Udeeptc
Jan 5, 2013
Udeeptc
Jan 4, 2013
Undergraduate / 'I did this and my property' - WHY UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO? [8]
Its a good essay!!!! You are definitely able to potray your interest in UC through this essay!
But, being an economics student, I really do not understand why your aim is to challenge existing theories. You begin by saying that you are interested in solving economic problems and then your aim then digresses into something I consider absurd!! I suggest you work on the essay to remove this ambiguity.
Other than that I was pretty impressed by the build-up and idea!
Good Luck!
Its a good essay!!!! You are definitely able to potray your interest in UC through this essay!
But, being an economics student, I really do not understand why your aim is to challenge existing theories. You begin by saying that you are interested in solving economic problems and then your aim then digresses into something I consider absurd!! I suggest you work on the essay to remove this ambiguity.
Other than that I was pretty impressed by the build-up and idea!
Good Luck!
Udeeptc
Jan 4, 2013
Undergraduate / Extracurricular programs/ Research in the Bio Sciences; U Michigan: Unique qualities [2]
Its a good and well structured essay which displays your genuine interest and knowledge in science. However, you have concentrated more on your career ambitions and not on the prompt.
I suggest you read about the engineering course program at University of michigan and draw parallels between the opportunities provided and your ambitions.
For eg. I am sure UM also organises extracurricular science programs such as the Saudi Aramco's Summer Program Special. You could talk about what you expect to learn from such programs and how they will help you achieve your goals.
Good luck!!!!
Its a good and well structured essay which displays your genuine interest and knowledge in science. However, you have concentrated more on your career ambitions and not on the prompt.
I suggest you read about the engineering course program at University of michigan and draw parallels between the opportunities provided and your ambitions.
For eg. I am sure UM also organises extracurricular science programs such as the Saudi Aramco's Summer Program Special. You could talk about what you expect to learn from such programs and how they will help you achieve your goals.
Good luck!!!!
Udeeptc
Jan 4, 2013
Undergraduate / BUS JOURNEYS/ Brawl, infamous, ill-mannered; RICHMOND/ Left comfort zone [4]
Thanks paigeevaa & hughj!!
I considered your suggestions and made small changes:
Both my parents work for the government and since childhood, I had the luxury of a government car and chauffeur. I was so used to being driven around that the thought of using public transport was quite revolting, maybe because I was a victim of the word 'status'. I looked down upon users of public transport as third class citizens. A false sense of vanity had confined me to such beliefs.
But as someone had famously said-"There is always a first time"...
I have been residing in New Delhi, the national capital of India, for the last 8 years. This city offers excellent educational opportunities and therefore, my family and I decided that I would finish my high school graduation here itself even as my father had to return to Guwahati, my hometown, on transfer. Over-ruling my vehement protests, my parents decided that my car rides were to end and that I was to use the 'Delhi Public Transport system' for conveyance.
This is how I joined Delhi public transport clientele a few years back, travelling to my soccer coaching centre and occasionally, to school. My initial reaction to my father's decision of making me use public transport was that of angst. Public transportation in Delhi is an 'uncivil' process, where impatient people from all walks of life pull and shove their way into crowded buses or metros and scavenge for empty seats, like famished vultures for food. For an inexperienced youngster, boarding a bus was quite traumatic and the long waits at the bus stops a harrowing experience, especially after a gruelling 2 hour long soccer training session. My early experiences were quite dreadful. I remember falling down from a bus head first, spraining my ankle, breaking my spectacles and bruising my jaw. All this happened while attempting to exit a bus. The inconvenience did not end there as I had to walk a kilometre to reach home and then get 4 stitches.
Bus journeys seemed dull and insipid and I mostly used to stand in a corner and listen to music through headphones, oblivious of activities happening inside the bus. But my perspectives changed dramatically, when I started noticing 'things'. One day, travelling in a dilapidated city bus, I experienced my first Bus Fight. Bus drivers in Delhi are infamously rude and ill-mannered, always getting into petty arguments and shouting abuses. On this occasion, the bus driver, a unique specimen of mankind, got into a brawl with another bus driver who "dangerously" overtook him. Even though there was no violence, the profanity displayed by both shocked me. I removed my headphones and turned towards the other passengers, observing a unique mix of reactions. Some of the young 'supporters' of violence were on their feet, anticipating a no holds barred punch fest, and constantly instigating both the drivers, while the older and wiser population in the bus tried to stop the fight. I was a mute spectator to this drama, impressed by the differences in reactions and opinions of people. I realized that observing people was a great source of learning, even though the incidents were not always pleasant. Perhaps this is why the great Mahatma Gandhi travelled India in a third class coach, learning more about the emaciated common man and his problems.
