Dear Readers,I have been writing for The Scribe for more than eighteen months now. Today, I shamefully admit that quite a few columns that appeared under my name in the Scribe were plagiarized. I would like to sincerely apologize to the authors whose work I plagiarized, as well as to all of you, my readers, who I misled. Another author’s thoughts, concept or writing – any of that used without specifying their actual source is unquestionably a sacrilege to the art of writing. I understand this now and regret terribly my actions. I also want to offer my word on this occasion that no one in The Scribe staff knew that my columns were plagiarized.
I do not remember what exactly I wrote to the Editor when I first expressed my desire to be a Scribe columnist. It was September 2001. I believe I wrote an email, saying that I wanted to write candid articles about my experiences that I had long forgotten, but gave me immense joy and inspiration anytime they resurfaced in my mind. Amusing my readers by presenting my experiences or thoughts was my objective. The Editor wanted to give me a try and that marked the start of a memorable journey. The Scribe was a magnificent platform to launch my ideas and interests. Sooner than I expected, my ideas were reaching farther than a stone’s throw. The next three terms that I spent with The Scribe could not have been more enjoyable or fruitful. I especially want to thank all the other Scribe members who encouraged and inspired me during this time. I also want to sincerely thank all of my readers for your warmth and kindness.
Then at some point, work and school started tiring me and I could not find enough time to dedicate to The Scribe, although I still wanted to continue writing for the people who were eagerly waiting for my articles. My busy life gave me very little time to come up with two distinguished pieces every other week. I could find very little in my heart to write anymore. My writing lost its luster and, very shamefully, I began taking my columns from other authors that I come across in newspapers and magazines.
Looking back on my actions this semester is very painful to me. It is for this reason that I resign with a heavy heart from The Scribe. Today being the last time I can speak to all my readers, I want to appeal to you not to let this incident affect your patronage to The Scribe, or to the many future Scribe columnists who will write, wishing with a good heart to entertain and inform you.
Sincerely,
Rahul Raymoulik