Scholar-Journalist of the Week: ‘Seize the moment!’

How often do we worry about the future? Don’t the thoughts about our past seem to haunt us? The more we dwell on them, the more we end up harbouring unnecessary thoughts and worries. This simple learning has been beautifully captured by Nanditha Vinod Nambiar, a class 7 student of Apeejay School Kharghar in her article – ‘Seize the moment!’ In a brief interview, the student-writer explains how individuals become a victim of time and forget to live in the moment. Edited excerpts:

Please tell us more about your work – ‘Seize the moment!’

Most of us, especially at my age, are constantly worrying about the future: What would our life look like? What profession should we take? Which college should we go to? As for the past, we keep thinking and regretting something or the other. We often lament about missed opportunities. So, my thought about writing the piece was to encourage people to be in the present moment and live it completely.

So, do you advise that people should focus more on themselves?

Yes, we keep wondering about what others are doing and in doing so, we tend to forget and prioritise ourselves. I believe that time is nothing but THIS, this thing that you are experiencing right now! The only thing we should focus on is: THIS! And we should take charge of it.

Which books do you prefer to read?

I like to read about the concept of time and books related to science-fiction. One of the most recent one, I read was Time Machine by HG Wells. I also enjoy reading the magazine: Reader’s Digest because they put together a lot of articles on different kinds of topics.

Are you working on any writing project right now?

Yes, I am writing a book about the power of teleporting. I feel that despite mastering language, we humans really fail to understand each other’s words and thought processes. My idea is to explore the possibilities of teleportation to transfer matter from one point to another.

Do you plan to choose writing as a profession?

I am leaning towards becoming an author. However, right now I am trying to read as much as I can to gather as much know-how.

Any key learnings you have picked up from your favourite authors?

Yes, from J.K. Rowling, the renowned writer of the ‘Harry Potter’ novels, I have learnt to get into the details. The way she writes has a power that allows readers to imagine and believe in things which don’t even exist.

Your advice for students who want to start writing?

I would say that any form of writing can become successful only when people are able to relate to it. My advice is to write in a manner that gives readers the power to imagine.