In the domain of literature, the practice of genuine appreciation for an author’s merit is vital for promoting his creativity and intellectual growth. However, with the advent of social media and the rise of self-promotion, the age-old virtue of humility has been overshadowed by a dangerous trend of excessive self-praise.
Today, social networking has become an integral part of modern life. In this digital age, individuals seek validation and recognition from their counterparts, which often leads to a tendency for self-praise. Ambitious writers, eager to gain popularity, share their literary creations on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, seeking praise from their friends who might be as eager for the same in return. Unfortunately, this trend has detrimental effects on literature and the pursuit of genuine appreciation. The tendency “I call you Premchand, you call me Ghalib” is a growing the literary world these days.
Self-praise not only hampers the development of critical thinking and constructive feedback but also undermines the authenticity of the writer’s work. When writers engage in self-glorification, they compromise the very essence of literature, which otherwise, thrives on honesty and uprightness. For some wishful writers, self-praise has become an indispensable tonic for their well-being. Their constant yearning for validation of their writings takes precedence over the love of writing itself. This unhealthy obsession leads to a cycle of anxiety and dependency, where one’s self-worth is tied solely to the approval of others. Instead of finding solace in their literary expressions, they fall prey to sleepless nights and anxieties that are exacerbated by the fear of not receiving enough ‘likes’ and comments.
True greatness lies not in self-praise or borrowed-praise but in the ability to acknowledge one’s limitations and embrace humility. Ambitious writers should remember that praise, when genuinely earned, holds far more value than hollow flattery. Impartial criticism and honest feedback are essential for growth as a writer and as an individual. As writers, we must learn to distinguish between genuine appreciation and insincere flattery. Let us embrace humility, seek genuine praise through hard work and merit, and allow literature to flourish as an authentic expression of the human experience. Only then can we reclaim the essence of literature and preserve its timeless significance in the world.
A little over a decade ago, I and my wife returned from a heartwarming visit to Mumbai, where we spent two blissful weeks with our daughter. Little did we know that an extraordinary encounter awaited us at the Alwar railway station, an encounter that would leave an indelible mark on our hearts!
As we alighted from the train, laden with two heavy suitcases and a bag in our hands, a figure of wisdom and grace emerged from nowhere. Without a moment’s hesitation, the man reached out to us and took both suitcases from our weary hands. Astonished, I had not even managed to utter a word before that benevolent man spoke, “Are you Mr. Raina?” There was a familiarity in his voice, though I could not place it.
The stranger continued to carry the weighty suitcases with ease, treading all the way towards the exit-gate. Puzzled, Mrs. Raina and myself exchanged glances, wondering who this mysterious individual could be. Before I could inquire, the stranger politely responded, “You may not remember, but I remember you well, sir. I was your student a long time ago. I later became a lecturer and recently retired as a principal. I was at the station to bid farewell to someone on the same train you arrived in.”
Overwhelmed with emotion and curiosity, we boarded an auto-rickshaw arranged by this man so fondly for us.
As the auto-rickshaw navigated the busy streets of Alwar, I pondered over the significance of this unexpected chance-meeting. The stranger’s act of kindness served as a poignant reminder that education goes beyond textbooks and exams. True education, as exemplified by this former student transcends the boundaries of time and continues to shape lives even years after the last lesson was been taught.
It is easy to get disheartened in a world where selfishness and negativity seem to proliferate. However, this encounter offered a beacon of hope, dispelling the notion that there are more “bad” people than “good” in society. The adage, “If you are good, the world is good,” resounded in my thoughts, reaffirming my belief that acts of kindness have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit.
The stranger’s gesture not only lightened the physical load of the suitcases but also lifted the weight of skepticism from my heart. This chance-meeting reminded me that compassion and goodness still persist in our society.
In the years that followed, the memory of this unforgettable meeting remained imprinted on my mind. I came to the conclusion that the true meaning and message of education could be found out in individuals who, like that venerable figure at the Alwar railway station, make the world a better place with an act of their kindness and gentleness and thus make the society proud by their selfless actions.
Author is Former Fellow, IIAS, Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla. He can be mailed at skraina123@gmail.com
