National Literacy Month:

Books live on, young and fresh

By Kalakeerthi Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa

"The world of books is the most remarkable creation of man. Nothing else that he builds ever lasts. Monuments fall; nations perish; civilizations grow old and die out and after an era of darkness new races build others. But, in the world of books are volumes that have seen this happen again and again, and yet live on still young, still as fresh as the day they were written, stilling men's hearts of the hearts of men, centuries dead."

Clarence S.Day. (1874-1935) American Author.

Literature, by lexicographic definition is the body of written work that has pleased many and pleases long."

In other words, 'literature' is a catch-all, that accommodates fiction (both short and long) poetry, fable, ode, sonnet, biography and an extensive range of written or printed works that please and provide aesthetic satisfaction.

But, in the current era of millennial, the allure and charm of profound workers of literature, seem drifting away from the ultra-sophisticated generation, heavily cyber-addicted.

The preferences of these children of the smart media, nourished by the pabulum, originating in their on-line communications, seem to be alienating them from the sumptuous banquet of enrapturing works of world literature. In such a context, all those who keep their fire of enthusiasm for main-stream literary creations and pursuits perpetually aglow, pre-eminently deserve to be freshly hailed.

The communications playground of the modern youth, the Internet, is being progressively possessed by anti-human elements. In a recent in-depth probe into the current malaise affecting vast swaths of the Internet,International Commentator, Joel Stein states, with a clearly perceptible sense of deep personal distress, that 'Trolls' have diabolically usurped the online freedom that enables an uninterrupted flow of information. To cull a modicum of cynical 'fun' these Trolls resort to a wide variety of violent acts. 'Trolls' are mythical masters, that inhabit Scandinavian folk-tales. They lurk in dark places and harm humans.

The online Trolls, harass people for laughs (To them it is lulz).

But, the pervasive harm is, that the young can get easily caught up in this Troll violence. They, in turn, could spread this venom, to poison a main-stream of information flow, in today's culture.

We have to bring back this generation to the pleasures of classic and wholesome literary treasures of the world.

Literature, has been a high achievement of human culture, from the dawn of man's awakening into the nobler values of life. 'Gilgamesh', the ancient Epic Poem of Babylonian civilization, was created in the 3rd C BC. It is preoccupied with immortality-quest.

Today's human duty is to awaken the moderns, especially the millennials, to the perennial values of man's literary victories.

The Japanese author, Murasaki Shikibu, a noble Lady in the Royal Household, created mankind's first novel. Titled 'Genji Monogatari', it is a work of fiction, based on the intricate rites and rituals of Royalty written in 1008 AD, which is 2008 years old today.

The global touch of our day should be made to Hail this human heritage eschewing Troll Dicta, that will mar life, universally.

The Internet, is one of the most important cultural tools, man has ever invented. This could be made a practical medium, in spreading high and positive human values, through a proper and responsible study of man's cultural Heritage, of which Literature is a brilliant facet.

Men and women of the calibre of Shakespeare, Kalidasa, Hemingway, Charles Dickens, John Milton and millions of others enriched with exceptional genius, have put together a vast trove of literary works, that will enhance human culture and deepen aesthetic enlightenment. Those who are committed to the well-being of humanity, will bring back the new era of enthroned world Literature.

Those who make a substantial effort to make this a living reality, will be profusely hailed by all those who yearn for peace, harmony and healthy co-existence.

The study of literature, and imbibing its positive values are an unfailing means towards human understanding. An ancient Sanskrit writer, an erudite sage has said: "The wise spend their time relishing poetry, learning etc. But, the lethargic and the foolish waste away their precious time sleeping or quarrelling."

Those who adore literature can advocate the counter-therapy to dismal routine. And, that unfailing antidote is, cherishing high works of literature.

Hail Literature.