Jamila Ahmed's Reflections on my novel 'Adhe Adhoore Khawab'

Reflections of Dr Asma Zahoor on my Urdu Novelette, "Aadhe Adhoore Khawab"

Adhay Adhory Khawab by Dr.Shahid Siddiqi is a beautiful blend of aestheticism and didacticism in a unique narrative style. I have heard Dr. Shahid during different international conferences, read his books and articles in different Urdu and English newspapers. His informed, pragmatic   scholarly discourse has always impressed me .

I have heard his students talking about the kind of inspiration he has always been for them. I have been a great admirer of his reformation policies and struggle during his tenure as a vice chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University. But after reading his novel I have a feeling that this is the type of literature I want my students, especially those studying English literature, to read. The very first reason is, its simple yet stylistically beautiful Urdu diction, the one they can easily read, comprehend and enjoy. The other thing is the beauty of the theme which revolves around an inspirational teacher, Prof. Roy, a teacher who is neither an orthodox nor the one who is dependent on modern gadgets to convey his message but a social reformer and a thinking soul who can touch and transform other peoples’ lives. He is the one who believes in education as a vehicle of broadening the students’ mental horizons, inculcating critical and analytical thinking and inspiring them to work for social reforms. He believes in the ideological foundation of the process of learning to evolve as better human beings. Despite his staunch idealism, he is lifelike. We can relate to him to the social struggle going on in the contemporary world for fair play and justice. The struggle is not limited to a particular person but conveys the message of lighting other’s candle and to carry on the greater mission.

The struggle is not limited to a particular person but conveys the message of lighting other’s candle and to carry on the greater mission.

I am an English teacher but love my own language Urdu and want my students to read Urdu literature as well. I strongly believe that in order to polish our finer sensibilities we have to relate to our own world first and literature is the best reflection of life. But somehow we have not tried to simplify our language to attract younger generations to read our own literature in our own language and enjoy it. Adhay Adhory Khawab attracts and inspires both. I wish it to be a trend setter to bring our people back to Urdu.

Aadhy Adhoory khawab: A Stirring Social Critique

Rabia Khan

 “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” Gloria Steinem

Dr.Siddiqui’s shared dreams as intimate sanctum of his soul warn about the present and foretell a promising future and instigate the co-believers who become the ardent believer of the societal transformation. As we know, through literature, human ideologies, philosophies, and emotions are expressed in such a way as they pour out of a writer’s pen become a rainbow, projecting multifarious political, ethical, moral, social, educational and historical colors of the societal trends, on the horizon of literary representation. “Aadhy  Adhooray khwab” is a thought -provoking   and path- breaking novel dispersing all these colors through some parched dreams that are going to prove the seedlings of a quenched reality because these are the dreams through which according to the writer ideals  are going to be achieved.

“Aadhy  Adhooray khwab” is a thought -provoking   and path- breaking novel dispersing all these colors through some parched dreams that are going to prove the seedlings of a quenched reality because these are the dreams through which according to the writer ideals  are going to be achieved.

 During reading this novel, the most appellant aspect for me was that the novel does not rely upon artificial ideological approach rather it is embedded in a system of reference from the actual society that is hard hit by man who in the age of neo-liberalism has turned into selfish, competitive animal and his inhumanity is increasing apparent in the blighted landscape of social injustice and educational backwardness. The novel deals with the present social issues and draws our attention to the troubling aspects of contemporary society.

The writer with his sharp observation, deep thinking, civilized and artful use of language blends didacticism with estheticism in a unique way and gives a philosophy of life through the mouthpiece of the protagonist, Professor Roy. The purpose of existence according to him is not merely to make a living but to enable the society (of which Imtisal agha is a representative) to live more amply with new visualization and with finer spirit of hope for a positive change. In the novel, Professor Roy  and Imtisal agha, having a mentor-mentee relationship spread the brightness of their souls and  fragrance of their wishful longings into the literary drawing rooms.