The beauty of public transport in India is in the diversity of people using it. One can observe the old and young discuss politics and religion, women talk about personal difficulties, and a garrulous few airing verbose accounts of their adventures. The bus or metro, always crowded because of the large Delhi population, can provide enough inspirational opportunities. Listening to the most basic of problems faced by the ordinary citizens is thought provoking and makes one ponder on such issues for hours. I could relate to these people and the initial feeling of sanctimony gradually subsided.
I now firmly believe that observation is the first step to learning. Observing people has made me appreciate diversity and learn more about the vast Indian Culture. Trying to discern a person's disposition and outlook by observing his/her facial expressions, reactions and demeanour is an intriguing activity and speaks volumes about the society and its people. This is how bus journeys made me aware of the people of my city and country.
I now prefer using public transport to private vehicles, a transformation I never envisaged, because of the endless opportunities of getting to know people, feeling independent and being satisfied by the fact that I am conserving the environment by not using private vehicles...
Not sure about the conclusion! Please help me!!!!!!!!
Thanks paigeevaa & hughj!!
I considered your suggestions and made small changes:
Both my parents work for the government and since childhood, I had the luxury of a government car and chauffeur. I was so used to being driven around that the thought of using public transport was quite revolting, maybe because I was a victim of the word 'status'. I looked down upon users of public transport as third class citizens. A false sense of vanity had confined me to such beliefs.
But as someone had famously said-"There is always a first time"...
I have been residing in New Delhi, the national capital of India, for the last 8 years. This city offers excellent educational opportunities and therefore, my family and I decided that I would finish my high school graduation here itself even as my father had to return to Guwahati, my hometown, on transfer. Over-ruling my vehement protests, my parents decided that my car rides were to end and that I was to use the 'Delhi Public Transport system' for conveyance.
This is how I joined Delhi public transport clientele a few years back, travelling to my soccer coaching centre and occasionally, to school. My initial reaction to my father's decision of making me use public transport was that of angst. Public transportation in Delhi is an 'uncivil' process, where impatient people from all walks of life pull and shove their way into crowded buses or metros and scavenge for empty seats, like famished vultures for food. For an inexperienced youngster, boarding a bus was quite traumatic and the long waits at the bus stops a harrowing experience, especially after a gruelling 2 hour long soccer training session. My early experiences were quite dreadful. I remember falling down from a bus head first, spraining my ankle, breaking my spectacles and bruising my jaw. All this happened while attempting to exit a bus. The inconvenience did not end there as I had to walk a kilometre to reach home and then get 4 stitches.
Bus journeys seemed dull and insipid and I mostly used to stand in a corner and listen to music through headphones, oblivious of activities happening inside the bus. But my perspectives changed dramatically, when I started noticing 'things'. One day, travelling in a dilapidated city bus, I experienced my first Bus Fight. Bus drivers in Delhi are infamously rude and ill-mannered, always getting into petty arguments and shouting abuses. On this occasion, the bus driver, a unique specimen of mankind, got into a brawl with another bus driver who "dangerously" overtook him. Even though there was no violence, the profanity displayed by both shocked me. I removed my headphones and turned towards the other passengers, observing a unique mix of reactions. Some of the young 'supporters' of violence were on their feet, anticipating a no holds barred punch fest, and constantly instigating both the drivers, while the older and wiser population in the bus tried to stop the fight. I was a mute spectator to this drama, impressed by the differences in reactions and opinions of people. I realized that observing people was a great source of learning, even though the incidents were not always pleasant. Perhaps this is why the great Mahatma Gandhi travelled India in a third class coach, learning more about the emaciated common man and his problems.
