The life of Kashmir through local characters

Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is a prominent litterateur. There are many works to his credit - Tafhimi Iqbal, Lafz Lafz Khushbu, Aahe Sahar Gahi, Madaris aur Urdu, Prof Bashir Ahmad Nehvi Qadam ba Qadam, and Admi Musafir hai.

Aadmi Musafir Hai is a collection of 93 micro-fictions spanning 144 pages Published by Brar Sons Malerkotla. While commenting 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.

Dr Salik Jamil while writing about the book and the author has summarized the historical background of micro-fiction genre of Urdu literature. He has commended the writing style of Dr Faiz. 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 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.

While giving details of the book and his journey of composing mano-fiction, Dr Faiz Qaziabadi says that he has been writing for last twenty five years. His literary pieces and stories are provided space by high impact dailies and magazine in their literature pages. A big chunk of readers are regularly awarding him good comments.

Kahani Bani Kahani, this is the opening nano-fiction of the book depicting professional jealousy of the writers who only crave to be numbered second after Manto 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 Covid lockdown. Imdad- portraits the ugly picture of NGOs which collect huge amounts as alms and donations from the well off people and when it comes to helping the needy they help them meagerly.

Poutli- this one is a clear reflection on the writers ambitious of gaining popularity but oblivious of the distressed condition of their immediate residents living a poverty-striken 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. Ikhlaq- 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 as this tragedy of abandoning old age parents by their sons who prefer to enjoy their luxurious life abroad. Mushairah - explicitly shows how even poets attend only paid poetic symposiums and neglect the ones where no payments are made. Khushksali - corrupt practices adopted by the university professors in evaluating students are marring the education system.

This has been well crafted by the author. Robort - 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, roborts would be given the command.

Darindon ki Basti - drawing a sketch of the dwindling human values among people and it is obviously 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 - setting of the beard and wearing of a English dress 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 - depicting a serious issue faced by the families.

Our sons can have contact number of any far related person but unmindful of parents. Andar ki Baat - our Urdu litterateurs are making powerful speeches during seminars with regard to protecting and preserving this global language but at the same time restricting their own children from making a career in Urdu. Same has been detected by the author. Sapoot - though majority of our sons are neglecting the duties and obedience to parents but still there is a good lot who prioritize their aspirations over their own basic needs.

This has been nicely portrayed in this story. Itihad- those who are responsible for fragmenting an association are later preaching lessons of unity. This is commonly seen among contemporary Muslims and same has been briefly sketched by author in this one. While going through these meticulously crafted stories, a reader makes a sincere claim that Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is bestowed with an exceptional writing prowess as a result, with each passing day his popularity is gaining a momentum among the fiction writers of subcontinent.

I recommend every fiction lover to go through this book. It will be evident after reading this book that Dr Faiz Qaziabadi is enriching the literary landscape of valley.

By: RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR