GULZAR's TERE BINA ZINDAGI SE...

 

गुलज़ार के लफ्ज़ खामोशी से बिंधे हैं, यही संगीत है।

तेरे बिना ज़िंदगी से। उनका अहम गीत। जब से समझ बढ़ी, याद नहीं कभी इसे शुरू से अंत तक सुन पाई हूँ। ये गीत जगह मांगता है अपनी पूरी जगह। जीवन लग जाता है अपने भीतर उस जगह को तराशने में जहां इस गीत को बैठाया जा सके, पोसा जा सके। एक अजीब चुप्पी घिर आती है, जब गुलज़ार लिखते हैं ‘काश ऐसा हो, तेरे दामन में, सर झुका के हम, रोते रहें.. रोते रहें।

गीत के दृश्य में संजीव और सुचित्रा जिस तरह एक दूसरे को ना देखते हुए भी देखते हैं, नज़रों में फ़ैली बेतरतीब उदासी, उनके अकेलेपन की गवाह है। जैसे एक कठिन समय में लिया गया निर्णय लम्बे विलाप की राह तय कर आया हो। उम्र भर की थकान भरी हो सीने में। दूसरे के हिस्से का प्यार ढोना अब मुमकिन नहीं। क्या सौंप दें दूसरे को बेहिचक? दूरियों के बावजूद रिश्ते की तपिश बाकी है? इस दफ़ा नेह या दुःख नहीं, अहम् को परे रख, पछतावा भी साझा कर सकें।

वे दोनों चाँद में अपने बिखरे रिश्ते की गहराई ढूंढते हैं, दीवारों पर अरबी आयात में अपनी उम्र, याकि ढूंढते हैं खुद को ही इनके बीच कहीं। एक सटीक शब्द, जो लौटा ले जाएं उन्हें, उसी जगह छोड़ आए.. जहां साथ मिल एक सपना देखा होगा, जो अधूरा है, अधूरा ही रहे शायद।

क्या अकेलेपन से कोई मन इस क़दर भी थका होगा जो मंजिल की जगह अपने साथी के कदमों संग अनजान रास्ते की चाहना रखता हो।

‘तुम ग़र साथ हो मंज़िलों की कमी तो नहीं’। इतना अरसा होने के बाद भी हम इस गीत की गिरफ़्त में है। यह गुलज़ार साब का जादू है, उनके होने का अर्थ भी। ♥️

The Curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee | Book Review

Title: The Curse of Kuldhara
Author: Richa Mukherjee
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Pages: 330

‘Prachand turned his placid gaze on the inquisitive Yatish, ‘can’t you see it? All this while, I was reluctant as I didn’t know of a problem. Whatever would I do on a film set? But now I have found a mystery to solve. It’s a curse of Kuldhara!’    

The Curse of Kuldhara by Richa Mukherjee, is a compelling crime-thriller. I am intrigued by its elements, an unspoken dread, a cursed village, and haunted atmosphere. All of these components transport you into mysterious world.

Basically, the story revolves around Prachand Tripathi, our protagonist who runs a detective agency with his wife. Amidst the underlying tension of work, this couple receives an unexpected assignment, a movie-offer presented by a high-profile politician. Prachand takes it as a - once in a lifetime opportunity - and accepts it immediately, not even being bothered by the quaint history of that place, the place where the movie being made, place that is abandoned and cursed. With all the twists and turns, the story leads to an unexpected killing. Is there some evil power behind this murder?

Author states ‘About two hundred years ago, Kuldhara in particular was inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, a devout and proud lot who believed in living simply and peacefully. Our ancestors are correct in saying that too much of a good thing attracts the evil eye. The same misfortune befell the poor Paliwal Brahmins. Their troubles came in the form of an evil diwan who laid his unchaste eyes on the daughter of the village chief. They bagged and pleaded with him to let her be. However, he unleashed his vengeance on them by pressurizing them financially and giving them an ultimatum to hand her over. As it was the matter of honour, they chose to abandon the village overnight.’

What I really like about the book is the vibes around the village. The author depicts the place in such an exquisite manner, it feels as you visited that place in real, as ‘Naveli Haveli, in its dilapidated state, was unlike the other better – preserved vestiges of Rajasthan’s history, but it shared a common feature with them – its walls. They were a medley of brick, sandstone, marble, wood, plaster and granite that insulated the interiors from the onslaught of the winds both during the summer and the winter.’   

No spoilers, but the character of an old lady is really absorbing. I loved how author added some colloquial words, Dash of wit and humorous dialogues, it truly enhances the palette of its narrative structure.

Although, at some places, I feel mixed-bag emotions for the characters, the struggle to connect to the core of the story was there. To wait to 14th chapter to come up to the place, the book actually based on. I really wish it could have been fleshed out well. But on the whole, I liked the book, a gripping crime-mystery. It definitely deserves more appreciation.

Despite being a part of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd. Series, this book stands alone. I have not read the previous part, but it worked for me. This page-turner thriller can be your weekend companion.  

 

Synopsis

What can possibly go wrong when fame and fortune come knocking? Plenty! We return to the charming and colourful lanes of Gwaltoli to revisit Prachand Tripathi, our favourite desi detective and owner of Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd. While he has progressed from locating lost pets and garments to problems of gravitas, their moderate fame doesn't impress wife and CFO Vidya Tripathi who still complains about wasted potential and the tepid life they lead. As if on cue, an unusual but promising proposal comes their way, one they simply cannot refuse. It's an invitation to oversee a film shoot based on their lives, whisking them away to the resplendent deserts of Rajasthan. What follows is an unbelievable and spine-chilling adventure that will drag them through a morass of inexplicable events, dangerous secrets and a cursed, abandoned village that wreaks havoc on the living and dead alike.

