OMKAR NATH RAINA THE UNSUNG SITARIST FROM OUR STATE

OMKAR NATH RAINA THE UNSUNG SITARIST FROM OUR STATE

                                                                        

                                                                             

OMKAR   NATH   RAINA (1934-2015)

There is hardly any Music lover or Musician in our state who does not know him. Omkar Raina was a sitarist .He was an equally accomplished flutist.Born and brought up in Kashmir , he served mostly in Jammu Division either in AIR or in Institute of Music And Fine Arts. Having trained so many students in Jammu , Omkar Raina was himself trained by eminent Sitarist Padma Vibushan Debu Chaudhary . Initially , Omkar Raina had learnt sitar from Pandit Shamboo Nath sopori .

Baijaan ( a name  by which he was known to his family and friends) belonged to the well known Raina family from Badyar Bala Srinagar . He was a brother of noted artist Mohan Raina .His father Pandit Shiv Nath Raina was also an accomplished Artist . His another Brother Jawahir Raina  worked as Engineer in HMT. Jawahir  was  a  Santoor  player  who did not pursue this Art seriously .  His one son Anil Raina is a Flutist while  another  Sunil Raina is a sitarist .

He was a simple and down to earth man who loved his mother tongue and Music.He was loved for his extremely sharp sense of humour. Having performed at various places within and outside the country , his performances had received many Commendable reviews in print and electronic media .

                                                                     

                                                           ( With his Nephews )

      ( O N Raina with  Cap on Extreme left with  eminent singer Mohd Rafi )

Prof.Jaya Parimu adds

“ Shri O.N Raina also started his music lessons in flute. Later he switched over to Sitar and created an admirable place for himself.He was known as "chhotey Master ji" by his students as his initial guru Sopori ji was The Masterji.We have had several Mehfils of music where he played his solo items. Later he shifted to Jammu and we lost connect with him. May his soul rest in Ghandharva Loke. ”

Adds T K Jalali  Noted Vocalist and  Former Principal Institute Of Music and fine arts :

“ I feel so sad today for being reminded of my dear friend and  colleague Sh O.N.Raina who is no more with us. He breathed his last 3 years back when I was in US and  left me almost shattered. Today when I remember him I feel blessed to have known him so intimately for the  last about 50 years. He was an artist par excellence and  an institution in himself and  a colleague whom every one loved and  respected.  It was an honour to have him on my staff and  working with him on several music projects, in the  Academy ,Radio & TV. The best part of his personality was his affable behaviour and abundant humour. He will always be remembered for his wonderful qualities of head and  heart.
 He was an important member of the cultural delegation led by me to Venezuella, West Indies(Trinidad & Tobago) and USA in 1983.He was exceptional both as a teacher and  performer. The world of music in our state is poorer without him and  I dare say that the  void created by his passing away can never be filled. Rest in eternal peace Omji (that is how I used to call him) in Your new abode.......we shall always remember you with love  and  great regard..”

Adds  Bashir Budgami well Known Former  Senior official of Door Darshan and a noted media Personality:

“Raina Sahib was not only an outstanding Sitarist  of the state but also a great human being. He accompanied  me during the song recording of Habba khatoon. He had as you said a great sense of humour. Many people do not know that he joined Radio kashmir as a flutist. Rainas are a family of music artists. One of the brothers Tej Raina was my class fellow in A.S college. He played Santoor and was an instrumentalist in Habba Khatoon song recording.”

Some prominent persons who learnt Sitar from Shri ON Raina are Mrs Savita Bakshi, Dr Usha Bagati and Shri Krishan Langoo .

He was also associated with the many productions of JKAACL that include Piya Baj Pyala , Tipu Sultan , Vitasta, Ras Leela and some Radio and TV Serials.

Peace be to his soul.

( Autar Mota )

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Saturday, January 28, 2017

BE CAREFUL .

BE CAREFUL WITH  UNKNOWN  TELEPHONE OR MOBILE PHONE CALLS ,  PRIVATE  MAILS AND MESSAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA  ..

Your Name ,Address, Mobile No , Employment status,Date of birth and even Bankers name is in public domain..You have passed it on to your LPG distributor ,vehicle insurer,Life insurer ,Your Internet service provider,your mobile service provider, Counter boys at the shopping Mall, the Agency that sold you car or two wheeler and to many more entities ..

