“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”- J.K Rowling
In my case, quotidian events, everyday ordinary conversations have led to extraordinary reflections. It all began when we (my colleagues and I) were speculating about the events that make people depressed to such an extent that they feel like ending their lives. This pandemic has been a witness to many such sad occurrences. So, what do you do when you feel unhinged? What do you do when traumas lash at you, making you feel devastated? You feel that your boat of life is flailing because of the storms. Well, you have a choice: adjust your masts, surge or give in to the wretched wind and the moment, and let your boat capsize.
I think that life is punctuated by unexpected moments, pockets filled with valuable magic. While I was musing about catastrophes in general and the way individuals react to them in particular, I stumbled upon this pocket in the form of a book, which had answers to all my questions. It is about a man who turned his liabilities into opportunities with his grit, will power and determination. The man I am referring to is George Washington Carver - the most prominent African-American agriculturist and scientist of the early 20th century; and the book is ‘Ek Hota Carver’ a biography (in Marathi) by Veena Gavankar.
I had read this book a couple of years ago when I was studying in college and last week when I started reading this book again, I felt as if I was reading it anew. Perhaps, the book resonated with me all the more due to the trying times all of us have experienced and endured because of the pandemic. I further realised that it would be selfish on my part if I did not share this treasure trove of information about this genius - ‘the Black Leonard’ as he was nicknamed by the Times magazine in 1941, with all of you dear readers. So, here I begin…
The biography beautifully and at times poignantly, traces important events of Carver’s life. However, it would not be possible to share everything about him for want of space and also because I do not want to deprive you of unravelling his personality on your own. I ‘met’ him several times through this book and each time unearthed newer, more enchanting facets of his personality. For example, the young Carver, who surprises every visitor to the Carver couple’s (Moses & Susan-his mother Mary was bought as a slave by Moses to keep Susan company) house by the garden maintained by him and make them marvel at his green fingers. Or, reading about a recluse George who favours the company of nature and looks upon the flora and fauna as his companions.
The book also depicts Carver, who dazzles you by his luminous personality in the face of various adversities and makes you believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. What I like about the book is the fact that while the writer paints him as a positive personality, she doesn’t make him godlike or superhuman. There are instances in the book where one gets to see him frustrated and devastated. But every time he bounces back and makes you remember the words by Ernest Hemingway: “A man can be destroyed but not defeated”.
Another highlight of the book is that though the story is about George Carver, there are several characters who show heroic characteristics: The Carver couple who take George under their wings, Mr Simpson who lets him sleep in his office when he is denied permission (due to his race) in the hostel at Iowa State Agricultural College and many more.
I think ‘choice’ is a recurring motif in the book and it shows the characters choosing humanity over self! For example, George decides to head the agricultural department at Tuskegee Institute (to teach the underprivileged students), when invited by the President Booker T. Washington than pursuing his personal aspirations. One experiences many such wonderful manifestations of human choice at different junctures in the book.
Well, the book abounds in numerous inspiring incidences from his life that makes it a motivating read and the evocative writing style makes it all the more interesting. Her pen adroitly captures the trials and tribulations, the quest for knowledge, and the pursuit of the unknown Peanut Man (he was responsible for the development of the quintessential American peanut butter) in a society reeking with racial prejudice.
Moreover, the non-preachy tone of the narrative makes it more relatable and readable.
Well, to conclude, Dr. Carver not only carved a niche for himself in his field but has successfully carved out a special place in my heart.
‘He could have added fortune to fame but caring for neither, he found happiness and honour in being helpful to the world’ (inscribed on G.W Carver’s grave).
Dr. Carver made his choice/s. We too have a choice! Let us begin 2021 on an affirmative note.
Dr. Shraddha Joshi
Senior full-time faculty