Special

from J. Maurus,
with love

J. MAURUS is one of the founding fathers of THE TEENAGER along with the late Aloysius G. Rego. An internationally renowned author, he has more than 100 books to his credit. Though born in Italy, he worked in India for more than 35 years as writer, editor and publisher.

Dear Teenagers,

I love you. I love youth. I cherish your youthfulness, your vitality, your energy and enthusiasm. These want life and transmit life. You are the beloved of the family, the hope and the treasure of the country.

Believe in your Motherland where you enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, where you are free to choose your government, to speak your mind.

India is great not by its fruitful acres and factories, but by the youthful men and women who work in them and are faithful to laws. You may complain about how the country is run, but don't forget that it is your responsibility to run it.

Celebrate with joy the 47th birthday of THE TEENAGER by reading it, by writing and communicating your ideals through it, by making it known. It is your magazine that guides your formation and your growth in age and maturity.

Your permanent vocation is to grow. One grows by motivating one's life with realistic goals; changing with the changes of the society; growing within relations of trust and friendship; living wisely your own story; accepting your limits; sharing your talents with and service for others; integrating your behaviour in patience and wisdom; dancing your life and by listening to the music of your heart, even if you have to walk on burning coal.

Love your unique magazine. It inspires you to keep yourself young in spirit. Your attitude is everything. Aging biologically is inevitable; to stay young psychologically is possible.

The science of aging carries on research on what can be done to stay young and offers some practical points on the matter.

Surround yourself with what you love and keeps you cheerful, whether it is your family, your friends, pets, music, hobbies.

Search for the path to a life that is worthwhile. Be attracted to truth, justice, freedom, peace, beauty and goodness.

Keep learning. Never let your brain idle. If you don't use it, you lose it.

Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it, if it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what can be improved, get help.

Long Live THE TEENAGERS!