It isn’t just a hobby!

Extracurricular activities.

They were as the word says, always considered, extra. Nothing essential.

Arts, music and sports are the general activities promoted as part of a school curriculum. In some schools, these are only implemented in certain grades. After class 7 or 8, apart from sports, they are completely eliminated.

In fact, doesn't the term extra and co, sound a little demeaning? These activities can be pursued as a full-time career as well and yet they are seen as something unnecessary.

Of course, it is not essential to know how to play the piano, but I would say it is essential to know how to swim!

While growing up, I noticed, that having hobbies was not really appreciated unless it brought you accolades. Some skills like riding a bicycle and swimming should be considered mandatory in the school system, especially in India.

I juggled several co-curricular activities such as singing, dancing, and even karate for different periods during my childhood. Once I stepped into Class 7, they were all put to an end. My major focus was then only on my studies.

Our previous generations, such as that of my grandma were always engaged in some form of hobby, be it stitching or knitting or even making savories like papad and pickles. They were encouraged because they would be useful to the household. Of course, it could also be attributed to the fact that there was no easy access for them to education, hence they spent their time learning these skills from their parents or their grandparents.

When education became accessible and widespread, emphasis was laid on gaining knowledge and specializing in one field. Thus, a degree was seen as a breadwinning occupation, and the other skills, now seen as recreational activities, took a back seat.

As time progressed, one role of a woman was defined as a constant, that of taking care of her family. Whether or not she was providing to her family financially, she was responsible for the smooth running of the family. Hobbies were then no longer encouraged and neither existent.

As I observe among my own family, after retirement, women find it hard to keep themselves occupied. They spend their entire lives becoming financially secure and at the same time taking care of a huge household. The absence of a hobby in their life now becomes prominent. Now they are left clueless about how to spend all this time they have. They never had time to explore what they like to do for recreation.
As a child, I'm thankful my parents supported my hobby of reading and writing. I am sure these are the two things that will keep me sane in my old age.

Come old age, women regret not having pursued a hobby of interest or doing something for themselves. In the end, when they look back, all they see is having worked for their family selflessly. It is important for people to have something they do for their own growth or their own contentment. More so for women, as they succumb to the patriarchal culture.

After all, be it honing your singing skills, or writing, creativity in all forms, is essentially contributing to the highest of human needs, self-actualization.