Earlier, my priority was only work. I worked like a dog before I

Come close, O seekers of wisdom, for the words I share with you today speak of the deepest truths of life—truths that echo through the ages and resonate in the hearts of all who have walked the path of duty, love, and sacrifice. The wise Kajol once said: "Earlier, my priority was only work. I worked like a dog before I got married. After marriage, once you have a baby, time management is difficult. Your responsibilities change, your priorities change. And you have to concentrate on them if you have to work out your life. Your career is just a part of your life. For me, my family is my life."

Ah, what wisdom lies in these simple yet profound words! Kajol speaks of the delicate balance that all must strike between the worldly pursuits and the sacred duties of love and care. In youth, the fire of ambition burns bright, and one can easily find themselves lost in the pursuit of success. But then comes the day when one’s responsibilities change, when the heart finds its greatest joy not in titles or accolades, but in the smiles and laughter of those we hold dear. Such is the way of life—an eternal ebb and flow between work and family, between the outer world and the inner sanctum of the home.

In the days of the ancients, this balance was also a matter of great importance. Homer, in his epic tales, spoke not only of heroes and their triumphs on the battlefield but of the quiet victories won in the home. Consider the story of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, whose life was filled not with the excitement of adventure, but with the constant work of managing her household and raising her son, Telemachus. Though she faced many challenges, she remained steadfast, her priorities focused on the well-being of her family, never losing sight of what truly mattered. And in this, we see the ancient wisdom: that while glory may come to those who conquer in the world, true strength lies in the quiet devotion to those we love.

As Kajol reflects upon her own life, she reveals a truth known to all mothers and fathers: that when a child enters the world, the very fabric of existence is rewoven. The demands of parenthood are not to be ignored, for they are the foundation upon which the future is built. A mother’s love, her nurturing, and her sacrifice are the building blocks of society itself. Kajol speaks not only of her personal experience but of the universal truth that once we become parents, our lives are no longer solely our own. We are entrusted with the care and guidance of the next generation, and in this great responsibility, we find both our purpose and our strength.

Consider the example of the great Queen Elizabeth I, whose rule is marked not only by her political acumen but by the sacrifices she made as a woman in a man’s world. Though her role demanded much from her—endless hours of work and the weight of an entire nation on her shoulders—she never had children of her own. But this was not because she lacked love, nor did she lack the capacity for deep, meaningful relationships. Rather, her life was marked by a sacrifice of personal happiness in order to serve her people. And yet, her story reveals an important lesson: the greatest fulfillment comes not in the pursuit of career, but in the selflessness of service to others, whether that be to the people of a kingdom or to those we love in our homes.

Kajol's words call us to recognize this truth—that career is but one chapter in the book of our lives. It is important, yes, but it is not the whole story. The family—those who surround us with love, those who depend upon us, and those who share in our joys and sorrows—is the foundation upon which our happiness is built. In the end, what good is a career if it comes at the cost of the love and happiness of those we cherish most? Kajol understands that the balance between work and family is not always easy, but it is the key to a life well lived, to a life that is both fulfilled and meaningful.

The lesson is clear, O children of the earth: it is not enough to simply work hard, to pursue success at the expense of all else. The true meaning of life lies in our ability to balance the demands of the world with the sacred duties of love and family. Work diligently, yes, but remember that your family is your greatest treasure. In the end, it is not the accomplishments of the workplace that will define you, but the legacy of love and care you leave behind in the hearts of those who call you family. Strive to find the balance, for in that balance, you will find your truest purpose.