In the world of academia, one often encounters a multitude of topics, some intriguing and others, well, not quite so. Imagine preparing for a BA graduate examination and stumbling upon an essay prompt about the “Mango Tree.” It may sound like a simple and uninspiring subject, but for one intrepid student pursuing his degree privately, it became an opportunity for creativity and innovation that ultimately led to the highest marks in the state of Punjab (India).
The student (which was Me) initially perplexed by the mundane nature of the topic, couldn’t help but wonder what had prompted the paper setter to choose such a simple question. After all, a mango tree, in its simplicity, offers a multitude of aspects to explore: its varieties, the suitable soil for cultivation, the duration it takes to bear fruit, the utility of its wood, and more. With the essay accounting for a substantial 100 out of 150 marks in the language paper, the pressure was on to create something extraordinary.
After a contemplative ten minutes, the student decided to take an unconventional path. Rather than presenting a dry and factual account of the mango tree, he chose to infuse life into the subject. He decided to narrate the tales and stories that a mango tree might have witnessed throughout its existence.
The student wove a story of two young lovers who sought refuge under the mango tree’s generous shade. Their conversations, filled with love and romance, revealed the challenges they faced due to societal norms and parental objections. The mango tree, a silent observer, heard whispers from another group gathered beneath its branches that the lovers had decided to elope, only to be tragically caught by their families and subjected to the grim reality of honor killing. The tree’s sorrow at this turn of events was palpable.
The mango tree didn’t stop there; it continued to share its observations. Planted by four close and affectionate brothers on their agricultural land, it watched as their unity slowly eroded. Disputes over land division led to animosity, legal battles, and even the untimely demise of one brother. The tree, standing as a mute spectator at the brother’s funeral, couldn’t help but reflect on the fragility of human relationships.
The mango tree’s story extended to its location, a village track leading to a place of worship. Once a year, a bustling fair would take place, and a sweetmeat shop would set up its stall beneath its shade. Generations of owners and villagers came and went, but the tree remained steadfast. Over time, its owner grew disinterested as the tree’s fruit-bearing capacity dwindled.
The essay also delved into the nostalgia of children playing under its branches, eagerly plucking fruits and cherishing their catches. But now, times had changed, and the young generation showed little interest in its leafy refuge. Many of those young generation had migrated to cities never to come back to see this village and the tree.
The climax of the essay arrived when the student’s reflection turned to the tree’s uncertain future. Its present owner (great grandson of the person who had planted it) contemplated cutting it down, as it had graced the land for 105 long years. They sought to replace it with a house on their farmland. As in the essay Mango tree eloquently expressed, “Life goes on, and even I would be gone someday.”
In a surprising turn of events, this unconventional approach to the essay earned the student an astounding 123 marks out of 150 in the Punjabi language paper, securing the highest marks in the state of Punjab. It serves as a testament to the power of creativity, storytelling, and thinking outside the box, even when faced with the most unassuming of topics.
In the end, the mango tree’s journey through this essay not only left an indelible mark on the student’s academic record but also served as a reminder that even the most ordinary subjects can be transformed into extraordinary narratives with a touch of imagination and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.
Guchi.
Improve Your Life 