Stay Close, Even As You Keep Soaring

Dear Menaka and Mala,

Too late now, perhaps, for advice, though you are barely into your twenties. You have already spread your wings, riding tailwinds and braving headwinds as you set out on your journeys. So different in your aspirations, filmmaker, scientist, yet so similar in your determination.

Not yet moulded, but you stand on strong foundations, from which you can explore all that life will offer. Choosing always to be kind, fair, honest and vulnerable, you have been my fiercest licenced critics. You know what matters: family, friends, a sense of purpose.

You complement each other, helping one another see the world more clearly, boosting each others’ confidence, providing mutual counsel as you navigate relationships with the world. Your bonds with your brother, who has been intimidated and loved by you in equal measure, are ballast for volatile moments.

Whatever you do, you have our unconditional love. I admire how you have instinctively filtered out your parents’ flaws, selecting only the good genes: humour, tenacity, compassion, integrity.  Build your pride and self-esteem, and continue to be the kind critics you are.

Stay close, even as you keep soaring.

With love,

Papa
 

About Leo Puri

Leo Puri is an Independent Director on the boards of Hindustan, Unilever and Dr Reddy’s Labs. Previously he was CEO of UTI Asset Management, senior partner at McKinsey & Co and Managing Director at Warburg Pincus.