Now do not provide your Bank Account or Credit Card details or ATM card Numbers or passwords or OTPs to any person.This is the only security left with you.

No bank ever does any Data updation on telephone.LIC or your life insurer never needs your details to pay  you the so called "surplus" or " extra " Bonus. You can not earn even one rupee in any lottery draw unless you have bought a ticket. No so called assets can be assigned to you through  a Will by domestic or overseas  strangers .

So many gangs of cheats keep trying  your  mobile or landline  phones . They also are busy in sending   Fraudulent mails or tempting messages to you through  social media  each day to siphon away funds   .Even one innocent trapped per day out of a 1000 attempts  is enough for them...

Be careful while receiving such calls or  mails  or messages on  social media  .

Phir Na kehnaa Hamein Bataaya Nahin........

BE CAREFUL....

( Autar Mota )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND GREEN REVOLUTION

                                                                   

GREEN REVOLUTION ...
..

Tarsem is a vegetable grower known to me since 1998..He telephones me yesterday...

 Our Communication

Tarsem....

'sahib Ji..Gobbi Lavaan koyee Pandraah Beeh killo. Achaar paa lo te naal gwaandiyaan nu bhi vando"

"Sir should I bring 15 or 20 Kgs of Cauliflower.Make pickle and distribute some to your neighbours"

Me ..

"Ke gal Tarsem .Kushal Mangal he'gaa"

"Why so Tarsem? Is everything fine?"

Tarsem..

" Sahib Ji ki kariye. Mandi te 3 rupe killo lendhe hain. O bhi udhaari.Lein da kharchaa naal Inni labour. Apni laagat nahin poori hondhi. Me te muft vand reha haan huun Sariyaan noo "

"Sir what to do? In the wholesale Mandi they pay Rs3 per kg that too on credit.It is not possible to recover cost now apart from so much of labour .I am distributing free to everybody"

And today I buy one kg of Cauliflower @20 per kg from the retail seller in Talab Tillo Jammu.

Who is the real beneficiary of our green revolution?

(Autar Mota 25-01-2017 )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

I WROTE MY PRAYER FOR THE REPUBLIC DAY

I wrote my Prayer for 26th January 2017.......

.

Teri Nadiyon se Amrit barstaa rahe
Teray kheton se miltaa rahe sab ko Ann
Tujh pe mushkil koyee bhi na Aaye kabhi
Teray baagon mein ho rang o boo ka chalan
Zindabaad Aey wattan..

( Autar Mota )

May Nectar ( Amrita ) continue to keep flowing  from  your rivers 

May Your fields continue to provide food for everyone 

May you always be free form  troubles and worries 

May your gardens always display colours and Fragrance 

My Beloved land ! May you live long  ..

Republic Day Greetings to my Readers and followers .

(Autar Mota)

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

A NEW BOOK ON STALWART KASHMIRI POET DINA NATH NADIM

                                                                         
                                                                               

“              (Portrait of Poet Dina Nath Nadim done by  well known Painter G R Santosh )

BOOK  REVIEW

“ME CHHAM AASH PAGAHUCH “

( A DREAM FOR TOMMORROW )

 A Collection of kashmiri Poetry By Dina Nath Naadim

By G R Hasarat Gadda

Published in 2016 by “Fankar Cultural Organization “

159, Government  Housing Colony Lal Bazar Srinagar ..

Available at ..

(1)    Kitab Ghar M A Road srinagar

(2)    Kitab Ghar Canal Road Jammu

Year 2016 was  Poet Dina Nath  Nadim’s( 1916-1988 )  birth centenary. Expectation  of   Gala  celebration by  official Custodians of Art and culture   were high.  We also expected  many social events by Non Governmental Agencies ,  Organizations ,Clubs ,   and  Groups engaged in the promotion and propagation of Art and culture in our State   . There existed an imperative need   to remember a man who gave modern diction , style and scope to kashmiri Poetry .   A need to recognize the efforts of a  Man who dominated the  kashmiri poetic Horizon  for more than two decades . A man who  broadened the canvas of kashmiri poetry and followed the footsteps of Mehjoor and Azad in freeing it  from the clutches and grip  of  Leela / Sufiana genre . A Man  who  heralded   Modernism in  content  and form  by writing      Blank verse , sonnets , Anecdotes,  Haiku and operas  in Kashmiri.

