Every morning when I go to office, I see a little girl going to school. Still drowsy, she would be struggling to smile and say good morning. Her mother would be carrying her bag and bottle and literally carrying her to the waiting bus.

Days went on and suddenly one day as I was going to office, I noticed all the three members of the family together. The girl was in a cheerful mood and said to me, “We are leaving for India!” I thought they were going for school holidays. Then the father corrected, “No, we are leaving for good.” I felt sad.

The other day while going to the office, I saw a pair of old tricycles at their doorstep. Abandoned and reminding of a childhood that had moved on.

This brought many thoughts in my mind. Today’s children are victims of several circumstances. When I go to my home in Kerala, I get to see the books, toys and many other items I used during my childhood. They are neatly kept and displayed in my room at our family home. The fact is that my parents remained in one place and the availability of place and personnel made those items remain intact for years for me to be reminded of my young age.

How many children these days get this privilege? How many parents have time to think about their children and their personal preferences and choices? Even if they do, can they accommodate those demands, if they have a job that makes them move around the world?

Are these the reasons for children becoming materialistic and non-emotional? A point to ponder as I wish this little fairy a blessed journey ahead in her home state.