 

About the Author

Richa is an ex-journalist and advertising professional turned award winning writer, poet and blogger, contributing to several online platforms. Her first novel I Didn't Expect to be Expecting was a humorous take on the rollercoaster ride of pregnancy and her second, Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, a comedic thriller was picked up for a screen adaptation. Excess Baggage is her third book and is also headed to the big screen. She has authored anthologies, e-singles and audiobooks.

Reach her at: Twitter | Amazon

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Chronicles of The Lost Daughters by Debarati Mukhopadhyay | Book Review

 

Title: Chronicles of The Lost Daughters
Author: Debarati Mukhopadhyay
Translator: Arunava Sinha
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Buy Online: Amazon

 

‘...do you know what it will mean if we don’t get boys for our daughters? Do you realize the kind of trouble there will be if Awpala isn’t married before she’s twelve?’

Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s Chronicles of the Lost Daughters is an enthralling historical fiction, translated by Arunava Sinha, Centered around the state of women of nineteenth-century Bengal. It is originally published in the Bengali, title is ‘Naraach’ that simply means – Weapon.

The story begins with Krishnoshundor Chattopadhyay, a penniless brahmin, is trapped into an offer of decent job. He grabs this as an only escape for his sister, Bhubonmani – who has been faced a hellish journey. She endured a child marriage, widowhood and sexual assault – that too, at the age of sixteen. The so-called learned man of society grabbed this opportunity to fulfil their malicious desires, and they declared shamelessly ‘A raped woman must of course perform strict penance. In this case the rapists are from another religion, which means that even if she herself is a brahmoni, the act has made a mleccha out of her. She will be restored to her own people if a high-born brahmon is willing to accept her services for two fortnights.’

Her brother, Krishnoshundor was too innocent to decipher these words at first, and when things got cleared to him, he put questions at the religious texts, ‘How very unfair! So Bhubonmoni would have to be raped for a month because some criminals had raped her once? This was utterly unjust, which shastras asked for this? Krishnoshundor could sign an oath it was impossible for such a thing to be written in any of the shastras. It was impossible.’

Besides the deep level of research, Debarati Mukhopadhyay took a creative freedom and presented many historical figures, Dr. Kamdambini Ganguly, Tagore and Nawab of Oudh – Wajid Ali Shah to us. Apart from this, there are many subplots running around the core theme, such as women education, widow remarriage, caste-disabled society, child marriage is one of them, basically that was times of Bengal renaissance.

‘That was the age of shruti. Women enjoyed high social standing, they used to study the Vedas, they used to teach. They were not yet considered anyone’s property. A wife was her husband’s partner in every sense, not just his companion in bed as she is now. But those days are gone. The diagnoses of the learned men, Muslim rule and patriarchy in society have gradually pushed women back into their homes and turned them into puppets. It is the age of the Manusamhita. The woman will be subservient to her father in childhood, to her husband after marriage, and to her son when she is a widow. She will never have an independent life. How can you speak of your own daughters remaining unmarried in such circumstances?’

What is the role of Brahma Samaaj movement? How did Bhubonmoni’s life turn out, once she joins the movement?
Why did Wajid Ali Shah created a mini-Lucknow in Calcutta?

The life story of Kadombini is so inspiring that adds the value to the story. I quite liked the determinate character of Bhubonmoni’s sister-in-law, who she seeks her as a mother. 

With crisp, and clear writing, this book feels like an exhilarating journey. And the translation of Arunava Sinha uplifts the reading experience. Chronicals of the Lost Daughters is a heart-wrenching historical saga. Regardless, interlinked stories, interlaced characters, this book is such a page-turner. Recommended!

 

Synopsis:

When unspeakable tragedy befalls Bhubonmoni, a young widow, she must leave her village along with her brother, Krishnoshundor, and his family. Ensnared by the wily entrepreneur Nobokishore Dutta, they end up in an overcrowded depot near a port, soon to be packed into a ship sailing to Surinam, where they will be sold as sugarcane plantation slaves. But Fate has other plans. Bhubonmoni finds herself being led away from the port and her family to be stowed away in a secret location in Calcutta. Not too far away, a young rebel Shourendro is swept up by the ideas of the Brahmo Samaj. Meanwhile in Metiabruz, a shy musician Chondronath impresses the exiled Nawab of Lucknow with his art. None of them know it yet, but the stars are aligning despite overwhelming odds for them to meet under curious circumstances…Set against the vibrant background of late nineteenth-century Bengal, Debarati Mukhopadhyay’s beautifully woven novel brings together the glory and the decadence of colonial times. Fast-paced and thrilling, with a lively cast of characters including historical figures such as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr Kadambini Ganguly, Chronicles of the Lost Daughters is an unforgettable saga

 

About The Author

Debarati Mukhopadhyay is one of the most popular authors of contemporary Bengali literature. A young Government officer by profession, she has written more than 20 bestselling novels including Narach, Dakat Raja, Glanirbhabati Bharat, Shikhandi, Ishwar Jakhan Bandi and Aghore Ghimiye Shiva. Her corporate world novel Dasgupta Travels was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Many of her novels, such as Narak Sanket, Ranrkahini, and Shikhandi have been adapted for the silver screen. Debarati is a prolific writer and contributes regularly to Bengal’s prominent literary magazines and journals. As an officer, bestselling author, travel-enthusiast, an amateur violinist and mother to an infant, Debarati is considered a youth icon in Bengal who volunteers her time to guide government-job aspirants. A widely recognized public speaker, Debarati can be often found delivering motivational talks at educational seminars, conferences, and at the halls of Ramakrishna Mission.  

