When I was growing up in India, I was taught that if you are gifted with special talents, you don't own them. Those talents aren't yours, because they come to you straight from God. I was further advised to use those God-gifted talents for advancing society, by helping people who're in dire need. It's one of the most powerful teachings that I've inherited from my childhood in India. It constantly reminds me that Life is a give-and-take process; and that the more you give back to society, the more you'll receive from God. This interesting philosophy of life instills humility, and keeps my feet firmly on the ground; no matter which country or continent I live in. And I am thankful to my parents, who guided me with such invaluable lessons of life.
Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate