Most Odias from our generation might be familiar with this Odia short story from our High school days, LOKE BOLIBE KANA (What the people will say) written by Sri Godabarisha Mahapatra.
It starts with "CHANDA MUNDA KU AUNSI AUNSI" (scratching his bald head). To make this short story short, set in an Odisha village this man seen rubbing his bald head is in a classic quandary. His brother with whom he had a turbulent relationship has just passed away, his dead body lying on his veranda.
The guy is in a dilemma, whether he should take his corpse for cremation or not. Though he never had a good relationship with his sibling, he still has to do his duty. Otherwise, LOKE BOLIBE KANA (What the people will say) ?
Very powerful story indeed. My teenage mind those days was not able to fully comprehend and fathom the ethos and pathos associated with the story. But now I can visualize the mastery of the writer, the legendary Godabarisa, who in this short story set up nearly a century ago has captured an inherent human paradox.
We now live in a smart phone, social media driven world where thoughts fly faster than twinkle of an eye. Technology has reached its zenith, but the basic human nature has not changed. We may not agree, nor enjoy doing day in day out in our personal and professional life dealing with A Grade A - holes. But just do it for the heck and sake of LOKE BOLIBE KANA (What the people will say) - to prevent folks from saying anything which may be counted against our image, the object be damned.
It may not be any of others business, yet we succumb to the norms of the milieu. Mortal men, immortal writing. Kudos to Sri Godabarisha Mohapatra, you were way ahead of your time.
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