Alas ! Not much happened either  in official arena or on Private platforms . And in this environment  of despair  ,   G R Hasarat Gadda has   come    with a  New  optimism . He brings   a glimmer of hope for Nadim  Lovers with Publication of his Book “ Me Chham Aash Pagahuch ” that has   a variety of Popular and representative poems of Stalwart kashmiri  poet. Sometimes Individual efforts surpass what otherwise should have come from Institutions meant for the same . And this effort by G R Hasarat Gadda is a perceptible example   on  this issue .  Since Nadim  had not been  careful  towards   compiling and publishing his own work  ( except Shuhul Kull ), this is perhaps the first collection of his poems that has arrived on the scene ;Much awaited and desired by lovers of his poetry.

                                                                   

                                              ( The compiler  G R Hasarat Gadda )

In an informal discussion , G R Hasrat Gadda  said :

“.  Nadim remains tallest and relevant to this day. And for many  many centuries  to come , his contribution can not be forgotten . To understand his  real contribution , you need to look at entire kashmiri poetry  written post 1947. ”

                                     

1. ( Poet Nadim at a cultural  event)

  I have personally  observed many similarities Between Nadim and Bengali Rebel Poet Qazi Nazrul Islam . Both were brought  up and nursed in poverty . Both had mastery in the field of Nazm / Kobita . Their Verses come up  with a gift of  inherent music . Both have explored common  themes such as  exploitation ,love, freedom and  humanity  . Both were  towering figures in  spearheading a cultural renaissance by liberating  poetry and literature from its medieval mould.  The lone  dissimilarity is sharp and painful. While Nazrul  almost got what he rightly  deserved for his contribution  in the Literary  arena  of the subcontinent , Nadim  did not get his due place  even in his own land. For this, Kudos to Bengalis world over for not only  recognizing and remembering their icons but also ensuring a respectable place for them in  the corpus  of “World Literature”  . We kashmiris  have also been unfair to another legend known as Abdul Ahad  Azad. I have my doubts if any person remembers Noor Mohd. Roshan.  It appears that we   have always been so in dealing with  our own  Icons .

  Nadim’s poetry comes up with a unique perspective ,original creativity ,images that ignite senses ,Direct Rhyme that flows like a river and enormous  Internal music. The end stops used by the poet in some of the poems are extraordinary and so effective that the reader is compelled to stop and ponder . His method of creating indirect Rhyme  creates subtle echo of the sound . Naadim has also made unique usage of vocabulary  that target our senses . The sound of chirping birds . The sound of flowing streams. The sound of waterfalls. The sound of wind blowing. So many sound words. The assonance and consonance created by the internal music of his poems goes deeper and deeper to the senses of the reader or listener.  

According to Braj  B kachru ( kashmiri Literature page 66):

“ In 1950, Naadim Provided a contrast with the traditional  kashmiri Poetic forms by introducing  Blank Verse  “ Ba Gyava na Az”  ( I shall not sing Today ). This new poetic form caught the imagination of kashmiris , Illiterate and Literate . Other poets ,considering it an emancipation from rigid formal poetic constraints , soon followed this style. Rehman Rahi’s “Gevun Chhum”  ( I have to sing ) clearly shows  Naadim’s  Influence . Not only did “ Ba Gyava na Az”   demonstrate that Blank verse could be used as an effective poetic form in kashmiri , But in that poem , he also showed his subtle  feelings for an appropriate Lexical choice and for proper blend of sound and sense. This effect is created  neither  by  Persianization  nor by sanskritization ; rather , he firmly established the process of Kashmirization.”

Influence of Brij Narain Chakbast, Josh Malihabadi , Ehsan bin-Danish is visible in his earlier poems .   Tagore , Mayakovski ( Russian Poet ) , Anton Chekhov and  Nazim Hikmet Ran ( Turkish Poet )  also influenced him later .  He worked closely with  many  stalwart  Progressive writers and  Poets  . He was the first kashmiri Poet who successfully experimented with various forms and styles at various stages of his creative life.

