Dear lovely young friends,

Recently, during a chit-chat with 3-4 people I often meet, the name of a popular TV show came up and I casually mentioned that I don't watch it. They were astounded. They asked me why I don't watch it and found it hard to believe that I don't watch the show. I politely explained that I had watched one or two episodes but didn't find it as engaging as per the hype around the show, so I never watched it again. They found it hard to believe that I failed to like the show. They also reacted in a way that made it seem as if I have committed a crime by not watching the show. One person even went on to say that I should be thrown off the building because I don't watch that popular show!

I was almost in tears. I was hurt beyond measure. Is a person's worth determined by the shows he/she watches, the clothes he/she wears, the car he/she drives, the food he/she eats? Of course, not! But those people made it seem that way. And I'm not talking about kids here. The people I mentioned above are well-educated adults. This got me thinking. If children like you see adults around you passing judgement on other adults just because they haven't watched a particular show, what would you learn? You might also start judging people based on the shows they watch or the books they read/don't read. But I don't want you to do that.

So, I'm writing to you all today to tell you that it's okay if someone hasn't tried a popular dish, it's okay if someone hasn't watched a classic movie/show, it's okay if someone hasn't visited a particular place, it's okay if someone hasn't read a bestselling book, or even if someone hasn't watched a game. The world isn't going to end because someone hasn't watched or read something. You need to accept people the way they are and avoid passing judgement on others just because they haven't watched something everyone else has watched. There's no compulsion as these things depend on individual choice. And we don't have the right to belittle anyone based on their choice of not wanting to watch something.

Recently, the World Cup was played between India and Australia and unfortunately India lost the game. The whole country was sad about the defeat. Amidst that gloom, I saw many people belittling those who don't watch cricket. I personally do not watch cricket (because I'm not inclined to sports) but I always feel happy when India wins and I always feel sad when India loses. I have respect for the players, the game and above all, my country. Just because I do not watch cricket, it doesn't mean I disrespect them. It's about choice and interest. Some of you may enjoy watching the game while some of you might not. So those of you who watch the game do not have the right to pass judgement on the ones who do not watch it. It's very important to understand the concept of choice and free will at your age. Because when you grow up, you'll tend to be more tolerant towards others if you learn to respect others' choices from now on and you won't pass judgement on others.

Here are some tips on how to avoid passing judgement on others and how to be empathetic to everyone:

Accept

Learn to accept that people are not perfect, including you. If you keep this in mind and remember that even you are not perfect, you could probably be less judgemental.

Embrace

Embrace the fact that every person thinks differently. Every individual is unique and comes from a different background. So it makes sense to be tolerant and accept them for who they are instead of judging.

Be kind to yourself

It is important to not judge yourself too. If you're kind to yourself, you'll automatically be kind to others as well.

Be kind to others

Practising kindness in your day-to-day interactions with others and making this a habit could bring in a lot of positivity in life.

Ditch the comfort zone

Step outside your comfort zone by being around people who are different from you. This will make you more accepting.

Avoid comparisons

Stop saying statements like "If I were in his/her place, I would never..." Stop making such comparisons because every individual has his/her own trials and tribulations.

Ditch the "I'm the best" attitude

Avoid using yourself as an example for how others should behave. Remember that you're not always right.

So, children, the next time someone says he/she hasn't watched a show, or hasn't read a book, or hasn't played a game, I hope you don't make him/her feel like a criminal. Instead, accept it with a smile and politely express that he/she would love watching, or reading, or playing it. And leave the rest to that person. There's no need to judge him/her or to impose your choice on him/her.

Be kind!