O P Sharma
The book under review entitled ” Meri Kavitaayen ” is a collection of poems, penned by the Hindi poet Jeni Leena John who belongs to Jammu. She is talented and her command over the Hindi is praise worthy and has picked up expressing her creativity about pangs of Kashmiri migrants.
Born and brought up in Jamshedpur,she had her education in Commerce but her passion remains for Hindi language and literature. After marriage, she settled down in Jammu during 1989 and that moment mass migration from Kashmir place made a deep impact on her delicate mind which found an outlet through her poetic composition.
She closely and keenly observed the migrated Kashmiri Pandit families for a very long years . She found how social and political turmoil affected them away from their hearths and homes in the Valley.
Deep Insight
She noted how a whole community is changing though keeping steadfast to their customs and rituals.She has reflected in her poems the gradual and long-run changes in Kashmiri Pandit community and individual behavior. Considering herself as a responsible citizen, the poet in her depicted their deep pangs and problems.
She transmitted her views in poetic expression before the readers in her piece of poetic literature.
ANALYTICAL STUDY
The work of the author is spread over 38 pages defining and reflecting on migrant Kashmiri Pandits, whom she describes as “Banjaray” (Nomads). Like nomads, the pages describe their struggle and their journey of changes by virtue of migration they had from one place to another and adopt to conditions in their way. Regarding this community, the pages of this book marvelously describes the intentions and policies of the Government.
The following lines portray their pain in an excellent way:
” Kar Shiksha ka Prachaar,
Laut Aana, Jakthi, GharBaar,
Na basna Kashmir ek baar,
Banaya har din ka samachaar. ”
In this poem is hidden a feeling of a little innocent’s heart who finds him/herself helpless in all these changes of the world around them. Numerous thoughts start to crop up in their mind, many feelings find impressions in the heart, but none are able to change the inevitable situation at hand.
” Aasma to ek jaise hain,
Zameen me antar kyon? ”
A poem in this book titled “Banjaro ki dastaan” exemplifies the migration of Kashmiri Pandits. Apart from this, there are little other poems in this book which the poet has written. For instance, “EkLadki” a poem describes about a little girl’s aspirations and dreams which are suppressed in the cultural and traditional matters because she is demanded to become mature before she goes to her in-laws. Another poem titled Mazdoor ke Bache” holds another view or aspect of our society which is constantly being ignored.
The poem “Itihaas aur Shaheed” describes the two persons who are “Itihaas” and “Shaheed” as disappointed and grieved over seeing the generation of modern world. They are resentful that modern generation has forgotten them.
” Kal ke yug ke ye kalpurze hain
Kitne in par shaheedo ke karze hain”
Besides, the author has shed light on many dark aspects of our society. Poems like “Paiso ki Thaili”, “Ishwar ki
Shrishti”, “Ishwar ki Shaant Chhavi”, “Kisaan ki ek Acre Zameen” reflect the lack and faults of the society.
She has made the book sentimental by pouring out her emotions ably using her pen.
“Zindagi”, “Thartharatay Haath” poems show the life and it’s true facets. Whereas “Junoon” is a poem which inspires youth to move forward in the new journey of their lives.
MUST READ BOOK :
This 183-page book of poetry in Hindi has many social, cultural and political dimensions and has already created an impact in the literary circles. This well written book will be of much interest for the academician, students, planners
and administrators as also the common citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. The book has been moderately priced and it should adorn the book shelves of every reader.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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