 Coming to the book under review , I may inform that the book is written in kashmiri ( Nastalik ) script and has  376 pages that include about 36 pages for the  details of poems within and two    forewords.  It has a detailed foreword by G R Hasarat Gadda and a brief one by Shantiveer kaul. The Book is  dedicated  to    Mrs Padmavati Koul ( poet’s wife )  , who according to the compiler , devoted her entire life   serving   the poet. In his absorbing  foreword , the compiler discusses  Nadim right from his birth till death in a gripping manner . We come to know about Nadim’s  school and college days followed by his struggle to earn a livelihood by opening a Private Academy ( NEW ERA ) . We also read details of  his stints in teaching profession and finally settling down as Principal Lal Ded Memorial School at Badyaar Bala srinagar. 

  Starting with writing Hindi and English poems  at the age of 17 , Naadim soon moved to kashmiri  where he introduced several genres like Blank Verse , Sonnet  Opera and haiku. This compiler has not been able to get his haiku Poems for compilation. Like a star , Nadim kept  shining brighter and brighter on the literary  Horizon of kashmir . 

 The compiler informs that Nadim  formally joined Communist party of India  in 1950 and in the same year he was elected general secretary of  Progressive writers association. He rubbed  shoulders with  towering Political leadership of the state yet   for himself , he never desired or demanded any office of profit  , special  favour or Pecuniary  advantage.  He started his life as a teacher and inspite of brief interludes here and there , he served the  Education Sector till his  death.

The Compiler also informs that Nadim   led the Cultural Front later cultural congress and then all state Cultural Conference. He was also elected Member of Sahitya Academy and  had a  brief stint in Government Job as Assistant Director Social Education ( 1965-1969) .

The compiler goes on to add that except Shuhul Kul , Nadim had not published any Book during his lifetime although he had written so much  in all genres and forms much of which had remained unpublished   .Accordingly,  absence of any published Book ,  it was almost an impossible task   for him to collect Nadim poems from Magazines and private Hands  . Add to that,   His friends and relations  were  far away and  scattered . Finally  much needed help came from  Poet’s immediate family especially his sons Shantiveer kaul and Ahimsa Koul. This task  kept him busy for almost an year involving extensive Travel and  Search in Kashmir , Jammu and New Delhi.  “ Shuhul Kul “ won him sahitya Academy award in 1986  . Nadim also received the prestigious   Soviet land Nehru award   in 1971.

It may be pertinent to mention that `Nadim was  basically a poet of Nazm and accordingly the first section of the Book begins with his Popular and representative Poems ( more than 105  in number  ). This section is a treat . It covers some of his best poems such as :

(1)    Naara e shabab ( The slogan of the youth )

(2)    Naara e inquilaab  ( The slogan of the revolution )

(3)    Graav ( Complaint )

(4)     Me vuchh Aead Subahunn( I saw today Morning )

(5)    Prutchhun Chhum ( I have to ask )

(6)    Sonth Ta Harud ( Spring and autumn )

(7)    Ba Geivaa Na Az ( I shall not sing Today )

(8)    Me Chhum kaa’m Baaki ( I have  so much pending )

(9)    Me Chhum Aash Pagahaetch  ( I am optmisitic about Tomorrow )

(10) Soan Wattan ( Our Country )

(11) Gonmaatus Motuk Shar Karrie Kyaah ( What can the fright of death do to an Erudite scholar ?)

(12)Dal Haanzini Hundh Gyavun ( Song of a fisher woman from Dal Lake )

(13)Kaaeth Darwaaza Pyaath Gurr Taam ( From kathi Darwaaza to residence )

(14)Naabad Ta Tethvun ( sugar candy and the Bitter poison )

(15)Dal Baeth Baeth ( Along the banks of dal Lake )

(16)Shuhul  Kul ( Shady Tree )

(17) Kaakad Vaalie sund hug ( The cry of the Scrap Buyer  )

(18)Zindabaad

(19) Zallir Zaal ( The Spider web )

(20)Aessi Aeiss Sath Benni ( we were seven sisters )

