How Literature shaped me ?

Literature has never been just a subject for me—it has been a profound force, shaping my thoughts, identity, and perception of the world. My journey began in the 10th standard when, as a reserved student, I found comfort in books. Fictional characters reflected my emotions, and poetry became an outlet for unspoken feelings. At that time, literature was more of a refuge than a means of connection.

However, in my 11th and 12th standard, literature evolved into a bridge linking me to others. Novels, plays, and poetry ignited discussions, gradually drawing me out of solitude. Engaging with epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana exposed me to intricate moral and philosophical dilemmas, leading to stimulating debates. Over time, literature transformed me from an observer into someone eager to exchange ideas.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts refined my critical thinking. What once seemed like fixed narratives revealed layers of interpretation. Encountering postcolonialism, feminism, and existentialism helped me recognize literature’s role in shaping ideologies. It was no longer just about reading—it became an exercise in questioning, analyzing, and engaging with intellectual discourse.

My Master of Arts deepened this transformation. Concepts like deconstruction, semiotics, and poststructuralism unveiled the complexities of meaning, demonstrating that literature is full of contradictions and hidden power structures. My curiosity extended to film studies, media, and cultural theory, broadening my perspective on storytelling across different platforms. Literature was no longer merely a passion—it became an intellectual framework, shaping how I perceive and interpret the world.

Today, literature is inseparable from my identity. It has turned me from a quiet reader into an active thinker, from someone who sought escape in books to someone who engages, debates, and reflects on deeper ideas. It has shown me that narratives are limitless in meaning, and language is not just a medium of communication but a site of power and ideology. With every book, poem, and theory, I continue to evolve—constantly reshaping both my understanding of literature and my own sense of self.