Books! What a favourite topic for many of us and a fitting issue for the 110’th issue of ‘Lekhni’. No body can deny that Either we love them or loath them. I definitely fall into first group. Love to read (and write also). Enjoy it tremendously. Often have been asked why one writes. My honest answer is to satisfy and understand one self and all they love and care about deeply. Hope my readers do understand the feeling. Books are an elevated form of intimate sharing, a tremendous pathway of knowledge, easy way of knowing about others and different cultures and people : taking us to places even without leaving our armchair.
Can do no better than sum up my feelings by these two thoughtful poems. One written by Emily Dickson nearly five centuries ago, but still as relevant as me and you, another very recent, penned by your friend today only.
There is no Frigate like a Book (1286)
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul –
-Emily Dickinson
I am a book
Treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom
To satisfy curiosity and intelligence
History, Geography, Science, philosophy
No subject ever escaped my trusting eyes
Blue print of any civilization
Indexed and spellbound in a hard cover
Cared and revered by many
I am there since time immemorial
All your achievements and all your failures
I encompass all of them
Spelling out your thoughts into words
Weaving them into enchanting tales
To resound and echo the soul
I am your prophet, your guide and techer
Love me , look after me
Read me from cover to cover
– Shail Agrawal
Have a lovely read and come back if you enjoy it!
You are invited to send your articles , stories , poems etc. on the necessity or value of a mother tongue in any nation’s development and its ongoing culture. Last date for submission is August 20’th . Good luck and get writing.