(21) Tchaae’r kath ( The tale of a fool )

The second section of the book has about 25 Gazals  which include some Popular  creations like

(1)    Dilluk Daaga Amaara ( The painful spot within and the love )

(2)    Tche traavith kath karien ( You stopped the communication )

(3)    Ma Thaav khae’tt khae’tt Tche jam Saqi ( O Saqi ! Don’t Hide the glass any more )

(4)    Chuv sukraatun Chuv akh jaam ( Socrates drank just a Glass of poison only )

(5)    Yuth Reshi Vaarie Vitsata raatch (   Lyical or Vatsun style ) )

(6)    Khassvun siri Taa Raamun Raaj ( The rising sun is like Ram-Rajya )

(7)    Kattie Myon Aaluv ( My pleas are like mid day sun )

(8)    Posha kulla pokk Kotchuv Kotchuv ( The flower tree moved from one lane to Another)

The third  section of the Book is devoted to Sonnets .It  has 8 sonnets   that include “Zoon Khaetch Tseott Hish ( The moon rose like a  Bread ) .

In the fourth section , the compiler has included 9 poems that are specifically devotional  . This section includes his three popular Poems Like Christmas , Hussain and a Naat .

The last section titled Haaersaat ( Anecdotes ) has 30 poetic Anecdotes  perhaps the largest number ever available anywhere . The compiler has not included any Haiku Poem.

The Compiler has done a yeoman’s service to Naadim Lovers  by presenting a variety in each segment . For instance in his Nazm Segment ,   he has selected  poems  that  deal with   Poet’s  Love for Kashmir , Deep  Satire on socio -political life  , Hope and Positive outlook ,  Firm belief in Peace ,Poetic  Imagery, Romanticism ,  Human Relations ,  Poverty , Stark Progressive outlook,    conviction etc.

 I quote from the book .

(1)

“Aadunuk Badaam Hue,

Maaji Hundh Momm Daam Hue

Gaam Pyethaa Yetchkaael Vothhumut

*Treil Hyaathh  Zunn Maam Hue,

Assi wattan Rut Gaam Hue.”

“Like the  fresh Almond fruit of the season ,

 For an infant ,  Like a  mouthful of   mother’s breast  milk  ,

Like the maternal uncle , After long time ,bringing *Treil fruit

from his village Orchard ,

Our country is like a Beautiful Village .”

(  Poem”  Soan Wattan “ or Our Land .*Treil is Small late  Autumn fruit  in Kashmir resembling an Apple. It is very small in size , juicy and tastes like an apple. )

(2)

“Soann Siendh Sangar Roapp Koahh Maalai

Marg Ta Baal Tchhei  Poashei  Poash

Koall Raavaan Amrit Naett Naarey

Yuthh Reishi Vaarie Vitasta  Raatchh”

             

“Golden are your Mountains And silvery are the peaks

The Hills and the valleys are nothing but flowers .

Pitcher loads  of Nectar  flows down your streams ,

 And here flows river  Vitasta, the   Guardian of  this land of Rishis..”

(  Lines From kashmiri “Vatsun”   forming a part of Gazal segment )

(3)

“ Zeiv rehunn kariv Guftaar Kaeniev

Radhee kaagaz Akhbaar Kaeniev

Hoeumm Kaetee ounn Athh Kathhie Sannie Beqal

Yaemm Kunn Chhonn Yiss Kuthh Vannie Beqal

Khonvuth Khodd Kyaa Kyaa Khannie Beqal

Praethh Kaanh Kuthh Chhuvv Phir Phyaar Kaeniv

Radhee Kagaz akhbaar Kaeniv.”

“Mortgage your tongue and sell your speech ,

Sell this waste ! Sell it like Old newspapers or used Paper.

“How that man gained this wealth !”

Whosoever thinks this issue is a fool.. .

“This man sells short  in his Trade ! “

“:Only a fool shall say so .”

O Yes that man who works hard unnecessarily is also a fool ?

All these words are foolish and are beyond our understanding ,

So why not sell now.

Sell this waste !

Sell it like Old newspapers or used Paper.”

