“ (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. ”

( 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.

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 .

( Avtar Mota )

PS
(1)
Some photographs of the poet (from top to bottom) .The poet at Kheer Bhawani, the poet with Swami Lakshman Joo, the poet performing the Mekhala of his children and the poet at Mattan ,Kashmir.

!2)
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

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.

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 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.

(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)

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\.

CHINAR SHADE

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

A NEW BOOK ON STALWART KASHMIRI POET DINA NATH NADIM

A Valuable Compilation

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