ByÂ Shweta Lohia:
Today the modern Chintoos and Pinkis have i-Phone, i-Pad, i-Mac but not “i-Paper”, “i-Pencil” and most importantly “i-Will” to write a letter sans plagiarizing. Writing letters act as fetters to cool SMS language. Many of you probably might think that I am not a tech-person hence I bear a grudge against this modern technology dependence. So be it, let’s get the war started: Cold Emails v/s Warm Handwritten Letters.
Don’t you think writing letter – with a pen – is a heart-warming gesture in today’s technological world where everything takes not more than thirty seconds? I know it is a progress our country’s making but isn’t it a shame that the art of writing letters is on wane? I wonder why we learned writing letters in school in the first place when they were on a verge of extinction. Rather they should have imparted the skill of writing emails, tweeting, and putting up Facebook statuses. I feel emails are cold and lifeless whereas handwritten letters are warm and full of emotions. Consider handwritten love letters, which I thought would never go extinct, have been outdone with YouTube tribute songs, e-cards, instant messaging, emails, and not to forget, Skype, but I don’t believe they can convey the feelings as effectively as “primitive” handwritten love letters. A love letter sent via email will lose its charm as it won’t be personal but sort of formal. Unlike font-styles, the handwriting of a person is unique and original and it makes the letter much more personal and charming. Emails are convenient provided their speed. But then, all letters don’t need to reach their destination immediately. The joy of waiting for a letter is then taken away by email. A letter also allows us an opportunity to shake the little Shakespeare inside as they somehow make us express our true and intimate feelings creatively instead of plagiarizing. If you look at a letter you can tell how much time it consumed, in other words, how much that person cares for you. I don’t think the art of letter writing can ever be replaced by sophisticated technology.
But what breaks my heart is that probably I am the only one who cares, or in fact, loves writing letters as recently I read an article that students are not being taught cursive handwriting since it is seen as not necessary anymore due to the advent of computers. Today everyone wants everything to be super-fast. Whenever we want to talk to someone, then phones, emails, Skype etc. are just a thought away. Writing letters might seem old fashioned in front of them but we neglect its plus sides such as it allows us the opportunity to express exactly the way we want. In the process of writing letter we have time to reflect and say the things in the way we want them said.
When was the last time you took out time from your fast-paced life and sat down to write a letter? Or when was the last time that you received a handwritten letter? There are many things which need to be preserved and cherished and the art of writing a letter is one of them. It’s a shame that people are neglecting it but they don’t realize what they are missing on — the joy of writing, anticipation of receiving one and most importantly, the bliss of reading a personal, handwritten letter.