Dear Daughter,

As I write to you, I think of my own childhood. Our elders watched us closely, especially girls, fearing that one wrong step could have lasting consequences. Yet, despite their concerns, they gave me the freedom to make my own choices. That freedom came with trust.I hope you experience the same. Freedom is not something others give you—it is something you earn through responsibility and integrity. Every family and society has expectations about education, career, marriage, and life. Sometimes you may have to choose between following your own path and pleasing others. I hope you find the wisdom and courage to make those choices with balance. One memory of your childhood stays with me. As we drove through Shiradi Ghat, you looked at the towering mountain, closed your eyes in fear, and fell asleep. By the time you woke up, we had already reached the top. Looking around in amazement, you exclaimed, “Where is the mountain? There is no mountain here!”

May you always embrace life with this perspective. Do not fix your gaze on the mountain before you begin the climb. Just take the first step forward. Once you reach the top, you will realise the mountain was never as daunting as it seemed. Let the joy of the climb be yours to cherish.