A 'novel' idea

I have often found myself reading a book and secretly longing to leave behind my own life and the problems that it entails in favor of living the life of one of the characters. The Austenian England is perhaps one that I would like to visit, since it has been positively embedded in my mind that there cannot be a better life.

But this was an England of contrasts. For this was around the same time that Oliver Twist struggled with wretched poverty; when lecherous libertines were made out of the innocent folk because they had to steal in order to buy a meal to feed their families. And while Emma Wodehouse and Elizabeth Bennett could indulge in enjoying life’s trivial pleasures, other women out there fought to keep their families alive.

Am I describing England of the 1800’s or India in the 21^st century? Writers describe the world they see around them, so we have a detailed account of our past.

And, we are seemingly following the age old adage of history repeating itself, as we sit silent viewers to it.

The divide between the rich and poor has always been there. But, it appears as if the wall only rises higher with each passing generation. It’s a battle mankind needs to acknowledge and fight.

My recent visit to the Jagdamba slum colony opened my eyes to the part I can play in changing the course of history this time around. I don’t want to play a silent spectator as another generation of bright minds wastes away for the want of better opportunities. There are thousands of lives at stake, each one of us should look for ways to give back to the community. My way will be teaching the under privileged. Look for your way too. It feels good to do good.