take up not only for our peers but children who come in our contact. We are important wild humans. Thank you for writing Radhika.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many children just continue to follow their parents wish, stifling their own, thus dealing with that incomplete feeling life long Narayan. Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Valuable message said of course in your own way ma’am
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Meenakshi!
LikeLike
Very true Radhika. Professional courses like engineering and medicine take the lead but things are slowly changing now I guess.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is heartening to see that change, albeit a small one. Thanks Sowmya.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The wrong career choice can make people miserable. So can choosing a career you love but will not allow you to earn a decent living. There is so much pressure at this stage of life, so many life-altering decisions to be made. Insightful post, Radhika! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree Cheryl. But when passion is the overriding factor in the chosen profession, somehow the mind is at much peace despite not so great earnings. Thanks so much ❤ !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah your story filled me with such joy Radhika truly 🙂 All of us know someone or have experienced personally this pressure and influence with having to give in. You kept it simple yet used the picture powerfully to bring this message, I enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, yes Pragalbha. I know many such people. Thanks a lot my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful take showing the truth of life in India. Well done, Radhika.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mason!
LikeLiked by 1 person
very relatable. the stories of success or happiness from chasing dreams do encourage us still, at least.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jude
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good reminder to the parent’s who stifle their wards, Radhika…may be to see that children achieved something that the parents couldn’t do!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Indira. Many times parents want to leave their unfulfilled dreams through their children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is wonderful Radhika and I love you giving voice and speaking up to raise consciousness! 💖👏👏
LikeLike
So true. Just be yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Indira
LikeLike
Heart touching post 💕 Very well expressed 👌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
True and beautiful, Radhika.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks suni
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really true… If you get support in the field you choose it would have been miracle. Isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah yes, a miracle for many. Thanks Sunil
LikeLike
Very well said👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t agree more. The disgrace of art and literature has become so common these days. Thanks a lot for expressing it so well. Hope, people refurbish their mindset.
LikeLike
This is amazing! More people such as educators, parents, friends and more need to stop telling people their passions cannot become professions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely agree with you. We’ll have a whole lot of talented creativity coming to the fore. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike