We are all interested in some or the other field. We often acquire knowledge in the field as our interest deepens and vice versa. This process is often facilitated when we express our knowledge.
We can express our views on our favorite subject in many ways, such as discussion, debate, or writing. A major advantage of writing over other means of expression is that writing allows us to study a topic in detail, while discussion may end up giving us just rhetoric. That is why I prefer writing over other forms of knowledge expression.
I will like to share an incident when I felt my knowledge increased after writing. After getting selected for YKA’s Writer’s Training Program, I was asked to write an opinion piece on Kamal Haasan’s entry in politics.
I started writing about the role of general Tamil actors in Tamilian politics. Then I wondered if I should analyse whether the progressive ideology of Kamal Haasan may be a misfit in a state where people strive for legalisation of Jallikattu. But I found that Kamal Haasan supports Jallikattu. The simple conclusions I was trying to draw weren’t forthcoming.
It is said that writing writes our brain. Soon, I wrote on Kamal Haasan batting for ‘Dravid Nadu’ and how it might get affected by other south Indian states.
Initially I knew little about Haasan’s ideology to form an opinion. Later, I came to understand the relation of actors and politicians in South India, ideology and past statements of Kamal Haasan, ideology of his front Makkal Needhi Maim, and the possible reaction of other southern states on his call for a ‘Dravid Nadu’ – all while writing just one article.
When others ask me the reason I write, I question them by asking why they don’t. Writing about Indian polity is not my job or hobby, but I consider writing as a form of worship towards the Almighty who made me interested in politics. I appeal to everyone to express their thoughts by writing and experience the truth of the words spoken by Henry Miller, “Writing is its own reward.”
The author is a part of the Youth Ki Awaaz Writers’ Training Program.