Paying It Forward To Encourage Others In Their Writing Journey
Instituting a prize at my old school in my grandfather’s name for excellence in English
One of the many aspects that I am grateful for, is that I have at various times at life, I been the recipient of help, support and encouragement. This has encouraged me and in fact, given me hope in difficult times. If I am an author today, it is due to the encouragement and guidance of all these people.
Weekly column
I can count various people, from school English teachers, and Mrs Sujata Raye, who gave me an opportunity to write a weekly column and so on. Some of these are mentioned in my first book, upcoming soon, My Name is Cinnamon (Hay House 2022). If I am an author today, then I would have to thank many of these people.
However, when one has received different kinds of support, it is a good idea to see it as planting seeds in the ground which can then germinate, or not — depending on various factors. So when one achieves a dream — -of writing and publishing your first book, it’s time to return the favor. What better way than to recognize the achievements in English language, at your school?
Smallest of deeds
It is said that, the “The smallest of deeds is better than the best of intentions.” So I am happy to inform that I have instituted a prize in my grandfather’s name, Waman Vishnu Takley prize, for Class X (Grade 10) English highest marks in my old school, my alma mater as it were, Spicer Higher Secondary School, in Pune. This prize shall be given to the highest marks obtained by a student in English language, and it will be given based on the ICSE marks, in Class X. Prize will include a nominal cash prize, a certificate and a brief write up about my grandfather. For non-Indian readers wondering why Class X, Class X marks the end of secondary school education in India. Class X exams are very important as your performance in them, can determine your future career path.
I also briefly touch upon why I instituted this prize.
Why this prize?
Well, when at school, I often came first or second in English consistently. But whenever I came first, second or third, I remember that there was no prize for any such achievement. I asked my teachers why I couldn’t get such a prize, and they always said “It doesn’t exist.” Well, now it does!
Even if I cannot get such a prize, going forward, others can get it, and thus be encouraged in what they do.
Plus, my own grandfather Waman Takley had always taken a keen interest in writing and literature, books and music, particularly in writing and reading. He was fluent in 6–7 languages as well. Besides his interest, he wrote articles in his company magazine that were well regarded. I am confident he would be happy to see this day. A prize is after all an encouragement as well as recognition of the work you have done, and it’s my hope that it will encourage greater interest and achievement in English language in the future as well.
It will be an annual award going forward. It was awarded recently, just a few days ago to be precise. Due to the pandemic, the award was delayed.
Paying it forward
I am not entirely certain what impact this award may have. Perhaps it would encourage them to read and write more seriously, or take more interest in literature or maybe it would have no impact at all. That’s not in my hands, and not my worry. What I do feel happy about it, is that I could pay it forward. As writers, we all have got various opportunities to get to where we are now; if we get an opportunity to recognize achievement in others, we must take it and keep the ball rolling.
