Things I am Grateful For...

By Rathin Bhattacharjee

PROMPT—I am grateful for ...

I have always been a confused, narrow-minded fellow. Most often I failed to see the good in others. I considered myself to be the best and thought very lovely of the others.

It took me a long time to realize that there are so many things to be grateful for in life. Firstly, God made me whole. You know what I mean? I wasn't born with any deformity or anything like that. I didn't have six fingers or a wartsy face or anything like that.

Secondly, I was the youngest member of my late Baba's family and as such I was pampered and fussed over a lot. Being the youngest, I was spared from all heavy responsibilities while there was my Ma at home to protect me from the evil eye. I was born in a family known for its Culture and Learning. Most of my siblings were educated. That very fact implanted in me a desire to excel academically as well. It is another matter that I couldn't establish myself as a bright student. I simply didn't have the results. But I was serious and realized the importance of education from early on.

Despite my poor results, I landed up with a teaching job in the neighboring country of Bhutan. I spent nearly three decades of my life in The Happiness Country. If today, I try not to step on an ant or fly, all credit should be given to Bhutan. I picked up some of the Best Values of My Life during my stay in Bhutan. This is one of the most important reasons why I am so grateful to The Almighty.

I had no issues with my managers, colleagues, or students during my long stay in majestic Bhutan. I think this is another reason for me to be grateful. What if some locals didn't like me? One of my students thought I was partial or even a bit lenient to the girls?

Thank God, nothing like that ever happened. I was awarded His Majesty's Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in teaching in the last month of my last year as a Teacher in The Blessed Country and I am going to be eternally grateful to The Almighty for this great honor.

I have lived a fulfilled life, achieved more than I possibly deserved, and loved my family, friends and all. I think I can't be more thankful for all of these blessings bestowed on me.

---

Rathin Bhattacharjee, former English Teacher, BCSC & Principal, SXPS, Joypur, and HM’s Gold Medal winner for Achievement in Lifetime Teaching, is a prolific writer. He has been published and anthologized extensively with 5 books to his credit. Nominee of the Legacy of Literature Award, ‘25, he spends his time blogging, editing, translating, and critiquing. Rathin writes from Kolkata, India.