tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80642318944446258922024-03-13T20:24:42.527-07:00lunch roomDear all,
This blog is just to put my articles at a place and to fish one out when wanting to pester someone to read it. :-)SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-88392763726316508492023-12-24T19:22:00.000-08:002023-12-24T19:22:16.922-08:00Revering the Inanimate (published in The Economic Times -Speaking Tree column on the editorial page) date 22-12-23<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApYxz3l3Kd1rFcsDsixpv63eguG9WDGum_g1w0qlxZ3-bFsijDr_5lqj50qkqdkmxLmwufL1zWjQ_oiAwISLIY02-e_nZUX8A8zso0qC8iwff81rWmTQCfKZmoVFHJSRV9_G8WlXChb28KmxcsGJhG0cw1CQr69UIIKC95xhMfC8p527yC4dOjy2OKw3x/s2285/speaking%20tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2285" data-original-width="670" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApYxz3l3Kd1rFcsDsixpv63eguG9WDGum_g1w0qlxZ3-bFsijDr_5lqj50qkqdkmxLmwufL1zWjQ_oiAwISLIY02-e_nZUX8A8zso0qC8iwff81rWmTQCfKZmoVFHJSRV9_G8WlXChb28KmxcsGJhG0cw1CQr69UIIKC95xhMfC8p527yC4dOjy2OKw3x/w122-h356/speaking%20tree.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>Link - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/speaking-tree/revering-the-inanimate/articleshow/106219917.cms<p></p><p>The above article was published in The Economic Times (Speaking Tree column on the editorial page).</p><p>The original version (before being edited for publishing) is here below-</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Reverence towards all<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">There was quite an outrage in our
country recently over Mitchell Marsh’ putting his feet on the World Cup trophy.
The rest of the world, interestingly, was totally indifferent to the act. This
shouldn’t be a surprise actually. The sentiment of reverence towards all things
is an attribute particular to the Indian ethos. Whether it’s an artist stepping
on the stage, a player entering the stadium, or a driver beginning on a journey,
he or she bows in obeisance before embarking. It has been there in our
subconscious since childhood to pick up a pencil or a book that has fallen down
and immediately touch them to our foreheads in reverence. One can see the
lawyers bowing their heads to the bench while entering or leaving the court
rooms. And, these are all reflex actions performed without a thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Reverence towards all things –
animate or inanimate – is part of our psyche. Perhaps it originates from the
non-dualistic philosophy which has been expressed in these <i>Mahavakyas</i>,
or great statements in the Upanishads -
<i>Aham Brahmasmi</i> – I am Brahman (the Absolute); <i>Tat Tvam Asi</i>
– That Thou Art; <i>Ayam Atma Brahma </i>–
This Self is Brahman. These <i>Mahavakyas</i> convey the essential teaching of
the Upanishads, namely, the individual self which appears as a separate
existence, is in essence part and manifestation of the whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">This reverence towards all things is
perhaps that which makes us tolerant, large-minded and all encompassing. This
is perhaps that on which the foundation of our belief in truth, justice and<i>,
dharma </i>(right conduct) exists. This perhaps is the reason that one doesn’t
dare lie when one holds <i>Ganga jal in one’s palm. </i> And, this perhaps, is the basis of the adage
in that famous story ‘<i>Panch Parmeshwar’</i>
by Munshi Premchand – ‘God himself speaks through the voice of the
panchayat’<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">However, it seems that this sentiment
of reverence has been undergoing abatement with the growth of consumerism and
individualism; and with it the notions of truth, justice and dharma too seem to
have been dissipating. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s essential therefore, that we do
not lose our feelings of reverence for all; because losing it shall be sounding
the death knell for both ourselves, and the society. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr (Skand Shukla)</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-17434140202735457452023-10-02T18:32:00.000-07:002023-10-02T18:32:31.077-07:00साइकिल तब और अब published in Sunday Magazine of Amar Ujala<p> आज के 'अमर उजाला' के रविवासरीय में मेरा व्यंग-लेख - </p><p><br /></p><p><u></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiI6ItXo_aael9x6btHIrvKayqkBdJCfEgSQoXT4EskiBdf7lyznk6MxD-5tCcP13lgFqJaWpFAzKQi6pw7ooU9f7SeZLNh_RNZiQueupge7_M1V-uhT7DCTbec2foZRC8DFJkMiEPmpDTKLh0u4EfO3OtUjre4JjJlZh5u7gDwUuI9SZo3GGs1f4a3Or/s1680/Screenshot_20231003_065509_WhatsApp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiI6ItXo_aael9x6btHIrvKayqkBdJCfEgSQoXT4EskiBdf7lyznk6MxD-5tCcP13lgFqJaWpFAzKQi6pw7ooU9f7SeZLNh_RNZiQueupge7_M1V-uhT7DCTbec2foZRC8DFJkMiEPmpDTKLh0u4EfO3OtUjre4JjJlZh5u7gDwUuI9SZo3GGs1f4a3Or/s320/Screenshot_20231003_065509_WhatsApp.jpg" width="206" /></a></u></div><u><br />साइकिल - अब और तब</u><p></p><p><u>(अमर उजाला हास्यरंजिनी (01/10/23)</u></p><p><br /></p><p>“अजी हद्द है! आठ-नौ हजार दाम में केवल ये दो पहिये, जरा सी एक तिकोन प्लास्टिक की सीट, और बहु-कोणीय हैंडल! उन दिनों तो साथ में मडगार्ड, बड़ी सी गद्देदार सीट के पीछे कैरियर, और फ्रेम में एक डंडा भी लगा होता था। और तो और, दाम भी इतना नहीं होता था कि सुनकर किसी की आँखेंही बाहर निकल आयें।</p><p><br /></p><p>कैरियर भी शुद्ध लोहा-लाट!इतना मजबूत कि कितने भी बड़े और भारी सामान लाद लो। उस पर गेहूँ के कनस्तर टिका कर पिसवाने ले जाना, या गैस के खाली सिलिंडर लाद लेना बहुत सामान्य था। सीधी-सादी हैंडल को पकड़ कर सीधा ही बैठा जाता था - पीठ को धनुषाकार बना कर नहीं। हैंडल पर टाँगे जाते थे सब्जी आदि सामान भरे झोले। हैंडल और सीट के बीच वाला डंडा भी कम उपयोगी न था। डंडे पर लगी एक छोटी सी सीटपर बैठे छोटे से बच्चे, और पीछे कैरियर पर बैठी पत्नी का दृश्य तो कैंटोनमेंट एरिया के आस-पास बहुत ही सामान्य था। अन्य लोगों के लिएभी, विशेष रूप से छात्रों के लिए,डबल और ट्रिपल सवारी आम बात थी।“</p><p><br /></p><p>“अरे ज़माना बदल गया है साहब! उस जमाने की बात न करें। पॉलिथीन के इस समय में झोले में सब्जी! जब पैक्ड आटा है तो कनस्तर कौन लाद के ले जाए? वह भी आज के बच्चे? अरे उन्हें माँ-बाप आचार की तरह पालते हैं। धूप न लगे, गरमी न लगे, और घरेलू काम में समय खराब न हो कि पढाई में जरा भी नम्बर कम हो जाए। और कहाँ की डबल-ट्रिपल सवारी? एक असली दोस्त मिले तो पहले कि उसे आप, या वह आपको भार को ढो सकने को तैयार हो। अब तो वर्चुअल मित्र हैं-गेमिंग में दूर से पार्टनरशिप देने वाले, या फेसबुक, इन्स्टाग्राम पर लाइक चिपकाने वाले। तब की दोस्ती जैसी नहीं कि यदि दोस्त की साइकिल खराब हो जाये तो उसे छोड़कर आगे बढ़ जाने के बजाय ख़ुद भी अपनी साइकिल से उतरकर डुगराते हुए पैदल साथ देने लगते थे।</p><p>और एक बात - वह पुराने समय की हैंडल? आज के जमाने में किसका मेरुदंड सीधा रह गया है जो वह उस तरह से पीठ सीधी रख कर बैठ सके?”</p><p>मेरी समझ में भी अब नयी साइकिल की डिजाईन समझ आ गयी थी, और मैं अपने पसंद के रंग वाली देखने लगा।</p><p><br /></p><p>- डॉ स्कंद शुक्ल</p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-38455955622042298292021-10-26T08:59:00.004-07:002021-10-26T09:03:03.932-07:00आखिर कितनी जमीन? (लियो टॉलस्टॉय की प्रसिद्द कहानी ‘How much land does a man need’ का हिन्दी अनुवाद)- 'प्रयाग पथ के दसवें अंक में प्रकाशित)<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4CBegeBtDA/YXglW9ITn1I/AAAAAAAAO5E/ulfTq9P7nz8_b_Qya42zPuyZmfAB2sIuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1868/248002257_10159645707513119_3369262870433359000_n.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1868" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4CBegeBtDA/YXglW9ITn1I/AAAAAAAAO5E/ulfTq9P7nz8_b_Qya42zPuyZmfAB2sIuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/248002257_10159645707513119_3369262870433359000_n.jpg" width="263" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">बड़ी बहन अपनी छोटी</span></span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; font-size: large;"> बहन
से मिलने शहर से आयी थी। बड़ी एक व्यापारी की पत्नी थी और छोटी एक किसान की। दोनों
बाते कर रही थीं और बड़ी अपनी शहरी ज़िंदगी का बखान करते नहीं थक रही थी- कितना
आरामदायक जीवन है, बच्चों के पास एक से एक बढ़िया कपड़े, एक से एक खाने की चीजें, और
वे स्केटिंग और थिएटर भी जाते हैं।</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">छोटी को यह सब अखरा तो
उसने बड़ी के जीवनचर्या को कमतर दिखने के लिए अपने ग्रामीण जीवन के गुण गाने शुरू कर
दिए।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“देखो दीदी, मैं तो कभी
अपनी ज़िंदगी को तुम्हारे से नहीं बदलना चाहूंगी”, उसने कहा। “हाँ, यह सही है कि
यहाँ के जीवन में बहुत रोमांच नहीं होता, पर यह भी सच है कि तुम लोगों को अपने इस उच्च
स्तर के जीवन को बनाये रखने के लिए बड़े-बड़े कारोबार में लगे रहना पड़ता है और यदि
नहीं तो फिर बरबादी भी होना तय होता है। अब लाभ हानि तो आती जाती चीज़ें हैं, आज
कोई महल में है तो कल सड़क पर। लेकिन देहात के जीवन में ऐसा कुछ नहीं है। भले ही
यहाँ कोई रईस न हो, पर सबके पास पर्याप्त होता है।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">बड़ी ने तुरंत कमर कस ली।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘पर्याप्त</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">?<span lang="HI">’,
सचमुच?”, उसने ताना दिया। “ ‘पर्याप्त</span>!<span lang="HI">’ – बस यही सूअर और
बछड़े? ‘पर्याप्त</span>!<span lang="HI">’, बिना सुन्दर वस्त्रों और अमीर साथियों
के? सुन लो, तुम्हारा पति चाहे जितना मेहनत कर ले, तुम लोगों को इसी कीचड़ में ही
जीना और मरना है- हाँ, और तुम्हारे बाद तुम्हारे बच्चों को भी।”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“ऐसा नहीं है”, छोटी ने
जवाब दिया। यद्यपि हम कम में ही रहते हैं, कम से कम जमीन तो अपनी है और हमें किसी
के सामने झुकने की जरूरत तो नहीं है। लेकिन वहाँ शहर में अनैतिकता का ही वातावरण
है। अब कहीं <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>किसी दिन किसी की बुरी नज़र लग
जाए और तुम्हारे पति जुए या शराब के चक्कर में पड़ कर सब गवां दें तो <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>तुम लोग बरबाद ही हो जाओ। क्या ऐसा नहीं है?”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम, छोटी बहन का
पति, भट्टी के पास बैठा सब सुन रहा था।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“बात तो सही है”, उसने
कहा। “बचपन से ही मैं किसानी कर रहा हूँ, और इसलिए कभी दिमाग में किसी खुराफात का
ख्याल भी नहीं आया। बस मुझे ज़िंदगी से एक ही शिकायत है- बहुत थोड़ी ज़मीन होना। बस
मुझे खूब जमीन मिल जाये तो मुझे दुनिया में किसी से डर नहीं- शैतान तक से नहीं।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">दोनों महिलाओं ने अपनी
चाय ख़त्म की, कुछ देर और बात करती रहीं और फिर बर्तन धुल के सोने चली गयीं । </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इस दौरान शैतान चूल्हे
के पीछे बैठा सब सुन रहा था। उस किसान की घमंड भरी बात सुन कर, कि एक बार यदि उसे
जमीन मिल जाय तो शैतान तक उस से वह जमीन नहीं ले सकता, उसकी बांछे खिल गयीं । </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“बहुत बढ़िया!” शैतान ने
प्रसन्न होकर मन में सोचा। “मैं तुम्हें खूब सारी जमीन दूंगा और तब देखते हैं कि
मेरे चंगुल में तुम आते हो कि नहीं।“</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इन छोटे किसानों के
समीप ही एक भूस्वामिनी रहती थी जो 300 एकड़ से भी अधिक क्षेत्रफल की जमीन की मालकिन
थी। उसका इन छोटे किसानों से सम्बन्ध ठीक था परन्तु इधर उसने एक ओवरसियर रख लिया
था जो इन सब पर जुर्माने लगा-लगा कर परेशान करने लगा। पाखोम कितना भी सावधान रहे
उसका कोई न कोई घोड़ा उस भूस्वामिनी के खेत में घुस जाता था, या कोई गाय उसके
बागीचे में चली जाती थी, या फिर कोई बछड़ा ही उसके चारगाह में चरने लगता था। और इन
सबके लिए उसे जुर्माना भरना पड़ जाता था। जुर्माना तो वह भरता, और फिर उसकी चिढ़ वह
घर वालों पर निकालता। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">उसी जाड़े में एक खबर
फ़ैली कि वह महिला अपनी जमीन बेच रही है और वह ओवरसियर उसे खरीदने का प्रयास कर रहा
है। इस से सभी किसानों परेशान हो गये। उन सभी के मन यह ख्याल आया कि जब यह कारिंदे
की हैसियत में उन्हें इतना परेशान कर रखा है तो फिर जमींदार हो कर तो और दिक्कत कर
देगा। उन्होंने निर्णय किया कि सब मिल कर उस जमीन को खरीद लें।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">वे उस भूस्वामिनी से इस
प्रस्ताव के साथ मिले और वह इस पर सहमत हो गयी।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">परन्तु शैतान की कारगुजारी
का यह कमाल रहा कि वे सब मूल्य आदि पर आपसी सहमति नहीं बना पाए।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">खैर तब इन किसानों ने
यह निर्णय लिया कि अपने सामर्थ्य के अनुसार वे अलग-अलग ही अब जमीन लेंगे।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">सब की देखा-देखी पाखोम
ने भी लगभग 40 एकड़ जमीन का एक टुकड़ा पसंद किया।100 रूबल तो घर पर ही बचत के रखे
हुए थे। एक घोड़े के बछड़े और अपनी आधी मधुमक्खियाँ को बेच कर कुछ और पैसे जुहाये,
अपने बेटे को मजदूरी पर चढ़ा कर कुछ पेशगी प्राप्त की, और तब यह कुल ले कर उस भू-मालकिन
से मिलने गया। बात तय हो गयी, और वह जमीन का मालिक हो गया। शहर में रह रहे अपने
साढू से बीज के लिए कुछ पैसे उधार ले कर उसने अपनी इस नयी जमीन पर बुवाई की ।
अच्छी फसल हुई और साल भर में ही वह समस्त ऋणों से मुक्त भी हो गया। कितना अपना था
सब। वह जो जमीन जोतता-बोता था वह उसकी अपनी थी, जो घास कटता था वह उसकी अपनी थी,
चूल्हे के लिए जो लकड़ियाँ ले आता था वह उसकी अपनी थी और, जो मवेशी चराता था वे भी उसी
के थे। खेत जोतने अथवा फसल का मुआयना करने जब भी वह घोड़े पर बैठ कर अपनी जमीनों की
ओर निकलता, उसका उल्लास देखते ही बनता था। उसे अपनी जमीन का तृण-तृण अन्य स्थानों
से अलग लगता, फूलों का खिलना तक अलग लगता। पहले जब वह उस जमीन पर चलता था तो वह बस
जमीन भर थी; वह जमीन तो अभी भी थी, पर अब, बहुत अलग सी।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इस तरह सब चलता रहा और
पाखोम बहुत खुश था। सब कुछ ठीक रहता भी यदि इन पड़ोसी किसानों ने उसे चैन से रहने
दिया होता। कभी उनके मवेशी उसकी चारगाह में घुस जाते, तो कभी खेतों में उनके घोड़े।
कितनी बार तो पाखोम ने उन्हें बाहर खदेड़ा और मामले को अनदेखा कर दिया। पर आखिर कब
तक? धीरज खो कर उसने अदालत में शिकायत दर्ज करा दी। यद्यपि वह समझता था कि वे लोग
ऐसा किसी बदनीयती से नहीं करते थे, और ऐसा उनके पास जमीन की कमी से ही होता है,
लेकिन फिर भी उन्हें सबक सिखाना अब आवश्यक हो गया था।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">उसने एक को अदालत में
सबक सिखाया, फिर दुसरे को; एक पर जुर्माना लगवाया, फिर दूसरे पर। इससे उसके पड़ोसी
पाखोम के विरुद्ध हो गये और वे जानबूझ कर इसको तंग करने लगे। कभी कोई उसके खेत में
