Essays

People busy in different kinds of work to earn their livelihood get some spare time—more or less. Some folk spend this leisure time in gossip or playing cards; others utilize this time in pursuing a hobby. The purpose of a hobby is not monetary benefit—a hobby gives pleasure and relaxation.

If a person does his professional work continuously, he will become machine-like, mechanical. He needs time off for change.

Different people have different hobbies. Selection of a hobby depends on time available, money one is willing to spend and one's aptitude. A hobby does give a person a sense of well-being and cheer. Some people spend their spare time reading books, magazines and newspapers. Some collect stamps, coins. Keeping pets is another hobby. Photography as a hobby is quite popular but is expensive. Swimming, fishing, trekking, travel, could also be hobbies. So also collection of autograph of distinguished persons.

 Gardening happens to be my hobby. Our house is on the ground floor with some land in front and back. The front portion has become a green patch—a lawn. The backyard I have converted into a kitchen garden—square in shape. I have planted a few small fruit trees. The rest of the land is devoted to quick-growing kitchen vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, dhania, green chillies, lady's finger, .cabbage, brinjal, cauliflower, onion. At times, the crop is 'bumper' when we share it with neighbours. The 'harvested' patch is prepared again and watered for sowing. At times flowers with good looks and fragrance are grown. However seasonal vegetables are given preference. And what we cook in the kitchen often comes from the garden.

I prefer using manure so that the crop is better. I have also read some books on gardening which have made me a good 'gardener'. I buy seeds from the National Seeds Corporation—the price is reasonable and the quality is very good. We reap 'quality' crop. I already have all the tools for gardening.

There is a row of colourful flowers along the front lawn. It presents a good sight to visitors. My garden seems to be excellent among the gardens in the neighbourhood.

Whenever, I have time, I pick up the tools and basket and start working, morning or evening before it gets dark. We have tomato soup every evening. We give it to guests too and tell them the tomatoes are home-grown.

My hobby keeps me busy and happy. If a prize is instituted for the best maintained lawn or the best kitchen garden, my candidature is sure to be considered. I may get some prize for the sincere efforts put in. My friends go round and feel happy too.

What Can Make Your Own Hobby?

Choose the one from the hobbies given below. Of course, they are not all. You may choose the one that may not be here.

1. Gardening

2. Riding

3. Gossipping

4. Listening to Music

5. Reading                               

6. Swimming

7. Playing Chess                    

8. Travelling

9. Story-telling                       

10. Flower-making

11. Letter-writing                   

12. Pen-friendship

13. Tele-friendship                 

14. Watching T.V.