Did my childhood loving India break into pieces after enrolling myself in graduation taking English Literature as honours subject?
Though as a boy of 21’st century, I had enjoyed childhood life like a 1900’s boy. We used to play till the evening and even bunk school or tuition. I love playing cricket. In my childhood, I aspired and dreamt of representing India. I used to copy the styles of batsmen after watching them hitting the ball and sending it over the boundary.
I even spent a number of nights, sitting in front of television, holding the national flag, waving it whenever any batsman sending the ball outside the boundary, at my relative’s home.
But this life I thought so adorable and peaceful, was struck after being aware of the harsh reality. Bit by bit, I came to face with the realities and anxiety grew more inside me. During 1st or 2nd semester (can’t remember the exact duration), we as literature students came to learn about the assassination of then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi and its consequences. We learnt about the riots and massacre through a story titled “Ghost of Mrs. Gandhi” written by Amitabh Ghose.
After this, through similar topics, stories, novels, I became familiar with the realities. One such example was ‘Bhimayana,’ a graphic novel about the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, ‘Shadow Lines’, ‘ The Custody’ etc. These are the things which changed my mind and imagination. I became aware of the national politics.
There is no need to explain the pain and anxiety I feel as a person of a minority community, Muslim.
That’s how the English Literature and English Language gradually rectify my previous perspective.