Childhood Reactions vs. Adult Perspective: A Journey from Hated to Loved

From Hate to Love: Hindi Language Learning

As a Tamil speaker from a different linguistic background, one of the experiences that comes to mind is the Dakshin Bharath Hindi Prachar Sabha, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the Hindi language. The organization offers various levels of Hindi exams that students must pass step by step, from PARICHAYA to PRAVEEN UTTARARDH. I vividly remember my journey through these exams, a path filled with both challenges and mixed feelings.

Since my first day in class 1, my parents enrolled me in Hindi classes, in a bid to make me fluent in this language. However, as a child, I found Hindi learning to be a tedious task. The very idea of spending extra time on a language that I felt was irrelevant unless I intended to work in the Hindi-speaking regions of South India made me frustrated. I often cursed both the language and the great Mahatma Gandhi, whom I felt responsible for this language being imposed on us. Over the years, I managed to just scrape through these exams with barely passing marks, a feat that was more about consistency than genuine interest or proficiency. Even though I could read and write Hindi well, understanding the nuances of the language was a constant struggle, and my Hindi handwriting, as shown in the picture, reflected that.

However, as I grew up and joined the Quora community, I began to feel a sense of guilt over not having learned Hindi properly. Learning Hindi properly could have helped me communicate better with many Hindi speakers I come across. Here, I use ChatGPT to translate texts, but AI translations often lack the subtle meanings and context that human expertise provides. This realization highlighted the importance and joy of deep linguistic immersion. Today, I no longer hate learning Hindi, but rather feel a sense of accomplishment and love for the journey of mastering this language.

The Joy of Childhood vs. Adult Restraints: Late Nights

As a child, late nights were the stuff of dreams. When I asked my mom for permission to stay up late, the answer was often a firm 'no,' sometimes accompanied by the hint of a threat of mild discipline. On the rare occasions when I could stay up past my bedtime, the excitement was palpable. The house felt different, the air had a unique scent, and the mundane seemed exciting. Staying up late was a magical adventure, a gateway to a world my imagination had created. It was kid heaven, and it didn't matter what mundane activity I was engaging in. The mere fact of being awake later than usual was thrilling.

However, as an adult, the excitement of staying up late has vanished. Now that I have the freedom to set my own bedtime, staying past 10:30 PM triggers a sense of anxiety and dread. When midnight approaches, it's not excitement I feel but a creeping sense of worry about the sleep I will lose. Even the 30 minutes of "doom-scrolling" before sleep feels like a budget deficit in a wellbeing account. Adults are often admonished to stay up late, but hindsight reveals the truth: no late-night feels as good as a well-rested night. My early mistakes in trying to stay up late have taught me the true value of early to bed and early to rise.

"Mum, can I stay up late tonight?" has become a nostalgic reminder of a freedom I may not have fully embraced in the moment. As an adult, I now appreciate the wisdom behind the old adage, 'early to bed, early to rise.' It's a reminder to prioritize rest and recovery as a crucial part of any adult's routine.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

In conclusion, my journey through Hindi learning and late nights as a child and adult remind us of the importance of reevaluating our childhood experiences and adapting to the realities of adult life. Whether it's embracing a language that once seemed mundane or prioritizing sleep and rest, our perspectives evolve with time. Embrace each stage of life and learn from both the cherished memories and the valuable realizations that come with growing older.

Keywords: hindi language, late night, childhood memories

References:

Personal experience in Hindi language learning and exams Quora community experience Adolescent and adult perspectives on staying up late