7) Human competition leads to rivalry. Explain with reference to “The Gardener’ Written by P Lankesh.
Ans: In "The Gardener" by P. Lankesh, human competition indeed leads to rivalry, and this theme is explored through the characters and their interactions in the story. The central character, the gardener, represents a symbol of harmony and connection with nature, while the other characters embody the competitive and divisive aspects of human nature.
The Gardener as a Symbol of Harmony: The gardener, who takes care of the beautiful garden, represents a harmonious relationship with nature. He nurtures the plants, tends to them with care, and maintains a sense of balance and order. His actions symbolize a peaceful coexistence with the natural world, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and preserving the environment.
Rivalry Among the Characters: In contrast to the gardener's harmonious approach, the other characters in the story display competitive tendencies that lead to rivalry. For example:
The industrialist, with his desire to build a factory, represents the relentless pursuit of economic gain, often at the expense of nature and the environment. His rivalry with the gardener arises from their conflicting priorities—profits versus preservation.
The politician, too, is motivated by self-interest and the desire for power, often engaging in political rivalry with others. In the story, his rivalry with the industrialist stems from a desire to secure the factory project for his own political benefit.
The journalist, although initially sympathetic to the gardener's cause, eventually succumbs to the pressure of sensationalism and rivalry that characterizes the media world. He sensationalizes the conflict between the gardener and the industrialist, further exacerbating the rivalry.
Environmental Destruction: The rivalry between the industrialist and the gardener ultimately leads to the destruction of the beautiful garden. The industrialist's desire to build a factory results in the bulldozing of the garden, symbolizing the destructive consequences of human competition and greed on the natural world. This destruction highlights the tragic impact of rivalry on the environment.
Lack of Understanding: The story also underscores the lack of understanding and empathy among the characters. They fail to appreciate the gardener's deep connection with nature and his commitment to preserving it. Instead, they view him as an obstacle to their individual ambitions, further fueling the rivalry.
In "The Gardener," P. Lankesh uses the characters and their actions to explore the destructive effects of human competition and rivalry, particularly in the context of environmental conservation. The story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between human ambition and the need to protect and preserve the natural world. The tragic outcome of the rivalry in the story serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked competition and the potential for harmony when humans choose to coexist with nature rather than exploit it for personal gain.