The beauty of public transport in India is in the diversity of people using it. One can observe the old and young discuss politics and religion, women talk about personal difficulties, and a garrulous few airing verbose accounts of their adventures. The bus or metro, always crowded because of the large Delhi population, can provide enough inspirational opportunities. Listening to the most basic of problems faced by the ordinary citizens is thought provoking and makes one ponder on such issues for hours. I could relate to these people and the initial feeling of sanctimony gradually subsided.
I now firmly believe that observation is the first step to learning. Observing people has made me appreciate diversity and learn more about the vast Indian Culture. Trying to discern a person's disposition and outlook by observing his/her facial expressions, reactions and demeanour is an intriguing activity and speaks volumes about the society and its people. This is how bus journeys made me aware of the people of my city and country.
I now prefer using public transport to private vehicles, a transformation I never envisaged, because of the endless opportunities of getting to know people, feeling independent and being satisfied by the fact that I am conserving the environment by not using private vehicles...
Not sure about the conclusion! Please help me!!!!!!!!
Udeeptc
Jan 4, 2013
Undergraduate / BUS JOURNEYS/ Brawl, infamous, ill-mannered; RICHMOND/ Left comfort zone [4]
Need help with this essay.
Prompt: Tell us about an experience in which you left your comfort zone. How did this experience change you?
Both my parents work for the government and since childhood, I had the luxury of a government car and chauffeur. I was so used to being driven around that the thought of using public transport was quite revolting. But as someone had famously said-"There is always a first time"...
I have been residing in New Delhi, the national capital of India, for the last 8 years. This city offers excellent educational opportunities and therefore, my family and I decided that I would finish my high school graduation here itself even as my father had to return to Guwahati, my hometown, on transfer. Over-ruling my vehement protests, my parents decided that my car rides were to end and that I was to use the 'Delhi Public Transport system' for conveyance.
This is how I joined Delhi public transport clientele a few years back, travelling to my soccer coaching centre and occasionally, to school. My initial reaction to my father's decision of making me use public transport was that of angst. Public transportation in Delhi is an 'uncivil' process, where impatient people from all walks of life pull and shove their way into crowded buses or metros and scavenge for empty seats, like famished vultures for food. For an inexperienced youngster, boarding a bus was quite traumatic and the long waits at the bus stops a harrowing experience, especially after a gruelling 2 hour long soccer training session. My early experiences were quite dreadful. I remember falling down from a bus head first, spraining my ankle, breaking my spectacles and bruising my jaw. All this happened while attempting to exit a bus. The inconvenience did not end there as I had to walk a kilometre to reach home and then get 4 stitches.
Bus journeys seemed dull and insipid and I mostly used to stand in a corner and listen to music through headphones, oblivious of activities happening inside the bus. But my perspectives changed dramatically, when I started noticing 'things'. One day, travelling in a dilapidated city bus, I experienced my first Bus Fight. Bus drivers in Delhi are infamously rude and ill-mannered, always getting into petty arguments and shouting abuses. On this occasion, the bus driver, a unique specimen of mankind, got into a brawl with another bus driver who "dangerously" overtook him. Even though there was no violence, the profanity displayed by both shocked me. I removed my headphones and turned towards the other passengers, observing a unique mix of reactions. Some of the young 'supporters' of violence were on their feet, anticipating a no holds barred punch fest, and constantly instigating both the drivers, while the older and wiser population in the bus tried to stop the fight. I was a mute spectator to this drama, impressed by the differences in reactions and opinions of people. I realized that observing people was a great source of learning, even though the incidents were not always pleasant. Perhaps this is why the great Mahatma Gandhi travelled India in a third class coach, learning more about the emaciated common man and his problems.
The beauty of public transport in India is in the diversity of people using it. My fascination lies in observing these people. One can observe the old and young discuss politics and religion, women talk about personal difficulties, and a garrulous few airing verbose accounts of their adventures. The bus or metro, always crowded because of the large Delhi population, can provide enough inspirational opportunities. Listening to the most basic of problems faced by the ordinary citizens is thought provoking and makes one ponder on such issues for hours.
I now firmly believe that observation is the first step to learning. Observing people has made me appreciate diversity and learn more about the vast Indian Culture. Trying to discern a person's disposition and outlook by observing his/her facial expressions, reactions and demeanour is an intriguing activity and speaks volumes about the society and its people. This is how bus journeys made me aware of the people of my city and country.
