Way with Words

Words have the power to inspire and heal, believes Punjabi poet and writer, Govardhan Gabbi, whose collection of short stories, Bharamjaal, was released today. The author of poetry anthologies Dil Wali Fatdi and Ateet Se Sirnaven, and Gurdakhana, a book of short stories, Gabbi focuses on issues of society and politics in the 12 short stories of Bharamjaal. "Unless we unveil the wounds of our body, they cannot be cured. Words can heal,'' says Gabbi.

The first story revolves around sexual violence and how the modern woman deals with it. "In this society, writing about a woman's rights and her empowerment is the only way to ensure a better future for all of us," he says. Stories Ajgar and Gunjhaldaar explore the issue of untouchability in a subtle and sensitive manner, while Thande Murdhaghar depicts modern Punjab and its people. "The main focus of the book is the socio-economic expectations of the people and how we deal with it,'' says the writer.

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