 

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Leila Mottley’s Nightcrawling

‘Mama used to tell me that blood is everything, but I think we're all out here unlearning that sentiment, scraping our knees, and asking strangers to patch us back up.’

Leila Mottley’s Nightcrawling is a brutal, yet compelling read. It’s an honest documentation of survival and law system in human-society, more than that It provides you a lens to introspect. 

The story based on a true event, Oakland scandal of 2015. Mottley has a fearless voice, compassionate heart and a clear vision. Although, it is a horrifying account of one’s life, still I am amazed by its breathing prose.

Nightcrawling is a dark novel, which casts light on the hidden life of our seventeen years old protagonist. Her name is Kia. She lives with her brother, Marcus, in a slum apartment. Brother makes her believe that he loves her. He has delusional dreams. He doesn’t make any efforts to provide basic facilities to Kia. When the apartment owner threatens to rent hike, she is left with no-choice but ‘Nightcrawling’. She is just a teen - deprived of parents - who is eager to make a living, to survive, to endure. Then, there is another character, named Trevor, who is only sunshine in her life, though they are not connected by blood, but the way she cares for a nine-years old motherless kid, I could explore empathetic side of her. The chaos is temporary, that’s what she thinks. The entry of local police coloured this survival story into the most devastated account of injustice.

Leila Mottley approached essential themes in her debut, for instance: gender injustice, police misconduct, prostitution, human rights abuses, race discrimination and dearth.

Mottley’s writing enthrals you with the opening line itself, ‘The swimming pool is filled with dog shit and Dee’s laughter mocks us at dawn.”

Are there any cons? It’s just the length, I wish it were crisp, and well edited at places, so that I could visualize this powerful story in an intimate manner.

Apart from the captivating story and rich prose style, I have been pondering over the age of writer. she was not even 18 when she actually started working on this project. It’s a powerful story, undoubtedly a well-deserved entry into Oprah book club. 

 ‘...and I don’t really got nothing to fear about dying in the first place. I just think that the stars might line up and trail into an otherworld. Doesn’t have to be a better world because that probably doesn’t exist, but I think it is something else. Somewhere where the people walk a little different. Maybe they speak in hums. Maybe they all got the same face or maybe they don’t have faces at all. When I have enough time to stare at the sky, I imagine I might be lucky enough to catch glimpses of the something.’ 

 

Observations: Ret Samadhi - Geetanjali Shree | Daisy Rockwell

 

हिन्दी में लिखी एक किताब का अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर पहचान पाना क्या मायने रखता है? राजस्थान के एक बहुत ही साधारण कस्बाई शहर में एक साधारण से घर में सुबह छः बजे से हलचल मची है, रात को इंतज़ार करते हुए सो गए, सुबह ट्वीटर पर पढ़ा कि बुकर प्राइज़ इस बार हिन्दुस्तान आ रहा है। गीतांजलि श्री ने अनुवादक डेज़ी रॉकवैल के साथ मिलकर वाकई इतिहास रच दिया है।

यकीं करना मुश्किल है। लेकिन ये हुआ है। हिंदी को इतनी  ऊँचाई पर देखना आँखों के फोकस को फिर से सेट करने जैसा है। और जब बात भारत की हो तो ये और भी महत्वपूर्ण हो जाता है, कठोर सच है लेकिन यहाँ रीडिंग कल्चर इतना विस्तृत नहीं है। यकीं मानिए मेरी मुठ्टी भर किताबों की अलमारी को देखकर लोग अचरज से भर जाते हैं। यहाँ बताना चाहूंगी, मेरा शहर एक टाइगर सेंचुरी होने की वज़ह से विश्व भर में जाना जाता है लेकिन यहाँ किताबों की (कोर्स की किताबों के इतर) एक भी दुकान नहीं है। जो कह रहे हैं एक किताब क्या ही बदलाव लाएगी, तो ये कुछ मोमेंट्स जो मैंने कल के दिन अपने आस-पास घटते देखे।

१. जब पापा को बताया तो पापा ने पहली बार मेरी बुकशेल्फ़ का कांच खिसकाया और रेत-समाधि निकाली, अलट-पलट के देखा, एक पेज पढ़ा, बैक-कवर पर लिखा हर एक शब्द धीरे-धीरे पढ़ते गए। श्री की किताबों को जो कि विधा अनुसार जमी थीं, निकालकर एक साथ रखने लगे, मेरे मना करने के बावजूद। साधारण सी बात है ना, मेरे लिए बहुत अहमियत रखती है।  जब आपके काम के फ़ील्ड को सिर्फ़ शौक़ की तरह ना देखकर उसे अहमियत मिलती है, सम्मान मिलता है तो आप महसूस करते हैं कि ज़िंदगी धीमी ही सही लेकिन सही दिशा में है। गीतांजलि श्री ने जाने कितनी लड़कियों को आज आत्मविश्वास की चाबी थमाई है।   

