The Turnaround

The Turnaround

   While there were dreams of some day somehow outshining the ones around us with the proficiency in English speaking, and yet failing only because of lack of depth in the usage of the concerned foreign language, we, the students then acquiring education through Bangla medium of instruction, could only rest the breath of disenchantment, though not in public, but all within. What else could we do? After all, as we used to believe, 'they' were the privileged lot to have been able to come in close proximity of the most cherished foreign language those days- English.

    

But, how on earth could I let that desire go un-attempted? I somehow managed to secure a place in English Honours in Graduation followed by M.A. in English which I had to pursue through Open and Distance Learning mode. Then got a job of Assistant Teacher in English in a Government Sponsored school and thus started getting settled to a healthy salary by the end of each month.

      

Well, to many, that could have been a satisfactory end to the rat-race in search of a secured job with a stable earning every month. Even I initially took it all that way, and stopped following that had been smoldering within since long unseen, unheard, and also perhaps at times unfelt.

   

At this juncture, I had to do my Bachelors in Education, a mandatory degree for the ones dedicated to imparting education to learners of High Schools in India. Just after the final semester examination, one of our professors, approached me whether I would like to contribute to his upcoming book. He also reminded that the book would comprise only English submissions. I acceded to the proposal and started penning down the essay I was prescribed.

           

It was during the course of composition of the article when this very realization occurred to me that I actually could exploit the specific genre of words meant to make the readers reflect on the topic I was discussing (as I  by then knew that every form of written conveyance, be it a letter or the report, or even a notice, has its own kind of mode of expression besides the usage of select words).

         

After, the publication of the book, when everybody praised my efforts, I realized that even I had 'it' in me; even I could in fact express myself through my 'words' as 'they' used to do once. And, thereafter, it was no longer a turn-back, only looking-ahead down the road I should have long started moving along.

          

But without a guiding support like my wife, it won't have been possible.