Steve: Without further ado, my esteemed guest today is someone I have known for many years. We are rekindling our connection; he has been a profound influence and guide in my life. Allow me to introduce the remarkable individual who holds the position of Director of Instruction at the Tarun Sardesai Gulf Academy. This academy is India's sole, fully residential Gulf Academy. However, it is essential to emphasise that his significance transcends his professional title. He embodies the qualities of a nurturing and supportive father figure, providing invaluable practical advice, assistance, and guidance to those who seek it. As we all know, a father's role extends beyond provision and protection. It encompasses tending to a child's social and emotional needs. I am pleased to welcome this exceptional individual today whose wisdom and guidance have influenced countless lives.
Tarun, a father of two adorable sons aged six and three, embraces a diverse parenting approach. While he sees himself as a strict parent, he firmly believes in establishing a solid groundwork for his children early on. Surprisingly, both kids adapt to their father's parenting style, and Tarun hopes this will foster a deep friendship bond between them as they grow older.
Tarun: I had a father who allowed me to pursue my passion for golf, even in a time when societal expectations pushed people towards careers like engineering, medicine, or law. He allowed me to follow my path as long as I approached it with passion and discipline, always striving to do my best. After completing my education, I decided to study abroad and try my luck in professional golf. Eventually, I returned home and turned professional at a young age, competing on the national circuit for a few years. As a natural progression, I transitioned into coaching and spent many years coaching in Bangalore. However, I realised I wanted to do something more meaningful with my life. Growing up in a boarding school environment, I deeply valued the importance of discipline, which shaped me. This realisation inspired me to establish a residential golf academy that prioritises discipline and excellence as its foundation.
One notable aspect of sports in my coaching philosophy is its unique ability to impart lessons on failure. Unlike many other environments, such as schools or elsewhere, where the emphasis is often solely on success, sports offer a valuable opportunity to learn how to navigate and rebound from failure. As a coach, particularly with my students at the academy, I prioritise instilling in them the vital skill of embracing failure. I encourage them to persevere through repeated setbacks, knowing that each failure is a stepping-stone towards growth. These experiences provide invaluable life lessons often overlooked or neglected in traditional education or other spheres.
In today's modern era, maintaining discipline can be quite challenging. However, within the academy, the children are fortunate to be surrounded by disciplined peers. These individuals wake up early, engage in five hours of daily practice, and spend two hours in the gym. This environment serves as one significant factor in fostering discipline. Another crucial aspect is that children learn by observation, often imitating their parents' behaviour. As I personally rise at 5:30 every morning, depart for work around 6:20, and join my players in the gym daily, I provide a tangible example for my children to emulate. Additionally, I participate in cycling four times a week, covering distances of 30 to 40 kilometres. I aim to teach my kids the importance of adhering to routines by maintaining a disciplined lifestyle. Furthermore, as a coach, I recognise the significance of my physical fitness, as I serve as a role model for the young individuals under my guidance.
One of the significant challenges in today's society is the influence of technology and the availability of information. In my academy, we have implemented a rule that requires students to surrender their cell phones upon enrollment until they complete 12th grade. This policy aims to promote better focus and concentration among the students. As a result, we have observed improvements in their sleep patterns, attention spans, and overall academic performance. Although the students may not directly attribute these changes to their phones’ absence, it is a contributing factor.
However, technology also presents a unique challenge as it exposes children to vast knowledge and content at an early age. They have access to platforms like YouTube, where they can acquire advanced language skills and encounter words that may not suit their age. While it is essential for their development to learn and understand various concepts, it can be challenging to guide them appropriately in navigating this digital landscape.
Moreover, it is crucial to emphasise the need to reduce dependence on technology and strike a balance. Nowadays, children find it difficult to imagine a life without cell phones, which is unfortunate. It is important to note that we can't solely blame the parents for this situation since they have their responsibilities and cannot constantly monitor their children's activities throughout the day.
I also appreciate the sense of authority that comes from having someone you fear in your life. I definitely felt afraid of my father during my upbringing, although not as much of my mother. Having an authoritative figure like that instils respect and prevents others from taking advantage of you.
If I were to offer advice to fathers, I suggest getting involved right from the beginning. That's what I did in all aspects of my children's lives. For many parents, I recommend immersing yourself in your child's life early on. By doing so, you allow your child to become familiar with you, and you get to know them as well. Even when a child is only one year old and lacks verbal communication skills, you can establish a connection by holding them and caring for their needs. This form of communication helps them become more comfortable with you and fosters a stronger bond.
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