Me and my bibliophilia

I consider the habit of reading as the cheapest therapy available. Its one of the best investments that we can do in ourselves. Other than exercise may be reading is probably the only activity that gives ROI in multiples. It not only enables you with a perspective but is also the best escape possible from the mundanity of life. And the best part is, it gives you a definite edge over your peers when it comes to putting your point across in the quickest possible way. Reading has direct correlation with the art of writing. Anybody who reads voraciously does indeed write well. We write around 150-200 emails on an average each single day, just imagine the power you would wield if you had your way with words. And honestly speaking, it’s a habit that anybody can pick up or build on over a period if you are not blessed with it.

Personally speaking, I am not really sure, if this skill was something I was born with or I developed over time. But I did enjoy reading as a kid. The first book that I ever read for pleasure was “Swami & Friends” by R.K Narayan in class 6^th. My Big brother used to love reading and he was a member of Max Mueller Bhawan when we were in Rourkela. He introduced me to the world of books. He got me this delightful book and that’s how I learned that there is a big, beautiful world out there at my fingertips and I can travel the world far and wide just by getting a book in my hands. In school we used to have a class period once a week called “Library”, and I remember very vividly finishing every book that I used to take. “Little women” was the second one that I read and loved every bit of it. Till then also, I don’t remember being aware of the fact that I was any good when it came to anything literary. I was pleasantly surprised to score the highest marks in English in Class 10^th. A 90 at that. May be that was the time I got an inkling for the first time. In +2 [College], first year I participated in an English Essay competition. They gave us a topic on the spot and our entries were sent to the Higher Secondary Board in Bhubaneswar. All the entries received from colleges in the state were evaluated and winners were to be decided. After 6 months or so, I received a letter that I won the first prize in the state level English Essay competition and the top 3 winners were to be felicitated in the Board office in Bhubaneswar. It was such a proud moment for my parents. And then I received the 1^st prize again in second year as well. Double whammy! One time can be a fluke, but second time as well?! Ok, may be, I was actually good?

And then life happened, I joined the workforce. But the love for reading and writing continues.