This poem is published in Asantakali Odia magazine October 09 Issue. It talks of
transgressing of so called general rules. A reader can well imagine of the poem hearing the genesis of this poem. I was standing in front of a shopping mall. And at the hearing distance, two middle aged women were standing Looking at a billboard carrying a poster of a warrior (of a recent hit movie of the son of a Telugu movie hero), one of these two were expressing a desire (or lamenting of not having) to have a husband like the smart guy on the billboard. I could hear that and I was startled at and later understood that desire was quite normal for a human being. And felt how our made perceptions make us stereotype in assuming something in a said pattern.
The poem deals with this desire - a river having a dam at upper stream has been reduced to a small stream. The river is Salandi - passing through a town Bhadrak - the nearest town to my village. Once Salandi was furious with water flowing (overflowing) full inundating banks. That time Salandi was longing of an expert swimmer who can play with its current with fun. But, it is waiting since for that, even if Hadgarha dam has made it just a 'nala'. still Salanadi longs for the arrival of such a swimmer .......
5 comments:
I always like to read your "Ullanghan". It is altogether a different poem, both in theme and in treatment.
The incident that inspired you to compose this poem is equally interesting. It reminded me of Taslima nusrin's one of the articles, "Golla Chhut". It is a very popular game played by small girls in Bengal. But they grow up many restrictions are being imposed on them. They accept it but that does not mean that there is no desire in them. Taslima wrote that if there is a waival of inhibition and somewhere somebody calls for a Golla Chhut game, we will see that most of the middle aged and old ladies are rushing to participate in it. Because for a long time they have suppressed their desire to play.
Rushi, I do agree with Taslima at least on this point.
Sounds pretty interesting. Hope that you will translate it into English some day so I can read it myself....
Of course, I am shocked if a married woman was lamenting her husband is not like a movie hero ......
Sir,
Waiting for the english translation of the poem. Isn't a river that is dammed like a soul that is chained. Her arms handcuffed for giving joy, life and happiness. Hope to read your lines on Salandi.
The poem truly reflects the innate desire of "Salandi" for union with her lover, in spite of age, decay and disease. This is the eternal desire in human heart. Nicely expressed in the poem.
Regards,
R.C.P.
Thanks for your kind remembrance and great POEM " ULLANGHAN "
Its an honest expression and close to our heart, we all feel life and
live with that feeling.
So going through your creative poem, one can look back and reach
the unspoiled childhood and feel nostalgic.
Its wonderful to have such a friend who is so PURE, a man made
of MATI ( clay ).
May GOD bless you.
Regards,
Satyabrata Das.
KIIT University.
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