 The novel is to be appreciated on the following grounds:

Firstly, the novelty of thematic conception makes this novel unique one. The writer has embedded oft-used old themes into the newer ones,   i.e. education, politics, justice, coercion, gender discrimination, love, social change and agitation, etc, in a refined way. As reader we come across a new vision and know how education can prove to be a catalyst for change in the society. The protagonist in the novel stands against the status-quo and strives for a future that is little more than a perpetuation of the present. The novel is a critique of educational practices that make relished thing, like learning, a boring and unexciting.  As the author is a renowned educationist himself and has experienced the drawbacks of our educational system provides new vistas to the existing teaching-learning processes. Education can bring the disjointed strata of society together as Imtisaal agha comes closer to Professor Roy due to some shared and common dreams and  she tells professor:

Mujhe bhi taleem ke critical pehlu se dilchaspi hai. Ek esi taleem jo neutral aur passive na ho balkay mua’shray ke dil mein dharak rahi ho.”

Professor Roy then says: “Taleem aur ideology ka aapas mein gehra ta’luq ha. Taleem ek qaum ko sula bhi sakti hai aur bedaar bhi ker skti hai. Ye mua’shray ki samaaji aur mua’shi tafreeq ko berha bhi skti hai aur kum kernay mein mua’ven bhi saabit ho skti hai.”

Secondly, another exciting feature is the provocation for love of a certain ideology. Only ideologies can bring a change in the society, that (either big or small) is constant in any progressive society and inevitable for its development. If the whole social system remains immobile and static, the facelift of society and its healthy image will be marred. Education with its multifaceted, hierarchical and dynamic objectives is the fountainhead of social change. It is therefore indispensable in the concern of the society to improve educational facilities. This ideology was given by professor to his students. As he tells Imtisaal:

Khawab aur nazreiy ki muhabat sab sy ar’fah muhabat hy jo hamein baqi tam’am muhabaton sy be-nayaz kar deti hy, ya yon samjho keh phir is khawab aur nazreiy sy wabasta sab logon sy muhabat ho jati hy. Muhabat qurbani mangati hy. Kabhi maal ki, kabhi martaby ki, kabhi jan ki.

Thirdly, the novel is an apt documentation of political and judicial scenario of 2008 that has been projected through the lawyers’ movement where the civil society and lawyers are seen raising hue and crying against the injustice and facing the constant tribulations. Professor is also sent behind the bars for the same action. The writers’ patriotism and regard for the supremacy of constitution and institutions gets reflected through this part of the novel. Professor Saharan besides teaching also takes part in political activities and participates in the lawyers’ movement and finally dies voicing in the favor of human rights. This novel stirrers our attention towards how education can be helpful in creating a civil society where students, teachers and all the members of society participate to create good governance. At the end of the novel, professor ceases to be but through his students he is everywhere because now he is in their minds and hearts in the form of dreams to be fulfilled.

Fourthly, mildly tinted romanticism enhances the beauty of the novel. The writer enlightens us about the purest motivational force of love and perceives it as the key to success in any industry, from the classroom to the boardroom. According to him Life, through unconditional love, is a wondrous adventure that excites the very core of our being and lights our path with delight. Love ignites such a luster that brightens the very soul of the humans and empowers them to do certain actions for the cause of it. The following lines, extracted from the novel, represent his philosophy of love:

“Muhabat apny aap ko mit’any ki khawahish ka naam hay. Ham muhabat ky ma’bad main dakhil hotey hain to apna tajruba, apna martaba, aur apni ana us ki dehleez par rakh jaty hain.”

“Assal mein muhabat ki nahi jati, ho jati hay.”

“Muhabat kay subak jazby ki tarha jo khawahishon, khawabon aur nazriyon kay jalo main hamary rag-o-pay mein utar jata hay

Aur jab tak hamein us ki mojoodgi ka ehsas hota hay

Woh hamary jism-o-jan mein door tak phaill chukka hota hay.

Phir bahir ki ruton ka kaisa he ulat pher ho

Andar ka mosam amar  ho jata hay.”

 Fifthly, another remarkable feature of the novel is the use of poetic prose that is creative and fascinating. For example read the following lines:

“Aasmaan se barf narm, be awaaz gaalon ki surat zameen me jazb ho rahi thi.

While reading this novel, one can read fine thoughts and beautiful imageries. For example:

“Is mein koi peshgi mansoba bandi nahi hoti. Aap kay iradey ka dakhal nahi hota aur jab muhabat ho jati hay to apni rah khud bna leti hay, pahardi jharny ki tarah.” 

During his class discussions, Professor talks about the characteristics of a good teacher by using the metaphor of a cake. As the cake comprises of layers, so is a creative teacher, where the first layer consists of subject as well as pedagogical knowledge; the second layer as the teaching tactics; and the third one is the passion with which a teacher delivers his knowledge to his students. In other words it is the 3 H of teaching: the Head, the Hand and the Heart and I was pleased to observe that many teacher-trainers exploited this theory of him in their lectures that is a healthy sign of acceptability.

Professors Roy asks his students to draw flowers on a piece of paper and metaphorically tells the differences between individuals through the variety of flowers.

Sixthly, the plot of the novel has a logical sequence .The novel does not have only a single narrative plot rather it is crafted in the form of the spiritual and intellectual journey of the main characters. It is divided into several short chapters so that readers may not get bored or disinterested. The plot of this novel revolves around Professor Saharan Roy who is a proficient, compassionate and gentle professor and as an expert educationist understands the character traits and behaviors of his students. Education does not totally depend upon formal structured system of education rather it can be promoted in a number of informal ways that is mirrored throughout the novel by professor. Because of his unusual teaching approach, he is very much admired by his formal and informal students. Among them is Imtisal Aga who comes to the city from a countryside area and accidentally meets professor Roy. Imtisal’s character grips our attention from the beginning due to her innovative and inquisitive nature .She wants to explore all the possibilities of radical change and wants to improve her own lot and that of her village that according to Aristotle is the pivot of the civilization. In the end of the novel, she goes back to her village and starts teaching to the deprived children that is a small beginning towards a bigger change.

Seventhly, the splendor of the novel is in its simple and understandable diction. The writer’s audience is not the only the highly intellectual sect of the society rather he speaks to every common man in his own colloquial language to convey message of change and revolution that is why he deliberately and meticulously uses simple language.

Eighthly, dramatic situations capture our attention at different places. The meeting between Imtisal and Professor Roy as plotted by “The Celestine Prophecy”, is highly dramatic. They come closer, due to a shared vision and philosophical unanimity, in a deserted hostel where there are only three inhabitants of whom two are they. At another place writer uses the same technique to create a link between the beginning and the ending of the novel through the fate of Heathcliff, a character from a novel, Wuthering Heights, that Imtisal is shown reading in the beginning. Professor in the end shares the same fate when he is exposed to the turbulent situations. Lastly, Imtisal lives with the remembrance of Professor and his preaching, strives to fulfill his dreams and tells her students about him in a dramatic way.

Ninthly, the writer has a philosophical bent of mind that grabs the attention at different places in the novel. The following lines are highly prolific, terse, thought provoking, attention seeking and reflect the critically creative aptitude of the writer:

“Khawahish apna raasta khud taraashti hai

Manzil apni raah ko khud janam deti hai

Aur tabeer apna khawab khud chunti hai”

“Ba’az auqat raston aur manzilon ka koi tal’uq nahi hota.”

"mohabbat qurbani mangti ha, kabhi maal ki, kabhi martabay ki, kabi jaan ki." “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.”

Being a highly innovative, this novel in future can prove a foundation stone for the new trends in Urdu novel writing. This novel is a food for thought for educationists, students, activists, reformists, planners and literature lovers. In the novel are embedded the dreams of the young generation who are the agent, source and believer of societal transformation. May Allah give the strength to the celebrated and emerging writers to share the voice of Dr.Siddiqui. Ameen!

Adhe adhoore Khawab: A Review by Sonia Farooq

Sonia Farooq

Lecturer, Department of English, International Islamic University

Adhe Adhoore Khawab, is a dazzling critique of educational practices in Pakistan.  It distinguishes itself from contemporary Urdu fiction in terms of its content, diction, and style.  The story is about the journey of a devote teacher, Saharan Roy, who is selfless and gallant and puts his heart and soul to see his dreams fulfilled. His dreams are the dreams of those many individuals of our society who comprehend the potential of our youth and take a stand against the injustices of society. The story is an inspiration to young teachers to bring a change not only in society but in them by trusting in a critical and creative approach. The dreams of this man who realizes his responsibility as a teacher, friend, guide and reformer are bright but would lose their shine if not fulfilled and all he can foresee is darkness of life in the world of hollow men.

The story is an inspiration to young teachers to bring a change not only in society but in them by trusting in a critical and creative approach.

The novel proves to be a fine attack on dehumanizing aspects in education. Mechanization of education is one important thought behind the story and the struggle of Professor Ray stirs up the intellectuals and those related to educational and other social institutions to move towards an educational and social change and reform.

Since the need for pedagogical strategies for the development of creativity and critical consciousness are important themes of the story, the novel is incredible in pointing out the “perfect dead skeleton” that is the true emblem of our society. Arousing the dead skeleton and bringing it to its real perfection is the aim of the novel. So the novel turns out to be a critique on degradation of creativity in our educational system and it alerts the reader about the commodification and dreadful conditions of our educational institutions. The writer has skillfully given the example of teaching by explaining the art of pottery. It suggests creative thinking as a way to bring a change in our existing teaching methods by grooming our classroom through creative approach keeping in mind our cultural and socio-economic constraints.

The story of a much-loved teacher is devotedly narrated by his students Tassavur who had been taught by him and Imtisaal Agha who knew him from others before she actually met him. The story also focuses on the beautiful bond of a teacher and a student which our present society fails to develop while 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.”

Within the story we find the character of Imtisaal Agha reading Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and the character of Heathcliff sounds different to her. Who had known that a man loved by so many around would become her Heathcliff in life to whom she would be Catherine; an emotional support? This makes the novel a beautiful composition of light romance which is pure at the same time. The saga of emotional attachment of the main characters Saharan Ray and Imtisaal Agha has been woven nicely through snippets of little incidents of relatively short time. “The Celestine Prophecy” that has brought the two characters together is marvelously presented in the story unlike most contemporary works of literature where artificiality, glamour and extravagance of appearance and passions are highlighted.

The imagery of darkness and then footsteps of Imtisaal are very emblematic and meaningful for she is the one who is meant to break the darkness and dead silence all around through her self confidence. She who understands the unjust social stratification of society and the deep relationship between ideology and education can change the hearts and minds of those who are in a state of oblivion and disenchanted with life as in one of her discussions with Prof. Roy she says:

“Mujhe bhi taleem ke critical pehlu se dilchaspi hai. Ek esi taleem jo neutral aur passive na ho balkay mua’shray ke dil mein dharak rahi ho.”

Professor Rai then says, “Taleem aur ideology ka aapas mein gehra ta’luq ha. Taleem ek qaum ko sula bhi sakti hai aur bedaar bhi ker skti hai. Ye mua’shray ki samaaji aur mua’shi tafreeq ko berha bhi skti hai aur kum kernay mein mua’ven bhi saabit ho skti hai.”

Thus, the novel raises issues for all those educationalists and members of the young generation who are being manipulated by ideology.

The fast pace of the novel forms a contrast with the calm mood of the main characters. The calm and pleasant tone of Professor Roy is beautifully present throughout the novel. The contrast is strikingly meaningful and echoes Emily Dickenson’s Because I Could Not Stop for Death as the protagonist has “promises to keep” before he goes to sleep. The colours and ideas are skillfully woven on the fabric of the story. The story is also a reminder to those individuals who in a rush of mechanic life have brought decline to the beautiful realities of life. This brings into my memory Leisure by Davies read long ago. He 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.

Colours and passions blended beautifully in this small piece of art weave beautiful and pure thoughts. This blend of imagery from the nature is magnificent. The relationship of ingredients of nature i.e. rain, wind, hillocks, mountains, greenery, streams, pastures, snow, flowers etc. with the soul of human being is skillfully pictured in the form of feelings and moods of the characters.

“Barishon ki awaz ki apni mosiqee hai jo apnay zor se ghatti berhti dil kay taaron ko chairty hai”.

This blend wonderfully integrates thought and realization which develops a kind of self confidence in the reader as s/he moves forward

“Khawahish apna raasta khud taraashti hai

Manzil apni raah ko khud janam deti hai

Aur tabeer apna khawab khud chunti hai”

Similarly the dialogues are deep and wrap up the readers into thinking; 

“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

Wo hamaray jism o jaan mein dur tak phael chuka hota hai.

Phir bahr ki ruton ka kesa he ulat phair ho

Andar ka mausam amr ho jata ha.”

So as a person related to modern and post-modern studies I am pleased to find the novel standing on its own merits. The novel is highly recommended for those who regret the shallowness and depthlessness in the works of arts and care for the betterment of themselves and society. Therefore, this story is not intended to satisfy the appetite of audience addicted to commercialized texts of mass entertainment because one of the most important features of the novel is that unlike contemporary Pakistani fiction this novel does not promote commodification of life and consumption of brands and use of any tag to define one’s social identity. The title Aadhay Adooray Khawab is also very significant that half of the dreams needed to be combined with the dreams of others and they are incomplete for dreams of others will get along with it and a beautiful galaxy of dreams will be there and each one will be sharing his with others. It will be a chain, a constellation of beautiful dreams that our next generation would be hoped to accomplish.

The reader might initially need to struggle with the social and political concepts but then they are so beautifully and simply discussed that the reader develops more interest in the book. The character of professor Roy is beautifully developed through the memories of his students and readers will learn a lot from the novel. The language is simple and as much cotemporary as it can be which gives the story a lively hit. The author has satisfactorily concluded the book as Roy shares his dreams with Imtisaal who is hoped to take them on. Thus the writer has maintained the element of hope by sharing his dreams with so many Imtisaal Aghas of our generation who will play their roles in the story by reading it and will take these dreams and fulfill them.

Title: Aadhay Adhooray Khawab

Author: Shahid Siddiqui

Publication: Jahangir Books, Lahore

Date: 2010

No. of Pages: 176

My favourite quotes of Adhe Adhoore Khawab

 by 

Sufia Sultana

Love not only demands sacrifice it teaches how to sacrifice as well.

I cannot recall the exact date and month even, but I do vividly recall that it was late night of an early autumn last year.  I had been arguing with my friend about the ever fresh topic of love. It was during this conversation that she mentioned the novel Adhy Adhoory Khawab by Dr Shahid Siddiqui.  The very next morning I started searching for the book, and it’s the first book I searched so eagerly and read many a times.

I recall that day when I was confined to my room forgetting ht rest of the world.

The story and style of the novel are so powerful that I was spell bound.   It was a fascinating reading experience.  The text was studded with short, pithy sentences full of wisdom.  Here are some of the statements I underlined and would like to share with you.

Zinda rehny ki khawahish ka hamesha koi jawaz hota hy.

(Chapter 9, p: 58)

It is a line that keeps haunting me and I probe inside me…the reason of living….

Ham jeety aur marty un k lye han jin sy muhabat karty han.

Yeh muhabat bhi ajeeb cheez hay.

Kabhi zindagi ka jazba ban jati hay.

Kabhi marg-e-aarzo ka pegham.

(Chapter 9, p: 58)

 If all of us analyse our lives, we really live for those whom we love. Very true lines about love…

Sir Roy ki class mein sona aur bore hona manna tha.

(Chapter 2, p: 18)

The most inspiring protagonist I have ever read about…

Professor Roy ko provoke karney mein maza aata tha.

(Chapter 4, p: 28)

Uchooty khayal , teekhy sawal…

(Chapter 4, p: 28)

After meeting some people, we really have this feeling…

Shayad bohat pehly-

Kisi aur zamanay mein-

Kisi aur janam mein-

(Chapter 8, p: 52)

Some important questions are still unanswered

Muhabat aur udasi-

Khawab aur waswasy-

Tamanna aur nakami-

In ka aapis mein kya jor hay jo hamesha sath sath rehty hain?

(Chapter 10, p: 60)

Everyone of us has gone through these feelings once in our lives:

Kabhi kabhi ham apny aap ko khud sy chupaty hain.

(Chapter 12, p: 73)

Lekin ham sochty kuch han aur hota kuch hay.

(Chapter 12, p: 75)

Kabhi kabhar bulandi bhi be-chargi ka jawaz ban jati hay.

(Chapter 13, p: 78)

Ba’az auqat raston aur manzilon ka koi tal’uq nahi hota.

(Chapter 13, p: 81)

My tragedy…

…muhabat mein judae sab sy bara such hy aur yeh insane ka awwalein aur akhari dukh hy.

(Chapter 21, p: 124)

My beliefs about love…

Muhabat zindagi hy. Muhabat ky beghair koi jazba, koi khawab muk’mal nahi hota. (Chapter 21, p: 124)

Muhabat karobar nahi keh is main mol tol ho. Muhabat main koi mantaq koi reasoning nahi hoti. Aap jis sy muhabat karty hain ussy khush dekhna chahty hain. Apny kisi ama’l ka badla nahi chahtey agar koi aesa chahta hay to muhabat nahi karobar kar raha hay. (Chapter 21, p: 124-125)

Muhabat aik aesa jazba hy jesy beyan nahi kiya ja sakta sirf mehsos kiya ja sakta hy. Muhabat kissi aadarsh, kissi jazbey, kissi nazriay, kissi an-dekhe subh se bhi ki ja sakti hay. (Chapter 21, p: 125)

Muhabat apny aap ko mit’any ki khawahish ka naam hay. Ham muhabat ky ma’bad main dakhil hotey hain to apna tajruba, apna martaba, aur apni ana us ki dehleez par rakh jaty hain.

(Chapter 21, p: 125)

Khawab aur nazreiy ki muhabat sab sy ar’fah muhabat hy jo hamein baqi tam’am muhabaton sy be-nayaz kar deti hy, ya yon samjho keh phir is khawab aur nazreiy sy wabasta sab logon sy muhabat ho jati hy. Muhabat qurbani mangati hy. Kabhi maal ki, kabhi martaby ki, kabhi jan ki. (Chapter 21, p: 126)

Assal mein muhabat ki nahi jati, ho jati hay.

(Chapter 21, p: 126)

Is mein koi peshgi mansoba bandi nahi hoti. Aap kay iradey ka dakhal nahi hota aur jab muhabat ho jati hay to apni rah khud bna leti hay, pahardi jharny ki tarah. 

(Chapter 21, p: 126)

Bohat sy logon ko akhir tak ilm nahi hota keh un sey muhabat ki ja rahi hay. Isi tarah bohat sey log is bat sey be-khabar hotey hain  keh unhain muhabat ho gae hay. Is ka pata unhain tab chalta hay jab dair ho chukki hoti hay. 

(Chapter 21, p: 127)

Muhabat kay subak jazby ki tarha jo khawahishon, khawabon aur nazriyon kay jalo main hamary rag-o-pay mein utar jata hay

If I look back into my life and review my successes and failures, gains and losses, triumphs and setbacks, the result is only one passion altogether on the balance sheet and that’s love. It’s not just the pleasure of recognition; I have gone through the pangs rather while reading the novel. Imtisal and Prof Raey are the dignified selfless characters and their love is an exalted, purified spiritual passion; love of ideology. Their dreams are lofty. Prof Raey believes that love demands sacrifice, love not only demands sacrifice it teaches how to sacrifice as well. When love turns you into a loving being, the objective is achieved.

There is something intriguing about Imtisal’s character.  Though she is inquisitive and sensitive, she tryies to evade love.  Its only towards the end that she realizes that it’s not possible.  Some people think, love is all about curiosity, and it ends when curiosity ends; I don’t believe, as to me inquisitive nature leads to love and love is always there to stay, whether reciprocal or one sided, it keeps aching forever.

Aur jab tak hamein us ki mojoodgi ka ehsas hota hay

Woh hamary jism-o-jan mein door tak phaill chukka hota hay.

Phir bahir ki ruton ka kaisa he ulat pher ho

Andar ka mosam amar  ho jata hay.

(Chapter 30, p: 175-176)

My Impressions on Adhe Adhoore Khawab

by

Babar Khan

AKU-PDCN, Gilgit

AdhyAdhooryKhawb by Dr. Shahid Siddiqui is an exceptional novel because of its peculiar content and unique style. The novel covers multiple aspects of life, ranging from personal to professional experience. It discusses love, education, geography of a particular area and peoples’ perception and identity. The characters are wonderfully presented.  Each character typifies a specific perspective but at the same time is beautifully connected with the other characters of the story.  I liked two characters very much, a) Imtisal and Professor Rai. While reading the at times I felt that I know professor Rai and Imtisal for a longer time.  The way professor Rai influenced Imtisal as teacher and as human being is simply amazing.

Each character typifies a specific perspective but at the same time is beautifully connected with the other characters of the story.

            Dr. Siddiqui has skillfully addressed the current situation of teacher educations and institutions where teachers are developed. I have been involved with teachers education  and school improvement programme in Pakistan and while reading the novel, at times, I felt it is not the author, but me who is saying this all. Dr. Siddiqui has presented the voice of teacher educators who are trying to work hard to develop quality teachers. He also reminded the educators and teachers the qualities of teachers and the parameters that need to be considered in the classroom. The novel explained that it is not only the content which teachers need to deliver in the classroom but they also need to explore the critical aspects of education through developing critical thinking skills.

I have read the novel once but I am sure I am going to read it many more times to come.

Adhe Adhoore Khawab: A few lines

Shaista Bibi

PhD Student

Centre for Research on Computer Supported Learning and Cognition (CoCo)

The University of Sydney, Australia

Adhe Adhoore Khawab, a novel by Dr. Shahid Siddiqui is not merely a book of fiction for me.  The fiction skilfully intertwined with the real issues of society.  If we see around us, we may find characters resembling Prof. Saharan Roy and Imtisal Agha, the two main character of the novel.  The writer has beautifully portrayed the character of Prof. Saharan Roy with multiple layers of roles. He is apparently a teacher but not just a teacher. He is a guide, a friend, a revolutionary and a problem solver for the humanity. He is adored by his friends, his colleagues, his students and by any one who has the feeling of compassion and kindness for the helpless people.  He was considered by the ruling establishment as a threat that must come to an end. He was arrested and tortured until breathed his last in the jail.  But even his death could not stop his message which in the form of his dreams are shared and owned by his students.   

Prof Roy is a guide, a friend, a revolutionary and a problem solver for the humanity.

 Imtisal Agha’s, an informal student of Saharan Roy, shares the dreams of equality, freedom, and social justice.  She like, Prof Roy, believes that education is the way to realise the ideals of social justice, equality, and freedom in any society.  She also believes that this journey is full of difficulties and challenges.  She opts to become a teacher in her village to realized the dreams of a society free of social injustice and oppression.  This is a story of resistance linked with the lives of Prof Roy and Imtisal Agha who believe in resistance and change. 

I read this novel almost two years ago in when I used to teach in a university in Pakistan.  Now that I wanted to write these few lines, sitting in my apartment room in Australia, I thought I might have forgotten everything. But when I started writing about it, everything became so clear in my mind as if I had read it only yesterday. I could see Prof Roy teaching in his class, discussing with his students, having his mock birthday in the hostel, participating in rallies, having intellectual debates with Imtisal, and experiencing torture in the jail.  I could see Imtisal Agha meeting Prof Roy for the first time in the TV lounge, having long discussions with him, buying books with him, meeting with Prof Roy for the last time in jail, hearing the news of her mentor, and finally making a bold decision of becoming a teacher in her village.  This shows the deep impact of the novel on my mind. I’ll always cherish the experience of reading this novel.