Need help with this essay.
Prompt: Tell us about an experience in which you left your comfort zone. How did this experience change you?
Both my parents work for the government and since childhood, I had the luxury of a government car and chauffeur. I was so used to being driven around that the thought of using public transport was quite revolting. But as someone had famously said-"There is always a first time"...
I have been residing in New Delhi, the national capital of India, for the last 8 years. This city offers excellent educational opportunities and therefore, my family and I decided that I would finish my high school graduation here itself even as my father had to return to Guwahati, my hometown, on transfer. Over-ruling my vehement protests, my parents decided that my car rides were to end and that I was to use the 'Delhi Public Transport system' for conveyance.
This is how I joined Delhi public transport clientele a few years back, travelling to my soccer coaching centre and occasionally, to school. My initial reaction to my father's decision of making me use public transport was that of angst. Public transportation in Delhi is an 'uncivil' process, where impatient people from all walks of life pull and shove their way into crowded buses or metros and scavenge for empty seats, like famished vultures for food. For an inexperienced youngster, boarding a bus was quite traumatic and the long waits at the bus stops a harrowing experience, especially after a gruelling 2 hour long soccer training session. My early experiences were quite dreadful. I remember falling down from a bus head first, spraining my ankle, breaking my spectacles and bruising my jaw. All this happened while attempting to exit a bus. The inconvenience did not end there as I had to walk a kilometre to reach home and then get 4 stitches.
Bus journeys seemed dull and insipid and I mostly used to stand in a corner and listen to music through headphones, oblivious of activities happening inside the bus. But my perspectives changed dramatically, when I started noticing 'things'. One day, travelling in a dilapidated city bus, I experienced my first Bus Fight. Bus drivers in Delhi are infamously rude and ill-mannered, always getting into petty arguments and shouting abuses. On this occasion, the bus driver, a unique specimen of mankind, got into a brawl with another bus driver who "dangerously" overtook him. Even though there was no violence, the profanity displayed by both shocked me. I removed my headphones and turned towards the other passengers, observing a unique mix of reactions. Some of the young 'supporters' of violence were on their feet, anticipating a no holds barred punch fest, and constantly instigating both the drivers, while the older and wiser population in the bus tried to stop the fight. I was a mute spectator to this drama, impressed by the differences in reactions and opinions of people. I realized that observing people was a great source of learning, even though the incidents were not always pleasant. Perhaps this is why the great Mahatma Gandhi travelled India in a third class coach, learning more about the emaciated common man and his problems.
The beauty of public transport in India is in the diversity of people using it. My fascination lies in observing these people. One can observe the old and young discuss politics and religion, women talk about personal difficulties, and a garrulous few airing verbose accounts of their adventures. The bus or metro, always crowded because of the large Delhi population, can provide enough inspirational opportunities. Listening to the most basic of problems faced by the ordinary citizens is thought provoking and makes one ponder on such issues for hours.
I now firmly believe that observation is the first step to learning. Observing people has made me appreciate diversity and learn more about the vast Indian Culture. Trying to discern a person's disposition and outlook by observing his/her facial expressions, reactions and demeanour is an intriguing activity and speaks volumes about the society and its people. This is how bus journeys made me aware of the people of my city and country.
Udeeptc
Jan 3, 2013
Undergraduate / People go to bed HUNGRY/Wastage/ Shortage; TEXAS/ ISSUE IMPORTANT TO YOU [4]
I love the fact that you have raised this important issue. Being a fellow Indian, I can very well relate to this problem!!! However, I feel you should talk more about how this problem affects you and appeals to your conscience.
I can't be of much help with grammar, but factually there are some aspects that you could consider.
I believe the essay can be more effectvie if you highlight the perpetual evils of 'hunger' and 'starvation' in India and not food wastage. Food wastage is definitely one of the major reasons for the plight of the famished and it is this impact of food wastage that , according to me, should be the crux of your essay. You could also talk about the inefficieny in the distribution channels which have caused disparity in availability of food grains. I hope this helps!!!!!!
Good Luck!!!!!!!
I love the fact that you have raised this important issue. Being a fellow Indian, I can very well relate to this problem!!! However, I feel you should talk more about how this problem affects you and appeals to your conscience.
