CHOOSING SILENCE

Paulo Friere’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” denounces the Culture of Silence says oppressors create a culture of silence so oppressed always remain silent and continue to get oppressed. This renowned educator’s judgment can be generalized in discourses of poverty and education in underdeveloped world: But does this apply 100 percent in the present context of Nepal?

Culture of silence should not be practiced as a deterrent to freedom of speech and to right to information of citizen. But, rethink of degree self-expression can be strongly recommended as many times performing the freedom violates personal rights, right to development of common men.

Politics as a game of tactics and tantrums always inspires people involved in it to be in the limelight especially in Nepali context. Speeches on repeated subjects, commitments are the part and parcel of politicians who never stop for silence. Media in another way boosts them to speak further and further and bring out everything they have in their minds. May be many of us do not enjoy 24 hours broadcast of political speeches, interviews and talk show on TV which are not so productive. Mornings are again full of in-bed interviews of politicians offer their views on current affairs, future directions, protest plans of their respective parties.

All over everywhere, big talks prevail but results are always unfulfilled promises; and no good contributions are made by leaders, policy makers and development brokers except for their personal matters. Many meetings, seminars workshops are organized and many voices are heard but too little they offer to the actual beneficiary whom these activities are meant for. Many clubs and societies are formed in foreign countries but most of them are politically inclined and battle for leadership break out among them every time.

“Children are the zone of peace”, this slogan has become a mockery due to current trend of politics as political parties distribute party membership at schools and trained students to be a rebel in future. They are not trained in course of study but in public speaking at an early age. A youngster is made a 'savior' of the country and a profound leader to ‘liberate’ people from the slavery.

From homes to Pani Pandheras from offices to parties people everywhere enjoy gossip, pass comments and making negative remarks of people. So much buzz goes on small matters. Sometimes too much of publicity and praise is given in small accomplishments. By this manner, carriers of person many times go in doldrums due to unnecessary comments about them and their personal lives.

For our own development, let us just do more than words we speak. To create, innovate or to develop hard labour is indispensible. Therefore, only by worshiping labour, one can achieve the higher goals; contribute to the society. Success cannot be found in fruitless speeches and noises but in silences. Many Bedic and Buddhist scriptures revered silence as a primary factor to reach out the God. In that manner, to worship or to do hard labour, silence is a justifiable environment for our development. Let our progress and prosperity flow like serenity of a river. Let us allow people to struggle and achieve their goals instead of making negative remarks and gossips on them. Choose silence over noises. Sometimes Silence is beautiful.

Kamal Khanal
Kamal_kh@hotmail.com