Punhabi translation of Adhe Adhoore Khawab

Ms Qaisra Jaswal, a renowned Punjabi writer, has translated, Adhe 
Adhoore Khawab, a novel by Dr Shahid Siddiqui,  into Punjabi
language.  The Urdu novel was published by Jehangir Publisher in 2009.  The Punjabi translation has been published in a special issue of a prominent Punjabi literary magazine, 'Pancham'.  The translation got positive response from the Punjabi critics.  The book, based on Punjabi version of the novel, should be out in 2012.

My Refelections on Adhe Adhoore Khawab

  by

Amna Moghees

 'Adhay Adhooray Khuwab' is an Urdu novel by Dr Shahid Siddiqui who he is a well known figure in the fields of linguistics and education. The writer has combined fiction and facts which gave a new form to his novel. 'Adhay Adhooray Khuwab' has delighted the readers since its publication with the story of Prof. Sahran Roay, a charismatic personality and an influential teacher. Adhay Adhooray Khuab is a portrayal of contemporary Pakistani society.  It is principally concerned with social change through education.  The writer has not only pointed out the loopholes in our educational system but also suggested some solutions to fill those gaps. All this is done in the form of an engrossing story in narrated in subtle manner.  The novel touches upon educational, political, sociological, philosophical, and love themes, inspiring a great deal of diverse critical commentary on various aspects of education.  

  In Adhay Adhooray Khuwab, the writer truly depicts his love for radical version of education.

The novel is essentially concerned with the role of education in a society, tapping the issues of  politics,  power, social conflicts and teaching and learning. The writer courageously points out the faults in the social, economic and educational systems and raises some fundamental questions about the power structures and values of the society. 'Adhay Adhooray Khuwab' contains several elements of social realism. The novel is also associated with idealistic debate that drives its plot and defines the essence of the protagonist, Prof. Sahran Roay. Professor Roy acts as a catalyst for all those students who aim to leave their mark in history by making the existing society a better place to live in. Prof Roy firmly believes that education can play an active role to bring revolutionary changes in society.  So does Imtisal Aga, a young enthusiastic student who considers Prof Roay as her mentor.  Imtisal shares with Prof Roay her passion for a vibrant view of education:

“Mujhe bhi taleem ke critical pehlu se dilchaspi hai. Ek esi taleem jo neutral aur passive na ho balkay mua’shray ke dil mein dharak rahi ho.”

Prof Roy holds that there is a strong linkage between education and ideology.  According to him:

 “Taleem aur ideology ka aapas mein gehra ta’luq ha. Taleem ek qaum ko sula bhi sakti hai aur bedaar bhi ker skti hai. Ye mua’shray ki samaaji aur mua’shi tafreeq ko berha bhi skti hai aur kum kernay mein mua’ven bhi saabit ho skti hai.”

 He strongly believes that basis of true friendship is the sharing of similar ideology.

“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.”

Reading this book, I did come to believe that exceptional people with neither high office nor deep pockets but with palpable hunger to make the world a better place can make substantial contribution. When they have imagination and commitments they can accomplish great things -- and give very impressive results. Although Prof. Sahran Roay was martyred but his death could not wipe out his struggle rather he left an everlasting impression in the hearts and mind of his students. A number of instances show the philosophical bent of mind of the central figure which no doubt indicates as the mouth piece of writer himself

Khawahish apna raasta khud taraashti hai

                                           Manzil apni raah ko khud janam deti hai        

Aur tabeer apna khawab khud chunti hai

The graphic details, and pen pictures in the novel reflect the minute observations of the writer .  For instance: “Barishon ki awaz ki apni mosiqee hai jo apnay zor se ghatti berhti dil kay taaron ko chairty hai”.

To sum up it is a highly readable novel as the writer has successfully captured the sensibility of the contemporary society. As a creator cannot be separated from its creation so is the writer of the novel is into. In Adhay Adhooray Khuwab, the writer truly depicts his love for radical version of education. The central figure Prof. Sahran Roay , seems to be the writer’s role model  who practices critical approach in his teaching and influence his students for positive change in society.