RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR
Baramulla district in North Kashmir is undoubtedly known for its enchanting landscape, crystal clear waters and being the Mughal-era ‘Gateway to Kashmir’. It has also produced numerous literary greats whose literary prowess never ceases to inspire aspiring young writers. Among these literary geniuses, Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi is a well-known name who is not only an academician but also a distinguished man of letters. He has authored many works like Tafhimi Iqbal, Lafz Lafz Khushbu, Ahisahar Gahi, Madaris aur Urdu, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Nehvi Qadam ba Qadam, Admi Musafir hai and several others which are currently being compiled. ‘Aadmi Musafir hai’, a collection of 93 micro fictions of 144 pages, is under review. Published by Brar Sons Malerkotla, the book has a carefully designed cover and quality paper. In his commentaries on Dr. Commenting on Dr. Faiz’s art and skill, Prof. Aslam Jamshedpuri says that in his stories he has reflected the day to day life of Kashmir through local characters and has also highlighted random incidents and tragedies that take place there. He has widely praised his literary skill. In his essay, he has also written a brief account of several microfictions of the book. Dr. Salik Jamil, in his paper on the book and the author, has summarized the historical background of the microfiction genre of Urdu literature. He has praised Dr. Faiz’s writing style and has also discussed some of the stories that form a major part of the book. Azra Azim has drawn a thorough sketch of the fictional genre of Urdu literature and has also written about Dr. Faiz’s odyssey from school days to becoming an accomplished novelist. According to Dr. Riyaz Tawhidi, a well-known critic and novelist of the valley, Kashmir has witnessed three decades of chaos and confusion due to political instability and unrest, as a result of which the residents of the region had to endure pain and suffering. Almost all the literary figures including Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi have reflected these ordeals in their writings which remind us of the era of hardship and melancholy. While giving details about his book and his journey as a nano fiction writer, Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi says that he has been writing for the last 25 years. His literary pieces and stories find space in the literary pages of influential dailies and magazines. A large section of readers regularly reward him with good comments. ‘Kahani Bani Kahani’ is the first nano fiction of the book which portrays the professional jealousy of the writers who only aspire to be second to Minto, the creator of this genre of Urdu literature. Umed Ka Khoon – this film reflects the prolonged pain of the people during the hartal and curfew when people and their small children are starving. Tadabeer – highlights the artificially created poverty due to the Corona curfew and has been carefully crafted by Dr. Faiz. Imdad – paints the ugly picture of NGOs which collect huge amounts as alms and donations from wealthy people but provide meager help to the needy. Poutli – this film is a clear reflection of the writers who strive for popularity but are unaware of the plight of their immediate residents who lead a life of poverty. Du Paap – artfully woven by Dr. Faiz exposes the evil intentions and psychological weaknesses of today’s doctors who are considered as equal to God and not only commit the crime of killing babies before birth but even destroy the chastity of female patients. Chup ki Dad – this story beautifully portrays the virtuous and humble attitude of the people of Tabligi Jamaat. Ikhlak – Dr. Faiz intelligently brings out the nobility and goodness of lower caste people in this short story. Maan (Mother) – reading this story brings tears to my eyes and makes me moist as the tragedy of their sons abandoning their aged parents who prefer to enjoy their luxurious life abroad and leave their parents to the mercy of God is now becoming a normal occurrence. Mushairah – explicitly shows how even poets attend only paid poetic symposiums and neglect those where no pavements are built. Khushksali – the corrupt practices of university professors in evaluating students are ruining the education system. The author has brought this out well. Robert – an important issue faced by the city dwellers in particular is burial and wrapping of the dead bodies. Earlier, people were brought in from far off places to perform the last rites but now only certain committees are entrusted with this task and Roberts is expected to be in charge in future. Darindon ki Basti – a sketch of the dwindling human values among people and it is obviously tedious to differentiate between human and animal. Sahibi Nazar – people who indulge in corruption can be corrected and changed only by pious and reverent persons. Setting – a beard and court trousers would have actually helped him become a professor but by ignoring his teacher’s advice he really became a big businessman of the city. Mobile Number – beautifully crafted depiction of a serious problem faced by the families. Our sons can have the contact number of any distant relative without considering their parents. Andar ki Baat – our Urdu literati give strong speeches at seminars for protecting and preserving this global language but at the same time prevent their own children from making a career in Urdu. This is what the author has observed. Sapoot – although majority of our sons neglect their duties and obedience to parents, still there are many who put their aspirations above their own basic needs. This is beautifully portrayed in this story. Itihad – those responsible for the fragmentation of a union later preach lessons of unity. This is very common among contemporary Muslims and has been briefly outlined by the author in this story. Reading these carefully crafted stories, a reader sincerely claims that Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi is therefore blessed with exceptional writing talent and his popularity among the novelists of the subcontinent is increasing with each passing day. I recommend every novel lover to go through this book and judge its worth. After reading this book, it is clear that Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi is enriching the fertility of the literary landscape of the valley.
The author is a columnist who
from Qazigund Kashmir.
