'‘Learn to learn from your mistakes because
then your mistakes seem worthwhile…
but at the same time, we must learn
from the mistakes of others because
we cannot possibly live long enough
to make them all ourselves…’’

This was one of the things my dad mentioned in his letters to me while I was new to hostel. He still writes to me whenever he finds time and now his letters have adopted the format of sharing and not merely advising. His letters are a constant source of guidance and comfort. They never instruct me to do things, rather they are full of words and phrases reflecting aspects of his life, his passion to teach, his concern for us and his enthusiasm for passing on any small detail he feels important. There is this certain delight to sending and receiving letters of your loved ones especially in today’s dynamic world where everyone is so busy with their work.

I still remember when I first came to Bangalore, I went to a stationary store next to my hostel and inquired about the nearest post office. The shopkeeper promptly said “we have a very good courier service, you don’t have to walk up to the post office”, when I said I wanted postage stamps he smiled and asked me” you still send letters? Don’t you know how to use the Internet?” I was amused. I thanked him politely and left. I pondered over his question that day and realized that the trend today has definitely changed-from writing letters to sending e-mails, sending greeting cards to electronic cards with good graphics and music… well technology sure has influenced age old practices!

There is a heightened sense of emotional attachment and love in a letter. Some things which cannot be said are often written in a letter. There was a time when my knowledge of letters was limited only to teenagers passing love notes to each other. As I grew up, I realized there is lot beyond mere love letters,, I realized each letter written by whoever it might be, carries an intention, an idea .a hope that the receiver understands what the sender tries to convey. This understanding between individuals is what I admire and is all the more sweetened by a letter. I like my dad’s letters because I understand that those written words of wisdom is something I can treasure for long.

I do not blame the growing urbanization of the society which has led people to rely more on e-mails and e-cards than letters(I love e-cards and e-mails).We should be glad that the value of keeping in touch with loved ones still remains intact though the form of communication has changed. What matters is that one takes that extra effort to stay in touch. Moreover it is a matter of personal choice as I said, because many might find writing letters and posting them a tiring thing to do; but for some like me, it’s an altogether different experience- writing and sending letters and waiting eagerly for a reply. I feel happy because I am proud to have parents who do not do different things, but it’s their way of doing things which makes a difference and makes you feel special!

P.S. I haven’t mentioned my mum’s letters because she’s fascinated with the various e-cards available and sends me one for every small occasion without fail :)
To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart. ~