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Friday 7 June 2013

Why do I write

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 Why do I write, why do I write, Why do I write  is the question which has been   haunting  me for the last two days. I tried to analyse.. I write because I love to write. Right from childhood  I was encouraged  by my parents and teachers to write. One of the reasons  may be that I had a very  good handwriting. . Very often I was asked by the teachers to write on the blackboard. This became a sort of second habit with me.  I remember writing stories, poems and articles for School and College magazines. I was also addicted to reading novels and stories from Hindi as well as English literature. It was my fascination and obsession  for English Literature which provoked me to opt for English  as my subject in M.A. That was the year 1957. Very few girls used to go for higher studies.  After my post graduation I took up a job  as an English  Teacher. As a Teacher my craze for reading and writing got a fillip.  After working as a teacher for six years I got promotions as Principal, Education Officer, Deputy Director of Education and finally Additional Director of Education. I used to write immaculate and flawless notes in the files. 
               Now came my retirement  in 1993. I got several health problems, which crippled me. Today I am on Wheel Chair. It was destiny that from a very active  life ,I was unable to walk even one step.!! Even though physically I was impaired and disabled, my brain  remained active and assiduous. My son got me a computer and hardly after  an hour of  instruting"do this ,do that" he left me to my fate. I read  a few books  on  Computer learning. Whosoever came to our house I Started with my queries. Even my grand daughters would give me inputs (whatever they learnt in school). I started writing in 'Word" some vague stories and poems. One day my son suggested, "Mom why don't you write your autobiography?"The idea got into my head.  I started writing. I wrote more than 60,000 words in three months. My right hand fingers were numb, .I could not type on the keypad. I used a ball pen and with the tip of the pen went on tip, tip, tip. Even for  this write up  my ball pen is substituting my fingers. Needless to say that my children got my autobiography printed. They organised a  a function to release my book. Secretary (Edu)  of Delhi Govt released my book in the year 2011. 
                           Again the perennial question  arose in my mind. What do I write? My grand daughter initiated a Blog for me. She named it 'eccentricgrandmum.blogspot.com' She gave me my ball pen and said ,"Dadi, now you can endlessly pursue your writing". I was a bit hesitant . She inspired me and said that I could write anything This is what blogging is all about.  A cousin brother of mine ,who writes for many blogging sites, encouraged me to register myself in one of the sites.  I did. The rest is History. I write ,write and write. My Computer is  my constant companion . My Husband, who himself is a prolofic writer encourages me in  my endeavour. And comments? If I get comments I am no doubt happy, but if there are no comments ,I tell my self "I did not deserve it" . So I write . My blogging journey  goes on and on!!

Photo Credit: raventhird via Compfight cc This is in  response to WriteTribe prompt and the Thursday bloghop #80 at the Writer’s Post.
 


































58 comments:

  1. Wow Ma'am! You are an inspiration. I admire the quest to learn something new everyday in you! Since the day, I found your blog, I have seen that you have evolved a lot and that too so fast, as a blogger. The way you participate in the various WOW contests and now the Write Tribe prompts and how you picked up Haikus... it is simply awe-inspiring!
    Looking forward to read more from you and wishing you the very best of health too :)

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    1. Thank you Shilpa.Reading through your comments Shilpa, I really felt a lump in my throat. Actually whatever I learnt in blogging was inspired by you. Thanks for the inspiring comments.

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  2. Lovely !
    I am sorry that I couldnt come back to your blog. Many times I think I will come read and comment. Some thing or some one comes up and I forget :( !
    I am atleast here tday :) I am reading your posts from long and read ur thoughtful comments on my blog. Let me tell U U r one inspiring lady. I take a bow ! Only one word - "RESPECT" am glad the way ur grand kid opened a blog and named it eccentric grand mum and am glad U r pursuing ur writing. Please keep them coming. I would like to know about your autobiography. Do pass on the link :) thanks

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    1. Thank you Afsan that you were able to find time to comment on my post.Most of my posts where I write of bygone days are based on my autobiography..

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  3. Your fervor for writing is inspiring. Will try and pick up a copy of Reverse Gear when I come to India. I wish you and your husband good health. And it is God's grace that you have such loving and understanding family. You are truly blessed and so am I to have met and read you through Write Tribe.

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    1. Thak you Jyothi for your wishes. BTW my daughter's name is also Jyoti. so I feel a bonding with you.

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    2. Oh so sweet. Thank you . :)

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  4. Such a beautiful journey! And it's really good that you've got a lot of support and courage...such lovey dear ones you have. My best wishes for your good health. Keep writing and please post the picture of your book!:)

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  5. And not getting comments doesn't mean you haven't written well. Sometimes people leave their footprints and sometimes they just leave silently, with a feeling of appreciation:)

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    1. Thanks a lot Tarang. for such appealing comments.Support and love of my family and friends motivate me. Tarang, I like your name. It is musical and soothing.

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  6. Sorry to know about your health. And, I applaud your courage, determination and love for writing. Please share your biography with us. :)

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    1. Thanks Saru your comments are very encouraging. Some day I will get my book published on line.

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  7. Ma'm, so much respect for you and your words. I am awed by your courage and determination, you're truly an inspiration. Keep writing :)

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    1. Thanks Rainbow Hues. Wonderful comments like yours keep me going.

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  8. Kudos Usha, You're a big source of inspiration for many of us here!! Your stimulus, passion for writing and determination will take you on for miles. A writer does not need a reason to write. She must write! So, your pen keeps moving. Keep the fire burning....:))
    Such a well penned blog...
    PS--I would love to buy your book. Please tell me how to go about it. Is it available on flip cart?

