Of late, I have been asking myself this question very often: "Why Do I blog? " I don't care about why other people blog. But why do I do it? When I started blogging, I primarily wanted to scribble down my umpteen random, unorganized thoughts someplace. Secondly, I wanted to show off my (limited) writing skills :D. Lets just say that my intentions were not the purest.
I remember that my first post was about the world-record breaking Aus-SA cricket match. I had considered creating a blog for sometime before that, but the sheer excitement after the match made me create a blog and write a post the very next day.
Since then , I have (perhaps foolishly), created 2 more blogs - one for my travelogue and another for "reviews". The reason was that I wanted to keep my mainstream blog just that: mainstream. Yet, my immaturity shows in my initial few posts. Some posts like Forgetful Old Me server no purpose whatsoever.
But now I think I should put my blog to some good use. Instead of rambling on about how my day was or what I think about Michael Schumacher and his retirement, I want to dedicate time, effort and this blog to motivate and be motivated. That's why I have re-christened this blog as "Awake and Arise - Educate and Motivate". This is going to be the primary motive of this blog, or so I hope.
What is all this motivating business? What do I mean when I say I want to motivate and educate? Is it just another flash of light followed by darkness? Is it yet another empty effort? I sincerely hope not. My intentions are plain and simple -
- Patriotism: I want to contribute in some way or the other, however miniscule it may be, in taking India to Her rightful place in the world. This includes, for a major part, internal cleansing, if you know what I mean.
- International Humanity: I want to also contribute in some way or other in making this whole world a better place to live in.
Having said that, I am unsure how I am going to achieve this goal. I am ashamed to admit that I am not as large-hearted or as motivated as some of my friends, who are going out of their way to "give back to society". For instance, my pal Abhi occasionally teaches Maths in a high school in spite of his terrifyingly busy schedule! Read about it here. Another instance is the Dream School Forum, which is a non-profit organization which works voluntarily to enhance quality of education. What better way to give back to society than to teach!! I also have friends who have given up well-paying careers and inspire to take up Civil Services!
But we have to be realistic here. Not everyone can involve themselves in all such activities. So i feel we should "Divide and Pool". Each one of us can work within our own capacity. Our individual efforts pooled together will go a long way in contributing to the reforms.
Also, I am not comfortable with the idea of sacrificing everything for the sake of upliftment of others. What I see as a more workable approach is : you be comfortable - only then will you be able to work for others' upliftment. Only if you earn will you be able to donate in charity. Take the example of the founders of Lok Paritrana. Some of them worked abroad and earned enough to lead a comfortable life. Now, they have taken up the task of trying to change the face of Indian politics to a people-centric rather than vote-centric. Hats off to them.
Maybe I am saying this because I am reluctant to leave my comfort zone. Again, maybe I'm not. Maybe I am saying this with a pure heart. Maybe I really want everyone to gain from all this. Which brings us back to square one. How do I intend to use my blog to achieve all the nice sounding big-big words I have put down above?
For one, I can use the blog to educate people about a lot many things. Does that mean that people who read my blog are uneducated? Not at all. What I mean by educating is that I want to spread the word about certain issues that merit immediate notice. And I expect the same from others. For example, take my post Innocence Snatched. It is a shocking revelation and before reading an article about it, I had no idea about the magnitude of the menace. So, I blogged about it to spread awareness. Someone who reads this would hopefully be in a position to do something about it.
This is exactly what I mean by using my blog to educate and motivate. Shed light on some issues which would be hidden. I strongly believe that blog is a powerful tool to reach out to people. Like minded people or people who are in a position to take action. This does not mean that I will not be posting about other topics. No. It only means that such off-road excursions will be few and far apart; and I'l try to stick to the primary(I would like to stress this word) objective as far as possible.
I would end this post by making a strong statement, rather a commitment. I set a goal for my blog - I state that If I am able to bring about a positive change in the life of atleast one under privileged child because of this blog, then I will consider my blog to be a success.
Please wish me luck and join hands with me in this endeavour. Lets hope that it materializes and doesn't gather dust. JAI BHARAT.
Interesting post and blog. Thanks for introducing me to dreamschool forum.Well, here is something that pertains to real education, may enable you to come out of your comfort zone and is highly motivating as a majority of hurs are spent at work. Make your passion your profession
kiran, now ur blog is gettin some shape.. dude! great start. however, a good start is just half work done. So keep up the good work!
@Hiren: Thanks and welcome. I have posted a comment on your blog explaining why I dont think I am the targeted audience for that blog.
@Rahul: Are you saying my blog was shapeless all this while :D. OK just kidding. Thanks for the encouragement. Looking for more support from you guyz.
this may interest u.....
http://community.livejournal.com/bangalore/343539.html
-Suchitra
Kiran, a good intention is the biggest asset. It is the seed of all action. And you have not set any unrealistic goals, which mean that the action is more achievable ! Great going..I am sure this will definitely lead to some change, however small it may seem, it is a great impact for the person at the receiving end :-) All the best to you :-)
@Santhi: Thanks for the encouragement. Peer encouragement has a hugely positive effect in these matters :-)
All the best to you too. Hope you make a difference with "Pashi"! :-)
Hi Kiran.
I like your motivation to write a blog and the motivation seems similar to mine. You are right, writing is a way of helping in one's own little way.
Keep blogging Kiran!