              ( From Poem “Kaakad Vaalie sund hug “ or   The cry of the Scrap Buyer  )

(4)

 “Sheitchh Gayee shaamun Gaama Shahaarie

Baagun Junglunn Pheer tchoapaarie

Gili Voann Vaavus Vaavun Laalus

Laalun Pyaaluss Pyaalie Kalawaaluss

Kalwaalun Pheurr Maikhaanuss Munz

Maikhaanuss Munz Vaaetchh Hoolie Haalaai

Baanuss ta baanuss laaejj Thussraaraai

Zun Guvv Aaluv Mahjoor Koatt Guvv

“Mahjoor Koatt Guvv ? ”

Poatt Pheerithh Aav Aaluv Vaapus

“Yeitee Chhuyee Koatt Guvv !”

Mahjoor Zinda Chhuyee Zindagi Marie Kyaah

Gonn-maatuss Moatukk shar Karrie kyaah”

 “ The news went wild at evening time ,

It traveled to city and the villages ,

It spread in all directions through the forests and the gardens ,

The bird conveyed it to the wind ,

The wind passed it on to the flower ,

The flower informed the cup

And the cup told the cup bearer( saaqi ),

The cup bearer broke the news inside the Tavern ( Bar )

And then  an uproar in the tavern .

Pots rattled and collided ,

Some insider heard a cry ,

“ Where has Mehjoor gone ?”

And then another cry in return declared ,

“ Here he is . Where did he go ?

Mehjoor is alive . Does life ever pass away ?

What can the fright of death do to an Erudite  soul ?”

(  From The poem “Gonn-Maatus Moatukk Shar karrie kyaah ? “ . This poem was written by the  Poet on the death of Mahjoor )

(5)

“Khraekvien Phulayaa

Luukka Arsaata

Taarav  pyeith  Pyaeith Katiejji Jamaata

Zangatrei Heinz Graekh

Taafa Pholavunn

Karra Muth Halma

Zalvun Zalvun

Tikka Vaaviejj Kull

Rang Vol Samyaa

Mausam Haavus

Poora Chhiveimit

“To’t Kyaah Ba Chuukh “

Paa’nsus Peepin

Wuff dith Gayee Ko’tt

Me ti  Gaetchh Peepin

“To’t Kyaah Ba Chuukh “

Tresh Chamhaa

Katareiv Gurr Phuut

Nov Gurr Hemm’haa

Valaa sa Malyaa

Gobraa tathyaa

Dabluss Paa’nsuss

Soruyaa duniyaa “

“Abundance of spring flowers ;

Crowds thronging all over.

Groups of swallows  on electric wires overhead;

Celebrations of ZANGTREI by crowds ,

Days full of sunshine ,

People with Karra and Muth in their pockets ,

Eating and enjoying happily .

A colourful tree of toys ,

Displayed in the happy mela.

The climate and the desires ,

Are in the process of being fulfilled .

"Son you have fever perhaps "

"The whistle for a penny "

"Where has the Whistle flown away ?

I too want a whistle "

"Son you have fever perhaps”

I need a glass of water now

"My mud horse is broken mother

i also want a new  horse "

"Come son, come dear .

Entire world is for a penny ."

( From Poem  “ Kaeth Darwaaza Pyaath Ghar Taam “ or  from Kathi Darwaza to residence . A Journey  involving interplay of desires of the child and a poor Mother’s response  )

(6)

“ Zindabaad me  Huz Buss Chonuyii Sreh

Zindabaad  Tche Pyokha Ada Huz Pe

ZindaBaad Tche Kuss Huz Valaa Huz Beh

Asso Vo’t vuchhan  Yi Haal Lagaai

Yu Chhu Soruyii Mayaa Zaal Lagaai

So’n assith Zun Aeiss Traam Sapidh

Kyaa Taam aasith Kyaa Taam sapidh

We were Gold but  look how we became Copper now

We were  something special   
But  look how became some other thing  now.”