२. ज़माने से भूले दोस्तों के मैसेज कई ज़रिए तलाशते हुए, कल मेरे पास आए। रेत समाधि पढ़नी चाहिए? कैसी किताब है? किताब से जुड़े सवाल तो मिलते रहते हैं, मैं भी सबसे पूछती रहती हूँ, प्रियंका दुबे जी से तो बेधड़क पूछ लेती हूँ और वह कभी निराश नहीं करते। लेकिन कल सवालों की जैसे बाढ़ सी आई हो। गीतांजलि श्री की कृति ने वही किया है जो अच्छा साहित्य करता है। लोगों को जोड़ता है, खाई को पाटता है, जो कि उन्होंने अपनी किताब में भी लिखा है, किताब में सरहद पर लिखे अंश को मैंने जाने कितनी बार पढ़ा होगा।

३. ट्वीटर पर मेरी टाइमलाइन पर ढेरों पोस्ट्स थे जहां एक ही बेचैनी दिखी — स्कूल के बाद तो हिंदी की किताब कभी उठाई ही नहीं गई — हिंदी पढ़ना तो मुश्किल है ही, किताबें उपलब्ध भी नहीं होतीं, जब आपके सामने इतने ऑप्शन रखे हों, तो जद्दोजहद करके एक हिंदी की किताब ढूंढ निकालना, समय किसके पास है? मुझे तो कई बार टोका जाता है, किताब पढ़ो, किताबों के बारे में लेख पढने से क्या होगा। मुझे पसंद है, जानना कि, क्या पढ़ा जा रहा है। मेरी टैब में इतनी लिट् मैगजींस के टैब्स बुकमार्कड रहते हैं। जब लेखकों को किताबों के बारे में बात करते देखती हूँ तो उम्मीद से भर जाती हूँ। किताबों का होना दरअसल घर का होना है, पैरों के नीचे ज़मीन का होना है। गीतांजलि श्री का ये एक उपन्यास जाने कितनी हिंदी की किताबों को नया घर देने वाला है, आप इसका अंदाजा भी नहीं लगा सकते। 

४. किताब का अनुवाद डेजी रॉकवैल ने किया है, आप उनके बारे में जाकर पढ़िए, अनुवादक अक्सर बैकसीट पर बैठते हैं, लेकिन देखा जाए तो अनुवादकों के बिना दूसरी भाषा के शब्द हमारे लिए कुछ काले स्याह अक्षरों से ज़्यादा कुछ नहीं हैं। जब यह किताब लॉन्गलिस्ट हुई तो विवेक तेजुजा जो कि खुद एक शानदार लेखक हैं, उन्होंने रॉकवैल से इस पर बात की, वह बातचीत आपको उनके इंस्टाग्राम अकाउंट पर मिल जाएगी। रॉकवैल चेहरे पर मुस्कान लिए एक एक कर सवालों के ज़बाव देती चलती हैं, उनकी आवाज़ में शब्दों में संजीदगी है। वे एक बेहतरीन आर्टिस्ट भी हैं। ज़ाहिर है रेत-समाधि की यह सफलता  अनुवादकों के लिए भी सम्मान पैदा करेगी।

 

५. कित्ताब का अंग्रेज़ी अनुवाद Tilted Axis Press से आया है। जो कि एक इन्डीपेंडेंट पब्लिशर हैं। इसकी नीँव Deborah Smith ने 2015 में रखी थी। स्मिथ Han Kang की किताब The Vegetarian की अनुवादक हैं। ये पब्लिशिंग हाउस कंटेम्पररी एशियन लिटरेचर को बढ़ावा देता है। Arunava Sinha द्वारा अनुदिन Abandon यहीं से प्रकाशित है। संगीता बंद्योपाध्याय की किताब का बेहतरीन अनुवाद किया गया है। मूल कृति नहीं पढ़ी लेकिन उस किताब के दृश्य अभी तक haunt करते हैं। Anurava Sinha ji का तो सारा काम ही पढ़ लेना चाहिए।

 

६. रेत-समाधि २०२० में खरीदी थी। राजकमल प्रकाशन ने हाल में इसका नया संस्करण निकाला है जिसका कवर काफ़ी tempting है। मैं एक किताब के कई संस्करण नहीं ले पाती लेकिन इसका लेना चाहूंगी। किताब के कवर पर मौजूद पेंटिंग रॉकवैल जी की है। जो कहानी की पूरक है।    

७. कुछ दिन पहले प्राईमरी में पढ़ने वाली एक बच्ची ने एक सवाल किया था कि — इन किताबों को पढ़ने से क्या होता है? मैंने उस वक़्त तो यही कहा था, आपकी समझ बढ़ती है, अच्छे इंसान बनते हो। रेत-समाधि के बारे में मीडिया में पढ़कर, देखकर, शायद अब ये सवाल और भी कई बच्चे पूछेंगे। खुद से किया एक सही सवाल नए रास्ते खोलता है।  

८. गत वर्ष क्लबहाउस पर चन्दन पाण्डेय जी की किताब वैधानिक गल्प पर एक सेशन रखा गया था, वास्तव में बात अनुवाद पर हो रही थी, Legal Fiction, अनुवादक भारत भूषण तिवारी जी भी मौजूद थे। सवाल पूछने का मौक़ा मिला। तब रेत समाधि और उसके अनुवाद ‘टूम ऑफ़ सैंड’ को मेंशन किया था। उस पर फिर बात भी हुई। अच्छा साहित्य किस तरह अपनी जगह साधता है।  

