Given that we are in a literary forum, we should know the power of
words. The word 'dying' has its own image. However, there is a difference
between life-forms (species) that die and systems and tools that may fall
into disuse and disappear (but don't die). The latter are man-made
essentially for convenience and comfort. While the fate of the life-forms
is generally determined by natural evolutionary forces at work (with enough
contributions by the mankind during this continuing evolution), the fate of
the latter is determined by the man's quest for knowledge and his continuing
search for increasing comfort and convenience.
If any of the former disappear, we are not in a position (at
least, not yet, anyway) to make them reappear. If any of the latter
disappear, it is usually because something more advanced replaced it. If
the replacement does not work as well, man has the capacity to reinvent
the tool or the system.
Language and arts are essentially tools and systems created by
mankind to serve a specific purpose. They will be used as long as they serve
some purpose. When they stop serving a purpose, they will not be used
anymore. There is a certain historical interest (and purpose) in preserving
and studying them. However, there is a difference between preservation and
veneration. There is a difference between saying that 'things used to be
done that way, and admire the intricacies of this art when the
artisan/artist used to them that way' and saying 'that was the better (or
the only) way of doing things, and if you do it any other way, you will not
and should not be respected" implying that people who don't venerate the
old ways are somehow deficent and defunct.
One can raise questions about whether change is always for the
better. One may even argue that we would all be better off returning to
the nature and live the lives of our ancient forefathers. The question
then would be how far back is the right amount?
Though I am nostalgic about the trips we made to Eluru in
an 'onTeddu banDi' from my grand parents' village during my childhood, I
have grown to enjoy the conveniences that modern life has to offer.
Please don't tell me that going by the onteddu banDi is the only way to
travel (or that Eluru is the only place to visit).
Regards. --- Chowdary Jampala
PS: The reference to Eluru, though accurate, was thrown in gratuitously
ingratiate myself with Sri vEloori.
PPS: Even chaasO wrote a story with the title ElooreLLaali. Still, don't
tell me that Eluru is the only place to visit.