“Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye” (Speak with a language that brings healing and peace not just to others but to oneself.)
The legendary 15th century poet, Kabir Das, wrote the above mentioned words to highlight the purpose and art of using spoken words. The Indian culture has always been an epitome of compassion, hospitality and holism. For aeons, language has been used for constructive measures. Statesmen and leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Priya Kumar, Shiv Khera and many others have influenced and driven people to progress with the right and articulate use of spoken language. Their list of testimony, which is filled with fans sharing how their words have transformed their and many other lives, is exemplary in showcasing the power and might of right words.
Like the two faces of a coin, language also has two effects based on its use and form. Akin a sword, it can be used for a massacre and it can be raised for safety. Language’s form changes its course with the agenda attached to it. Words can be used for healing, encouraging and motivating, and they can also be used for abusing, brainwashing, shattering dreams, tainting identities etc. History has shown how razor-sharp weapons have coloured the soil red, with the bloodshed of millions in the battles that were fought either to avenge, usurp or sometimes defend in the display of ego wars. Such wars are not over, they do not occur once in a millennium; propelled by odious words, they are a part of our present-day reality. Although we have peace treaties, ammunition acts and various international organizations upholding world peace, the ego wars continue to be an innate part of our daily life. These are wars of egos fought with the weapons of words.
In the present times of pandemic, the celluloid screen has increased its TRPs with a 24*7 live telecast of such wars. The Talk Shows have given the talk a whole new meaning and form, which often appear abysmal. The shrill, blaring tone, harsh and brutal words make your ears bleed, opinions are spoken with affirmation that matches a prophecy. Such mannerism not only kills the person targeted at, but its bloodshed of an identity. At a larger level it is an injury to the art of speaking, of our language culture that has been traditionally marked with compassion and empathy. The repeated sessions of debates have lesser content and meaning, appearing more like a teaching session of how to use words as lethal weapons. And how they must be used for the baseless killing to unfurl the flag of victory even if that means a walkover on virtues associated with humanity and culture. And not to forget the national platform is a place which the future generation is looking up to. Hence, before we view or deliver, let us stop and think – is the language ki laathi used for killing or saving, or should the language be used as a laathi altogether? When we think about the undesirable or harmful effects and outcome of words used as
weapons, doesn’t it call upon us for their use in more conscious, and thoughtful ways ?
