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PUNJABI REVIEW Nadi Nu
Vehna Paya
Amarjit Ghumman had already made a name as a poetess of substance with her first collection Dupehar da Janam in 1994. After a hiatus of some 12 years, she has made a comeback with another volume Nadi Nu Vehna Pya. This volume consists of a single poem of epic proportions. This, in itself, is a bold attempt to portray a woman’s feelings and frustrations, sentiments and sensibilities, baggage and banalaties, and also spiritual growth and gains. In all the nine parts of the poem, the interplay of words and feelings is magical and illuminating. However, the volume is strictly for those who understand and imbibe the melancholic tone and tenor of hyper-intensive poetry. Tey
Hina Chali Gayee by Dr. Sharanjit Kaur Dr. Sharanjit Kaur has made a name for
herself in contemporary Punjabi literature as a noted short story writer and
reviewer. She posesses a knack for tackling topical issues with surety and
sensitivity. The feminist streak remains, but the slotting is avoided. Instead,
pragmatism holds the reins despite the protagonists beings females and proud
ones too. This is especially true in stories such as Tey Hina Chali Gayee,
Kashni Phullan Wali and Main Hun Marna Nahi Chahundi from the volume
under review. This volume is a collection of eight short stories. At least six
of these hold attention. Her language has Pothohari tinge and timbre.
She has not tried to curb this which in itself is laudable, for any attempt
otherwise could have compromised her creativity and spontaniety. On the whole,
a creditable collection.
Oh Chhoh by Prem Singh Barnalvi Prem Singh Barnalvi is a prolific
writer whose short stories and mini stories often appear in literary magazines
and literary pages of newspapers. Being bilingual adds to his prolificity. Most
of his writings are in Hindi, although he has not done badly in Punjabi too.
Television has been his calling and his long and continuous association with
Doordarshan, gets reflected in his writings too— these often get didactic. Oh
Chhoh is a collection of 11short stories. Most of these deal with the
dynamics of human relations. Stories, such as Ik Vaada, Tamanna, Oh Chhoh
and Babe di Wapsi are not only full of humanism but also are taut and tangy
in treatment. But the same cannot be said about some other stories, such as Ajaib
Kad Ayega, Mera Mahabharat etc. In sum, the volume is a mixed
bag.
Jiwani Professor K.N. Pathak by Subhash Bhaskar Professor K.N. Pathak is a well-known
personality of the region. Till recently, he was the Vice Chancellor of Panjab
University. Better known for his teaching and scientific skills, he proved many
a detractor wrong by his administrative abilities as Vice-Chancellor. His life
story has an inspirational value considering the fact the poverty and penury
was all he inherited from his parents and struggles he had to undergo in order
to educate himself. However, Bhaskar has made the whole biography so idolatory
that it borders on sychophancy. This makes the whole exercise unpalatable.
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