ये सब कल लिखना चाहिए था। कल इतना खुश थी, आँखें भरती रही खाली होती रहीं, पागलपन हैं ना। राजकमल प्रकाशन समूह को, गीतांजलि श्री जी को ढ़ेरों शुभकामनाएं और डेज़ी रॉकवैल को दिल से शुक्रिया।  

 

धर्मद्वंद – शबनम गुप्ता | माइथो-फ़िक्शन - प्रभात प्रकाशन

 
शीर्षक – धर्मद्वंद
लेखक – शबनम गुप्ता
प्रकाशक- प्रभात प्रकाशन (2022)
भाषा- हिन्दी
विधा – माइथो-फ़िक्शन
पृष्ठ - 152, हार्डकवर
किताब ऑनलाइन उपलब्ध है

  

‘द्रौपदी की आँखों में करुणा तो नहीं थी, ईर्ष्या थी क्या?’

शबनम गुप्ता के पहले उपन्यास ‘धर्मद्वंद’ की ये आखिरी पंक्ति है, हालांकि ये कहानी द्रौपदी की नहीं है, ना ही कौरवों और पांडवों के बीच चलते द्वंद की। पौराणिक युग और उससे जुड़े कई संदर्भों ने इस उपन्यास को जमीन ज़रूर दी है, पात्र और घटनाएँ महाभारत युग से लिए गए हैं लेकिन उपन्यास पढ़ते हुए मुझे यही लगा, जैसे ये कथा आज की है, इसी वर्तमान समय की।

किताब के पहले दृश्य में दिखाया गया है कि कहानी के मुख्य पात्र, आचार्य वासु को मृत्युदंड की सजा दी जा रही है। उनके ऊपर राजदरबार के मंत्री की हत्या का आरोप है। शीघ्र ही कहानी अतीत की गलियों की राह पकड़ते हुए, वासु के बचपन की ओर ले चलती है।

जहां वासु के ब्राह्मण होने पर क्षत्रियों की तरह अस्त्र-शस्त्र की विद्या सीखने पर सवाल खड़े किए जा रहे होते हैं। वहाँ वासु तार्किक क्षमता से अपनी बात रखता है कि ‘समाज एक ही जगह पर स्थिर नहीं खड़ा रहता, उसे निरंतर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए, भविष्य की तरफ। इसलिए रेखाओं में बांधकर खुद को सीमित नहीं रख सकते। पिता के कार्यभार को संभालने के लिए यदि पुत्र में योग्यता या रुचि नहीं है, तो उसे अपने पसंद का कार्य चुनने की छूट होनी चाहिए।’  

एक यही नहीं लेखक ने इस पौराणिक कथा को आधार बनाकर ऐसे कई प्रसंग उठाए हैं जिनके ऊपर मनन जरूरी है। हर सिक्के का दूसरा पहलू होता है, ये किताब उसी दूसरे नजरिए को स्थापित करती है, साथ ही ̶कन्यादान का क्या औचित्य, स्त्री शिक्षा की जीर्ण स्थिति और महत्व, धर्म की वास्तविक परिभाषा – पर भी बात होती है।  

वासु एक ऐसा मजबूत किरदार है जो शास्त्रों में लिखे नियमों पर भी प्रश्न उठाने का साहस रखता है।  उसका जीवन लक्ष्य साफ़ है, वह ऐसे निर्भीक और निडर योद्धा की एक पीढ़ी खड़ी करना चाहता है, जो सिर्फ़ आदेश लेना नहीं जानते, बल्कि सही गलत की समझ और उसे बोलने का साहस भी रखते हों, वह धीरे धीरे गुरूकुल को सशक्त और आत्मनिर्भर बनाना चाहता है।

जब कौरवों और पांडवों के बीच बिगड़ते सम्बन्धों को संभालने के लिए कृपाचार्य को राजदरबार की ओर प्रस्थान करना पड़ता है तो वह वासु को अपने गुरुकुल का आचार्य बना जाते हैं।

वह वासु की प्रतिभा से वाकिफ़ हैं, गुरुकुल का आचार्य बनने योग्य, विचारधारा और व्यक्तित्व दोनों ही उसमें हैं, वह जानते हैं कि वासु में सामथर्य और साहस का अद्भुत मिश्रण है जैसे कृष्ण पक्ष की चतुर्दशी पर सूर्य और चाँद साथ दिखते हैं, ऐसे ही कई युगों के बाद कोई ऐसा जन्म लेता है जो ब्राह्मण और क्षत्रिय दोनों हों।

वासु के लिए दुविधा तब पैदा होती है जब दुर्योधन उसके सामने राजदरबार में पद संभालने का प्रस्ताव रखता है, वजह साफ थी उसे वही व्यक्ति चाहिए जो युधिष्ठिर को प्रिय हो। वासु के निमंत्रण को ठुकरा देना कैसे उसकी नियति को बदल कर रख देता है, आगे की कहानी इसी टकराहट पर बढ़ती हैं।  

‘सिर्फ धर्म के अखाड़े में खड़े होना ही बहुत नहीं है, वहाँ भी सही-गलत, उचित-अनुचित की एक रेखा है। संदर्भ आवश्यक होता है। जो कर्म एक परिस्थिति में उचित है, वही दूसरी परिस्थिति में अनुचित, बल्कि अन्यायपूर्ण भी हो सकता है। परिधि और परिभाषा केवल हमारी समझ के लिए है, हमें सीमित करने के लिए नहीं। परिस्थिति और संदर्भ भाषा का विस्तार कर देते हैं।‘

विडम्बना यह है कि वासु की यही तार्किक बुद्धि और उचित-अनुचित का ज्ञान उसके जीवन की दशों-दिशा बदल देते हैं लेकिन यह उसका चुनाव है जैसे युधिष्ठर का था दौपदी को चौसर के बिछे खेल में दांव पर लगा देना।

चारुलता कौन थी? वीरभद्र की क्या ज़िद थी? इतने बड़े गुरुकुल का आचार्य होते हुए भी वासु को राजदरबार के मंत्री पर शस्त्र उठाने की जरूरत क्यूँ पड़ी?  