घुस जाता तो कभी कोई उसके पेड़ों को नुकसान पंहुचा देता। एक दिन किसी व्यक्ति ने उसके
दस पेड़ों को समूचा नष्ट कर डाला। पाखोम जब अपने घोड़े पर उधर निकला और उसने अपने
पेड़ों की यह हालत देखी तो उसका रंग ही उड़ गया। पास जाकर देखा तो पाया कि किसी
दुष्ट ने सभी की, सभी डालें, और तना काट कर इधर उधर फेंक दिया था। केवल ठूंठ ही
दिख रहे थे। उसका क्रोध चरम पर था। वह सोचने लगा कि ऐसा कौन कर सकता है। ‘यह सेमका
ही हो सकता है’, सोचते सोचते उसने अचानक निश्चय कर लिया। वह तुरंत सेमका के घर जा
पहुँचा, लेकिन वहाँ सेमका के अपशब्दों के अतिरिक्त उसे कुछ प्राप्त न हुआ। जितना
भी वह सोचता उतना ही अधिक उसे विश्वास होता जाता कि यह कृत्य सेमका ने ही किया है
और अंततः उसने उसके खिलाफ अदालत में शिकायत कर दी। मुकदमा सुना तो गया परन्तु
सेमका को साक्ष्य के अभाव में बरी कर दिया गया। अब तो पाखोम ने मजिस्ट्रेट पर ही
अपना गुस्सा निकाल दिया और उनके ऊपर सेमका से दुरभि संधि का आरोप लगा दिया। हाँ,
इसमें अब कोई संदेह नहीं था कि पाखोम के संबंध सब से खराब हो चुके थे- पड़ोसियों से
भी और मजिस्ट्रेट से भी।<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>वह अपने समुदाय
से अलग थलग रहने लग गया। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">एक दिन ऐसा हुआ कि
पाखोम अपने ओसारे में बैठा हुआ था कि एक परदेसी किसान आया। पाखोम ने अतिथि का
यथोचित सत्कार किया। भोजन के दौरान बातचीत में पाखोम ने जब उस से पूछा कि वह कहाँ
से आ रहा है तो उसने बताया कि वह वोल्गा नदी के उस ओर से आ रहा है जहाँ वह नौकरी
करता था। बातचीत के क्रम में उसने यह भी बताया कि वहां एक नयी बस्ती बस रही है और इस
नए <i>मीर</i> (कृषक समुदाय) में प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को लगभग 30 एकड़ जमीन आवंटित की
जा रही है। “क्या ज़मीन है वहाँ! और क्या गेहूं उगाती है वह धरती! गेहूं के पौधे
इतने ऊँचे कि घोड़े छिप जाएँ उनमें! और उनके तने इतने मोटे कि पांच मुट्ठी से ही
पूरा बोझ बन जाए! अब ऐसे समझें आप कि एक किसान वहाँ आया तब उसके पास<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>पास अपने दो हाथों के अलावा कुछ भी नहीं था और
आज उसके पास गेहूं उगातीडेढ़ सौ एकड़ जमीन है; और पिछले साल तो उसने पांच हजार रूबल
केवल गेहूं से ही कमाए!”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इन बातों को सुनकर
पाखोम की आँखें चमकने लगीं और वह मन में सोचने लगा: ‘जब ऐसी जगह उपलब्ध है जहाँ
मैं इतने बढ़िया तरीके से रह-बस सकता हूँ तो मैं यहाँ, इस तंग जगह पर, दरिद्रता के
साथ क्यों रहूँ? मैं तो यहाँ की जमीन और घर बेच-बाच कर वहीं जा कर एक नया घर
बनाऊंगा और वहीं खेती के लिए जमीनें लूंगा। इस बेकार की जगह से मुक्ति पाऊंगा।
खैर, एक बार उस स्थान को देख कर सब पता तो कर आऊँ ही।’ </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">तो अगली गर्मियों में ही
पाखोम स्टीमर से वोल्गा नदी पर यात्रा कर समर पहुँचा और फिर वहां से ढाई सौ मील का
सफ़र और तय करके उस स्थान पर पहुँचा। वह बिलकुल वैसा ही था जैसा कि वर्णित किया गया
था। सभी लोग बड़े मजे में रहते दिखे। और यह बात पूरी तरह सही थी कि उस <i>मीर</i>
में 30 एकड़ भूमि प्रत्येक बसने वाले को मुफ्त आवंटित कर दी जाती थी। बल्कि उसे यह
भी बताया गया कि कोई भी व्यक्ति इसके अतिरिक्त जमीन भी पैसे से खरीद सकता है। और
मूल्य? मात्र तीन रूबल प्रति एकड़! </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम वापास लौटा और आते
ही उसने अपनी जमीनों को बेचना शुरू कर दिया। वह अपनी सारी जमीन, घर, और अन्य सब
सामान जल्द बेचने में सफल तो रहा ही बल्कि उसे पैसे में भी लाभान्वित हुआ। मौजूदा <i>मीर</i>
के दस्तावेजों से उसने अपना नाम खारिज कराया और बसंत आते ही सपरिवार अपने नए
ठिकाने कि ओर चल पड़ा। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम का नाम इस नए <i>मीर
</i>में दर्ज कर लिया गया और उसके परिवार के सदस्य संख्या के आधार पर प्रति
व्यक्ति 30 एकड़ भूमि के अनुसार डेढ़ सौ एकड़ बढ़िया कृषि-भूमि आवंटित कर दी गयी; साथ
ही एक साझा चारगाह भी।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">नए स्थान पर पाखोम ने
और भी उन्नति की। पर कुछ ही समय में उसका प्रारंभिक उत्साह उकताहट में परिवर्तित
होने लगा। वह अपने कई साथी किसानों की तरह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>सफ़ेद तुर्की गेहूँ की फसल उगाना चाहता था। यद्यपि
उसको आवंटित जमीनें बहुत अच्छी थीं पर वे इस किस्म की फसल के लिए उपयुक्त न थीं।
अतः उसने तय किया कि वह पट्टे पर जमीन लेकर सफ़ेद तुर्की गेहूँ बोयेगा। पुनः बहुत
अच्छी फसल हुयी। पाँच वर्ष तक ऐसे ही चलता रहा लेकिन पाखोम अभी भी संतुष्ट न था।
वह हर वर्ष पट्टे कराने के चक्कर की झिक-झिक से ऊब चुका था और वह अब किसी बड़ी
भू-सम्पत्ति की तलाश में था जिसे वह खरीद सके और इस समस्या से मुक्ति पा सके।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इसी दौरान एक दिन उधर
से गुजरता हुआ एक व्यापारी अपने घोड़े के चारे-पानी के लिए उसके घर के आगे ठहरा।
चाय के साथ-साथ बातचीत भी होती रही । व्यापारी ने <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बताया कि वह बहुत दूर से आ रहा है- बश्कीरों के
देश से, और वहाँ, उसने कहा, उसने मात्र एक हज़ार रूबल में पंद्रह सौ एकड़ जमीन खरीदी
है। पाखोम ने उत्सुक हो कर और जानना चाहा तो व्यापारी ने विस्तार से उत्तर दिया। “बस
मैंने यह किया कि, वहाँ के बुजुर्गों को कुछ भेंट दी जैसे कि कुछ लम्बे कोट,
कालीन, चाय की पेटी और, इसके अलावा करीब सौ रूबल ऐसी ही बाँट दिया। जिनको पसंद थी
उन्हें थोड़ी वोदका भी उपहार में दे दी। और बस, मुझे जमीन मिल गयी।” बताते हुए उसने
उसका बैनामा भी दिखाया। “सारी जमीन नदी के किनारे, और बढ़िया उपजाऊ घास के मदान का
विस्तार!”, उसने जोड़ा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘ऐसा नहीं कि केवल यही
जमीन जो मैंने ली वह ही इतनी बढ़िया है । बश्कीरों के क्षेत्र में सारी भूमि ही ऐसी
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>है। और तो और, वहाँ के लोग भेड़ जैसे सीधे-सादे।
मूल्य का तो कोई सवाल ही नहीं, चाहे जितने में जितना चाहो ले लो।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम अधीर हो उठा।
उसने उस स्थान पर पहुँचने का मार्ग समझा और उस व्यापारी के<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>प्रस्थान करते ही<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>वह वहाँ की यात्रा के लिए तैयार हो गया। उसने
केवल एक सेवक को साथ लिया और निकल पड़ा। सबसे पहले शहर से चाय की पेटी, वोदका और अन्य
उपहार लिए और तब आगे की यात्रा पर बढ़ा। सातवें दिन वे लोग बश्कीरों के क्षेत्र पहुँचे।
</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">सब कुछ वैसा ही था जैसा
कि उस व्यापारी ने बताया था। घास के मैदानों का अंतहीन विस्तार और बीच से गुजरती
नदी। और, झुण्ड के झुण्ड मवेशी और उत्तम नस्ल के कॉसैक घोड़े उन पर चरते हुए।
बश्कीर वैगन रूपी घरों में रहते थे और कई ऐसे गाड़ी-नुमा घर नदी किनारे खड़े थे। वे
खेती नहीं करते थे। उनका मुख्य भोजन घोड़ी के दूध से बना पनीर अथवा कुमिस नामक पेय
पदार्थ था जो बश्कीर महिलाएं तैयार करती थीं। सच तो यह था कि बश्कीर केवल दो ही
पेय पदार्थ जानते थे – कुमिस और चाय, मटन ही उनका एकमात्र ठोस आहार था, और पाइप
वाद्ययंत्र बजाना एकमात्र आमोद। सभी स्वस्थ और प्रसन्नचित, और उनका पूरा जीवन ही
किसी अवकाश सा आनंददायक था। उनमें शिक्षा का अभाव था और वे रूसी भाषा ज़रा भी नहीं
जानते थे, फिर भी वे उदारता और सज्जनता से परिपूर्ण आकर्षक व्यक्तित्व के स्वामी थे।
</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">जैसे ही उन लोगों ने
पाखोम को देखा वे अपने-अपने वैगन से निकल के आ गये और उसे घेर लिया।एक दुभाषिये को
ढूंढ लाया गया। पखोम ने जब उसे बताया कि वह जमीन खरीदने आया है तो वे सब बड़े खुश
हुए और उससे गले मिले। उसे तुरंत एक विशिष्ट वैगन में ले जाया गया जिसमें बढ़िया
कालीन और मुलायम मसनद थे। उसे प्रेम से बिठाया गया और चाय और कुमिस से स्वागत किया
