Rajpal's Column

Unperfected art of taking a break

But, the issues sometimes don't relent. A favourite Editor of this columnist, used to say "there is nothing new in newspapers. It's just a new angle on an old take." Must be true. Go through the Lake House archives, and you will read about mobile brothels in the year 1942.

But for the last 18 years, the issues have been larger than mobile brothels. In one-sense columnists had it made, with all party conferences, peace-talks, political incompetence, conflict resolution and low intensity war to write about.

But the older these issues became, the more columnists felt compelled to dress each episode with new words and verbiage. 

But perhaps, there is merit in a columnist holding his peace.. But then, he cannot keep white space. So in one way, a columnist is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. But this week, this columnist has lost his inspiration.

There is not much desire to put pen to paper. Some sensible people would say " have writer's block, stay home.'' Right. But then, I didn't ask you to read this far, even. At least so far this columnist didn't say "this conflict needs a new and immediate infusion of ideas.'' Or "be that as it may.'' Or "Meanwhile.'' Or "However.'' Mea culpa. This week I take a bow; but I hope I haven't left you bloodied.

The Special Report

Editorial/ Opinion Contents