By: Ikkz Ikbal
This morning they were sitting on the Pend (Community space) to beat the heat and the group of ‘Buzurg’ (elderly men) had gathered to exchange and engage in a deep conversation about current political scenarios around the globe. The discussion was rich with wisdom and perspectives until some young boys joined in and the dynamics shifted quickly turning the conversation into a heated argument. The once peaceful dialogue turned into a lively contentious debate and the intergenerational clash made me realise that it is inevitable to highlight and reshape the ‘Village Pend’ conversations.
Vaan Pend (spaces outside of shops) is an age old traditional extension of a village shops and encapsulates the spirit of a village community tradition and is always considered as nucleus of street talk. People, both young and old involve in what majority of the times seems like nonsensical banter. Yet it plays a serious role in stitching threads that make up social connectivity within the community
In the mornings and evenings, the Village Pend discussions veer into topics ranging from politics, cricket, cinema, society and personal lives. A place where time usually feels suspended when people get into deep conversation, where the commonplace takes on hues of extraordinary significance, and where the banal finds deep value. But even as the Van Pand retains its status a s being the nucleus of villages conversions- apparently insignificant. An impending question lingers: Does the time invested here hold merit? Or is it a squandering of valuable moments?
The street conversations on the often revolve around passing time, the trivial discussions about village family issues, politics, cricket, tales from bollywood, or the myriad stories of the people who make up the community. While some people believe that such exchanges are vital aspects of the village life, fostering a sense of unity and integrity, others consider such exchanges as wasteful indulgence.
The situation demands reflection. Should we aim to curb the habit of spending endless hours at the pend or is it better to redirect this communal energy towards other ends? But the Van Pand, has become an institution deeply ingrained in the village culture that eliminating it from the society is as improbable as plucking the moon from the night sky. It is a tradition that spans generations, a living testament to the enduring spirit of community life.
However, tradition does not necessarily equate to stagnation. Instead of attempting to eliminate the pend conversations let us try to reinvent and transform them and revive interest in this age-old tradition. Picture this: the pend, not merely as an abstract area of the building where people spend their time, but as a lively center for positive changes and a place of impact.
From the standpoint of revival of the cultural and ethical values, let’s not dispense with tradition but empower it. Think about the pend conversations steering the focus on local issues, collective initiatives, or educational projects. The pend which was a platform for exchanging everyday humor can turn into a place for debating and developing intellect, consciousness and society.
So, while the elimination of the village “Van Pand” conversations is as feasible as trying to catch a tornado, what is more achievable is the reiteration of these conversations. Of course, by focusing the conversations on the matters of substance, it does not only serve to maintain, but rather enliven tradition. Instead the pend, which initially stored the happenings and tales, can transform into a tool for the optimistic change, where the life in the village continues to prosper and develop with the aforesaid principles in mind.
The sun is setting in the village illuminating the familiar and firm outlines of the pend with the golden light which leaves an air of change. Street discussions or rather conversations over fences that people of a Village have been practicing for generations, stands on the cusp of evolution.
If the Van Pand conversations shift towards the issues that really matter, towards local issues, collective initiatives and educational pursuits, the Van Pend will emerge as a beacon of hope and enlightenment. The echoes of laughter and camaraderie will persist, but now they harmonize with the resonance of ideas, dreams, and shared aspirations.
The writer has a PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad. He tweets @IkkzTweets
