Tuesday, June 27, 2017

IN " THE OUTSIDER " ( A NOVEL BY ALBERT CAMUS) , MEURSAULT 'S GIRLFRIEND OR MARIE IS ALSO A SUFFERER


       

                                                          


ANNA KARINA ( Born 1940 ) as MARIE CARDONA In 1967 Movie “ THE STRANGER ” OR “ LO STRANIERO. The movie was a Cinematic version of"The Outsider" , a well known Novel of Albert Camus. The other person in the picture is Marcello Mastroianni who played the role of Meursault.

I Sympathise with MARIE , a character that Camus Created for his  novel  " THE OUTSIDER " 

Marie is Meursault's girlfriend, a typist formerly at Meursault's office , where they first met. 
There are some clues about Marie’s personality in the novel. Very less in number but so vital in revealing her true nature . To me she appears straightforward and simple It appears that her expectations from life are not hyped or extraordinary . And then Not much does she demand from others around. Her middle class upbringing convinces her that she ( A Typist ) and Meursault ( A clerk ) could lead a happy life together .

The day after the funeral of Meursault’s mother , she meets him at the beach and continues to date him afterward. Like Meursault, Marie delights in physical contact yet Marie’s physical affection implies a deeper sentimental and emotional attachment. For example, when Marie asks Meursault if he loves her, he replies “That sort of question has no meaning, really; but I suppose I didn’t” . Later in the novel, Marie asks if Meursault would marry her, to which he responds that he does not care whether he marries Marie or any other woman. Though Marie is disappointed when Meursault expresses his indifference toward love and marriage, she does not end the relationship or rethink about her desire to marry him. She has a hope . A normal hope to lead a happy life with a man whom she loves. In fact, Meursault’s strange behavior seems to be the essential part of his appeal and charm . She says that she probably loves him because he is so peculiar and different from the crowd around him.

There could also be an element of pragmatism in Marie’s decision to marry Meursault. She enjoys a good deal of freedom within the relationship because he does not take any interest in her life when they are not together.


While reading the novel , sometimes I feel , as if, Meursault only cares about Marie’s physical appearance, not about her as a person. Does he lack an emotional connection with Marie ? Did he lack this vital emotional connect with his mother also ?



Whatever be her motivations for entering into the relationship, Marie remains loyal to Meursault at all times and during all periods of their relationship. When he is arrested and put on trial, she does not end the relation. I quote  their communication in specific when she visits Meursault in prison ;

'She shouted out again, 'You'll get out and we'll get married!' I answered, 'You think so?' but it was mainly just to say something'


She only drifts apart after she comes to know about the Death sentence . The reason could be the death of her dream to live a happy life with a Man whom she loved . And then She suddenly fades away and We no longer hear about the uncomplicated and simple girl. Where does she go at the end? A question that every Reader wants to know .


Does the death of hope prevent Marie from reaching the understanding that Meursault attains at the end of the novel ?  Meursault finally  grasps "The Benign indifference of the Universe" while Marie does not . She finds value in dumping Hope and simply moves away.


I FIND HER A  SILENT SUFFERER ....


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

MY POEM ' ME KOYEE JAZEERA NAHIN " OR " I AM NOT AN ISLAND "


                                                                                    




SUNSET AT TANAH LOT BALI INDONESIA 


( PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2015 )

To this photo ,i add a mini poem "Me Koyee Jazeera Nahin ' or " I am not an Island " that i wrote today...

( Me Koyee Jazeera Nahin ) 

Khwaab to khwaab Thhay 
Palkon Mein Samaaye Hotay 
Tum Na aaye to chalo
Khwaab Hi Aaye Hotay..
Khwaab Bhi Rooth Gaye 
Jo Hamaare Thhay 
Hum se Chhoot Gaye..
Ab To Buss Dhoop Hai Rastaa
hai aur safar apnaa ..
Manzilon Ki to ab Talab hi Nahin..
Na Koyee Dost Na Ahbaab Na karam-farmaa 
Ek samandhar Hai aur akela huun
Saathiyon Me Koyee Jazeera Nahin
Iss Samandhar Mein Jee Nahin Saktaa 
Pyaas se mar Mitoon Voh Behtar Hai 
Khaara Paani Me Pee Nahin Saktaa...

( Autar Mota )

My simple English rendering would be ..

( I am not an Island )


Dreams are just Dreams ,
These should have visited  my  eyes .
If You didn’t come ,
Dreams could have  come  at least  .

 Now, Dreams too have moved  away ,
Away have moved my own kinsmen ,
My companions ;
The sun ,
The path
And the Journey.
Dried up is the desire  to hit Goals .
No friends,
No well wishers  
And no Benevolence from Any quarter .
 As if ,
Lonely and lost I am  in an  sea ,
 Friends    ! I am not an island ,
I can’t  survive in this ocean .
 Better  fade away   in thirst   than
 Gulp this saline Water all around..




( Autar Mota )



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

Saturday, June 17, 2017

DIALOGUE ….BAITHAK …16.06.2017 WITH COMPOSER T K JALALI AND POET M K SANTOSHI


                                                                          
                                    (SHRI M K  SANTOSHI AND  T K  JALALI )












                         


DIALOGUE ….BAITHAK …16.06.2017 AT JAMMU....


DIALOGUE is a unique Initiative in our state that has come from some like minded Individuals from the field of Art, Literature, Music , Social service etc. The idea to hold Baithaks ( Sittings ) and involve youth from among various sections of the society has proved of immense utility in Bridging so many gaps .



It is an effort towards promoting integration , Peace and goodwill through Art , literature , Music and social service . Conceived by Narinder Safaya Advocate supreme Court of India and a poet himself, it is supported by a dedicated team comprising of Prof. Arvind Gigoo (English Author) , T K Jalali ( composer , Vocalist and former Principal Institute of Music and fine Arts ) , Makhan Lal Saraf (Doyen of Theatre Movement in J&K State) , Shadi Lal Koul (Well Known Theatre Artist) , Prof R L Shant ( Hindi and Kashmiri writer ) ,Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki ( Poet , Writer and Former Head ICCR Kashmir ) , Indu Bushan Zutshi ( Writer and Trade Union Leader ) , M K Santoshi ( Hindi Poet and writer ) , Gokul Dembi ( Artist ) , Autar Mota ( writer , Blogger and poet ), Jangs Verman ( Journalist, Photographer and writer ) and Many More Individuals .



In every Baithak , Two Prominent persons from our State from the field of Art , Literature , Drama , Music and social Service are called to speak about their life and work to a select gathering . Every effort is made to involve youth. Some Baithaks (Gatherings) are to be exclusively held for younger generation drawn from various sections of the society .The purpose is to acquaint them with our rich cultural past and peaceful coexistence .

In previous BAITHAKS ( Sittings ) , Sh. Triloke Kaul ( Well Known Artist ) , Sh. Makhan Lal Saraf ( Theatre ) , Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki ( Poet , writer and Former Head ICCR ) , PadamShri Rajinder Tikoo ( Sculptor ) , Prof R L Shant noted Hindi and Kashmiri writer and Farooq nazki well known Kashmiri poet and Media personality were invited as Principal speakers .

Sh. T K Jalali well Known Vocalist , Administrator and composer and Noted Hindi Poet Maharaj Krishen santoshi were the principal speakers in Today’s BAITHAK.

The details of BAITHAK held on 16.06.2017 is summarized as under :-

First session began with Sh T k Jalali . After sh. T K jalali finished detailing his Art and rich experiences, A great evening opened itself for the participants. Shri Jalali enthralled the participants at the venue when he delivered three classical Compositions in his rich voice . His unique Laikaari and maintenance of Purity of Raagas was visible in whatever he sang .He sang a classical composition based on Shringaar Rasa “ Lutt Uljhi haai Suljhaa Baalma “ . A sheer Pleasure . It was followed by a Composition based on Viraha Mood ( Separation in Love )” Saiyaan san Mori Jaaye kaho Vinati Mori “ Again a Grand Treat from the master. He concluded with a Composition on Bhakti Rasa “Hey Gajanan Ganpati Lamboodhar naman Tohay “. The ganpati Vandana was based on Raag “yaman “  and the night had set in.


  • Sh Jalali said....



"Carnatic music and Hindustani classical music appears to be having a common source. In ancient times ,these appear to be one" 



" In Kashmir   distinct schools of dance, drama and classical music flourished till early  fourteenth century. We have contributed immensely​ to the development of fine arts in this   subcontinent.It only needs elaboration and presentation ."

“ We need to understand the difference between “ Chhakri “ and “Leela “ singing. They are structured on different Planks and we need to sing them differently. We have created a common Music plank for both and we sing them loud. “

“Vanvun is our core classical Music. Alas , it is dying . We have neglected it. It is the Real “Saam-gaan rich in its notes , style and musical essence.”

