Why we should stick with literature

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Laila Saein

The Indian term for ‘literature, is ‘sahitya’. Its Sanskrit connotation is sa+hit, meaning ‘which is for the wellbeing of all or that which is with all’. The first and foremost characteristic of literature is universality of appeal.

    Literature cuts across racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers and enhances appreciation of life around us and awareness on social issues.  It integrates mind, body, and spirit and provides opportunities for self-expression, connects the inner space to the outer. It improves academic achievement - enhancing test scores, attitudes, social skills, critical and creative thinking.

        Literature is the perfect means to enrich our mind and thought. It offers us the possibility to enter the world of true imagination, It unleashes dreams, let it fly with violet tender  wings . It gives us the possibility to empathise with characters of the story we read, and also allows us  to judge it from our perspective. Literature comes with most valuable knowledge about humanity, beliefs. It opens the insight of others. People can feel what is the feeling of others and the thinking waves of other people. They will be able to wear others shoe in their own feet. Great writers like Tolstoy, Tagore and Dostoyevsky gently lead the readers to the labyrinth of the complicated human mind and ultimately nudges the reader to be more compassionate and open hearted.  The readers of great classics are always left with a collage of vivid impressions which they have assimilated from the vibrant pages. Great books sometimes smell of blood, sometimes taste of sweat and sometimes vibrate with tears. We can define classic literature as a treasure house of human emotions and reflections of true life lived by great people.

World literature opens a wide avenue to the reader to explore other cultures and beliefs. Literature allows the reader to take a look at different cultures and beliefs, creates better understanding about other people without reservations, and encourages meaningful discussions and dialogues. Above all literature brings people closer.

When we read a book, we travel with the writer. He is our guide, and he leads us to many an enchanting world. So friends, switch on your table lamp, stretch your hand towards your book shells and happy reading!