Pankaj in the USA
   
  O, Nephew striving in the land of gold
Shaping your future in a glorious mould
Happy are we when we think, we are told
That a glorious future is out there, to be sold
   
  Frustrations and tangled pressures and more
Are faced in the transition, don't feel sore
Looking up to the future, books left read, galore
Striving to start, it is an old story from yore
   
  Brave face and smiling, you will succeed
Convinces us, but from anxiety, we are not freed
Pangs of fear form, are dismissed, won't take seed
We know you will make it, yes indeed
   
  The ship is launched into the ocean, life's sea
Calm waters are dangerous, no wind to break free
Tempests come and have to be faced by thee
Strong winds buffet you, stand firm strong tree
   
  One day in this voyage you shall be seen
As the man who stood it, and now serene
Success will come and last the problem in between
And you shall glow with a healthy sheen
   
  Blessings are that all mine you carry
Life is to be lived you cannot any where tarry
And act you must, that is life's story
Lifting stone by stone on this life's work quarry
 
 
-- Ashok Thussu
New Delhi, 2001