From Ashes to Words

It goes back to 1985. I was just a young student in class when life felt stable, even promising. My father held a respectable job in the public sector, and we owned a sizeable chunk of agricultural land. Our family was well-off, and I remember the gentle rhythm of rural life—simple yet fulfilling. There was no hint of what storm would come crashing down on our peaceful world.

The Fall

Our misfortune struck suddenly and violently. A bitter land dispute within our extended family spiraled out of control. In a moment of fury and chaos, a close relative was killed during a bloody clash. My father, grandfather, and other elders were arrested and imprisoned under Article 302—an offense carrying the death penalty. In one night, I went from a carefree schoolboy to a child surrounded by grief, fear, and uncertainty. I was left alone, without a male guardian to look after us, while enmity spread like wildfire around us.

We were not only emotionally shattered but financially crippled. Our once-prosperous life was now scarred with tension, suspicion, and loss. But in that darkest hour, my mother stood tall—a pillar of strength and resilience. Under her close supervision and unfailing belief in education, I continued my studies. I walked to school with my heart heavy but my resolve intact.

After 14 agonizing months, my father, grandfather, and the other elders were released. Two years later, local elders and well-wishers helped settle the family dispute. We even managed to heal wounds through inter-family marriages. Peace was slowly restored, but the experience had left deep marks on my heart.

Choosing a Different Path

The area I come from is remote, mountainous, and steeped in a culture of vengeance. The Kalashnikov was more than a weapon—it was a symbol of masculinity and justice in the eyes of many. Our family too, like others, was entrenched in the cycles of enmity. But deep within me, a desire was growing—an urge to escape the violence, the backwardness, and build a life based on knowledge and peace.

To pursue education, I walked mile after mile—sometimes barefoot, sometimes hungry—just to attend school in distant towns. I worked hard, often topping my classes. I completed my graduation, then went on to do a Master’s degree. Not stopping there, I pursued another Master’s program and completed it with distinction.

During this academic journey, I discovered my true calling: writing. I poured my heart into words, expressing my thoughts and observations with clarity and courage. Over time, I authored more than 500 articles and write-ups—writing became my survival, my strength, and eventually, my source of livelihood.

A New Life

I got married and made the conscious decision to move out of my native village. I left behind the cycle of feuds and hate, and shifted to the capital city. Here, I embraced writing full-time—not only as a profession but as a passion. I became a contributor to various platforms, and my voice started finding recognition on national and international forums.

But this journey hasn’t been without struggle. The writing profession is unpredictable. Sometimes I am fully employed, working with organizations and earning well. Other times, I find myself without a stable income. The job market is tough. Exploitation, jealousy, and professional bias are constant hurdles. Still, I persist.

Carrying the Weight Forward

Now at 46, I live on rent. I have a young son whose future depends on my efforts. Running the household, ensuring his education, and maintaining our modest lifestyle weighs heavily on my shoulders. Sometimes, it feels like a full circle—like I’m reliving the anxiety of 1985, only this time as a father.

Yet, despite the challenges, I am grateful. I live a peaceful life, far away from blood feuds and the destructive Kalashnikov culture. I’ve chosen the pen over the gun. I’ve built a life based on ideas, not violence. And above all, I am proud that my words—not bullets—travel across the world and leave an imprint.

This is the beauty of life: to rise from the ashes, to walk away from hate, and to carve a space in the world through sheer resilience, hope, and hard work.