Reading, Writing, & Cycling – My Triad of Fulfilling Hobbies

By Manvi Pandey

A hobby is a fulfilling pursuit undertaken in one’s spare time. It brings no direct material benefit and is pursued solely for pleasure, driven by interest and enjoyment. Therefore, a hobby serves as an affordable source of entertainment, enjoyment, and a meaningful use of leisure time. Without a hobby, individuals may experience boredom and frustration at times. The range of hobbies is vast, including reading, stamp-collecting, traveling, gardening, photography, music, biography, hunting, football, and more. Personally, I engage in three hobbies: reading, writing poems, and cycling.

From a young age, I have been drawn to stories. Reading novels is particularly captivating for me, as they enrich my knowledge and experience. Reading enhances my speaking and expression skills, expanding my vocabulary and word-power. Encouraged by my father and gifted books by my maternal aunt, I developed a love for reading. Many books were awarded to me by the school as prizes, such as “Night of the Leopard” by Ruskin Bond, “The Blue Umbrella” by Ruskin Bond, “The Canterville Ghost” by Oscar Wilde, “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain. These books not only entertained me but also improved my concentration.

Books offer practical understanding, teachings, morals, hope, and inspiration. Published by renowned individuals, they guide us to become better individuals and serve society in a perfect way. Books are our best companions, demanding nothing from us while transporting us into a world of imagination, joy, and learning. They significantly contribute to improving our standard of living. As the saying goes, “A room without books is like a body without a soul,” emphasising the importance of literary masterpieces in our lives.

My second hobby is writing poems. Encouragement from my English teacher, Beena Ma’am, and my grandfather sparked my interest in writing poems, eventually turning it into a hobby. Writing poems relaxes my mind, stimulates creative thinking, and enhances my vocabulary. I have composed many poems that have reinforced my belief that nothing is impossible. Initially feeling a lack of vocabulary, extensive reading helped me overcome this limitation. Poetry, a form of creative writing present in cultures worldwide, serves various purposes. It is a powerful teaching tool, aiding in literacy improvement, allowing emotional expression, fostering empathy, and bridging cultural gaps.

My third hobby is cycling, which positively impacts various aspects of life. Cycling not only improves health but also enhances the overall quality of life. Regular cycling maintains a healthy heart rate, reduces the risk of heart strokes, and boosts cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that cycling strengthens immunity cells, providing protection against diseases. Additionally, cycling increases brain activity, sharpening cognitive function. These hobbies collectively contribute to my personal growth and make me a more refined individual in both my life and society.