Everything in life ,becomes a memory ,over time. Our childhood is memory today and so is our youth and for many of us ,our adulthood and work life. It is a fact that ,everything in life ,has a shelf life. Just like every product has a life and the expiry date is generally printed on the product packing itself, so are our life spans.

What is alive and real in front of us today, becomes a memory sooner than later. We cannot stop this aspect of life. However, what is in our hands ,is what we do ,so that our memories are cherished by us and others ,in our lives.

If we were a good student and did well in academics, sports or cultural activities, we may be remembered for our accomplishments ,in whatever field we excelled. If we were a well behaved child and disciplined, people will remember us as a role model ,for other kids.

On the other hand, if we were known for our antics and misconducts, we may leave back a negative foot print , for future generations. So, it is a reality ,that our memories are not built on air. Our memories are frozen through our actions of today ,for future generations ,to recall and remember us.

If we do well and behave well, people remember us for our success and our kindness. If we squander our lives and ruin the lives of well wishers, not many would like to recall, what we did in our past. Our actions will always sketch our memories and not our imagination.

Let us realise today ,that what we do today ,is what people will remember as memory, in the future. We may have committed many mistakes in our lives, as all of us are human. But ,we have an opportunity every day in our lives ,to rewrite history or if I may say, create memories for the future.

We have heard of transformed dacoits, who turned a new leaf and led a life of virtues. We have heard of academically poor students, who have become successful in life ,through their hard work and focus, to achieve whatever they wanted ,in their lives. We have heard of successful sports persons, who have not even completed their schooling ,but have become world champions ,in their respective sports.

We need to decide ,what memories we want to leave for our children and future generations. What we do today ,is the mirror of our future for the next generation. We need not spend much time regretting any past actions, which we are not proud of. But, we have an opportunity at any stage of our life to create memories for the future ,through great deeds today.

Let not the past, colour our future. Let the past be learning -lights ,for the present and guiding compasses ,for the future. Our actions are in our hands and we cannot blame the environment or our family, friends or colleagues for them. If we succeed, we can take the credit and if we fail, the responsibility is squarely ours.

So, let the journey of creating memories for the future ,start today with our actions.

S Ramesh Shankar

31st May 2025