“ Long Live sir , My deep affection remains for you alone ,
Long Live Sir , Have you lost , Then Get Lost,
Long Live sir , Who are You ? come Sit here ,
We have only been witnessing such like things 
And All this is a Mystery or “Maaya jaal ” Dear “

( From poem “Zindabaad” or Long live . A  sharp socio Political satire )

(7)

Khaawj Mohmmad chhu Nawab
Momma roodh toet'i momaai
Aa'th pretchi vunn ta jawaab
Chaav moiyee jaam'a jamaai

Huuth na'etti vaarie chhu moiyee
Yuth na'etti vaarie chhu Aab
Kae'mm kuss hyo't hisaab
Chaav moiyee jaam'a jamaai..

(Dina Nath Naadim)

Khwaja Mohammad is a nawab
And Momma remains Momma only,
Solve this riddle for me
And pour me a glass of wine..

That pitcher is full of wine
And this pitcher has water to its brim
Who is there to fix accountability?
So pour me a glass of wine

( Composed in 1959. A biting satire on exploitation resulting in formation of islands of wealth among oceans of Poverty.The sensitive poet became Privy to this phenomenon during that period. The  Compiler of the Book Under Review  informs that this Gazal was recited by the Poet in  a Mushaira at S P college Srinagar Presided  over by Mir Nassarullah ( Son in law of Bakshi Ghulam Mohd) and not by Bakshi Ghulam Mohd as generally Believed )

This segment has so many other  poems including  “Me chum Aash Pagaheitch” or “I am Hopeful of  Tomorrow” from which,  this book under review , derives its title. 

This effort on the part of  the compiler is certainly praiseworthy and shall go a long way in collecting and documenting the work of the poet . Yet the benefits of this grand effort may not pass on  to the persons who are not familiar with Kashmiri  script .  For this ,  I would suggest that the book’s second edition should come with a CD that has all the  poetic contents in an Audio form. Can’t  we apply this suggestion  to all new Books on  kashmiri poetry  being Published anywhere . That is what was suggested to me by so many young  kashmiris who want to know about their  cultural heritage but  feel handicapped  for being unable read  or write kashmiri .And  every kashmiri lover must do  Everything  to  enhance the reach of this impressive endeavor .

( Autar Mota )

PS



AN EDITED VERSION OF THE ABOVE REVIEW WAS PUBLISHED IN DAILY EXCELSIOR  JAMMU ON 26.2.2017..
HERE IS THE LINK...


http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/a-valuable-compilation/

A Valuable Compilation

Posted on 26/02/2017 by Dailyexcelsior

Autar Mota

Year 2016 was Poet Dina Nath Nadim’s( 1916-1988 ) birth centenary. Expectation of Gala celebration by official Custodians of Art and culture were high. We also expected many social events by Non Governmental Agencies , Organizations, Clubs , and Groups engaged in the promotion and propagation of Art and culture in our State.

There existed an imperative need to remember a man who gave modern diction, style and scope to kashmiri Poetry . A need to recognize the efforts of a Man who dominated the kashmiri poetic Horizon for more than two decades . A man who broadened the canvas of kashmiri poetry and followed the footsteps of Mehjoor and Azad in freeing it from the clutches and grip of Leela / Sufiana genre . A Man who heralded Modernism in content and form by writing Blank verse , sonnets , Anecdotes, Haiku and operas in Kashmiri.

Alas ! Not much happened either in official arena or on Private platforms. And in this environment of despair , G R Hasarat Gadda has come with a New optimism . He brings a glimmer of hope for Nadim Lovers with Publication of his Book ” Me Chham Aash Pagahuch ” that has a variety of Popular and representative poems of Stalwart kashmiri poet. Sometimes Individual efforts surpass what otherwise should have come from Institutions meant for the same . And this effort by G R Hasarat Gadda is a perceptible example on this issue . Since Nadim had not been careful towards compiling and publishing his own work ( except Shuhul Kull ), this is perhaps the first collection of his poems that has arrived on the scene ;Much awaited and desired by lovers of his poetry.

I have personally observed many similarities Between Nadim and Bengali Rebel Poet Qazi Nazrul Islam . Both were brought up and nursed in poverty . Both had mastery in the field of Nazm / Kobita . Their verses come up with a gift of inherent music . Both have explored common themes such as exploitation ,love, freedom and humanity . Both were towering figures in spearheading a cultural renaissance by liberating poetry and literature from its medieval mould. The lone dissimilarity is sharp and painful. While Nazrul almost got what he rightly deserved for his contribution in the Literary arena of the subcontinent , Nadim did not get his due place even in his own land. For this, Kudos to Bengalis world over for not only recognizing and remembering their icons but also ensuring a respectable place for them in the corpus of “World Literature” . We kashmiris have also been unfair to another legend known as Abdul Ahad Azad. I have my doubts if any person remembers Noor Mohd. Roshan. It appears that we have always been so in dealing with our own Icons.

