P Kharel-
LIKE an arrow flying from the bow, any word, once expressed, cannot be taken back. So goes the word of wisdom familiar in this region since time immemorial. Words carry the power to encourage/discourage someone, soothe ruffled feelings, warn, teach, share and the whole range of action. They represent an outlet for one’s feelings, moods, quest and pursuits. Stir the cup of big issues and spur fresh debates.
Words will wow, weary and wound people — or simply bore them. They do many things to many people simultaneously or at different periods of times. The right words in the right place and on the right occasion can deliver to the receiver what the drive behind the deliverer wants to impress upon. Committing such contents to writing involves concentrated attention and perhaps an impression in individual solitude without being distracted (or noised) by the burden of having to listen to and participate in the form of discussion.
Work in words also weaves it way to recalling vibrant voices from the past, often ignored or overlooked. A writer can dig the past and give a perspective to it in the present context. I make a living by reporting and interpreting events basically through written words, barring occasional interviews of the oral type. Read P Kharel's article in The Rising Nepal