और आखिर में जाते-जाते किताब एक प्रश्न छोड़ जाती है, ‘क्या धर्म की रेखा में होते हुए भी जो पांडवों ने किया वह सही था? और क्या जो आचार्य वासु ने किया उसके लिए उन्हें सजा मिलनी चाहिए थी? 

किताब की भाषा सहज और सुंदर है, एक टाइम पीरियड को दर्शाने के बावजूद लेखनी में प्रवाह बना रहता है, जो पाठक को पात्रों से जोड़े रखता है। पढ़ते हुए मेरे जो भी अनुभव रहे मैंने उन्हें यहाँ दर्ज़ करने की कोशिश की है, ऐसी कई सतहें हैं जिनको इस लेख में नहीं ला पाई, जिन्हें आप किताब के जरिए बेहतर ढंग से जान पाएंगे। शबनम गुप्ता जी को उनकी पहली किताब के लिए, अशेष शुभकामनाएँ!    

‘सदियों से चली आ रही मान्यताएँ सही हैं, यह आवश्यक नहीं। सवाल उठाने आवश्यक हैं, वत्स! अतीत को पीठ पर लादकर भविष्य की तरफ नहीं बढ़ा जा सकता।’ 

किताब की लीफ़ पर 

धर्मद्वद्वं एक रोचक काल्पनिक कथानक है। जिस समय में भारतवर्ष पांडवों और कौरवों के दो पालों में बँटता दिख रहा था, उस समय में एक ऐसा आचार्य था जो किसी राजवंश के नहीं, देश के सर्वोपरि होने की बात करता था। जब धर्म अपने नियत खूटे में बँधा हुआ था, तब वो उसकी सीमा रेखा के आगे जाकर, एक नई परिभाषा लिखता था जहाँ धर्म और विवेक का संगम होता है । जिस परिवेश में स्त्री को वस्तु की तरह पाँच भाइयों में बाँट दिया गया था, उसी परिवेश में वह स्त्री शिक्षा और सशक्तिकरण का पाठ पढ़ाता था। जब समाज, वर्ण और वर्ग में बँटा हुआ था, तब वो जन्म नहीं, कर्म से मनुष्य की पहचान बनाने में क्रियार्थ था। ये उस काल्पनिक आचार्य की कहानी है, जिसका नाम वासू था। भारतीय पौराणिक आख्यान पर केंद्रित मर्मस्पर्शी तथा पठनीय कृति, जो आपको जीवन के आदर्श और मानवमूल्यों से परिचय कराएगी। 

लेखक के बारे में

शबनम गुप्ता ने सोफिया कॉलेज से अंग्रेजी (ऑनर्स) में ग्रेजुएशन किया और पोद्दार इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ मैनेजमेंट से एम.बी.ए. की डिग्री हासिल की है । एक स्वतंत्र लेखिका के रूप में उन्होंने प्रमुख प्रकाशनों के लिए बच्चों से संबंधित पुस्तकें लिखी हैं। उनकी पुस्तक 'सेलेब्रटिंग पेरेंटिंग) काफी लोकप्रिय हुई। उन्होंने एम ई पत्रिका (डी.एन.ए. समूह ) के लिए लेख लिखे हैं और सॉफ्टवेयर डेवलपर्स के लिए भी सामग्री लेखन किया है। इस पुस्तक को जबरदस्त सराहना मिली | सन्‌ 2014 में वह नीलेश मिश्रा को टीम का हिस्सा बनीं और रेडियो के मशहूर शो “यादों का इडियट बॉक्स ' के लिए उन्होंने 50 से भी अधिक कहानियाँ लिखी हैं। काल्पनिक कहानी पर आधारित ' धर्मद्वन्द! उनका पहला उपन्यास है। वह अपने पति और बेटी के साथ नई दिल्‍ली में रहती हैं ।

 

Preeti Shenoy's The Magic Mindset | Published by HarperCollins

 

Title: The Magic Mindset
Author: Preeti Shenoy
Publisher: HarperCollins India
ISBN: ‎ 978-9354227721
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Pages: 258
Amazon Buy Link
 

‘It is perfectly okay to feel sad about one’s life or plans that didn’t work out. We are allowed to feel what we feel. One of the most important steps in making a change towards positivity is accepting what we feel instead of suppressing it.’

The Magic Mindset by Preeti Shenoy, is thought-provoking book. It focuses on wisdom and inner-guidance. Simple writing, Insightful quotes, and easily doable activities are the core point of this non-fiction book. If you are a beginner and naive to this genre then it can be your perfect pick.