I can't be of much help with grammar, but factually there are some aspects that you could consider.
I believe the essay can be more effectvie if you highlight the perpetual evils of 'hunger' and 'starvation' in India and not food wastage. Food wastage is definitely one of the major reasons for the plight of the famished and it is this impact of food wastage that , according to me, should be the crux of your essay. You could also talk about the inefficieny in the distribution channels which have caused disparity in availability of food grains. I hope this helps!!!!!!
Good Luck!!!!!!!
Udeeptc
Jan 3, 2013
Undergraduate / Born and brought up in an Indian family; Colgate App [5]
Thanks for the immense help lalenaskye!!
I'll surely make the changes.
The Colgate community is diverse because the people are from different cultural and ethinic background. I would want to get to know the impact of modernity and isolation on society and lives of people from the different places. For eg. Someone from Africa, studying at colgate, can be following traditions which are similar to that of some community in India. I would want to decipher such similarities in context of exposure to modernity and isolaion. This is what I wanted to convey through the last sentence.
Please give some suggestions in this regard.
Thanks once again!
Thanks for the immense help lalenaskye!!
I'll surely make the changes.
The Colgate community is diverse because the people are from different cultural and ethinic background. I would want to get to know the impact of modernity and isolation on society and lives of people from the different places. For eg. Someone from Africa, studying at colgate, can be following traditions which are similar to that of some community in India. I would want to decipher such similarities in context of exposure to modernity and isolaion. This is what I wanted to convey through the last sentence.
Please give some suggestions in this regard.
Thanks once again!
Udeeptc
Jan 3, 2013
Undergraduate / I'm a seventeen year old Chinese girl; INTRODUCTION OF MYSELF [9]
I am no great writer myself, but I think to improve your writing you should definitely read good books....
BTW some of the essays at essayforum are brilliant and can give you ideas to develop your essay!
I am no great writer myself, but I think to improve your writing you should definitely read good books....
BTW some of the essays at essayforum are brilliant and can give you ideas to develop your essay!
Udeeptc
Jan 2, 2013
Undergraduate / Born and brought up in an Indian family; Colgate App [5]
Please help me with the grammer and content!!!!!!! Thanks
Prompt: We honor the many different forms of diversity in our community. Your perspective is valuable because it comes from your life experiences, family backgrounds, and culture. Please tell us about yourself, how you plan to share your perspective with the Colgate Community, and what you hope to learn from other members of the community.
250 WORDS
Born and brought up in an Indian family, I have grown accustomed to Indian traditions and values. As my father's job entailed frequent transfers, a large part of my childhood was spent living a nomadic life, which exposed me to the incredible ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversities of my country. In India, with 10 kilometres travelled, one discovers distinct traditions, customs and ways of life. I have seen tribes of Andamans, Lakshadweep and Arunachal living in substantial isolation and also seen communities in whose life modern civilization and ancient traditions co-exist. These exposures have definitely made a mark on my personality, perspectives and outlook. My upbringing was never restricted by rigid religious practices and hence secularism and egalitarianism were naturally ingrained in me. The expansive Indian culture has taught me to respect diversity and, I am sure, will help me to appreciate diversities of the vibrant Colgate community.
Today we live in a global village, where every person is connected to every other. Knowing and understanding people from different backgrounds and respecting their perspectives and opinions are prerequisites to peace and harmony. Interaction with members of diverse communities of Colgate University will be an enlightening experience. It will be exciting to study the similarities and the distinctiveness of cultural elements of this community and those of an ethnic community living in India. Another aspect that interests me is to understand how exposure to modernity has impacted the culture and values of a community and what impact planned isolation may have made.
Please help me with the grammer and content!!!!!!! Thanks
Prompt: We honor the many different forms of diversity in our community. Your perspective is valuable because it comes from your life experiences, family backgrounds, and culture. Please tell us about yourself, how you plan to share your perspective with the Colgate Community, and what you hope to learn from other members of the community.
