I have always been intrigued by the eminent columnist like Vir Sanghvi, Shekhar Gupta, Bachi Karkaria, Jug Suraiya, Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar, et. al. the way they present an issue and the angles they expose, the ideas they project. The fluency of their language, their command over it is simply astounding. These people can simply pick any national issue under the sun and can speak extemporaneously in an eloquent manner. After reading the entire column written by them, you need to take a pause to digest what they say. It's never a general gossip on a petty issue. It is mostly controversial issues these people write on. Even if they were to write a column on food, like Vir Sanghvi's Rude Food in Hindustan Times, its so magnificently written!
It is my dream since childhood to write an article. Its seed was sown by my English teacher who always used to shout at me for my horrible English. Yes, for very horrible English. My 400 words essay would have atleast 25 spelling mistakes, 15 grammatical errors, and handwriting absolutely illegible. My teacher saw no hope in me, leave alone my English!! My English teacher was confident that would never score above 40 marks in English in my SSC (Std. 10th) exams. Well, I scored 56 against my teachers expectations.
Strangely, without any effort my English improved, as in my Std XII th exams, I scored 70. A whoooping 70 I could say! My Old English Teacher protested that it was due to lowering of the standard at higher levels. Yes, that's partially true as it gives comfort for the vernacular medium students. But never a word of appreciation from her. In my first year of degree on commerce, I joined "English Literary Association" an extra-curricular activity by my college. It promoted English Language and was a sandbox for honing literary skills. It gave enough room to make mistakes. It also served as a platform to display latent literary talents. I got a third prize in the story writing competition in my first year. In the second year, I was a contributing columnist for my college mag, named Pankh (The Wings) I received a second prize in poetry reading competition and the article in the college mag. In the third year, I was elected as the College Mag Editor. I could script a couple of editorials for the mag till the onus of Third year examination took toll on my health. I had to shun "Other Activities" and dedicate more time towards final year studies in 2003. It was after a long hiatus, I got an opportunity with an industrial magazine where I wrote a very small conference visit report. I am still in good term with the editor of that industrial magazine and take some time out every week to have a lengthy chat on any damn topic. He has been an inspiration to many things and habits in my life.
One habit that he has instilled in me is reading the articles of eminent columnists of Indian journalism. Just reading them gives two advantage right away. One, they give you a kaleidoscopic view on a run of the mill issue. and secondly, their rich language enhances your comprehension. In my case I fought all odds and have lived up to my dream, or at least dared to live up to my dream. If I can, anyone can.
Following are the link to the blogs of the famous columnists of India.
http://www.virsanghvi.com/ (You ought to know him..)
http://www.indianexpress.com/columnist/shekhargupta/ (Indian Express Editor-in-Chief)
http://livefist.blogspot.com/ (A Blog by Shiv Aroor - Indian Defence Columnist)
Kushwant Singh
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/erratica/ (Bachi Karkaria)
There are many more.. If you are one of those who always wished to have a good command over English, then you can do so in simple way. Just read columns by the journalists mentioned above. More you read, more the exposure to the current events and familliarity with the writers language. You may also come across some tough vocabulary hurdles, never mind. Just refer to an Engoish Dictionary. Just with in a couple of months of regular and patient practice, your communication will improve. In the worst case, your comprehension (Ability to understand what is written or said) will definately increase.
Communication is an art. It can entice one's heart or can enrage one's mind. But always remember the ultimate purpose of the words is to bring peace in heart and silence in mind.
--
O.A.K.
It is my dream since childhood to write an article. Its seed was sown by my English teacher who always used to shout at me for my horrible English. Yes, for very horrible English. My 400 words essay would have atleast 25 spelling mistakes, 15 grammatical errors, and handwriting absolutely illegible. My teacher saw no hope in me, leave alone my English!! My English teacher was confident that would never score above 40 marks in English in my SSC (Std. 10th) exams. Well, I scored 56 against my teachers expectations.
Strangely, without any effort my English improved, as in my Std XII th exams, I scored 70. A whoooping 70 I could say! My Old English Teacher protested that it was due to lowering of the standard at higher levels. Yes, that's partially true as it gives comfort for the vernacular medium students. But never a word of appreciation from her. In my first year of degree on commerce, I joined "English Literary Association" an extra-curricular activity by my college. It promoted English Language and was a sandbox for honing literary skills. It gave enough room to make mistakes. It also served as a platform to display latent literary talents. I got a third prize in the story writing competition in my first year. In the second year, I was a contributing columnist for my college mag, named Pankh (The Wings) I received a second prize in poetry reading competition and the article in the college mag. In the third year, I was elected as the College Mag Editor. I could script a couple of editorials for the mag till the onus of Third year examination took toll on my health. I had to shun "Other Activities" and dedicate more time towards final year studies in 2003. It was after a long hiatus, I got an opportunity with an industrial magazine where I wrote a very small conference visit report. I am still in good term with the editor of that industrial magazine and take some time out every week to have a lengthy chat on any damn topic. He has been an inspiration to many things and habits in my life.
One habit that he has instilled in me is reading the articles of eminent columnists of Indian journalism. Just reading them gives two advantage right away. One, they give you a kaleidoscopic view on a run of the mill issue. and secondly, their rich language enhances your comprehension. In my case I fought all odds and have lived up to my dream, or at least dared to live up to my dream. If I can, anyone can.
Following are the link to the blogs of the famous columnists of India.
http://www.virsanghvi.com/ (You ought to know him..)
http://www.indianexpress.com/columnist/shekhargupta/ (Indian Express Editor-in-Chief)
http://livefist.blogspot.com/ (A Blog by Shiv Aroor - Indian Defence Columnist)
Kushwant Singh
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/erratica/ (Bachi Karkaria)
There are many more.. If you are one of those who always wished to have a good command over English, then you can do so in simple way. Just read columns by the journalists mentioned above. More you read, more the exposure to the current events and familliarity with the writers language. You may also come across some tough vocabulary hurdles, never mind. Just refer to an Engoish Dictionary. Just with in a couple of months of regular and patient practice, your communication will improve. In the worst case, your comprehension (Ability to understand what is written or said) will definately increase.
Communication is an art. It can entice one's heart or can enrage one's mind. But always remember the ultimate purpose of the words is to bring peace in heart and silence in mind.
--
O.A.K.
