In our ongoing journey through idioms and their profound life lessons, we step into another chapter of wisdom imparted by my father. This time, we explore a lesson that transcends professions and everyday encounters. It’s the art of holding our ground and exuding confidence, even when faced with individuals of authority and power. Through the anecdote of my father’s advocacy and my own experiences as an IT Engineer frequently visiting neighboring courtrooms, we uncover a gem of wisdom that teaches us to view authority as human, fostering unwavering self-assurance in our actions.

Beyond Titles and Robes

As I watched my father meticulously prepare for a court appearance, I marveled at the unwavering confidence he carried, even in the presence of seasoned judges and prominent legal figures. It was during one of these moments that he shared an invaluable lesson that would become a cornerstone of my approach to life.

We sat in his study, surrounded by legal tomes and documents, as he began to share his insight. “Confidence isn’t about belittling others or trying to overpower them,” he said, his voice carrying a blend of humility and determination. “It’s about realizing that authority figures are humans too, with their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences.”

He recounted how, early in his career, he had often felt a surge of unease in the presence of judges, their authoritative robes seemingly casting a shadow of superiority. But he found a way to level the playing field within his mind. He would remind himself that behind those robes was a person with their own stories, aspirations, and vulnerabilities. By recognizing the shared humanity, he could speak confidently without being weighed down by a sense of inferiority.

The Lesson in Action

As he narrated one particular incident, his eyes sparkled with a blend of nostalgia and pride. He had to present a complex case in front of a renowned judge, an experience that could be unnerving for any young advocate. However, he applied his own advice, visualizing the judge as an individual with a role to play, rather than an intimidating figure. This perspective shifted his focus from feeling small to emphasizing his role in the conversation.

His confidence radiated through his arguments, and the judge, known for his astute observations, listened attentively. By addressing the judge’s questions with respect and assertiveness, my father not only presented his case effectively but also earned the judge’s respect for his poise and confidence.

A Unique Perspective

Having worked as an IT Engineer with UP Police and frequently visiting neighboring courtrooms, I often found myself at the intersection of technology and law. The principles my father shared resonated deeply, especially as I interacted with individuals of authority while presenting technological solutions. By viewing them as fellow professionals rather than unreachable figures, I was able to confidently discuss technical matters without feeling overwhelmed.

Through my father’s stories and teachings, complemented by my own experiences, I learned that confidence is not a mere display of bravado, but a reflection of our inner beliefs. His lesson – to view authority figures as fellow humans rather than insurmountable obstacles – resonates in every sphere of life. We’re reminded that confidence doesn’t require us to diminish others, but to empower ourselves through empathy and understanding.

In the quiet corners of our memories, our fathers often hold the key to profound wisdom, teaching us life lessons that transcend generations. My father was no exception, a man who had a unique knack for imparting valuable insights using simple yet powerful idioms. Today, as I begin this series, I am transported back to a time when his words were like treasures to be unraveled, and the idiom “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना” became a guiding light in the face of adversity.

As a child, I often marveled at how my father seemed to have a saying for every situation. Little did I know that these sayings held nuggets of wisdom that would shape my perspective on life. One such idiom, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना,” became a recurring theme during moments of challenge and uncertainty.

It was the summer of transformation when my father decided to build a new house for our family. Excitement filled the air as the foundation was laid, and dreams took shape in bricks and mortar. However, as with any significant endeavor, hurdles soon emerged. Budget overruns, unforeseen construction complexities, and the ever-changing nature of life itself tested our determination.

One evening, as I watched my father poring over the plans, I asked him how he managed to remain so composed in the face of mounting challenges. His eyes twinkled, and a faint smile graced his lips as he responded, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना, बेटा।”

He shared a story from his own life. Back when he was a young man working the fields, he encountered an enormous boulder that needed to be moved. The task seemed insurmountable, but he remembered this very idiom. With sheer determination, he placed his head under the boulder’s edge – a symbolic gesture that signified embracing the challenge head-on. As he worked, sweat mingling with soil, he realized that once you’ve committed yourself to a task, the hurdles that follow are just a part of the journey. “मूसल” (the pestle) – representing the challenges – was no longer a cause for fear, but a companion to be managed.

Fast forward to the construction of our new home, my father’s pragmatic approach shone through. He tackled every obstacle with the same spirit. The budget surpassed its limits? “ओखल में सर दिया,” he’d say, “now we face the ‘मूसल’ of financial adjustments.”

And so, as the walls grew taller, so did our understanding of his teachings. His embodiment of this idiom became a beacon of resilience and wisdom, a reminder that life’s challenges were merely opportunities to prove our mettle.

In his honor, I carry forward the legacy of this idiom. With each hurdle life presents, I recall his reassuring words, “ओखल में सर दिया तो मूसल से क्या डरना,” and face challenges with a newfound strength.

As I begin this series, I am humbled by the power of idioms and the indelible impact they can have on our lives. My father’s teachings, wrapped in these simple yet profound phrases, continue to guide me on my journey. Through this blog, I hope to unravel more of his wisdom, one idiom at a time, and share the treasure trove of life lessons he left behind.