250 WORDS
Born and brought up in an Indian family, I have grown accustomed to Indian traditions and values. As my father's job entailed frequent transfers, a large part of my childhood was spent living a nomadic life, which exposed me to the incredible ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversities of my country. In India, with 10 kilometres travelled, one discovers distinct traditions, customs and ways of life. I have seen tribes of Andamans, Lakshadweep and Arunachal living in substantial isolation and also seen communities in whose life modern civilization and ancient traditions co-exist. These exposures have definitely made a mark on my personality, perspectives and outlook. My upbringing was never restricted by rigid religious practices and hence secularism and egalitarianism were naturally ingrained in me. The expansive Indian culture has taught me to respect diversity and, I am sure, will help me to appreciate diversities of the vibrant Colgate community.
Today we live in a global village, where every person is connected to every other. Knowing and understanding people from different backgrounds and respecting their perspectives and opinions are prerequisites to peace and harmony. Interaction with members of diverse communities of Colgate University will be an enlightening experience. It will be exciting to study the similarities and the distinctiveness of cultural elements of this community and those of an ethnic community living in India. Another aspect that interests me is to understand how exposure to modernity has impacted the culture and values of a community and what impact planned isolation may have made.
Udeeptc
Jan 2, 2013
Undergraduate / I'm a seventeen year old Chinese girl; INTRODUCTION OF MYSELF [9]
You definitely do justice to the prompt, but I feel your begining is too direct and provides scope for creativity. If this is an application for a college or university, I am sure reviewers would know your name and D.O.B. and hence such details do not require reiteration. You can alter the begining :
I'm doing some rough phrasing here: "born in ZhengZhou, the capital of Henan province in the central part of the country, I....(Write about yourself) ".
The part about the climatic condition is really not required as the aim of writing an essay is to actually give the college an idea about your perspective and experiences.
The begining of the second para seems abrubt and I suggest that first, you should talk about your experiences in China, then the reasons for shifting to New Zealand and finally about the differences between the educational and social environment of China and New Zealand. You can end the essay by illuminating your experiences in New Zealand and the impact of the experiences on your life.
There are a few gramatical mistakes that can corrected after you restructure your essay.
Elaborate your perspective!!!!
Good Luck!
You definitely do justice to the prompt, but I feel your begining is too direct and provides scope for creativity. If this is an application for a college or university, I am sure reviewers would know your name and D.O.B. and hence such details do not require reiteration. You can alter the begining :
I'm doing some rough phrasing here: "born in ZhengZhou, the capital of Henan province in the central part of the country, I....(Write about yourself) ".
The part about the climatic condition is really not required as the aim of writing an essay is to actually give the college an idea about your perspective and experiences.
The begining of the second para seems abrubt and I suggest that first, you should talk about your experiences in China, then the reasons for shifting to New Zealand and finally about the differences between the educational and social environment of China and New Zealand. You can end the essay by illuminating your experiences in New Zealand and the impact of the experiences on your life.
There are a few gramatical mistakes that can corrected after you restructure your essay.
Elaborate your perspective!!!!
Good Luck!
Udeeptc
Jan 1, 2013
Undergraduate / Christianity, a part of my life; Common App - Person with significant influence [6]
I love the concept!!! Good Job!
However, I believe you should talk more about the influence. I believe you can condense the second para by removing redundant reiterations...
Also in the following:
'that not only is Christianity reasonable, in the right light it makes a lot more sense than any other religion , including atheism'
The highlight can be a bit offensive! I suggest you moderate it a bit!
I love the concept!!! Good Job!
However, I believe you should talk more about the influence. I believe you can condense the second para by removing redundant reiterations...
Also in the following:
'that not only is Christianity reasonable, in the right light it makes a lot more sense than any other religion , including atheism'
The highlight can be a bit offensive! I suggest you moderate it a bit!
Udeeptc
Dec 30, 2012
Undergraduate / Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi; Common App/ A historical figure [2]
Please help me with the essay!!!! Thanks!
Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. (250-500)
BEING THE CHANGE!
My initial curiosity about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was aroused by a couple of feature films made on his life that I saw as a child. Later, as a student of history I had a formal exposition of his work and his incredible ways. Clad in a piece of loincloth and living the life of the underprivileged, this skinny yet hardy man led world's most remarkable non-violent mass struggle for freedom. Gandhi was a visionary, a meticulous planner and a brilliant strategist.