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    1. Thanks Panchali.Your lovely comments are always motivating. Sorry Panchali the book is not available on line. Most of my blogs are based on the chapters from my book.

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  9. Happy writing. It keeps you enliven and your readers following . What else should one ask for?

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    1. Thank you Anil.Writing a blog is a two way traffic.

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  10. Keepwriting.
    We are all learning from your blog

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  11. thank Bhuvnesh for your inspiring comments.

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  12. Wow! You are such an inspiration!

    You know, I had been trying to find your blog for a while now. For some reason, your blog never came up, with your comments on the blog. I just wish I had come across your blog earlier. So much learn from you.

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    1. Thanks for visiting. By the way why were you trying to find my blog? Thanks for your words motivating me.

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  13. one word- R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

    Keep writing ma'm and you are an inspiration.

    and i must say what a wonderful family you have.

    i loved your post to the core of my heart and yes very much inspired as well.

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    1. Thanks Preetilata for dropping by. Thanks for your wonderful comments.

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  14. You inspire us dear Ushaji.

    I hope you continue to bring us many more such priceless anecdotes.

    My heart is overcome by your lovely words.

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    1. Thanks for stopping over at my site. Thanks for your lively remarks. Keep visiting.

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  16. You have had an amazing journey ma'am, your experiences are a treasure trove and inspiration, happy to have come across your blog :)As long as we think and feel, so long shall we write... Happy writing ma'am!!

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    1. Thank you Reshma for the lovely comments.

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  17. Ushaji, I am reading your blog for some time. And I truly admire your grit and passion at this age and with your challenges. You are such a warm and encouraging person, and I wish you many more triumphs in your writing journey. Thanks to Chowlaji, I connected with you. And so nice of your granddaughter to do this!

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    1. Thanks a lot Rachna for your wishes. It is only the wishes and inspiration from friends and my near and dear ones which keeps me going.

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  18. Wow your story is inspiring. Keep writing so we can keep reading :)
    Dropping by from "Why I write"

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  19. Ushaji your words bring such a high level of motivation for all of us. It reminds us why we write. To exist. To remind ourselves that we can and will always be able to define ourselves through written words. And your sure resilience and zeal makes me happy that yes we writers are born fighters, no one can take away that spirit from us.

    Thank you so much for allowing us to know you better through this. Thanks a lot.

    Richa

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    1. Thank you Richa for dropping by. Such sweet words motivate me.Writers do become immortal through their words.

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  20. I just stumbled upon your blog Usha, and I am thankful I did so. Your story seems to be of a woman focused on what she wants to achieve in her life. In the beginning using the computer does seem too daunting, but as we struggle with it we see ourselves becoming more and more familiar with and when it opens up so many mind blowing avenues for us, we are grateful that we have knowledge at our fingertips.
    We are all writers, and we write with our heart and soul. Writing is like a therapy, which frees us from keeping everything bottled up inside us, and lets us share our happiness, our feelings, and many times it helps us inspire other people by what we write.
    So, Cheers to writing and writers!

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    1. Thanks Rama.I am humbled by such beautiful comments. You are correct. Unless we put our heart and soul in our writing the reader will not be moved. I write because I love to write but if it gives pleasure to someone who reds it then I feel rewarded.

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  21. Wow! You are an inspiration indeed :D And you postgraduated in 1957? Wow, that was a HUGE achievement then rt? Awesome, simply awesome. Keep it going :D

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    1. Welcome Jaish .Thanks for the lovely remarks.I Am happy that you liked it. ))

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  22. Your ideal attitude and your writings inspire me a lot.........thanks

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    1. Thanks a lot Shelley. Glad you liked it. God bless you.

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  23. Wow, honoured to meet you. I am glad to have visited this blog

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    1. Welcome Ritu to my site. Thank you for liking my post.

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  24. You are such an inspiration Ma'am...the way you think, the way you write...
    Sending across lots of good wishes :)

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    1. Thanks Bhavya for dropping by. Thanks for the lovely comments. God bless you.

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  25. Usha ji, as Bhavya says, your journey is indeed an inspiration. And I pray we continue to see your writing on blog world for a long time. Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  26. Thanka a lot, Leo for sparing time to visit my site. I feel humbled by your motivating words. :)))

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    1. Dearest Usha ji, it is my pleasure. I have missed reading your haiku for my Heights prompts. I shall try to visit more.

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    2. Thank you Leo.I am obliged.

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  27. I live with my 77 year old mum who helps me to take care of my husband and three boisterous boys. She does a better job taking care of my home in my absence at work and any time I travel. I am really grateful to her. Reading your blog, I can only appreciate and respect your wonderful achievements. You are a beautiful inspiration, mum, and I only pray that I can do likewise at when I get to your age.

    I wish you all the best in health and God's greatest blessings.

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    1. Thanks a lot .In old age we have to perform several tasks. I too look after the household because my daughter -in-law is also working. Only thing is I cannot move around. All my best wishes are with you and your Mom. God blessyou.

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    2. Hi readnpleasure, I tried to comment on your post but could not find the comments column.Kindly guide me.

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  28. Dear Usha - Truly admire your spirit and your journey. It is so wonderful that nothing (age / personal or health constraints) deterred your quest for learning and expressions.. Warm hugs and best wishes on this wonderful blogging journey. Have a great day! Love - Nischala

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    1. Thanks a lot Nischala for such kind remarks. My strength comes from encouraging words by friends and family. It keeps me going. Thanks again.

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  29. Just one word" RESPECT". You are an inspiration Usha aunty :)

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  30. Thank you Rajitu. You have a share in this success. Luv You Hugs.

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