गया। तुरंत ही एक भेड़ को मारकर अतिथि के लिए भोजन तैयार हुआ जिसके बाद पाखोम ने सभी
को वे उपहार बांटे जो वह इस हेतु ले आया था। बश्कीर आपस में बात करने लगे और फिर उन्होंने
दुभाषिये को बोलने को कहा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">दुभाषिये ने कहा- “सभी
लोग आपसे मिल कर बहुत खुश हैं और अतिथि से प्राप्त भेंट के प्रति उसकी इच्छाओं को
पूरा करना हमारा धर्म है। आपने हम सब को उपहार दे कर हम सबका मन जीत लिया है, अतः बताइये
कि ऐसा क्या है जो आपको चाहिए और हम आपको दे सकते हैं।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“मुझे केवल आपकी कुछ
जमीनें चाहिए”, पाखोम ने उत्तर दिया। “मैं जहां से आ रहा हूँ वहाँ खेती करने के
लिए जमीन की बहुत कमी है, जबकि आपके यहाँ बहुत जमीन है और वह भी इतनी अच्छी कि ऐसी
तो मैंने पहले कभी देखी ही नहीं।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">दुभाषिये ने इसका
अनुवाद किया और सभी आपस में फिर से बात करने लगे। पाखोम उनकी बातें तो नहीं समझ पा
रहा था लेकिन यह उसे स्पष्ट दिख रहा था कि वे बहुत खुश थे और बहुत हँस- हँस कर
बातें कर रहे थे। थोड़ी देर बाद वे अपनी बातें समाप्त कर उसकी तरफ देखने लगे, और
दुभाषिये ने बोलना शुरू किया।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“मुझे यह बताने को कहा
गया है कि, आपके सहृदयता के फलस्वरूप, हम आपको उतनी जमीन बेचने को तैयार हैं जितनी
भी आप चाहें। आपको बस अपने हाथों से इशारा करना है कि कितनी और वह सब आपकी होगी।“</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">तभी वे लोग आपस में फिर
से कुछ बात करने लगे और अब ऐसा लगा जैसे कि किसी बात पर कोई विवाद हो रहा है। पखोम
ने जब यह जानना चाहा कि क्या हुआ तो दुभाषिये ने बताया कि इनमे से कुछ का यह विचार
है<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>कि जमीन पर निर्णय लेने के लिए उनके
प्रमुख से नहीं पूछा गया है और उनसे पूछ के ही निर्णय लिया जाना चाहिए, जबकि अन्य
का मानना है कि इसकी कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">उन लोगों में
विचार-विमर्श चल ही रहा था कि तभी एक व्यक्ति <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ने प्रवेश किया जो एक विशेष प्रकार की टोपी पहने
था। सभी लोग उसे देख कर उसके सम्मान में खड़े हो गए। दुभाषिये ने पखोम को धीमे से
बताया कि यही बश्कीर के प्रमुख हैं। सुनते ही पाखोम ने अपने बैग से सबसे बढ़िया लॉन्ग
कोट और चाय का एक डिब्बा<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>निकाला और प्रमुख
को पूरे आदर के साथ भेंट किया। प्रमुख ने उन्हें स्वीकार किया और अपना निर्धारित
स्थान ग्रहण किया। इसके बाद उसने कुछ देर अपने लोगों की बातें-समस्याएं सुनीं और
उसके बाद पाखोम से मुस्कराते हुए मुखातिब हुआ और रूसी भाषा में बोला। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“बहुत अच्छा,” उसने कहा,
“आप कोई भी जमीन चुन लें, जहाँ भी आप चाहें। हमारे पास बहुत जमीन है।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘हम्म, तो मैं चाहे
जितनी जमीन चाहूँ ले सकता हूँ!’, पाखोम ने मन में सोचा। ‘फिर भी मुझे सब पक्का कर
लेना चाहिए। ऐसा न हो कि ये लोग कल को अपनी बात से मुकर जाएँ और दी हुयी जमीन फिर
से वापिस ले लें।’</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“आप के इन कृपालु
शब्दों के लिए बहुत बहुत आभार,’” पाखोम ने कहा। “आपने कहा कि आप के पास बहुत जमीन
है, परन्तु मुझे तो उसमें से बहुत थोड़ी सी ही चाहिए थी। मेरी इच्छा थी कि मुझे जो
जमीन आप दें वह नाप कर<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>औ रस्पष्ट<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>रूप से चिह्नित करके लिखा-पढ़ी के साथ दें। अब यह
तो सभी जानते हैं कि जीवन- मरण इश्वर के हाथ में है , और यद्यपि आप सब तो <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बहुत अच्छे लोग हैं जो मुझे अपनी जमीन दे रहे
हैं, परन्तु ऐसा न हो कि कल को आपकी संताने मुझसे वह वापस मांग लें।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“ऐसा नहीं है,” प्रमुख
ने कहा। “जमीन का हस्तांतरण तो हो गया। यह बैठक तो मात्र उसके प्रामाणीकरण के लिए
है – और हमारे यहाँ इससे पुख्ता दस्तावेज़ तो कोई होता ही नहीं।“</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“लेकिन,” पाखोम ने कहा
, “मुझे मालूम चला था कि एक व्यापारी जो हाल में यहाँ आया था और जिसको आपने जमीन
बेची थी, उसे आपने बाकायदा दस्तावेज़ दिए थे। इसलिए मुझे भी यदि ऐसे ही लिखा-पढ़ी
में जमीन दी जाती तो बड़ा एहसान होता।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">प्रमुख सब समझ गया।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“कोई बात नहीं,” उसने
उत्तर दिया, “हमारे यहाँ अभिलिखित करने वाले हैं, और कल हम शहर जायेंगे और आवश्यक
मोहरें भी ले आयेंगे जिससे दस्तावेज़ तैयार किये जा सकें।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“लेकिन आपने जमीन का
मूल्य नहीं बताया?”, पाखोम ने पूछा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“ओह! हमारा मूल्य है ,”
प्रमुख ने जवाब दिया, “एक हजार रूबल प्रति दिन।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">दिवस के हिसाब से जमीन
का यह मूल्य पाखोम की समझ में बिलकुल नहीं आया।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“यह कितना एकड़ होगा?”,
पाखोम ने पूछा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“हम लोग वैसे निर्धारण
नहीं करते,’ प्रमुख ने कहा। “हम लोग दिन के हिसाब से ही जमीन बेचते हैं। कहने का
मतलब यह है कि एक दिन में आप पैदल चल कर जितनी जमीन नाप डालेंगे उतनी जमीन आप की।
हमारी नाप यही है और एक दिन की कीमत एक हजार रूबल।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम अचरज से बोला –
“तब तो एक दिन में तो बहुत सारी जमीन घेरी जा सकती है!”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">प्रमुख मुस्कुराया।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“बिलकुल। और वह सब
आपकी। बस एक शर्त है – और वह यह कि, यदि आप उसी दिन, उसी स्थान पर लौट कर न आ सके,
जहाँ से चले थे, तो आप का पैसा जब्त हो जाएगा।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“लेकिन वह स्थल कैसे
निर्धारित किया जायेगा जहाँ से शुरुआत होगी?”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“जिस भी स्थान से आप
चाहें,” प्रमुख ने उत्तर दिया। “हम और हमारे आदमी उस स्थान पर रुके रहेंगे जहाँ से
आप शरुआत करेंगे। आपके पीछे हमारे कुछ लोग घोड़े पर चलते रहेंगे और जहाँ-जहाँ आप
कहेंगे वहाँ-वहाँ निशान के लिए खूँटे गाड़ देंगे। फावड़े से भी निशान <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बना देंगे। बस यही ध्यान रखना है कि सूरज ढलने
के पूर्व ही उस स्थान पर वापस पहुँच जाना है जहाँ से प्रारंभ किया था। जितने जमीन
आप तय कर लेंगे, वह सब आपकी।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम ने सभी शर्तें
स्वीकार कर लीं और यह तय हुआ कि अगले दिन तड़के ही कार्य शुरू कर दिया जाएगा। इसके
बाद पुनः बातचीत, कुमिस, चाय और, मटन का दौर देर रात्रि तक चलता रहा और फिर पाखोम
को मुलायम गद्दे लगे बिस्तर पर लिटा कर बश्कीर लोगों ने अगले दिन नदी किनारे एकत्रित
होने का वायदा कर रात्रि के लिए विदा ली।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम एक क्षण भी नहीं
सो पाया। उसकी आँखों में तो जमीन थी जिस पर उसे खेती करनी थी। वह रात भर उसी के
बारे में सोचता रहा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“मैंने निश्चय कर लिया
है कि कल अधिक से अधिक क्षेत्रफल तय करने का प्रयास करूंगा- अहा! जमीन! कुछ
वैसा<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ही सुखमय जैसा अब्राहम के लिए ईश्वर
द्वारा प्रतिश्रुत देश रहा होगा! एक दिन में पैंतीस मील तो आसानी से तय कर ही
लूंगा। कितनी जमीन उसमें आ जायगी? लगभाग तीस हजार एकड़ ! तब मैं किसी के अधीन नहीं