“ Poets use words to speak out their Hearts while Musicians use notes for the same purpose . “

“ In Kashmir , Inspite of prevailing adverse conditions , I find a Group of Young and dedicated singers on the Horizon. I can name a few like Waheed Jeelani , Shazia Bashir , Rashid Jahangir and many More . They have not come overnight to their present positions . And now see the rigorous training that kailash Mehra , Aarti Tiku kaul , Shamima Dev , Archana jalali , Naina saproo Trisal and many more undertook .So Many years of dedication and learning has made them what they are . And learning and dedication is so vital in this field. I am for Guru Shishya Parampara. Unfortunately singers from our younger generation want to learn a song or just one Raaga and come to stage performance . That is detrimental for the music and for the artist as well. “

“ Even people who have a high degree of Musical aptitude or upon whom Saraswati Devi has been kind , Training is of paramount importance .”

“ It is now established beyond any shade of doubt that Pandit Sharang Dev( 1210-1247 ) who wrote “Sangeet- Ratnakara” was a Great Musician from Kashmir who moved out and spread his name and creativity in rest of the country. He is  remembered with respect by every  musician and musicologist  both in North and south of the country . We had a rich tradition of classical Music in kashmir till 14th century “

“kashmir 's Sarangi is a unique instrument. It creates some unique notes . It is slightly different than the sarangi that is used in rest of the country “

The second session with M K Santoshi ji was equally absorbing. Santoshi ji gave details of his childhood , School and college days and his close association with some Communist friends and finally how and when he developed a flair for writing poetry .Introducing him , Dr Agnishekhar Read a poem of Santoshi ji :

“ Mein Huun Ek Guum Hoti Nadi 

Gaayab Hotay Phoolon Ki Sampooran Jaat”



“ I am ,A river that is disappearing fast ,

A variety of flowers that is facing extinction “



Santoshi ji belongs to a dedicated group of of Hindi writers from Kashmir who have faced many odds but their Zeal to serve Hindi has never dwindled . This group includes Maharaj shah , Kshema kaul, Dr Agnishekhar , Nida Nawaz and Upender Raina . I am not sure whether Upender Raina writes still . Santoshi Ji writes with Modern sensibilities . satire is his strong point. He uses it now and both in his poems and stories . He read his poems ‘ Vichaar Naag, Kaath Ki Talwaarein , Taambe ki Naak and Madhu Makhiyaan “. All these poems were rich with modern sensibilities . They demonstrated his sharp wit and observation .

His poem "Blood stained Snow " touched the listeners with its content and presentation .I found it deeply moving. I quote the poem in translation ( Translation by Prof. Arvind Gigoo )


"I have nothing

to fight violence with.

Snow is my strength.

Walking on the snow covered roads
With love in my hands
I knock at the doors
Desperately to break the shameless silence
Of my friends.
I fill my eyes
With the sorrow of
The Vitasta ( River )
Of the Chinar ( Tree )
Of the Lake.
And weep for hours
On the blood stained snow"


Both Shri T k Jalali and shri M K Santoshi had a live interactive session with participants with many questions and clarifications .

Others who read papers or spoke in the gathering included Padam shri Rajinder Tikoo ( Sculptor ) and well known Artist artist Gokul Dembi..

Dr Agni Shekhar, Dr Kshema kaul, Prof. Veena Pandita , Shri Narinder safaya and Autar Mota also read their Poems .

Others present in Today's Baithak were I B Zutshi , Murar ji Kaul , Jangs S Verman ( Journalist ) , Sudesh Raina, Kanwal Peshin , Ravi Mahaldar ,T N Pandita and Ravinder Tikoo .Invitations were also sent to many writers and Artists including Noted Punjabi writer Khalid Hussain who could not make it due to some prior commitments .

DAILOGUE IS A MOVING CARWAAN NOW……….. …..


( Autar Mota )

PS
In ancient times , ‘Sama-Veda’ was recited in musical patterns or Group chanting of Hymns with definite Musical notes . Many established Musicologists are of the opinion that the Vanvun singing in kashmir could have originated from Sama- Gana or chanting of Samaveda .


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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\.

Friday, June 16, 2017

WHAT WAS COMMON BETWEEN WRITER SADAT HASSAN MANTO , POET AND FILM LYRICIST RAJA MEHDI ALI KHAN AND WRITER KRISHEN CHANDER ?