Basically, this book is divided into four steps: Understanding, Practicing, Sustaining and Fun with the Magic Mindset (14-Day Activity Challenge). Preeti Shenoy accepts the fact that, ‘sometimes the very word ‘positivity’ is an irritant, for. It seems like a false sense of not seeing reality for what it is. How can we be positive about, say, our finances, when the credit card bills have piled and we are broke? How can we say that the world is beautiful when millions in it are dying? How can we be positive if a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness? What if the person who means the most to us is snatched away suddenly? That is exactly what happened to me when I lost my father.’

While including her own life experience for better understanding, Shenoy didn’t hesitate of sharing various references, either books or movies, for instance: she mentioned Byrne’s The Secret and the very idea of ‘Law and Attraction’. How our thoughts influence our life. It is sensible thing to put all the exercises in the end of each chapter, which may help the readers to recollect the gist.

Shenoy also mentions the award winning 1997 Italian movie Life Is Beautiful, in which the main protagonist, Guido uses his sense of humour and imagination to keep five-year-old Joshua safe from the horrors of the camp.

In the Magic Mindset, Shenoy calibrates the instant ‘problem-solving’ techniques of current generation. ‘We often seek an escape from our problems by ‘going on a vacation’. Popular culture leads us to believe that by ‘taking a break’ from our daily life, we will come back refreshed, better equipped to deal with our stressors. I might have been doing the same with my vacation in Bhutan. But vacations are just that—mini-breaks. They do not magically make our problems disappear. No matter where we go, our problems will accompany us unless we develop a mechanism to cope— the magic mindset.’

Frankl says, ‘When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.’

Aside from that, sense of communicating well, one of our daily rituals which left a great impact on our mind.  Shenoy explains  ̶  If we are equipped with ‘good communication patterns’, we tend to feel positive in our relationships. We know deep down that whatever the issue, we can talk it over and sort it out. But if the communication patterns are negative, then we go around in circles, discussing the same things over and over.

In her own words, ‘When we are stressed out, breathing is shallow, cutting off essential oxygen to our body cells. Be conscious of how you breathe. If you are getting too stressed while waiting for the interview or the exam to begin, walk away to a secluded spot. Deliberately take slow and deep breaths. Count your breaths as you inhale and exhale. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself: ‘Everything will unfold just the way it is meant to be. We don’t control anything. May the best manifest.’

Synopsis

Sometimes, it's not easy to find the silver lining. While positivity is about looking at the bright side of things, the magic mindset embraces and accepts that it is not always possible to do so. Sometimes things get so bleak that our mind refuses to accept that there can be a silver lining. In this book, Preeti Shenoy gives you a set of principles for every area of life, designed to help us shift our perspective from hopelessness to hope, from despondency to joy, from cynicism to belief - a belief that change is coming, and things are not as bad as they seem. Perfect reading for the difficult times that we are living in, The Magic Mindset is full of tips, suggestions, fun exercises and practical advice on career, family, health, relationships, finances, social media, and more. It also includes inspiring stories and anecdotes from Preeti's own life. A cornerstone for all those who want to change their outlook, The Magic Mindset helps us build a purposeful and joyful life.

 

About the Author

Preeti Shenoy, among the highest selling authors in India, is on the Forbes longlist of the most influential celebrities in India. Her books include When Love Came Calling, Wake Up Life is Calling, Life is What You Make it, The Rule Breakers, A Hundred Little Flames, It’s All In The Planets, Why We Love The Way We Do, The Secret Wish List, The One You Cannot Have and many others. Her work has been translated into many Indian languages. Preeti is also a motivational speaker, and has given talks in many premier educational institutions and corporate organizations like KPMG, ISRO, Infosys and Accenture and others. An avid fitness enthusiast, she is also an artist specializing in portraiture and illustrated journals.

 P.S. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

Tuhin A. Sinha’s The Legend of Birsa Munda - Historical Fiction, Published by Manjul Pub

 

Title: The Legend of Birsa Munda
Author: Tuhin A. Sinha
Publisher: Manjul Pub (2021)
ISBN: 978-9390924509
Genre: Indian Writing
Pages: 400
Buy link: Amazon

 

‘As the flames from Soma’s funeral pyre rose up into the sky a little later, Birsa stood next to a weeping Moina and realized that in Soma’s death lay a small and tentative victory for all of them as a people. There would be repercussions awaiting them, yes, but there, by the side of the river, they had managed to stake claim to their identity and heritage. As for Birsa himself, he knew that his time in Chaibasa had come to an end. His life was back to how it used to be – past imperfect, future tense.’ 

Synopsis

In 19th century India, deep in the heart of what is now the state of Jharkhand, the Adivasis have been leading a life of absolute misery and darkness. The colonial state, with the help of its scheming local collaborators, has cast a net of abuse and exploitation that is tightening around these Adivasis, much like a hangman’s noose does. Everything they hold dear – their land, homes, history, traditions, religion, families – has fallen victim to the grand colonial plan of building a magnificent but merciless empire for the Queen. However, when a people are all but crushed into dust and their identities threatened with a complete erasure, they erupt like a hot, angry whiplash of fire with a roaring so loud that it reverberates in the very heart of the empire and sends a frisson of fear up the spines of those in power. A fire that stokes a rebellion. And at the heart of this rebellion is the twenty-five-year-old Birsa Munda. He decides what must be done to save his community and leads the Adivasis in fighting back to reclaim their lives. A lion-hearted warrior. Healer. Spiritual guide. A forgotten hero. Based on true events, this epic tale of courage is a tribute to the life of Birsa Munda, who in his very short life, mobilized the tribal community, rebelled against forced conversions, envisioned a fairer, more just society and died fighting for it. A thrilling account that chronicles what most history books don’t mention, The Legend of Birsa Munda is the story of a subaltern tribal hero, whose contribution to India’s struggle for independence must never be forgotten.

