My Mind’s Love Triangle: From Poetry to Psychology

Ah, school days—those years of boundless curiosity! I remember my primary school days fondly, where each subject had its own charm, but Kannada held a special place in my heart. Kannada literature, with its timeless depth, is like a tree with roots stretching back centuries, its leaves fluttering with the words of poets like Kuvempu and D.R. Bendre. As Bendre beautifully put it, “Hottu katthidare chandrana bayalu”—“If you open the door, moonlight awaits.” Indeed, Kannada literature is like that door, a window to beauty, culture, and wisdom that’s all too rare in our busy lives today.

In school, my love for Kannada only grew, and scoring the highest marks in grade 10 was a proud moment. Even beyond school, Kannada novels filled my shelves, their pages a solace from the world’s rush. Kuvempu’s words still echo in my mind: “Elladaru iru, yenthadaru iru, endendigu nee Kannadavagiru”—“Wherever you are, whatever you are, remain forever a Kannadiga.” In a time where we are spread across the globe, this quote reminds me to stay grounded in my roots.

In college, psychology became my new love. As psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn… and change.” Psychology taught me that we are all constantly evolving, which feels so relevant in our unpredictable, ever-changing world. Another quote by Viktor Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” has stayed with me as a reminder to adapt, especially in tough times.

Looking back, I cherish these subjects not just as academic pursuits but as lifelong companions—Kannada for the heart and psychology for the mind. Both taught me valuable lessons: Kannada literature to celebrate beauty and resilience, and psychology to nurture a flexible mind and positive spirit.

Life may be a little like school, really: we keep learning, growing, and finding ourselves along the way.