Letter to the daughter of the world's most powerful bank president

Mrs. Chanda Kochhar, one of the most influential women in India.

Mother is the first teacher and also the first example for her children to follow. Mother holds our little fingers and teaches us to walk firmly on our own two feet.

Chanda Kochhar, one of India’s most influential women, is the chairwoman of ICICI Bank, India, listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 100 most successful women in the world and has been honored many times for her contributions to the banking sector. But above all, to her family, she is a role model for her children to follow.

The letter that Chanda Kochhar sent to her daughter has attracted a lot of attention from readers all over the world. It is not just an ordinary letter, but contains deep insight into her daughter's success, experiences for her to learn as well as a mother's love for her child.

Here is her touching letter to her daughter Aarti (excerpted from Sudha Menon's book collection Inheritance: Letters from Famous Parents to Their Daughters).

“Dear Aarti,

Today, I am very proud that now, in front of me, you have become a confident woman facing the difficult thresholds of life. I look forward to seeing you grow up and become stronger in the future.

This moment reminded me of my own journey, and the life lessons I learned along the way. When I thought about that time, I realized that most of those lessons I actually learned when I was a child, mostly through the experiences of my grandparents.

My grandparents raised my three brothers equally, without any bias towards boys or girls. When it came to studying or planning for the future, there was no gender discrimination. My grandparents always reminded my three brothers to focus on making themselves happy and to do their best.

Life's challenges cannot defeat you if you believe in yourself.

“Your grandfather died of heart disease when I was just 13 years old. You know, my brothers and I were surrounded by challenges out there. But the incident came without warning, and all that protection disappeared overnight.

And my grandmother, the housewife of the family, had to shoulder the responsibility of raising 3 children. At that time, my mother realized how strong my grandmother was. Gradually, my grandmother got into the sewing business and later founded a small company.

Grandma certainly had a heavy load on her shoulders, but she never considered it a burden. She worked hard until her children went to college and became independent. Mom never knew how much strength and confidence there was in that brave person.”.

Balancing family life and work

“Even when you become parents, never let work affect your family life. Do you remember the time when you studied abroad in the US and received the news that I would be the CEO of ICICI Bank? I still remember when you wrote to me and said, 'I didn't realize how much pressure you had to endure to achieve success. At home, you are just our mother', you wrote. My dear, live the way you reminded me!”.

Relationships must always be cherished.

“Remember that relationships are very important in life and they must be nurtured and cherished. Also remember that relationships are a double-edged sword, others will treat you the way you treat them.”.

Be wise in choosing a life partner

“My career would not have been successful without your father. He never complained about my frequent business trips away from home.

Your father and I have known how to nurture our relationship despite our busy work schedules, and I believe that you will know how to 'cooperate with your future spouse'.

Your destiny is yours to decide.

“I believe in destiny but I also believe that hard work plays a big part in our lives. Deep down, we all write our own destiny. Your destiny is in your hands, dream about what you want to achieve and write it your own way.

As you step into life, I want you to climb to the top of glory step by step. Aim for the sky but go slowly, feel every step on the road to the top. A few small steps make a big journey.".

Chanda Kochhar is the Chief Financial Officer of ICICI, India’s largest private bank. She was ranked 5th in Fortune’s 2011 list of the world’s 50 most powerful businesswomen for guiding ICICI through the 2008 financial crisis. In May 2017, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the same year she was named one of the world’s 100 most powerful women, along with Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice.