Discussion on Rajeev Prakash Sahir’s Novel “Aatmaon ke Saraab” Organized at Sir Syed Academy, AMU

Aligarh, November 25: A discussion was organized at the Sir Syed Academy, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), under the aegis of Khayaban-e-Adab, Aligarh, on the Urdu novel “Aatmaon ke Saraab” by Lucknow-based noted fiction writer and novelist Rajeev Prakash Sahir. Literary critics and scholars, while speaking on the artistic and thematic aspects of the novel, said that the reader’s interest remains intact until the very end, and this is the novel’s true success. By presenting contemporary human concerns and anxieties through metaphor and allegory, Rajeev Prakash Sahir has made a valuable contribution to the Urdu novel. His two poetry collections and collections of short stories and fiction have already gained recognition among fiction lovers.

Presiding over the session, Professor Shafey Kidwai, Director, Sir Syed Academy said this is a novel in which characters like Gomti, Ganga, and an elephant highlight the hollowness of modern urban civilization and development and the exploitation and manipulation of nature in the name of development. Professor Kidwai described Rajeev Prakash’s novel as unique in the sense that it brings forth all shades of human exploitation. Whether it is the disintegration of a pluralistic society or human tampering with nature, the novel beautifully presents existential dilemmas.

Sharing his views, Professor Tariq Chhatari stated that a rare novel, in terms of both expression and theme, has been added to Urdu literature. Its every character is shown as corresponding to some natural phenomenon. Through forests, rivers, mountains, and animals, the different characters highlight contemporary issues facing human society.

Professor Asim Siddiqui said the novel is important because once you begin reading it, you continue reading without pause. This engaging quality is its greatest strength. The characters are diverse and symbolic; they appear as metaphors. The novel’s line, “When humans take it upon themselves to beautify nature, how cruel they become,” is remarkable. We see everywhere how, in the name of progress and development, many natural phenomena are being destroyed.

Professor Ghazanfar remarked that the title of Rajeev Prakash Sahir’s novel is interesting and that the shrinking Gomti River and disappearing forests symbolize the decline of values and cultural decay. The novelist has effectively conveyed all his observations, experiences, and emotions to the reader, without causing any monotony.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Prakash Sahir said that Gomti plays an important role in the novel. “Life is a mirage, and all my characters are mirages who, under different names, highlight the complexities of life,” he said.

Professor Sagheer Afraheem presented a detailed review of the artistic and thematic aspects of the novel. He described the novel as remarkable in terms of structure, composition, and presentation.

Dr. Moid Rasheedi, in his introductory remarks, introduced Rajeev Prakash Sahir and analyzed the novel “Aatmaon ke Saraab.” He said that the novel vividly depicts the crises of identity and self, social contradictions, class struggle, and the unevenness of life through its various characters. Dr. Rasheedi conducted the proceedings. A large number of literature enthusiasts were present on the occasion.


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