                                                                                        


"CHHORR KAR TERAY PYAAR KA DAAMAN -YE BATAA DHE KE HUM KIDHAR JAAYEIN.."..Raja Mehdi Ali Khan


RAJA MEHDI ALI KHAN AND KRISHEN CHANDER ( IN ABOVE PHOTOGRAPH )


Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was perhaps closest friend of Sadat Hassan Manto and krishen chander for so many reasons ……




(1) All the three shared a common mother Tongue “PUNJABI”.
(2) All the three had little to do with Religion .
(3) All the three were lovers of good food .
(4) All the three were Masters of their craft and writers of a different class .
(5) Liquor was also a binding factor .
(6) All the three needed friends and communication .
(7) All the three were employed by All India Radio New Delhi.
(8) They came to Mumbai Film Industry due to their writing skills ( poetry / Story writing ) .

( aUTAR mOTA )


Creative Commons LicenseCHINAR 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\.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

REMEBERING URDU WRITER KRISHEN CHANDER



                                                                              




(1)


 MRS.INDIRA GANDHI  PRESENTING AN AWARD TO URDU WRITER KRISHEN CHANDER ...1970


Krishan Chander (1914-1977) wrote over 20 novels, 30 collections of short stories and scores of radio plays in Urdu and scripts and screenplays for films . After Partition of the country, he started writing in simple Hindi. His language, by and large remained Hindustani.
                                       
His first novel in the Donkey Trilogy was published in urdu as " Ek Gadhe Ki Surguzasht" and later as "Ek Gadhe Ki Atma Katha" in Hindi . This was followed by Ek Gadha NEFA mein and Ek Gadhe ki Vaapasi.

His Donkey is human and suffers like us. Using Donkey as Protagonist , Krishen Chander caricatures different aspects of society that we live in. He maes his Donkey speak about its experience with bureaucrats, Police , Corrupt Babus ,Businessmen, Ministers , Artists, Musicians and High society women.
His Donkey, even meets Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.
A brilliant satire, presented aptly by Krishen Chander showing somewhat dark and massive corruption prevailing in our system.



I recommend "EK GADHE KI AATAM KATHA ' Or "EK GADHE KI SARGUZASHT to all my friends . This book continues to remain a Perfect satire on our system . True it is written in Nehruvian times, yet some sensitive issues brought up by Krishen Chander are still relevant in our society. A biting yet Entertaining satire from Krishen Chander's pen. 

I quote a paragraph from the book . It has been rendered to simple english by me ....

SCENE ...

" THE DONKEY IS BROUGHT TO THE POLICE STATION "......

Ram singh threw a victorious Glance at me and said :

“ This animal has a tongue . It can speak as well.”

At this , head Constable Jyoti Singh was surprised. He could not believe what Ram singh had spoken . He then said :

“ Ram Singh ! Are you in your senses ?”

“ No Head Constable sahib. Ram Singh is right .” shaking my Head , I spoke in a low tone .

At this , The Head constable jumped from his seat as if he had seen some Ghost . As a matter of fact , he was not to be blamed for this surprise cum shock . He must have surely seen many people in Delhi who spoke like a Donkey but not a single donkey that could speak like a human being or a donkey with the Tongue. Feeling confused , he finally opened his ROZ-NAMCHA register and started writing the report.

“ What is your name ?’
“ Donkey ”
Your Father’s name ?”
“ Donkey ”
“ Grandfather’s name ?”
“Donkey “
“Nonsense ! Liar! Cheat ! How can every one in the family have same name ?”said the head constable in anger .

And then looking suspiciously towards me , Jyoti singh Continued:

“ Look My name is Jyoti singh , My Father’s name is Pyare lal and My Grandfather ‘s name is Jeevan Dass . Names keep changing in our society . You are a liar . A cheat .”

“ Sir I don’t tell lies .Donkeys don’t change names .Our fathers , Grand Children and Grandfathers have common name .” I spoke in a humble tone .

“ How is this useful ? ” said the Head Constable .

“ It is very much useful to trace lineage . Sir , Can you name your Great Grand father or your great great Grand father’s name ?” I replied to Jyoti Singh 

“ No ! I can’t .“ Jyoti singh said regretfully.

“ But sir , I can tell you . You people think that those who can go back hundred years or two hundred years or four hundred years and name their ancestors are from a royal lineage . Sir forget four hundred years , I can go back four million years and tell you the names of my ancestors . Just Mr. Donkey , All of them. Now tell me , who is from a royal lineage ,You or me?” I added in clarification 

At this Jyoti singh got suspicious of my credentials . He spoke softly to Ram singh :

“ I am sure that this person is very dangerous and a threat to society . He could even be some foreign spy who is on a mission and masquerading like a Donkey in Delhi .”
Ram Singh added :

“ Sir , Let us peel his skin and see once for all . If he turns out a spy , we will arrest him.”

“ You are right : But to peel his skin , we need official Permission from Inspector Chanan Ram .Let us put this issue to him”

And then I was brought to Chanan Ram. After listening to Jyoti singh and his assistant , Chanan Ram looked surprising towards me and said :

“ Are You a Pakistani spy ? ”

He then Banged his fist against the table and cried :

“ I understand , You are a Russian Agent.”

“ Tell me who you Are ? You Rascal ! You scoundrel ! You Communist ! I will break your bones just Now. “ Chanan Ram said in extreme fury .

To Know Further Please read this book....

( AUTAR MOTA )

                                                                                  
                                                                    
                              ( WITH DALIP KUMAR AND RAMANAND SAGAR )
  ( WITH RAJINDER SINGH BEDI )
 ( WITH  RAJA MEHDI ALI KHAN )
  ( WITH RAMANAND SAGAR , G R RENZU AND DALIP KUMAR )
    ( LAST JOURNEY )




(2)

THE LAST  SENTENCE THAT HE WROTE 


Krishen chander died on 8th march 1977. On the day of his death , he was all set to write a satirical essay “ Adab Bari Batakh “ or “Literature for a Duck “in one go. He had a cup of tea and as he sat to write , he advised his wife that he be not disturbed for at least three hours .

He had just written one line 'Noorani ko bachpan hi se Paaltu jaanwaron ka shauq tha. Kabootar, Bandar, Rang birangi chirriyaan…….' (since childhood Noorani was fond of pet animals such as pigeons, monkeys, multi-coloured birds…') when he felt excruciating pain in his chest . He cried for help and before his wife could understand as to what had actually happened , he succumbed to a massive Heart Attack.

( Autar Mota )

(3)

HIS FIRST WIFE VIDYAWATI 

                                                     

                                                              





Krishen chander had married twice. His first wife was Vidyawati Chopra ( married 1940 ). They had three children from the wedlock. Two daughters and one son. Kapila , His eldest Daughter from first marriage lives at Vashi Mumbai . She is happily married and is a Grandmother now. She has two children and five Grand children. Krishen Chander’s second daughter from first marriage died in a mental Hospital. His son from first marriage is a divorcee and has no issue.

 He married salma siddique in 1961.

Sarla Chopra  sister  of  krishen chander is married to noted Hindi /urdu  writer  Reoti saran Sharma  .


( AUTAR MOTA )

(4)

HE LIVED FROM WRITING ONLY 

                                                                                   
                      ( WITH POET MAJROOH SULTANPURI )

                                        ( WITH POET JAAN NISSAR AKHTAR )


krishen chander was possibly the first Urdu writer who lived in style solely from his earnings as a full time writer. Surely for sometime , he supplemented his income by writing Dialogues or screenplays for some films .

He had his own baggage of problems . He had to support his first wife and three children. His younger Brother Mohinder Nath was also dependent on him . He would spend a good amount on his mother's care.He dressed well. He ate well. He visited Hotels and drank scotch almost regularly . He lived in a good house and had to pay handsome amount as monthly rent. He would always travel by a Taxi. 

And once his mother told him:



"Puttar Tu inne Paise Taxiyaan te kharchdaa hega , ikk car le le"
" Son You spend so much on Taxis , Buy a car now "
To this krishen Chander replied :
"Maa ji , Me te Kiniyaan caaraan Pii Litiyaan "
"Respected Mother , By Now , i have drunk so many cars"
( Autar Mota )

(5)
                                                     

        ( WITH ALI SARDAR JAFRI , RAMANAND SAGAR , DALIP KUMAR AND JAAN NISSAR AKHTAR )

WRTING STYLE OF KRISHEN CHANDER 


Krishan Chander’s writings can be categorized into three phases . Beginning with Romanticism , he moves to existential realities and finally from 1945 -1946 , he remains devoted to socialist realism. His Novels carnival , Jab Khet Jaagay , Dadar Puul Ke Bache and many more are product of this period . His concern for Humanity is visible in “ Hum Vahishi Hain” , Kalu Bhangi , ‘Maha Laxmi ka Pull’, ‘Do Farlaang Lambi Sarak’, Nai Ghulami and so many other stories .


For sure , Film writing had its unpleasant effect on his creativity.

Kishen Chander was post Graduate in English and accordingly a lot of English Literature and European writers had been studied by him. Effect of writers like D H Lawrence and James Joyce is starkly visible in his work. By and Large , he remained uninfluenced by Camus, Sartre or kafka .Critics ( Satya Pal Anand ) say that he only talked about Kafka but had never read him.


Krishen Chander’s pen was prolific . If you have to read a truthful account of the Violence and Terrorism that partition of the country created in the subcontinent , My suggestion would be to read his Nakhuda (The Boatman) and Peshawar Express. A moving tale of Bengal famine has been documented by krishen chander in his masterpiece "Annadata " (The Giver of Grain) .



Again “ Jamun Ka Darakhat” ( Jamun Tree ) is a sarcastic tale of misuse of Power by our Bureaucracy . His story “Kachra Baba” is again a moving tale of transformation of a poor man living on Dustbin waste after he finds a New Born baby thrown in the Dustbin by some person.


( Autar Mota )

(6)
                                                      

            (G R RENZU , KRISHEN CHANDER WITH ALI SARDAR JAFRI ..)



KRISHEN CHANDR AND POONCH 



Krishen Chander Chopra (1914-1977) was born at Poonch though the family belonged to Wazirabad in Punjab . His father was personal Physician to the Raja of Poonch ( J & K ) .He started writing Urdu short stories using his name as Krishen Chander only. 


As per Reoti saran Sharma , his brother in law and well known writer ,

“ Krishen actually lived in kashmir for a very brief period . Mendhar and Poonch always remained close to his heart. Krishen had never read Hindi as a student . He was a lover of beauty and nature. He loved Hills , rivers , birds , Trees , Jungles , Lakes and flowers . In fact his Stories and novels were simultaneously published by his publishers in Hindi and urdu. He had a profound reach and reader base . His first story SADHU was published in the magazine of forman college Lahore . ”
                                                             
                                    ( WITH SAMA SIDDIQUE IN GULMARG )

Salma siddique , krishen chander’s wife informs us ,

“ Once When I was down with flu and fever, My father bought a book for me titled ‘Peshawar Express” . He gave this book to me and said that it had been written by one Krishen Chander, a brilliant urdu writer from Lahore Punjab. He also added that the book was worth reading and I should read it. In a way my father introduced this man Krishen Chander to me and later he was the person who opposed our marriage tooth and nail“

( Autar Mota )

(7)


KRISHEN CHANDER IN JAMMU 


During the winter season of 1973, I had come to jammu where my Mama ( Mother's Brother ) Janki Tikoo lived and served as Engineer in PWD ( J&K ) . I was a young boy but literature had amused me even at that young age . I vividly remember in Feb 1973, Krishen chander, Ali sardar jafri , Kaifi Azmi, Prem Dhawan , K A Abbas, Jaan Nissar Akhtar , Zoe Ansari , Ghulam Rabbani Tabaan and many more personalities from Mumbai and other places had come to Jammu at the invitation of State Government . A Mushaiara cum public gathering was organized at Exhibition Grounds and Syed Mir Qasim was the chief Guest . Ali sardar jafri read his celebrated poem “Qatl e aftaab” and Krishen chander read a beautiful story “Jara aur jari “ . He also read some Paragraphs from his story cum play “Saraai Ke Baahar “ . At the venue , I saw Naadim sahib also sitting in the first row with the audience . Distinguished persons on the dais observed two minutes silence in honour of Syed sajjad zaheer ( Banney Bhai ) who had suddenly left for his Heavenly abode sometime in 1973. Sahir had assured to come but could not make it. In fact we were told by a senior official from state Government that Sahir will be there .
.
And jaan Nissar Akhtar read a lovely Gazal that day “ Hum se Bhaaga na karo Door Gazaalon Ki tarah … Hum ne Chaaha hai Tumhe Chaahne Waalon ki tarah “.
Tabaan read " kis ko sabze ki tarah faulaad ne rondha Nahin, kaun hai yaaron mein jo toota ahin bikhra Nahin"

And Kaifi Azmi regaled the gathering with his poem "Daayara." Opening with "Roz badtaa huun jahaan see Aage phir vaheen laut ke Aa jaata huun"
That day i saw Krishen chander for the first time.

 And during the same period, A full night qawali program by Shakeela Bano Bhopali was something special for Jammuites. I along with my Mama stayed there till 3AM listening to Shakeela ji while she sang "Bedam huve beemar dawa kyon Nahin detay " and "saqi ki har nigaah pe bal khaa ke pee gayaa" and many more Gazals in qawali style.

( Autar Mota )




                                   


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