In the world of Application Writing, clarity, truthfulness, and intent are crucial aspects that enable a key decision to be made regarding a request for a job, admission, scholarship, or other opportunities. Interestingly enough, clarity, truthfulness, and intent are also the fundamental principles at play in Ruskin Bond’s well-told Class 10 English story, ‘The Thief’s Story‘. Although the story depicts the development of a young thief, through the kindness he received, at a more intrinsic level, the story teaches powerful lessons about how we can develop written words that show intent, leading us to produce meaningfully considered and impactful things in the real world.
Let’s examine how the values articulated in the ‘The Thief’s Story’ can also be the values and principles applied to developing the skill of effective application writing.
The Story at a Glance: A Reminder of Intent
In The Thief’s Story, a young character, who refers to himself as “Hari Singh”, makes a living from being a thief. When he meets Anil, a nice trusting writer, he sees both an easy mark and the opportunity of a lifetime. However, rather than taking complete advantage of Anil, Hari begins to change – he learns something, finds the value of being honest and ultimately returns the money he had taken. His act of honesty is a turning point in his life.
Like Hari Singh, those who write an application will, of course, have a goal – approval, acceptance or selection. The means to that end are not essential – but how we get to that second point is. Are you writing to impress? Or are you writing with a genuine intention and desire to learn, contribute and develop?
The Thief’s Story: Some excellent similarities
- Honesty Over Flattery
In the story, Anil’s unwavering trust in the thief triggers a profound transformation in Hari Singh. This transformation, fueled by honesty, is a powerful reminder of the potential impact of truthfulness in Application Writing. It’s not about impressing with flattery or vague claims of superiority, but about building trust through genuine, truthful statements about your skills, experience, and motivation.
2. Show Transformation Through Experience
Hari Singh’s flexibility was his best quality. When he moved in with Anil, he moved from a cooking thief to a learning thief. That shift from being a thief to a learner denotes development and that is what selectors or evaluators want in applications.
3. Align Your Actions With Your Words
The climax of The Thief’s Story is a poignant moment when Hari chooses to return the stolen money, aligning his actions with the person he aspires to be. This principle is equally crucial in Application Writing. Your words should reflect your actions and your aspirations. Don’t promise what you haven’t done or inflate your accomplishments. Be honest and consistent, and the selection committees will appreciate your integrity.
Don’t promise things you have not done or inflate your accomplishments. Selection committees will see right through inconsistencies.
4. A Personal Touch Makes a Difference
Ruskin Bond’s storytelling style in The Thief’s Story is simple yet emotionally rich, allowing readers to connect with Hari’s internal conflict deeply. Similarly, your Application Writing should not be robotic or generic. It should carry your voice, your experiences, and your purpose. This personal touch can make your application stand out and resonate with the readers.
5. Make a Strong Opening—Just Like the Story
“The Thief’s Story” begins with an intriguing line that sets the tone: “I was still a thief when I met Anil.” This grabs the reader’s attention and makes them curious.
Your application should do the same. A strong, engaging introduction can set you apart from the beginning.
6. End With Purpose, Not Just Politeness
Hari Singh ends his story by choosing the path of honesty, hinting at a better future. Your application should also conclude with a clear purpose—not just a polite “Thank you for considering my application.” Go further by restating your commitment or your vision if selected.
7. Simplicity and Clarity Win
One of the most beautiful aspects of The Thief’s Story is its simplicity. It doesn’t use difficult words or exaggerated emotions. That’s exactly how a practical application should be—easy to read, straightforward, and sincere.
Conclusion:-
In Ruskin Bond’s The Thief’s Story, we are reminded that every action has a choice, and every choice begins with a thought. Whether it is Hari Singh’s decision not to run away with the money he stole, or a student selecting the right words in a school application, the key factor is sincerity and intention.
Application writing is not just a technical skill, it is about your purpose, your hopes and your individuality. The process of application writing is about drawing upon stories like The Thief’s Story to enable you to do more than fill in a form; you will connect, compel and create.
So, next time you begin the task of writing an application, think of Hari Singh and try to write in a way that your words do not simply say something—but mean something.
