Harmonising passions: A journey through hobbies and inspirations

By Kairav Singh Grewal

A hobby strikes a harmonious balance between passion and obsession. While there is a myriad of hobbies to choose from, I find myself particularly passionate about several activities, including playing the guitar, cricket, tennis, reading books, gardening, and traveling. These pursuits add colour and joy to my life, and I cherish the moments spent pursuing them.

During summer vacations, my fingers dance across the strings of my guitar as I practice new songs. I have a special affinity for playing old Hindi songs, especially those sung by the legendary Kishore Kumar Ji. His soulful melodies resonate deeply with me, and I derive immense joy from playing his songs on the guitar. In fact, I’ve taken my passion a step further by creating a YouTube channel named “Primz Kairav Singh Grewal,” where I share my renditions of Kishore Kumar Ji’s classics. One of my proudest moments was when I played “Chera Hai Ya Chaand Khila Hai” on the guitar, paying tribute to my favourite singer.

My journey with the guitar was inspired by the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Listening to his electrifying performances ignited a fire within me to start playing the guitar. His iconic riffs and melodious chords serve as my daily practice material. I aspire to achieve the same level of fluency and creativity in my guitar playing as Hendrix demonstrated.

In the evenings, I switch gears to sports, indulging in cricket and tennis. Cricket, a sport close to every Indian’s heart, holds a special place in mine. Idols like Sachin Tendulkar and Ravindra Jadeja have inspired me, but I hold a particular admiration for Kieron Pollard. His remarkable fielding, all-round prowess, and match-winning abilities have left an indelible impression on me. Pollard’s decision to retire from international cricket at a young age of 34, in favour of nurturing young talent, speaks volumes about his sportsmanship.

On the tennis court, my admiration is reserved for Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro. His incredible achievements and sheer elegance on the court have earned my utmost respect. Playing both cricket and tennis with my father is a bonding experience that enriches our relationship. He shares valuable tips and techniques, such as the cut shot and full-arm serve in tennis.

For me, gardening is not just a hobby; it’s a source of solace and satisfaction. I take delight in planting fruit-bearing trees in my backyard, including sapodilla, lemon, guava, amla, and mango. Each tree represents a cherished memory and a symbol of my green thumb. This summer, I initiated a movement to encourage more tree planting in our community’s green spaces. The result has been a lush and picturesque landscape that brings joy to everyone.

Books hold a special place in my heart. My collection includes diverse titles, ranging from ‘The Wimpy Kid’ series to the enchanting world of ‘Harry Potter.’ Reading is not just a pastime; it’s an adventure. When I immerse myself in a book, I become part of the story. For instance, reading ‘Harry Potter’ transports me to a world of magic, where I envision myself as Harry, casting spells and embarking on fantastical adventures. Books are my steadfast companions, offering knowledge and entertainment in equal measure. J.K. Rowling is my favourite author, and I revel in her tales of magic and wonder. My family affectionately refers to me as a “bibliophile” due to my penchant for losing myself in books for hours on end.

In the words of Phyllis McGinley, “A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” Indeed, my passions and hobbies infuse vitality and purpose into my life. Whether strumming the guitar, playing sports, tending to my garden, or escaping into the pages of a book, these pursuits offer respite from the challenges of daily living. They inspire me, teach me, and bring boundless joy, making life a truly fulfilling journey.