If I Weren’t a Writer…

Self- Exploration

This article is in response to a writing challenge originally posed by Sherry McGuinn a big-time dreamer, answering the question- “What would you be if you weren’t a writer?”

Timothy Key- a champion of grace and gratitude tagged a charming writer- Michele Thill and she tagged me on this the other day.

What would I be-

If I weren’t a writer. I understand that the qualities I applaud in writers, I do not have. But I am pretty sure that the esteemed company of outstanding writers color me inside and out. As saying goes, “same feathers flock together”.

I truly say I never thought before about the second option. To explore within I have gone deeper into myself to investigate my passionate feelings for the other pursuits of my craving.

Some might think I would be a lawyer as I have a degree in Law. I like healthy logical arguments. I had won many prizes in debating.

Some might think I would be a politician as I was Vice President of Students’ Union in the University. I did my best to fight for the students’ cause during the time.

I have enjoyed both the roles and still do. But something more exciting I find than these two.

During my University days I developed a genuine concern for the social service. I with a few friends started an NGO to render free coaching and guidance services to the students belonging to the less privileged class of the society. I was ready to invest myself in the cause of social awakening and intellectual growth of the downtrodden.

I wanted to awaken common people to use the power of their votes for a desired change in the democratic country. Since then it pricks me even today that almost in all big democracies in the world- a political party garnering just twenty-five to thirty-five percent votes ruling over a democratic country. People are reluctant to cast their votes.

Maybe they have unconsciously convinced themselves. Their votes can hardly make a difference. Because of this common attitude, fifty to sixty percent of voters go to cast their votes. Out of which only ten percent of voters by their free will. And forty to fifty percent by their personal interests.

In consequence, a candidate who garners close to thirty-five is the winner. And becomes the leader of a constituency with its hundred percent voters. A symptom of diseased democracy. Is this democracy by the people? Definitely, you should have no reason to expect it to be ‘for the people’ and ‘of the people’.

Were I not a writer, I would be a Social Worker.

Thank you Michele Thill for giving me the opportunity to introspect and share.