 

My Reading

The first time I heard about Birsa Munda in an interview of Mahasweta Devi. She has written ‘Jungle Ke Davedar’ based on Munda’s life only. I am quite excited getting my hands on this Historical Fiction: Tuhin A. Sinha’s The Legend of Birsa Munda. I am just 100 pages in and already in awe of its gripping prose. With clear and crisp writing, author created an atmosphere where each character and events breathe. Is this Maoist novel? Of course not, it is more than that ̶ a story of struggle, injustice and courage. How an ordinary tribal leader stood against the powerful British rule. I found it engaging; definitely not an easy read though as one has to take pauses while diving into the world of Adivasis and brutality of power. I have been savoring it bit by bit. I will update this post once I finish the book.

 

Source: Publisher

About The Author

Tuhin A. Sinha is a best-selling author​, columnist, content strategist and politician.

Tuhin has studied in Loyola School, Jamshedpur and Hindu College, Delhi before doing his Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising and Communications Management (PGDACM) from the National Institute of Advertising, (NIA), New Delhi.

Tuhin is acknowledged among the most prolific Indian writers with a maverick knack to experiment with new genres. While his first book, That Thing Called Love (2006) was an offbeat romance, The Captain(2008) was a cricket thriller that explored the underbelly of modern cricket. Of Love And Politics(2010) was a political thriller. His fourth and fifth books The Edge Of Desire (2012) and its sequel, The Edge of Power (2013) can be called socio-political thrillers. Daddy (2014) ​ was Tuhin’s sixth book and his first non-fiction narrative. Daddy is India's first parenting book from a Dad's perspective and celebrates new age fatherhood. Tuhin’s latest book, Let The Reason Be Love (2015) was again an offbeat romance. ​

Other than his novels, Tuhin has co-authored the book India Aspires with Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping​, Nitin Gadkari. The book brings forth some very innovative development ideas and espouses increased production of bio-fuel and solar energy as means to improve the country's rural economy. At present Tuhin, as a special initiatives advisor to Shri Gadkari’s ministries, is aiding the Hon Minister on some key initiatives concerning his ministries with the objective of enhancing public perception of the same.

Tuhin was a Grand Jury member for the prestigious Mahindra Transport Excellence Awards, 2016.

Tuhin has also been a screenwriter of several popular TV shows, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, being one of them, which is co-wrote in 2011-12.

Apart from his fiction novels and scripts, Tuhin is a keen political observer and activist.

Tuhin’s columns on Indian politics appear regularly in India’s leading dailies. Tuhin has a regular blog on ibnlive.com and dailyo.in He also appears frequently on news channels on political discussions.

​Tuhin has also been a creative consultant and content strategist, with one of India's premier media companies, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. He wrote and narrated a popular social empowerment radio series, called "Misaal" which was broadcast on the BigFM stations of Jharkhand and Bihar.

P.S. This post is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

 

 

Annie Zaidi's A City of Incident: A Novel in Twelve Parts

 

City of Incident by Annie Zaidi is an entrancing novel in twelve parts – interlaced characters and interlinked lives – set in Mumbai: An infectious city that stands on dreams, each corner depicts a facet of character; every street hides an enigma of life.

"Now, he likes to say that he was born free. Free! At least, he was not wrapped in a black plastic bag, knotted tight so that he would choke to death before being discovered by some rag-picker like himself. At least, his mother gave him a chance to live. Who knows? Maybe she had even wanted him to live."

City of Incident is an intimate portrait photograph of ordinary people, yet it tells stories in the most extraordinary way. The basic plot breathes on longing, solitude, and desire – more than that it illustrates the feeling of being dumped, as you are not a legitimate child.

The feeling of being left alone causes an unsolved puzzle to exist between an unmarried girl and the unborn, the feeling of being paralyzed as too much alone time in one’s hand that sits like a heavy-limbed beast – sits on the chest.

City of Incident is a documentation of the complexities of everyday life. With flawed and unsound characters, the author depicts an unconventional observation, for instance,

‘There is something to his posturing, the languor of his backside as he stands on the footboard, one knee bent, the wind in his hair, and his rifle standing in the corner.’

Have you noticed the style of prose? It absorbed me the most – crisp sentences with a clear perspective – minimal words, and short paragraphs as if the author wants you to experience the scene without any cacophony, and that too intentionally.

City of Incident speaks about the dynamics of the relationship and its corrosive nature, how it takes shape and vanishes.

Each section is pretty amazing, still would love to mention the two most adored titles - ‘A Beggar Recalls Babies in Plastic Bags and Makes Furtive Love’ and the other one is ‘A Bank Teller Sees a Happy Baby on the Street, and Wants to Die’ – apart from that, you get a glimpse of few troublesome happenings in a train.

It begins with a security guard and touches various slices including the struggles of a working-class woman in a so-called sophisticated city, underprivileged society, and patriarchy.

Annie Zaidi is a much-needed voice of Indian literature. I wish more readers could get their hands on this stunning novel.

‘So many accidents happen these days. But that word - accident - it belongs to the vocabulary of innocent. For him, there are only incidents. Some incidents are followed by investigations, which are followed by pleadings, cautioning, and offerings. A link chain of unfolding incidents. What was that old song? This city is a city of incident. Yes, that’s just what it is.’