Acknowledgment

Once a man, after bidding goodbye to his life on Earth, because he lived a virtuous life, gained entry into heaven (Nobody is expected to find facts in fiction!). He was curious to learn about the processes at work in heaven. He saw several counters crowded with angels who were busy attending calls from earthly beings. They were noting down messages about the needs and wants of mortals. He was awestruck by the systematic way the process was being run. Moving from one counter to the next, he happened to come across a scarcely crowded cabin. The angel in charge of the office was sound asleep, snoring!

He read the board hanging from the top of the door that read 'Acknowledgment'.

Acknowledgment/ page is inevitable when you have to submit a project, dissertation, PhD thesis, or send important documents via post, and so on. The word carries the meaning of 'recognizing'. During the 16th century, a period when readership and authorship were dependent on royal power, poets and playwrights became popular depending on who their works were dedicated to. Being included in the 'good book' list ensured their livelihood and entitled them to a pension. Apart from monetary benefits, acknowledging the assistance received is a part of ethics (in Sanskrit, 'acknowledge' is translated as 'manyatha').

Lessons on ethics are mandatory to complete research work. Acknowledgment is a means of expressing gratitude. Knowledge cannot be gained in a vacuum. It is acquired from sources created by its creators. Acknowledging their contribution is a way of expressing gratitude. In an era where information is at our fingertips, people often forget that the content we read has an owner (unfortunately, the author of Beowulf is unknown), the pictures we download were uploaded from a source, the music on our ringtone came to life through a Beethoven's fingers, and so are all the various things we come across, yet ironically, we claim ownership over them!

Neither was Chaucer oblivious to the contribution made by Henry IV for his royal patronage, nor did Mary Shelley, in her introduction to Frankenstein, forget to mention the influence of Milton's Satan in Paradise Lost. T. S. Eliot did remember Dante's Inferno while penning his epic poem "The Waste Land", and so did William Wordsworth in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads." Acknowledgment is not confined to thanking the assistance rendered by renowned personalities but also extends to those close and near to the heart. Fitzgerald, while expressing the turmoil of the roaring 20s in his The Great Gatsby, showed his gratitude to his companion, John Peale Bishop. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: Steinbeck's masterpiece opens with a dedication to his wife, Carol and their children, acknowledging the importance of family and personal connections in his writing.

We have a habit of forgetting our blessings and chasing what we lack. Instead of feeling contented that we can meet our ends smoothly every month, we lament not having a huge bank balance. Instead of being satisfied with owning a modest abode, we yearn for massive mansions. Instead of enjoying short trips in the vehicle we own through monthly instalments, we desire special edition cars. Instead of feeling accomplished for being employed in a time when highly qualified and unemployed individuals struggle, we lament not having a permanent government position.

An attitude of gratitude is not confined to two simple words, 'Thank you.' It should be repeated to oneself every moment. Wake up at sunrise and say 'thank you' for waking up. Move toward the washroom, repeating 'thank you' for being able to walk on two legs (as many either do not wake up or face strokes and paralysis). Feel thankful for having a roof over your head (as not many have the same). Do not blame the clothes in the washing machine (you have plenty of clothes to fill it and a machine to use). Do not curse the dishes in the sink (not many cooks daily, nor do they have ample water to keep them clean and tidy). The list goes on endlessly!

In short, acknowledgment is a multifaceted concept that encompasses recognizing the contributions of others, expressing gratitude and understanding our place in the broader perception. Whether it is in literature, academia or our personal lives, acknowledging the influence and support we receive is an essential practice that cultivates humility, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our shared experiences. Let us learn to be more grateful and keep the angel in the empty counter busy sending, “Pleasure” messages!!

Saritha. K
Assistant Professor & Head
Dept. of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna