N orth Kashmir’s Baramulla district, no doubt is popular for its enchanting landscape, crystal clear water bodies, and Mugal Era’s Gateway of Kashmir. Besides this, it has given birth to several literary giants whose literary prowess is continuously inspiring aspiring young writers. Among these literary geniuses, Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is a prominent name who isn’t just an academician but also a distinguished litterateur. There are many works to his credit viz Tafhimi Iqbal, Lafz Lafz Khushbu, Ahisahar Gahi, Madaris aur Urdu, Prof Bashir Ahmad Nehvi Qadam ba Qadam, Admi Musafir hai, and also a few others are under compilation.
Currently under review is Aadmi Musafir hai a collection of 93 Micro-fictions spanning 144 pages Published by Brar Sons Malerkotla, the book features a meticulously crafted cover and premium paper quality. While penning his comments on the art and skill of Dr Faiz, Prof Aslam Jamshedpuri says that he has mirrored the routine day-to-day life of Kashmir in his stories through local characters and also highlighted accidental events and tragedies happening there. He has widely hailed his literary prowess. He has also written a brief account of several Microfictions of the book in his Write-up. Dr Salik Jamil while writing about the book and author has summarized the historical background of the Micro-fiction genre of Urdu literature. He has commended the writing style of Dr Faiz and also reviewed a number of the stories forming content lot of the book. Azra Azim has thoroughly drawn a sketch of the fictional genre of Urdu literature and also written about Dr. Faiz’s Odyssey from schooling to becoming an apt fiction writer. According to Dr Riyaz Tawhidi a renowned critic and fiction writer of the valley, Kashmir has witnessed three decades of chaos and confusion due to political instability and turmoil as a result the inhabitants of the region had to endure pain and suffering.
Almost all litterateurs including Dr Faiz Qaziabadi have reflected these agonies in their writings which recall us the era of predicament and melancholy. While giving details of the book and his journey of composing Nano-fiction, Dr. Faiz Qaziabadi says that he has been writing for the last twenty-five years. His literary pieces and stories are provided space by high-impact dailies and magazines in their literature pages. A big chunk of readers are regularly awarding him good comments.
Kahani Bani Kahani is the opening Nano-fiction of the book depicting the professional jealousy of the writers who only crave to be numbered second after Minto the creator of this genre of Urdu literature. Umed Ka Khoon – this one reflects the enduring pain of the people during hartal and curfew when people alongside their little kids die of starvation. Tadabeer – highlighting the artificially created impoverished conditions by Carona lockdown and has been meticulously crafted by Dr Faiz. Imdad- portrays the ugly picture of NGOs which collect huge amounts as alms and donations from well-off people and when it comes to helping the needy they help them meagerly. Poutli- this one is a clear reflection of the writer’s ambition of gaining popularity but oblivious to the distressed condition of their immediate residents living a poverty-stricken life.
Du Paap – artistically woven by Dr Faiz revealing the bad intentions and psychological weaknesses of present-day doctors considered next to God, who not only commit the crime of killing a baby before their birth but even destroy the chastity of women patients. Chup ki Dad – the virtuous and humble attitude of Tabligi Jamaat people has been nicely depicted in this story. Ikhlak- through this short story, Dr Faiz has intelligently manifested the nobility and goodness of people belonging to a lower caste. Maan(mother) – while reading this one, tears roll down and eyes get moistened as this tragedy of abandoning old age parents by their sons who prefer to enjoy their luxurious life abroad and leaving their parents at the mercy of God is becoming a norm now. Mushairah – explicitly shows how even poets attend only paid poetic symposiums and neglect the ones where no pavements are made. Khushksali – corruptive practices adopted by university professors in evaluating students are marring the education system.
This has been well crafted by the author. Robert – an important issue which the urban people mostly are facing about the funeral and shrouding of the dead bodies, in previous times people from far away areas would be drawn to perform the last rites but presently the designated committees are only entrusted with the job and it is anticipated that in future, Roberts would be given the command. Darindon ki Basti – drawing a sketch of the dwindling human values among people and it is cumbersome to distinguish between men and beasts. Sahibi Nazar – people who are indulging in corruption can be corrected and transformed only through pious and reverent persons. Setting – The setting of the beard and wearing of a court pant would indeed have helped him in becoming a professor but paying no heed to his teacher’s advice has truly managed him to be a big businessman of the city. Mobile Number – beautifully crafted one depicting a serious issue faced by the families.
Our sons can have the contact number of any far-related person but are unmindful of their parents. Andar ki Baat – our Urdu litterateurs are making powerful speeches during seminars about protecting and preserving this global language but at the same time restricting their children from making a career in Urdu. The same has been detected by the author. Sapoot -though the majority of our sons are neglecting the duties and obedience to parents still there is a good lot who prioritize their aspirations over their own basic needs. This has been nicely portrayed in this story. It had- those who are responsible for fragmenting an association are later preaching lessons of unity. This is commonly seen among contemporary Muslims and the same has been briefly sketched by the author in this one. While going through these meticulously crafted stories, a reader makes a sincere claim that Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is bestowed with exceptional writing prowess as a result, with each passing day his popularity is gaining momentum among the fiction writers of the subcontinent. I recommend every fiction lover to go through this book and comment on merit. It will be evident after reading this book that Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is enriching the fecundity of the literary landscape of the valley.
The author can be mailed at rayeeskumar31@gmail.com
