How Literature Shaped me?

Call me Trushali, a literature student.

"When one loves Literature, No Service seems too Hard"

I haven't been a prolific reader. People often mention the books they read during their childhood, but in my case, it's different. I was born and brought up in a poor, middle-class family where there were no parents or grandparents to provide me with books, except for religious ones. My parents received education only up to the 7th standard, so it was obvious that I couldn't find an abundance of books at home. Despite having some religious and general knowledge books, including the history of Bhavnagar, Girnar, and a map of my village, my access to diverse reading material was limited.

My primary education took place in the Gujarati medium at the village primary school. There, I encountered storybooks like Panchatantra, Sinhasan Battisi, Hitopadesha, Tenali Rama, and others, with captivating illustrations. While I did read these storybooks, I must confess that they didn't spark my greatest interest. However, I did explore the school library, delving into most of the available books.

Moving on to higher secondary school near my village for grades 9 to 12, I did come across some books, although not in abundance. Unfortunately, much of my time in 9th grade was spent adjusting to the new environment and the pressures of 10th grade. A similar scenario unfolded in grades 11 and 12. I do recall that I borrowed five to seven books from the library, although their titles elude me, except for one on geography. The primary reason wasn't solely that I was an exam-oriented person who neglected other books, but rather, it stemmed from a shortage of books and a lack of awareness about the importance of reading.

Then, a sudden change occurred in my life when I entered college, specifically Samaldas Arts College, specializing in English language. The college boasted a vast library for reading. Initially, I couldn't read as much as I wanted because I aimed to improve my English language skills. However, I diligently covered the books that were part of the syllabus.

During my bachelor's degree, I gradually delved into novels, short stories, poems, and essays, both those prescribed in my syllabus and some beyond it. Though I couldn't dedicate much time to extracurricular reading due to the challenge of managing texts from my syllabus and additional materials, my journey of embracing literature truly began during my bachelor's studies.

At this juncture in my life, I gained insight into the way I used to think and recognized the flaws in my perceptions. Specifically, I'm referring to my perspectives on life, interactions with others, gender roles, and, most importantly, feminist studies.

I've been a witness to domestic violence in my home and village. I've observed severe gender-based violations that have unjustly deprived girls and women of their rights. A poignant example is my uncle's daughter, a brilliant student and painter, who, due to restrictions imposed by a joint family, couldn't progress further in her career. These aspects have bothered me since I first began to understand the world around me.

However, speaking up about such issues in the environment and amidst the people around you is often challenging. In my family, it was initially intended to provide education for my sister and me up to the 10th grade. Yet, circumstances and our diligence allowed us to extend our education beyond that. My intention here is not to portray myself as someone exceptional or to make excuses for what I might not have achieved. Instead, my point is that unless you're aware that something is wrong, how can you differentiate it? As Manoj Kumar Sharma says in the movie "12th Fail," if you don't know that cheating in exams is wrong, you may engage in it passionately. Awareness is crucial for fostering change and challenging ingrained norms.

In the early years of my bachelor's at Samladas Arts College, I chose English as my main subject. The study of literature afforded me a global perspective, nurturing a fervent feminist spirit within me. This flame, however, struggled to find expression, silenced by external forces. Unbeknownst to many, such suppression is a global phenomenon, and navigating it requires a nuanced approach.

During my formative years, grappling with the intricacies of life, I encountered various literary works that echoed similar feminist ideals. My academic journey was further enriched by the guidance of Dr. M. B. Gaijan, a professor at the college renowned for his critical works on such themes.

At his suggestion, I delved into research articles that played a pivotal role in shaping my perceptions. This exploration kindled my interest in literary works such as Kiran Desai's "The Inheritance of Loss," Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One’s Own," and Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex".

Reflecting on my evolving beliefs and perceptions, I acknowledge an initial embrace of feminism at its extreme. However, a gradual evolution unfolded as I endeavored to comprehend this concept holistically.

Embarking on my master's studies in English literature marked a significant continuation of this transformative journey. It not only deepened my academic pursuits but also introduced novel perspectives that further enriched my understanding.

Literature, as a discipline, has not only shaped my intellectual landscape but has also permeated into the core of my personal life, instigating positive changes. The impact of studying literature extended beyond the academic realm, influencing my interactions at home. This, I believe, is a commendable outcome of my journey.

Through the lens of literature, I not only developed my own comprehension but also shared this understanding with my mother. Witnessing the evolution in her perspectives on the lives of women, including her own, has been a rewarding aspect of this journey. Initially, she advocated for traditional gender roles, urging my sister and me to prioritize homemaking over professional pursuits, leading to frequent disagreements.

However, armed with insights gained from the literature, I found effective ways to articulate my stance. Over time, my mother underwent a remarkable transformation. She now encourages us not to abandon our jobs or any other pursuits after marriage, recognizing the importance of independence. While certain lingering beliefs persist, I am confident that, with time and continued dialogue, they too will dissipate.

From my perspective, facilitating this shift in my mother's outlook stands as the greatest achievement of my life. It underscores the profound impact literature can have on personal and societal transformations, fostering a more inclusive and enlightened perspective.

Another advantage of studying literature lies in its ability to illuminate the peril of embracing a singular narrative, as articulated by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in one of her discussions. She emphasizes that we each possess our unique stories. People often tend to adopt a singular perspective, yielding a collective way of thinking. However, the study of literature has endowed me with the capacity to consistently engage in critical thinking by considering multiple viewpoints.

Previously, it was common to uphold one's own beliefs as absolute truths, dismissing alternative perspectives as entirely erroneous. Yet, through the exploration of literature, I have developed the habit of analyzing situations from various angles. For instance, if I perceive someone as being in the wrong, I endeavor to empathize by placing myself in their position and contemplating the choices I might make. This process has enabled me to adopt a more comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives.

In my personal development, I have observed a transformative shift. Formerly inclined to assert the correctness of my viewpoint, I now advocate for considering alternative perspectives. When confronted with the assertion that someone is unequivocally wrong, I am inclined to respond, "Put yourself in their shoes and contemplate the choices you would make." This shift in perspective, fostered by the study of literature, stands as a significant benefit in my journey of personal growth.