Gandhian practices evolved from the simple principle of universal love, and the first-hand experience that he gathered through his 'experiments with truth'. Traditional Indian values and moral principles that he imbibed as a child and liberal education that he received in England contributed significantly to the evolution of his philosophy. I do not agree with all his ideas, but whatever little I have read about Gandhi has influenced the way I look at issues ranging from day-to-day personal matters to affairs having international dimensions...
After reading a few books on his philosophies, I realized that while absence of theoretical rigor makes his ideas easy to comprehend, it is an extremely arduous task to actually put them to practice since it requires immense self-control, hard discipline and strong convictions. For him the means is as important as the end. I admire Gandhi's ability to keep his desires under check and his resolve to never deviate from the path of truth. Modern civilization has made many of us victims of greed and falsehood. Gandhi's simplicity, a result of his self-control, has in some way inspired me to adopt a lifestyle where I hope to seek 'Knowledge' and 'Truth' and not earthly pleasures in order to lead a better life. This is my interpretation of Gandhi's views on morals and values, which, according to him are the real pillars of a civilization.
In Gandhian philosophy, I see a unique mix of faith and humanism, which has universal relevance. I perceive non-violence, also called 'Soul-force' as an effective weapon that can be used to achieve any rightful objective. Gandhi followed the dictum 'hate the sin and not the sinner', which might sound incongruous to many as humans tend to meet violence with greater violence. The objective of non-violence is to destroy enmity rather than the enemy. In Gandhi's own words, the sword of passive resistance blesses the user as well as him against whom it is used. A careful analysis of several incidents that I myself experienced leads me to believe that vengeance does not provide lasting solutions to conflicts.
Living in the 21st century India, I have witnessed a growing tendency among citizens to look away from serious issues confronting the society, expecting the government to sort out every problem. This reminds me of Gandhi's famous quote-"Be the change that you want to see in the world". The statement is endearing. Being the change and not merely expecting others to change has now become my approach to solving problems...
Please help me with the essay!!!! Thanks!
Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. (250-500)
BEING THE CHANGE!
My initial curiosity about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was aroused by a couple of feature films made on his life that I saw as a child. Later, as a student of history I had a formal exposition of his work and his incredible ways. Clad in a piece of loincloth and living the life of the underprivileged, this skinny yet hardy man led world's most remarkable non-violent mass struggle for freedom. Gandhi was a visionary, a meticulous planner and a brilliant strategist.
Gandhian practices evolved from the simple principle of universal love, and the first-hand experience that he gathered through his 'experiments with truth'. Traditional Indian values and moral principles that he imbibed as a child and liberal education that he received in England contributed significantly to the evolution of his philosophy. I do not agree with all his ideas, but whatever little I have read about Gandhi has influenced the way I look at issues ranging from day-to-day personal matters to affairs having international dimensions...
After reading a few books on his philosophies, I realized that while absence of theoretical rigor makes his ideas easy to comprehend, it is an extremely arduous task to actually put them to practice since it requires immense self-control, hard discipline and strong convictions. For him the means is as important as the end. I admire Gandhi's ability to keep his desires under check and his resolve to never deviate from the path of truth. Modern civilization has made many of us victims of greed and falsehood. Gandhi's simplicity, a result of his self-control, has in some way inspired me to adopt a lifestyle where I hope to seek 'Knowledge' and 'Truth' and not earthly pleasures in order to lead a better life. This is my interpretation of Gandhi's views on morals and values, which, according to him are the real pillars of a civilization.
In Gandhian philosophy, I see a unique mix of faith and humanism, which has universal relevance. I perceive non-violence, also called 'Soul-force' as an effective weapon that can be used to achieve any rightful objective. Gandhi followed the dictum 'hate the sin and not the sinner', which might sound incongruous to many as humans tend to meet violence with greater violence. The objective of non-violence is to destroy enmity rather than the enemy. In Gandhi's own words, the sword of passive resistance blesses the user as well as him against whom it is used. A careful analysis of several incidents that I myself experienced leads me to believe that vengeance does not provide lasting solutions to conflicts.
Living in the 21st century India, I have witnessed a growing tendency among citizens to look away from serious issues confronting the society, expecting the government to sort out every problem. This reminds me of Gandhi's famous quote-"Be the change that you want to see in the world". The statement is endearing. Being the change and not merely expecting others to change has now become my approach to solving problems...