Coming to the book under review , I may inform that the book is written in kashmiri ( Nastalik ) script and has 376 pages that include about 36 pages for the details of poems within and two forewords. It has a detailed foreword by G R Hasarat Gadda and a brief one by Shantiveer kaul. The Book is dedicated to Mrs Padmavati Koul ( poet’s wife ) , who according to the compiler , devoted her entire life serving the poet. In his absorbing foreword , the compiler discusses Nadim right from his birth till death in a gripping manner . We come to know about Nadim’s school and college days followed by his struggle to earn a livelihood by opening a Private Academy ( NEW ERA ) . We also read details of his stints in teaching profession and finally settling down as Principal Lal Ded Memorial School at Badyaar Bala srinagar.

Starting with writing Hindi and English poems at the age of 17 , Naadim soon moved to kashmiri where he introduced several genres like Blank Verse , Sonnet Opera and haiku. This compiler has not been able to get his haiku Poems for compilation. Like a star , Nadim kept shining brighter and brighter on the literary Horizon of kashmir . The compiler informs that Nadim formally joined Communist party of India in 1950 and in the same year he was elected general secretary of Progressive writers association. He rubbed shoulders with towering Political leadership of the state yet for himself, he never desired or demanded any office of profit , special favour or Pecuniary advantage. He started his life as a teacher and inspite of brief interludes here and there , he served the Education Sector till his death.

The Compiler also informs that Nadim led the Cultural Front later cultural congress and then all state Cultural Conference. He was also elected Member of Sahitya Academy and had a brief stint in Government Job as Assistant Director Social Education ( 1965-1969) .

The compiler goes on to add that except Shuhul Kul , Nadim had not published any Book during his lifetime although he had written so much in all genres and forms much of which had remained unpublished .Accordingly, absence of any published Book , it was almost an impossible task for him to collect Nadim poems from Magazines and private Hands . Add to that, His friends and relations were far away and scattered . Finally much needed help came from Poet’s immediate family especially his sons Shantiveer kaul and Ahimsa Koul. This task kept him busy for almost an year involving extensive Travel and Search in Kashmir , Jammu and New Delhi. ” Shuhul Kul ” won him sahitya Academy award in 1986 . Nadim also received the prestigious Soviet land Nehru award in 1971.

It may be pertinent to mention that `Nadim was basically a poet of Nazm and accordingly the first section of the Book begins with his Popular and representative Poems ( more than 105 in number ). This section is a treat . It covers some of his best poems such as :

(1) Naara e shabab

(The slogan of the youth )

(2) Naarae inquilaab ( The slogan of the revolution )

(3) Graav (Complaint )

(4) Me vuchh Aead Subahunn

(I saw today Morning )

(5) Prutchhun Chhum

(I have to ask )

(6) Sonth Ta Harud

(Spring and autumn )

(7) Ba Geivaa Na Az

(I shall not sing Today )

(8) Me Chhum kaa’m Baaki

(I have so much pending )

(9) Me Chhum Aash Pagahaetch

(I am optmisitic about Tomorrow)

This effort on the part of the compiler is certainly praiseworthy and shall go a long way in collecting and documenting the work of the poet . Yet the benefits of this grand effort may not pass on to the persons who are not familiar with Kashmiri script . For this , I would suggest that the book’s second edition should come with a CD that has all the poetic contents in an Audio form. Can’t we apply this suggestion to all new Books on kashmiri poetry being Published anywhere . That is what was suggested to me by so many young kashmiris who want to know about their cultural heritage but feel handicapped for being unable read or write kashmiri .And every kashmiri lover must do Everything to enhance the reach of this impressive endeavor.

It has also been published in Greater Kashmir published from Srinagar..

I quote the link..

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/a-dream-for-tomorrow/242541.html#disqus_thread

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.