FORGOTTEN HOBBY

By Muqheeta Mehboob


Things that make us happy - they can be many and varied

Certain scenes make me happy; a fruit laden tree in someone’s backyard, summer nights being spent on the terrace, a motorcyclist beckoning a weary wayfarer to hop on to his bike and someone lost in a book. 

Public commuting can be quite agonising at times. It is physically as well as mentally draining. At one point, my work required long travelling and thus I preferred to travel in metro trains. During these long commutes, one thing that I learnt was how to enjoy my metro journeys. Sometimes I sat, sometimes I stood, sometimes I leaned and sometimes I hung, but never did I miss observing people. The little social graces exhibited by my co passengers, their choice of engagements, it all fascinated me. 

Amidst the hubbub of people getting on and off the train, the most common sight was people hunched over their phones and earpods stuck in their ears. Very seldom did I get to see a rare and dying trend ‘a passenger reading a book’. 

Few days back, one such happy sight caught my attention. I boarded the metro and settled down to read my book. To my delight I found a beautiful young girl sitting right opposite to me - glued to a book. A very rare scene! The girl might be in her late teens and returning from college, a girl who could have followed the global trend and twiddled on her smartphone, but she chose a book instead!!

No alt text provided for this image
(picture taken on her approval)

On the same train, I saw a young mother with a toddler. She entered the metro train, got a seat, settled the baby on her lap and the immediate next thing was, handing over the phone to the child. The child was bent down, his eyes fixated on the phone. Who is responsible for raising such a generation? 

We all need to seriously revive the habit of reading. We all travel, a very small percentage of people drive, most of us sit behind the driver. If it doesn’t hurt your eyes, then make it a habit of reading something. 

I feel a few good reasons why one should read while travelling are;

  1. Time Well-Spent: One of the main benefits of reading in public transport is that it is a productive use of time that would otherwise be wasted. Instead of scrolling through social media or staring blankly out the window, reading provides an opportunity to learn, explore new ideas and perspectives, and stimulate your mind.
  2. Reduce Stress: Public transport can be a stressful experience, especially during rush hour or delays. Reading a book or a magazine can help reduce stress by providing a distraction from the chaos of public transport. It can also help you relax and unwind after a long day at work or school.
  3. Explore New Worlds: Reading in public transport can also be a way to explore new worlds and perspectives. Reading allows you to escape into different times, places, and cultures, and experience new things. It can broaden your horizons and help you gain new insights into the world around you.
  4. Connect with Others: Reading in public transport can also be a way to connect with others. It can be a conversation starter, as people may ask about the book you're reading or recommend a book they think you might like. It can also help you connect with others who share your interests and passions.
  5. Create a Healthy Habit: Finally, reading in public transport can be a way to create a healthy habit. It can help you set aside time to read every day, which can improve your mental and emotional well-being. It can also help you develop a love for reading that can last a lifetime.

So, next time you're on public transport, consider bringing a book or a magazine and take some time to enjoy the forgotten pleasure of reading.

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