A   POET'S    PARABLES 

                                                  

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A  Poet’s Parables by Kailash Vajpeyi ; Published by Academic Foundation ; Pages 209  ; Price Rs.995/-

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The book under review is a tribute by Roopa Vajpeyi to her husband Kailash Vajpeyi who passed away in 2015. He is recognised as an outstanding figure of his generation in the world of Hindi letters, Roopa herself taught English and American Literature in a Delhi University College. She also edited a journal for “ Consumer VOICE “. The couple was married for half a century.

Kailash Vajpeyi was born at Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh in 1936. He had completed his PhD in Hindi at the age of 24. He began his career as a journalist and later taught at Delhi University. In his entire career, 28 books were published including 14 volumes of poetry. Some of his notable works includes  Sankrant, Dehant Se Hatkar, Teesra Andhera and Sufinama..

Poets across the spectrum agree that Vajpeyi had a “distinct” style of writing that has gone with him. Gulzar said “Kailashji was a very unusual poet with a style of his own. His usage of metaphors was unlike others and I always heard him with rapt attention… His poetry had a Sufi colour to it- an abstract element.”

Kaiash is a name to be reckoned with on Radio and Television reigning for forty years. His subjects were Arts, Ideas, Philosophy, Religion and Books. He produced over twenty  documentaries. He bagged several literary awards, culminating with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his “ Hawa Mein Hastakshar “ in the year 2009.

He was a dynamic personality, with a mesmerising voice and his interests were at once extensive and intensive—ranging from Literature, Music, Religion, Philosophy and recondite subjects like Tantra and Quantum Physics. The book under review which Roopa calls “ Parables “ carry the message loud and clear that Mankind is One sharing sorrow and joy. Despite differences we are essentially One, The Parables have a universal value.

In an affectionate “Foreword” Roopa recalls how the couple had a “Fairy-tale life, living inside a bubble that we have created”. Kailash had a range of knowledge that was truly astounding. He had a mellifluous voice that he used for songs and for his own  lyrics and musical compositions. He served in AIR  and BBC(Hindi) and Television. For two decades he made short films for T V  on saints, poets, intellectuals and thinkers. He was untiring in his pursuit of what could be done in one life-time. He maintained a unique rapport with a variety of individuals which made them feel valued.

The parables in the book are a reflection of Kailash and his attainments. They throw light on the human dilemma faced by anyone, anywhere crossing geographical constraints. According to him there is always a solution, often a simple one , which is happenstance  and waiting to be lighted upon.

We give a few examples of the parables for the reader to gauge the Poet’s thoughts.

Ibrahim, the King of Balkh, was a devout man.One night as he lay sleeping, the rooftop began to shake. Startled, he asked, ”Who is that?”. A voice answered,” Don’t worry. I am not an enemy. I lost my camel. I’m trying to find him.” Ibrahim said that searching for the camel on the rooftop was rather strange. The voice replied, ”Fool, You are searching for God sitting on a Golden throne wearing expensive clothes. Isn’t that stranger than searching for a camel on the palace rooftop?”

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During the last journey of the Pandavas to Himalayas, Yudhishtira’s four brothers and their wife Draupadi slipped on ice and died. Yudhishtira then saw a flying chariot standing before him and a messenger of the Gods beseeching him to go to Heaven in his physical body. His dog, Sarameya was with Yudhishtira.”Can I sit with this dog on the chariot?”,he asked. The messenger said, ”Animals are not capable of entering Heaven. You have to leave the dog here.”. On hearing this,Yudhishtira replied, “Then I don’t want  to go.” The moment Yudhishtira spoke the words, the dog vanished and Dharmaraj himself stood before Yudhishtira,” Son, You are great. Even in the face of death, you have not left the path of Dharma. You have passed the ultimate test successfully.”

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It was the time of the festival of Baisakhi. Guru Gobind Singh was giving his discourse when Mughal soldiers attacked the Sikhs who faced it boldly. Some were killed, some were injured and some ran away. The next day when the Guru was continuing with his discourse somebody came and complained—Kanhaiya is giving water not only to injured Sikhs but to the Mughal soldiers as well.” Guruji called Kanhaiya and asked him, ”Is it true?”. Kanhaiya said,  ” I am working according to your teaching.I see your face in every face.” Guruji said “Only Kanhaiya has understood my teachings—To help the needy is the real religion”.

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 The great advantage of this book is that the Parables are available in both Hindi and English. Each parable is embellished by a Sanskrit sloka. There are in all 92 parables and these relate to diverse religions—Hindu, Sikh, Islamic, Sufi, Christian, Buddhist etc. This is an immensely  satisfying book that nourishes our intellect. Highly commendable work by Roopa of selecting, editing and  translating her husband Kailash  Vajpeyi’s outstanding work.

           

       Kailash Vajpeyi                    Roopa Vajpeyi

P.P.Ramachandran.

11 / 06 / 2017