Editorial April 2024
by
Dr. Dalip Khetarpal

Fostering Creativity: A need for human progress

It’s fascinating to note the diverse array of writers worldwide, each lending their creative talents to enrich the global literary panorama. While some have faded into obscurity, many others thrive, breathing life into contemporary literary and aesthetic spheres. Noteworthy among these are renowned foreign writers, celebrated for their literary accomplishments. Sans mentioning their doctoral credentials, this esteemed group includes J.K. Rowling, Hulya n Yilmaz, John Green, Elif Shafak, Maria M. Miraglia, Jen Walls, Alice Walker, Khaled Hosseini, Brian Evenson, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ashok Bhargava, Benard M. Jackson, Suruchi Arora, Bernice Lever, Neil Leadbeater, Natalie Bisso, Patricia Prime, Piers Davis, Rob Harle, Akadov Eldar, Alexey Kalakutin,  Jeton Kelmendi and many more.

Similarly, from India emerge distinguished figures such as Hema Ravi, Shaleen Singh, Ramachandran Rajasekharan, D C Chambial, O P Arora, PCK Prem, Manas Bakshi, NandiniSahu, JhumpaLahiri, Rajiv Khandelwal, PhidaliaToi, K N Khandelwal, AmartyaSen, Arundhati Roy, Khurshid Alam, Geetanjali Shree, Mohan Patnaik, Suresh Pande, K V Dominic, and hundreds more with the exception of my name. India’s contribution to the literary world stands out, boasting of the largest number of creative writers globally, competing even with those from European and Western nations.

Top of Form

Creativity serves as the main life force, driving progress. It acts as the catalyst sparking innovation, the dynamic energy propelling humanity forward, and the quintessence of our distinctiveness as a species. In a world grappling with intricate challenges and swift transformations, the nurturing and celebration of creativity are not merely indulgences but imperative necessities.

However, despite its undeniable significance, creativity often finds itself relegated to the periphery, overshadowed by more tangible measures of success. In our pursuit of efficiency and productivity, we run the risk of neglecting the very wellspring of breakthroughs and solutions.

It’s crucial to recognize that creativity transcends the confines of artistic expression; it permeates every facet of human endeavour. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to cutting-edge technological advancements, from innovative business strategies to transformative social movements, creativity stands out as the driving force behind progress. It is the ability to think divergently, to forge connections between seemingly disparate concepts, and to envision novel possibilities that lay the groundwork for innovation.

However, nurturing creativity necessitates a favourable and healthy environment that values exploration and experimentation. It thrives in cultures that embrace a diversity of perspectives, empowering individuals to challenge conventions and embrace risk-taking. Regrettably, rigid structures and apprehensions about failure often serve as impediments, stifling creativity and impeding growth.

Moreover, creativity cannot be coerced or hurried; it flourishes in moments of introspection and happenstance, often surfacing when least expected. Hence, creating room for idle contemplation and unstructured play is imperative for unlocking our creative potential.

Additionally, policymakers have a vital role to play in fostering creativity at a societal level. Investing in arts and culture not only enriches communities but also stimulates creativity across all sectors. Similarly, supporting research and development initiatives fosters breakthroughs in science and technology, which have the capacity to reshape the world.

Fundamentally, nurturing creativity is not solely about fostering individual talent; it is about cultivating fertile ground for collective imagination to thrive. By acknowledging the intrinsic value of creativity and prioritizing its cultivation, we can unlock boundless potential and steer towards a brighter future.

To conclude, creativity is not a privilege reserved for a select few but a fundamental human trait deserving of nurturing and celebration. From the arts to the sciences, from classrooms to boardrooms, fostering creativity is indispensable for driving innovation, resolving intricate problems, and constructing a more dynamic and resilient society. Devoid of the faculty of creative prowess, born out of imagination and profound thought, no branch of knowledge can ever progress even an inch. Creation stands as the singular source from which all developments on this planet originate. Thus, let us ignite our creative instincts, cultivate environments conducive to their flourishing, and unleash the transformative power of imagination. Remember, the human mind has infinite potential to store all libraries of the world and every single creative word or idea can burst forth into infinite forms of life.