World in a word

Portuguese Nobel laureate in literature (1998) Jose Saramago held that words are like people - each one has its own character. This statement highlights the intricacy and uniqueness of words, drawing a fascinating parallel between them. Just as individuals possess distinct personalities, words also have character.

Each word holds immense power, reflecting countless thoughts, emotions and experiences associated with it. Like people's aura, words carry weight and evoke different meanings. From gentle whisper of love to thunderous roar of anger, words can shape narratives, ignite imaginations and construct realities. Saramago's view serves as a reminder to cherish depth and diversity of languages, acknowledging its dynamic role in expressing our humanity.

Rumi says, 'Kainaat ustavaar miz un lafz' - the universe is enshrined in a word. Thanks to the sacredness of every word, not just purity and piety of scriptural words, Indic thought systems believe that Akshar Brahmn is a divine reality. Hence, words must be weighed, measured and spoken with utmost care. Misuse and casual use of words may lead to an imbalance in relationships and create negative vibes. Yask's 'Nirukta', the world's first book on etymology, states that words weave us together. They can be used both as welders and weapons.


While flippant use of words can drive a wedge, they can also bridge gaps and gulfs. Ergo, treat every word as a character that can bring about change.