How Literature Shaped Me ?

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King

Literature has profoundly shaped my journey, serving as a compass guiding me through the complexities of life. 

From my early days as a hesitant reader to my current status as a literature enthusiast, my relationship with books has evolved into something deeply personal and transformative.

Growing up, I often felt isolated in my desire to explore literature beyond what was required in school. Access to a wider range of books was limited until I arrived at college and discovered the library that had long been a distant dream.

I have read the original Bhagavad Gita book, including all the shlokas, gradually at a pace of 10 pages per day. This reading has provided me with great life-guiding wisdom.

However, my journey was not without challenges. I was pursuing PTC, so I couldn't attend college as a regular student. Therefore, I completed my B.A. through the External Department of Bhavnagar University. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic during my final year, I ended up with a very low score. But I got admission in a Master’s program, so determined to resurrect my passion for learning.

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, 

“You discover that your longings are universal longings.” 

This resonates deeply with my experiences. As I committed to read a diverse array of texts, I began to recognize that my struggles—my thirst for knowledge, my feelings of inadequacy—were shared. With the guidance of a lecturer, I embraced online reading platforms, allowing me to access literature from various genres and cultural backgrounds. This dramatic shift in how I engaged with literature transformed my understanding of its importance and breadth.

Literature is not merely confined to the pages of a book; it encompasses a wide range of forms—cinema, poetry, social media, and music lyrics—that all contribute to our understanding of human experience. With each new piece of literature I encountered, my world expanded; I learned to view life through different lenses, forging connections to themes of love, loss, identity, and resilience.

“Literature can be an escape and an explosion of imagination, a mirror to the world and a window to the soul.” — Unknown.

This quote reflects my evolving relationship with literature. It has become both an escape from reality and a powerful tool for self-discovery. As I explored the characters and narratives within each text, I discovered more about myself—my dreams, fears, and desires.

Armed with newfound confidence, I began to express my thoughts more openly and articulate my ideas more clearly in English, a skill I honed significantly during my M.A. program. This academic pursuit was not just about studying texts; it was about diving deep into the human experience, connecting with global narratives, and understanding the complexities of different cultures and philosophies.

A Poem:                                                                                                            The Pages of Change

In quiet corners where shadows blend,  

I found the courage to begin again.  

A battered book, a whispered thought,  

In pages worn, my soul was caught.

Once lost in silence, now I speak,  

The words of others, the truths I seek.  

They took my hand, illuminated the dark,  

Led me to horizons beyond my mark.

Each story told, a lesson learned,  

In every chapter, a fire burned.  

From whispered dreams to shouts of pride,  

In literature's depths, I took my stride.

A master's cloak draped on my shoulders wide,  

Transformed I walked, with hope as my guide.  

The echoes of struggles, the symphony of pain,  

Every page turned, a chance to regain.

Now I stand, ready to explore,  

For literature opened a world with no door.  

A life reinvented, dreams set free,  

In the tapestry of words, I found me.

Completing my M.A. in English has truly changed my life. I've emerged with a deeper appreciation for literature and the narratives that connect us all. This journey has given me the tools to articulate my thoughts, explore new ideas, and understand the significance of empathy in our interactions. I am now equipped to navigate life's complexities with a greater sense of purpose, ready to contribute to the world in meaningful ways.