This novel is a dazzling critique of educational practices in Pakistan
It distinguishes itself from other contemporary Urdu fiction through its content, diction, and style
The story follows the journey of a devoted teacher, Saharan Rai, who is selfless and gallant, and uses his heart and soul to fulfil his dreams
This is where it gets interesting
Rai’s dreams are universal and he illustrates the same desire that many in our culture do in understanding the potential of our youth and taking a stand against injustices in society
The story is an inspiration for young teachers; inspiration to bring about change, not only in society, but also in themselves through a creative approach
Rai realises his responsibility as a teacher, friend, guide and reformer, yet he can see the darkness inherent in this life and world
The novel proves to be an attack on the dehumanising aspects of education
The mechanisation of education is criticised and Rai’s struggle stirs up the intellectuals, academics, and other social reformers to move towards educational and social change
Since the need for pedagogical strategies for the development of creativity and critical consciousness are important themes of the story, the novel is specific in pointing out the “perfect dead skeleton” that is the real emblem of our society
Arousing the dead skeleton and bringing it to its true perfection is the aim of the novel
Therefore, the novel turns out to be a critique on the degradation of creativity in our educational system, and it alerts the reader to the commodification and appalling conditions of our educational institutions
The author has skilfully given examples of teaching by explaining the art of pottery; creative thinking will bring a change in our existing teaching methods by coaching the class through innovation, keeping in mind our cultural and socio-economic constraints
This story of a much-loved teacher is devotedly narrated by his student Tassavur, and by Imtisaal Agha, who knew of Rai from others before she met him
The story also focuses on the beautiful bond between teachers and students which our current society fails to develop
Yet, the professor thinks: “Yeh rishtay bhi kese rishtay hen
Jahan humkhayali, mohabbat, aqeedat aur dosti ki bunyaad banti hai aur manzilon ka ishtaraak humein rafaqat ki lari mein piro deta hai”
(These relationships…
what can one say about these relationships
that begin between the likeminded, elevate to love and then to a profound fondness and becomes the basis for friendship
Then, being headed towards the same destination, joins us into the bond of a relationship)
Within the story, we find the character of Agha reading Emily Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ and the character of Heathcliff intrigues her
Rai, a man loved by so many, would become Heathcliff to her Catherine and this parallel makes the novel a beautiful composition of light and pure romance
The saga of the emotional attachment of the main characters, Rai and Agha has been woven delicately through snippets of incidents over a relatively short time
‘The Celestine Prophecy,’ which is what has brought the two characters together, is marvellously presented in the story; unlike most contemporary works of literature where artificiality, glamour, and extravagance are highlighted
The imagery of darkness and Agha’s footsteps are emblematic and meaningful, for she is the one who is meant to break the darkness and silence all around through her self-confidence
She understands that the unjust social stratification and the deep relationship between ideology and education can change the hearts and minds of those who are oblivious and disenchanted with life
In one of her discussions with Rai she says: “Mujhe bhi taleem ke critical pehlu se dilchaspi hai
Aik aesi taleem jo neutral aur passive na ho balkay muashray ke dil mein dharak rahi ho
” (I am also interested in the critical aspect of education
The kind of education that is neutral and not passive, but beats inside the heart of the society) Rai answers, “Taleem aur ideology ka aapas mein gehra taluq hai
Taleem ek qaum ko sula bhi sakti hai aur bedaar bhi ker skti hai
Ye muashray ki samaaji aur muashi tafreeq ko berha bhi sakti hai aur kum kernay mein mua’ven bhi saabit ho sakti hai”
(Education and ideology have a very deep connection with each other
Education can either make the public sleep or wake them up
It can also help increase the social and economic differences of the society or even decrease it)
Thus, the novel raises issues for all those educationalists and members of the younger generation
The fast pace of the story contrasts with the calm mood of the main characters
Rai’s calm and pleasant tone is beautifully present throughout the novel, yet the contrast in tone and pace is striking and echoes of Emily Dickinson’s ‘Because I could not stop for Death’ as the protagonist has promises to keep before he sleeps
The colours and ideas of Rai’s dreams are skilfully woven into the fabric of the story
The story is also a reminder to those who, in the rush of life, have forgotten its meaning
This also brings to mind ‘Leisure’ by William Henry Davies who reflects this quandary as: “No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars like skies at night
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance
A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare”
Colour and passion have been blended beautifully in this small piece of art, with the help of imagery from nature
The writer uses the ingredients of nature, from rain to wind, to parallel the human soul and thus creates a skillful picture for the readers, “Barishon ki awaz ki apni mosiqee hai jo apnay zor se ghat’ti berhti dil ke taaron ko chairty hai”
(The sound of rain has a melody of its own, which touches the strings of the heart with its highs and lows)
This integration helps the readers develop self-confidence as the story progresses, “Khawahish apna raasta khud taraashti hai, Manzil apni raah ko khud janam deti hai, Aur tabeer apna khawab khud chunti hai”
(Desire tends to find its own way, Destination tends to make its own path And denouement tends to select its own dream)
Similarly, the dialogues are equally engaging, “Aasmaan se barf narm, be awaaz gaalon ki surat zameen me jazb ho rahi thi
Mohabbat ke subuk jazbay ki tarhan jo khawhishon, khawabon aur nazarion ke jalo mein hamaray rag o pae me utar jata hai aur jab tak humein uski maujudgi ka ehsaas hota hai woh hamaray jism o jaan mein dur tak phail chuka hota hai phir bahr ki ruton ka kesa he ulat phair ho andar ka mausam amr ho jata hai”
(The soft snowfall from the heavens was silently being absorbed in the soil…similar to the tender feeling of love which, accompanied by hopes, dreams and ambitions, is absorbed into every bit of ourselves
…And, before we realise its presence, it has made its way so far and beyond into our body and soul
Then, whatever the furor/storm of the spring nights be…the weather on the inside becomes immortal/eternal)
As a reader of modern and critical studies, I am pleased to find the novel standing on its own merits
The novel is highly recommended for those who regret the shallowness in art and long for the betterment of themselves and society
Therefore, this story is not intended to satisfy the appetite of readers who prefer commercialised texts of mass entertainment because one of the most important features of the novel is unlike other contemporary Pakistani fiction
‘Aadhay Adhooray Khawab’ does not promote the commodification of life and the consumption of brands, and doesn’t use labels to define one’s social identity
The reader might initially struggle with the social and political concepts, but they are discussed so naturally that the reader’s interest is peaked soon after he or she begins the novel
The character of Rai is developed strongly through the memories of his students and the readers will learn a lot from him as the novel progresses
The language is simple and contemporary, giving the story a lively feel
The ending is satisfactory for readers as the author concludes the book with Rai sharing his dreams with Agha, who hopes to take them on
Thus, the author has maintained an element of hope by sharing his ideas with all the Aghas of our generation
Hopefully, they will play their roles in the story by reading the novel and fulfilling these dreams
Date: | 25-May-2017 | Reference: | View Original Link |
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