रहूँगा और, बैल, हल और आदमी भी रख लूंगा। अच्छी वाली जमीन पर तो खेती करूंगा और <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बाकी पशुओं के चारे <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>के लिए रहेगी ।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">''<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम रात भर नहीं सोया।
भोर के कुछ पहले उसकी आंख झपी ही थी कि वह स्वप्न देखने लगा। बाहर से किसी की खिलखिलाकर
हंसने की आवाज उसके कानों में आई। अचरज हुआ कि यह कौन हो सकता है</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">? <span lang="HI">उठकर
बाहर आकर देखा कि बाहर वह प्रमुख ही <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बैठा
जोर-जोर से हँस रहा है। हँसी के मारे उसने <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>अपना पेट पकड़ रखा है। पास जाकर पाखोम ने जैसे
ही पूछना चाहा कि वह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ऐसे क्यों हँस रहा
है, तो देखता है कि वहाँ प्रमुख तो है नहीं</span>, <span lang="HI">बल्कि वह व्यापारी
बैठा है जो अभी कुछ दिन पहले उसे अपने देश में मिला था और जिसने उसे इस जमीन की
बात बताई थी। जैसे ही पाखोम उससे पूछने को हुआ कि ‘तुम वही हो न जो मेरे घर पर कुछ
दिन पहले ठहरे थे</span>?<span lang="HI">’, उसने <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>देखा कि वह तो वह व्यापारी भी नहीं है बल्कि वही
पुराना किसान है जिसने मुद्दत हुई वोल्गा नदी के पार की जमीन का पता दिया था।
लेकिन अंत में <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>देखता है कि यह तो वह किसान
भी नहीं है</span>, <span lang="HI">बल्कि खुद शैतान है</span>, <span lang="HI">जिसके
खुर हैं और सींग है। वही वहाँ बैठा सामने कुछ देख रहा है और जोर-जोर से हँस रहा
है। पाखोम ने उस ओर ध्यान से देखा जिधर शैतान देख कर हँसे जा रहा था। उसने देखा कि
वहाँ एक आदमी पड़ा हुआ है - नंगे पैर</span>,<span lang="HI"> बदन पर बस एक कुर्त्ता
और घुड़सवारी वाला पायजामा - चेहरा कफ़न<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>सा
सफ़ेद। और जब उसने और ध्यान से <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>देखा तो यह दिखा
कि वह पड़ा हुआ आदमी और कोई नहीं बल्कि खुद पाखोम <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ही है!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">वह नींद में ही चौंक
उठा और जग गया। उसे ऐसा लग रहा था कि वह सब कुछ सच में हो रहा था। उसने खिड़की की
ओर देखा तो पाया कि भोर होने <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ही वाली थी।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘अरे! यह तो निकलने का
समय हो गया,’, उसने सोचा। ‘मुझे उन लोगों को जगाना चाहिए।’</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम उठा, अपने सेवक
को जगाया और उस से कहा कि घोड़े को तैयार करे और बश्कीर लोगों को कह दे कि वे जल्द
चलें क्योंकि जमीन को नापने का वक़्त हो गया है।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">कुछ ही देर में प्रमुख
भी आ गया। सबने कुमिस का नाश्ता किया और जब पाखोम को चाय की पेशकश की गयी तो उसने
मना कर दिया। वह बेचैन हो रहा था– “समय हो गया है। कार्य करना है तो बस तत्काल
चलिए आप लोग”, उसने कहा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; tab-stops: 6.5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">सब लोग निकल पड़े और कुछ ही देर में खुले मैदान पर
पहुँच गये। पौ बस फट ही रही थी। वे लोग एक छोटे से टीले की ओर बढ़े और वहाँ पहुँच
कर अपने-अपने घोड़ों से उतरे और एक जगह एकत्र हो गए। प्रमुख पाखोम के पास आया और
अपने हाथ से सभी दिशाओं की ओर दिखाते हुए बोला –“यहाँ से <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>जितनी भी जमीन चारों और दिख रही है वह हमारी ही
है। आप कोई भी दिशा चुन सकते हैं।” </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; tab-stops: 6.5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम की आँखें चमक रहीं थीं। उसके सामने घास के
मैदान का अनंत विस्तार था। सीने तक की ऊंची घास का ऐसा विस्तार जो केवल कहीं-कहीं
किसी बीच गुजरते<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>नाले से ही टूटता दिखता
था और जो उस धरती की उर्वरता को स्पष्ट प्रकट कर रहा था।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; tab-stops: 6.5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">प्रमुख ने अपनी टोपी उतारी और टीले के ठीक बीच वाले
स्थान पर रख दी। “यह निशान होगा”, उसने कहा। “आप जमीन का मूल्य इसमें रख दें, और
आपका सेवक इसके पास ही रुका रहेगा जब आप अभी जायेंगे। आप इसी निशान से चलना शुरू
करेंगे और वापस भी इसी जगह पर ही लौटना होगा। जमीन का जितना क्षेत्रफल आप तय कर
लेंगे वह सब आपकी होगी।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; tab-stops: 6.5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम ने पैसे निकाले और उस टोपी में रख दिए। उसने
अपना अंगरखा उतार दिया, अपनी बेल्ट को कमर पर कसा, खाने कि पोटली अंगोछे में
बांधी, पानी का एक फ्लास्क लटकाया, जूते ठीक किये और चलने के लिए तैयार हो गया।
सोचने लगा कि किस दिशा को चुनूँ। सभी तरफ तो बढ़िया धरती थी। ‘जब सभी ओर ही अच्छी
जमीन है तो मैं उगते सूरज की ओर चलता हूँ,’ उसने कुछ देर सोचने की बाद निर्णय
लिया। उसने पूरब की और मुँह किया और सूरज की पहली किरण के दिखने की प्रतीक्षा करने
लगा। ‘मुझे ज़रा भी समय नहीं खोना है,’ उसने सोचा, ‘और सुबह के समय जब थोड़ा ठंडा
रहेगा तो अधिक से अधिक दूरी तय कर लेना है।’</span><a name="_GoBack"></a><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; tab-stops: 6.5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">क्षितिज पर सूर्य की पहली किरण दिखते ही पाखोम ने
अपने कदम बढ़ा दिए। पीछे-पीछे घुड़सवार भी चल दिए।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">वह न धीरे चल रहा था और
न तेज़। हजार गज से कुछ अधिक दूरी के बाद वह रुक गया और उस स्थान पर निशान के लिए
एक खूँटी गड़वायी। वह फिर चलने लगा। धीरे- धीरे शरीर का आलस्य कम हो रहा था,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>गति में फुर्ती के साथ-साथ डग भी लम्बे होने
लगे थे। कुछ देर बाद वह फिर रुका और उस स्थान पर एक और खूँटी गड़वायी। उसने सूरज की
ओर देखा जो उस टीले को प्रकाशित कर रहा था जिस पर लोग खड़े दिख रहे थे। उसने अंदाजा
लगाया कि वह लगभग साढ़े पाँच हजार गज की दूरी तय कर चुका है। उसे अब थोड़ी गरमी लगने
लगी थी अतः उसने अपनी फतुही (वेस्टकोट) निकाल दिया, और अपनी बेल्ट को फिर से कसा। वह
लगभग पाँच हजार गज और चला और फिर रुक गया। उसे अब काफी गरम लगने लगा था। उसने सूरज
की ओर देखा तो उसे लगा कि नाश्ते का समय हो गया है। ‘एक पहर तो बीत गया। लेकिन दिन
में चार पहर होते हैं । अरे, अभी तो जल्दी है। लेकिन जूते तो उतार ही डालूं।’, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>यह सोच उसने जूते उतारकर दिए और बढ़ चला। अब चलना
आसान था। सोचा</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">‘अभी तीन</span>-<span lang="HI">एक मील तो और भी
चला चलूं। तब दिशा बदलूंगा। कैसी बेहतरीन जमीन है। इसे हाथ से जाने देना मूर्खता ही
होगी। क्या बात है! जितना आगे बढ़ता जाता हूँ, उतनी ही बेहतरीन जमीन मिलती जाती
है!’ कुछ देर वह सीधा ही बढ़ता चला। फिर पीछे मुड़कर देखा तो टीला बड़ी मुश्किल <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>से दीख पड़ रहा था, और उस पर के आदमी छोटी-छोटी
चींटी से।</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘अब’, उसने अपने से
बोला, ‘मैंने काफी बड़ा वृत्त बना लिया है और मुझे लौटना चाहिए।’ वह पसीने से
तर-बतर था और प्यास से बेहाल। उसने कंधे से फ्लास्क उतारकर पानी पिया, उस स्थान पर
एक खूँटी गड़वायी, और वहाँ से बाएं घूम गया। चलता गया</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">चलता गया,
ऊंची घास, और प्रचंड गरमी के बीच। वह थकने लगा था। सूरज की ओर देखा तो उसे लगा कि
भोजन का वक़्त हो गया है। सोचा</span>, <span lang="HI">अब जरा आराम कर लेना चाहिए।
अतः वह वहाँ रुक गया। अपनी पोटली से निकाल कर रोटी खाया, लेकिन खड़े खड़े ही। उसने
अपने आप से कहा- ‘यदि मैं बैठ गया तो शायद लेट भी जाऊं, और तब फिर शायद सो भी
जाऊंगा।’ इसलिए वह बस<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>कुछ देर वहाँ रुका
रहा, और जैसे ही लगा कि थकान कुछ कम हो गयी है तो पुनः चल पड़ा। प्रारम्भ में तो
चलना आसान लगा क्योंकि भोजन ने उसे ऊर्जा दे दी थी, पर जल्द ही सूर्य की गरमी बढ़ती
महसूस होने लगी। पाखोम थकान से चूर था लेकिन फिर उसने यह कह अपने को शक्ति दी -‘बस
घड़ी दो घड़ी का कष्ट और जीवन भर का सुख।’ </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">इस वृत्त में वह लगभग
सात मील की दूरी तय कर चुका था और अब बस अन्दर की ओर बाएं मुड़ने ही वाला था कि तभी
एक सूखे नाले से लगा हुआ एक बहुत ही बेहतरीन टुकड़ा दिखायी दे गया। ‘इसे तो छोड़ा ही
नहीं जा सकता। यह जमीन तो अलसी उगाने<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>के
लिए गज़ब की है’, उसने तुरंत सोचा। अतः वह मुड़ा नहीं , सीधे ही <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बढ़ गया और नाले को अपनी जद में ले लेने के बाद वहाँ
एक खूँटी गड़वायी, और तब अन्दर की ओर मुड़ा।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">टीले की ओर देखने पर
वहाँ खड़े लोगों की मात्र आकृतियाँ ही नज़र आ रही थीं। वे कम से कम दस मील की दूरी
पर तो थे ही। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">‘मैंने अपने घेरे की दो
लम्बी भुजाएं तो नाप ली हैं , अब इस अंतिम वाली को थोडा छोटा ही रखता हूँ।’, यह
सोचते हुए वह चक्कर के अंतिम भाग को पूर्ण करने के लिए चलना शुरू किया और अपनी चाल
भी बढ़ा दी। उसने चलते-चलते सूरज की ओर देखा तो वह उसे शाम का आभास देता दिखा; और
इधर मात्र डेढ़ मील की ही दूरी तय हो पायी थी। जिस बिंदु से प्रारंभ किया गया था वह
तो अभी साढ़े आठ मील दूर था। ‘चाहे जितना भी ऊबड़-खाबड़ पथ हो, मुझे और तेज़ चलना
चाहिए। अब मुझे रास्ते में एक भी जमीन के और किसी टुकड़े के बारे में नहीं सोचना
है। वैसे भी मैंने काफी बड़ा<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>घेरा तय कर
लिया है।’ अपने आप से वह यह सब कहते हुए टीले की ओर तेज़ी से बढ़ने लगा। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन अब चलते मुश्किल
होती थी। नंगे पैर जगह-जगह कट और छिल गये थे और टांगें जवाब दे रही थीं। कितना जी
कर रहा था कि थोड़ा आराम कर लेता</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">लेकिन यह कैसे हो सकता था</span>? <span lang="HI">सूरज छिपने से पहले उसे वहां वापस पहुँच जाना था। सूरज किसी की बाट देखता तो
बैठा नहीं रहता! वह पल-पल नीचे ढल रहा था और किसी कोचवान की तरह उसे हाँक रहा था। वह
सोचता जा रहा था- ‘मेरा हिसाब कुछ गलत तो नहीं हो गया? ऐसा तो नहीं कि मैंने कुछ
अधिक भूमि ले ली है और मैं वापस पहुँच ही न पाऊँ? अरे! अभी तो बहुत दूरी तय करने
को पड़ी है और मैं थक के चूर हो चुका हूँ। कहीं मेरी सारी मेहनत और पैसा व्यर्थ न
चला जाय? नहीं, बिलकुल नहीं, मुझे सफल होना ही है।</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">पाखोम ने अपनी पूरी
ताकत बटोरी और दौड़ना शुरू कर दिया। उसके पैर फट चुके थे और उनसे खून रिसने लगा था,
लेकिन वह फिर भी दौड़ रहा था, दौड़ता जा रहा था, दौड़ता ही जा रहा था।<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>वास्केट, जूते, फ्लास्क, टोपी- उसने बारी-बारी
सब फेंक दिए। ‘आह!’ उसके मन में ख्याल आया, ‘मैं यहाँ यह सब देख कर कुछ अधिक ही
खुश<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>हो गया था। लेकिन अब तो सब कुछ खो रहा
हूँ , और अब मैं सूर्यास्त तक उस बिंदु तक पहुँच नहीं पाऊंगा।’ </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">उसका भय उसे और बेदम
बना रहा था, पर वह दौड़ रहा था, पसीने से उसकी शर्त और पतलून उसके शरीर से चिपक गये
थे, और उसका मुँह सूख गया था। उसका सीना किसी लोहार की धौंकनी की तरह चल रहा था और
उसके दिल पर हथोड़े से पड़ रहे थे, जबकि उसके पैर टूट से गये थे और ऐसा लग रहा था कि
वे उसके शरीर के साथ अब हैं ही नहीं। उसके दिमाग से जमीन के सारे ख्याल निकल चुके
थे। उसे केवल एक ही ख्याल था कि बस वह ज़िंदा बच जाये। परन्तु, यद्यपि वह अपनी जान
को लेकर इतना भयभीत था, वह तब भी रुक नहीं पा रहा था। वह सोच रहा था, ‘इतनी दूर आ
कर मैं रुक जाऊं! तब तो मुझे सब मूर्ख ही समझेंगे।’ अब तो उसे बश्कीरों की आवाज़ भी
सुनायी दे रही थी जो उसे आवाज़ देकर उसका उत्साह बढ़ा रहे थे। उनके शोर ने उसमें एक
नयी ऊर्जा का संचार किया, और उधर सूरज क्षितिज को छू ही रहा था कि उसने<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>अपनी समस्त बची हुयी ताकत दौड़ने में <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>झोंक दी। आह! अब तो वह निर्दिष्ट स्थान के
बिल्कुल निकट था! उसे टीले पर खड़े, उसे हाथ हिलाते और उसका उत्साहवर्धन करते लोग
साफ़ दिखाई दे रहे थे। और तो और, उसे तो जमीन पर रखी वह टोपी भी दिखाई दे रही थी और
उसमें रखे पैसे भी, जिसके बगल में प्रमुख बैठा हुआ था- जो अपना पेट पकड़ कर हँसता
ही जा रहा था।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">अचानक पाखोम को अपना
देखा स्वप्न याद आ गया। ‘ओह</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">जमीन तो मैंने <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>काफी नाप डाली है</span>,<span lang="HI">’ उसने
सोचा। <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘बस ईश्वर मुझे उसको भोगने के लिए
बचने</span> <span lang="HI">दे</span>?<span lang="HI"> मेरी</span> <span lang="HI">जान तो गई लगती है।’ पर वह तब भी दौड़ता रहा। उसने अंतिम बार सूरज की ओर
देखा। बड़ा और लाल, वह धरती को छू चुका था और अब क्षितिज से नीचे जा रहा था। उधर
सूरज डूबा और इधर पाखोम टीले तक पहुँच गया। ‘आह!’, उसे लगा कि उसने सब कुछ खो दिया
और हताशा में उसके मुँह से एक चीख निकल गयी। पर तभी उसे ख्याल आया कि वह तो टीले
के नीचे है और भले उसके लिए सूरज छिप गया है, टीले पर खड़े लोगों को तो वह अब भी
दिखायी दे रहा होगा। वह टीले की <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ढलान पर
तेज़ी से<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>चढ़ने लगा और चढ़ते-चढ़ते देखा कि
टोपी यथावत रखी है। तभी वह लड़खड़ा कर गिरा- पर गिरते गिरते भी उसने अपना हाथ बढ़ाया</span>-<span lang="HI"> और उस टोपी को छू लिया</span>!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“वाह, नौजवान,” प्रमुख
जोर से बोला, “निस्संदेह, आपने बहुत सारी जमीन अर्जित कर ली।”</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">सेवक दौड़ कर पाखोम के
पास गया और उसे उठाने की कोशिश की, लेकिन उसके मुँह से खून निकल रहा था। पाखोम मृत
हो चुका था। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">सेवक विस्मित हो जोर से
चीखा, परन्तु प्रमुख उसी तरह अपने पुट्ठों पर बैठा अपना पेट पकड़ कर ठठा कर हँसता
ही जा<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>रहा था।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">कुछ देर बाद जब किसी
तरह उसकी हँसी रुकी तो वह उठा, जमीन से एक कुदाल उठायी और सेवक की ओर फेंका।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">“दफना दो”, केवल इतना
ही कहा और मुड़ कर चल दिया।</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">बाकी बश्कीर गण भी उठे
और वे भी उसके पीछे चल दिए। </span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">वहाँ केवल सेवक रह गया।
</span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">उसने पाखोम के शरीर की
लम्बाई के बराबर कब्र खोदी- छह फीट- और उसे उसमे दफ़न कर दिया। <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51;"><span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">-------------------&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&------------------<br /></span></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(234, 241, 221); margin-left: 0.5in; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: right; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;">अनुवाद और सम्पादन- डॉ स्कन्द शुक्ल</span></u><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.5in;"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" lang="HI" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial Unicode MS", "sans-serif"" style="color: #215868; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-10441753997881102021-09-22T04:03:00.005-07:002021-09-22T04:03:52.458-07:00लड़की- 'सरस्वती' के नवीनतम अंक (अप्रैल-जून 2021) में प्रकाशित प्रसिद्ध अमरीकी कहानीकार ओ. हेनरी की कहानी ‘गर्ल’ का हिन्दी अनुवाद<p><br /></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: center; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">-------------------------लड़की---------------------------------
</span></span><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">कमरा नम्बर 962 के दरवाज़े पर लगे पारदर्शी से शीशे पर सुनहरे अक्षरों में लिखा था – ‘रॉबिन्स एवं हार्टले ब्रोकर्स’। सभी क्लर्क जा चुके थे। पाँच के ऊपर का समय था, और इस वक़्त उस गगनचुम्बी बीस मंजिला कार्यालयीय इमारत में सफाई-कर्मी महिलाओं की फौज ने, उच्च नस्लीय पर्चरोन घोड़ों के झुण्ड सी धमक के साथ, धावा बोल रखा था। अर्ध-खुली खिड़कियों से नींबू-छिलकों, कोयले के धुंए और, लैंप जलाने के लिए इस्तेमाल होने वाले ट्रेन-आयल की महक लिए गरम हवा के झोंके आ रहा थे। </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">फर्स्ट नाईट शो और होटलों के भव्य पाम-रूम का शौक़ीन, पचास की उम्र, पृथुल काया और रंगीले मिजाज का रोब्बिंस, अपने पार्टनर से, उसके द्वारा प्रतिदिन उपनगर से शहर तक की जाने वाली यात्रा के आनन्द से ईर्ष्या का दिखावा कर रहा था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“तुम शहर के बाहर रहने वाले लोगों के भी क्या मजें हैं”, उसने कहा। “इस उमस भरी रात्रि में भी मस्ती ही होगी– सामने पोर्च पर पसरी चांदनी, टिड्डों की आवाज़, खाना पीना और खूब सारी ड्रिंक्स।“</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">उनतीस के, गंभीर, दुबले -पतले, सुन्दर, कुछ परेशान से दिख रहे हार्टले ने भोंहें सिकोड़ीं और एक निःश्वास के साथ बोला –‘हाँ, फ्लोरल-हर्स्ट की रातें हमेशा ही खूबसूरत होती हैं, ख़ास तौर पर जाड़ों में।’</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">तभी एक रहस्यमय से व्यक्ति ने दरवाजे से प्रवेश किया और सीधा हार्टले के पास पंहुचा ।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“मैंने पता कर लिया है कि वह कहाँ रहती है,” उसने उस दिखावटी फुसफुसाहट के साथ घोषणा की जो एक जासूस को अन्य लोगों के बीच कुछ विशिष्ट दर्शाती है।</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले ने उसे ऐसा तरेरा कि उसने तुरंत ही एक नाटकीय चुप्पी साध ली। परन्तु तब तक रोब्बिंस अपनी छड़ी ले चुका था और टाई-पिन को मनमाफिक ठीक कर, स्टाइल से सिर को झुका कर इशारा करते हुए महानगरीय आमोदों का आनन्द लेने बाहर निकल चुका था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“यह है उसका पता”, जासूस ने सामान्य तरीके से कहा, क्योंकि अब आडम्बर दिखाने के लिए उसके इर्द-गिर्द कोई श्रोता मौजूद नहीं था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">मैली सी किसी नोट बुक से फाड़े हुए उस पेज को हार्टले ने अपने हाथ में लिया। उस पर पेंसिल से लिखा था – “विविएन अर्लिंग्टन, 341 पूर्व – स्ट्रीट, द्वारा श्रीमती मैक्कॉमस।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“यह यहाँ एक सप्ताह पहले ही आयी है,” जासूस ने बोला।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“अगर आप और जानकारी के लिए इसका पीछा करवाना चाहते हैं तो वह भी मैं कर सकता हूँ , इस शहर में किसी भी अन्य जासूस से बेहतर। रोज के केवल सात डॉलर, और खर्च। प्रतिदिन की टाइप की हुई रिपोर्ट आप को उपलब्ध हो जायेगी ...”</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“बस बस,” हार्टले ने उसे रोका। “यह उस प्रकार का केस नहीं है। मुझे केवल उसका पता चाहिए था। बताइए उसका कितना हुआ?”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“यह तो मात्र एक दिन का काम था, “ जासूस ने कहा। “बस एक 10 डॉलर का नोट बहुत है।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले ने उसे पैसे दिए और विदा किया। इसके बाद वह तुरंत ऑफिस से निकला और पूरब की ओर जाने वाली इलेक्ट्रिक ब्रॉडवे स्ट्रीट-कार पकड़ी। शहर के बाहर ले जाने वाले विशाल मार्ग पर उसने पूरब की ओर जाने वाली गाड़ी पकड़ी जिसने उसे शहर के एक ऐसे खस्ताहाल हो रहे इलाके में पहुँचा दिया जिसकी पुरानी संरचना में कभी नगर के गौरव और वैभव का वास हुआ करता था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">कुछ दूर पैदल चलकर जल्द ही वह उस बिल्डिंग तक पहुँच गया जिसे वह ढूँढ रहा था। वह एक नया अपार्टमेंट था और सस्ते पत्थर से बने प्रवेश-द्वार पर तराशा हुआ भारी-भरकम नाम लिखा था, “वैलमब्रोज़ा”। सामने की ओर ही घुमावदार फायर-एस्केप था जिस पर घरेलू सामान, सूखते कपड़े और, गरमी से परेशान बाहर निकल आये रोते बच्चे लदे थे। विविध ढेर के बीच जहाँ-तहाँ पीले पड़ चुके रबड़ के पौधे ऐसे झाँक रहे थे मानो वे खुद ही समझ न पा रहे हों कि वे हैं क्या - जन्तु, वनस्पति या, कृत्रिम।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले ने ‘मैक्कॉमस’ नाम पर स्थित बटन को दाबा। सिटकनी कुछ ऐसे अटक अटक के खुली – एक क्षण आतिथ्य भाव से तो दूसरे क्षण संशयपूर्ण- मानो इस दुश्चिन्ता में हो कि आगन्तुक कोई मित्र है या कोई लेनदार, और उसे अंदर आने दें भी या नहीं। दरवाजा खुलते ही हार्टले अन्दर घुस गया और सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ने लगा – उस बच्चे के जैसे जो सेब के पेड़ पर चढ़ता हुआ तभी रुकता है जब उसे अपना अभीष्ट मिल जाता है।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">चौथी मंजिल पर एक फ्लैट के खुले दरवाजे पर उसे विविएन खड़ी दिखाई पड़ी। हल्के से सिर हिला कर और एक सहज मुस्कान के साथ उसने उसे अंदर आने के लिए आमंत्रित किया। हार्टले के लिए उसने खिड़की के पास एक कुर्सी रखी, और खुद वहीं ढँके-तोपे रखे फर्नीचर के किनारे ख़ूबसूरती से टेक ले कर खड़ी हो गयी।</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले ने कुछ बोलने के पहले उसकी ओर एक त्वरित-समीक्षा करती प्रशंसात्मक दृष्टि डाली और मन ही मन महसूस किया कि चयन में उसकी पसन्द त्रुटिहीन रही है।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">विविएन लगभग इक्कीस की थी । शुद्ध जर्मन रूप-रंग। करीने से कढ़े लालिमा लिए सुनहरे बाल- जिसका एक-एक रेशा अपनी विशिष्ट कान्ति और रंग के कोमल आरोह-अवरोह के साथ चमक रहा था। हाथी-दाँत जैसे उसके स्निग्ध-श्वेत रंग से सामंजस्य बैठाती उसकी समुद्र की तरह गहरी और नीली आँखें, किसी मत्स्यकन्या या किसी अनजान पहाडी नदी की परी का आभास करा रही थीं, जो इस दुनिया को निष्कपट शांति से देख रही हो। मजबूत काठी के साथ साथ उसमें नैसर्गिक लावण्य भी था। यद्यपि उसके रंग और शरीर की रूप-रेखाओं में अमरीका के उत्तरी क्षेत्र वाली स्पष्टता दिखती थी, उसमें ऊष्णीय क्षेत्र का भी कुछ प्रभाव था। आलस्य से भरी उसकी मुद्रा, आत्मसंतोष का भाव और, श्वसन मात्र में एक ऐसी सहजता, उसे प्रकृति की ऐसी उत्कृष्ट कृति और प्रशंसनीयता का अधिकार प्रदान करती थी जैसे किसी दुर्लभ फूल अथवा दबे हुए रंग वाले कबूतरों के बीच किसी श्वेत फ़ाख्ता को।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">उसने सफ़ेद टॉप और गहरे रंग की स्कर्ट पहनी हुयी थी – हंस-कन्या वाली उस प्रसिद्ध परी-कथा में हंस-कन्या और राजकुमारी के छद्म-वेश जैसी। </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“विविएन”, हार्टले ने विनती के से स्वर में उसे संबोधित करते हुए बोला, “तुमने मेरे पिछले पत्र का कोई उत्तर नहीं दिया। एक सप्ताह तक ढूढ़ने के बाद तो तुम्हारा यह नया पता मिल पाया। तुमने मुझे अनिश्चय में क्यों रखा हुआ है, जब कि तुम अच्छी तरह जानती हो कि मैं तुम्हें देखने और तुमसे बात करने के लिए कितना व्याकुल था?</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">लड़की स्वप्निल दृष्टि से खिड़की के बाहर देखने लगी थी।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“मिस्टर हार्टले”, उसने कुछ हिचकिचाते से स्वर में बोला , “मैं आपसे क्या कहूँ , समझ नहीं पा रही। मुझे अहसास है कि आपका प्रस्ताव मेरे लिए बहुत लाभदायक है, और मुझे यह भी लगता है कि मैं प्रसन्न भी रहूँगी। पर फिर मन सशंकित हो उठता है। मैं एक शहर की लड़की हूँ, और मुझे अपने को एक छोटे से शांत कस्बे या उपनगर में बाँध कर रहने में डर लगता है।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“अरे मेरी प्यारी,” हार्टले ने भावुकता से कहा, “क्या मैंने तुमसे यह नहीं कह रखा है कि जो भी तुम चाहोगी और, जो मेरी शक्ति में होगा, तुम्हें वह हर कुछ सुलभ होगा? जब भी तुम चाहो शहर आ सकती हो, थिएटर के लिए, शॉपिंग के लिए, अथवा अपने मित्रों से मिलने। मेरे ऊपर तुम्हें विश्वास तो है, है कि नहीं? </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“पूर्णतया”, उसने एक मधुर मुस्कान के साथ अपनी उन स्पष्टवक्त नज़र को उस पर डालते हुए उत्तर दिया। मैं जानती हूँ कि आप अति सहृदय हैं और जो भी लड़की आप को मिलेगी वह बहुत सौभाग्यशाली होगी। मैंने आप के बारे में सब जान लिया था जब मैं मोंट्गोमरी परिवार के साथ थी।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आह!”, हार्टले ने एक गहरी साँस ली और उसकी आँखें अतीत की स्मृति से चमक उठीं। “खूब याद है मुझे जब मैंने तुम्हें पहली बार मोंट्गोमेरी परिवार में देखा था। श्रीमती मोंट्गोमरी तो पूरी शाम तुम्हारी ही प्रशंसा करती रहीं। और फिर भी, वे शायद ही तुम्हारे साथ न्याय कर सकीं। उस रात्रि-भोज को तो मैं भूल ही नहीं सकता। विविएन, तुम मुझसे वादा करो। मैं चाहता हूँ कि तुम मेरे साथ आओ। इस बात से तुम्हें कभी भी पछतावा नहीं होगा। कोई और तुम्हें इतना अच्छा घर न दे सकेगा।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">लड़की ने गहरी साँस ली और नीचे अपने जुड़े हुए हाथों को देखने लगी।</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">अचानक हार्टले शंका और ईर्ष्या से उद्विग्न हो उठा।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“विविएन, मुझे बताओ”, उसे ध्यान से देखते हुए वह बोला, “क्या कोई और है — कोई दूसरा भी है क्या?”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">उसकी गर्दन और गालों पर गुलाबी लालिमा फैल गयी।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आपको यह नहीं पूछना चाहिए मिस्टर हार्टले”, उसने कुछ असहजता से कहा। “पर मैं आपको बता देती हूँ। एक हैं – पर उन्हें कोई अधिकार नहीं है – मैंने उनसे कुछ भी वादा नहीं किया है।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“नाम?”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“टाउनसेंड।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“रफ्फोर्ड टाउनसेंड!” हार्टले ने भावावेश में अपने जबड़ों को कसते हुए बोला। </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आखिर वह तुम्हारे बारे में कैसे जान पाया? वह भी तब, जब मैंने इतना कुछ उसके लिए किया है...”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“उनकी ऑटो अभी-अभी नीचे रुकी है”, विविएन ने खिड़की की देहली पर झुकते हुए कहा। “वे अपने उत्तर के लिए आ रहे हैं। ओह, कुछ समझ नहीं आ रहा कि मैं क्या करूँ!”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">किचन में बजती कॉल बेल की आवाज़ आयी। विविएन दरवाज़ा खोलने के लिए बढ़ी।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“तुम यहीं रुको,” हार्टले बोला। “मैं उससे हॉल में मिलता हूँ।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">टाउनसेंड अपने ट्वीड वस्त्रों, पनामा हैट, और काली घुमावदार मूछों में एक भद्र स्पेनिश दिख रहा था। वह तेजी से, एक बार में तीन-तीन सीढ़ियाँ चढ़ता आ रहा था। हार्टले को देखते ही वह रुक गया और असमंजस से ताकने लगा।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“वापस लौट जाओ,”, हार्टले अपनी तर्जनी से नीचे जाती सीढ़ियों को दिखाते हुए दृढ़तापूर्वक बोला।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“हलो!”, टाउनसेंड ने आश्चर्य दर्शाते हुए कहा। “अरे क्या हो रहा है? आखिर तुम यहाँ कैसे, बंधु?”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“वापस जाओ”, हार्टले ने कड़ाई से दुहराया। “जंगल का कानून। यह शिकार मेरा है।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“मैं तो बस अपने बाथरूम में कुछ काम के संबंध में एक प्लम्बर के लिए आया था”, टाउनसेंड ने बहादुरी से उत्तर दिया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“ठीक है,” हार्टले ने कहा। “ तुम इस झूठ का प्लास्टर अपनी विश्वासघाती आत्मा पर लगा सकते हो। लेकिन, यहाँ से वापस जाओ।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हवा में तैर कर ऊपर पंहुचने के लिए कुछ दुर्वचन वहीं छोड़, टाउनसेंड सीढ़ियों से नीचे चला गया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले पुनः मान-मुन्नवल करने वापस आ गया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“विविएन,” उसने अधिकारपूर्वक कहा। “मुझे तुम चाहिए। मैं अब किसी प्रकार का इन्कार अथवा टाल-मटोल नहीं स्वीकार करूंगा।” </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आप मुझे कब ले जाना चाहते है?” उसने पूछा।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“इसी वक़्त। जितनी जल्दी तुम तैयार हो जाओ।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">वह सामने शांत खड़ी हो गयी और उसकी आँखों में सीधे देखते हुए बोली-</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“जरा एक क्षण के लिए सोचिये,” उसने कहा, “जब तक आपके घर में हेलोइस मौजूद है तब तक क्या मैं वहाँ कदम भी रखूंगी?”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले अचकचा गया, जैसे उस पर कोई अप्रत्याशित वार हुआ हो। अपनी बांहों को मोड़ कर वह वहीं चहलकदमी करने लगा।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“वह चली जायेगी,” हार्टले ने कठोर उद्घोष किया। उसके माथे पर पसीने की बूँदें आ गयी थीं। “आखिर मैं उस औरत को अपने जीवन को नारकीय बनाने क्यों दूंगा? जब से मैंने उसे जाना है, मुझे एक दिन का भी चैन नहीं मिला है। तुम सही हो विविएन। तुम्हें अपने घर ले चलने के पूर्व मुझे पहले हेलोइस को हटाना पड़ेगा। लेकिन वह चली जायेगी। मैंने निश्चय कर लिया है। उसे अपने घर से निकाल ही दूंगा।“ </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आप ऐसा कब करेंगे?”, लड़की ने पूछा।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हार्टले ने अपने दांतों को भींचा और माथे पर बल दिया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“आज रात ही”, उसने दृढ़ता के साथ कहा। “आज रात ही मैं उसे बाहर का रास्ता दिखा दूंगा।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“तब”, विविएन ने बोला, “मेरा उत्तर ‘हाँ’ है।“</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">उसने उसकी आँखों में एक मधुर और निश्छल दृष्टि से देखा। यह सब कुछ इतना शीघ्रता से हुआ कि हार्टले को विश्वास ही नहीं हो पा रहा था कि उसका समर्पण सच्चा था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“वादा करो!” उसने भावुक होकर कहा, “अपने वचन और सम्मान के नाम पर।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“मेरे वचन और सम्मान के नाम पर,” विविएन ने कोमलता से दुहराया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">दरवाजे पर वह मुड़ा और खुशी से उसकी ओर देखा, लेकिन, वैसे ही, जैसे अभी भी अपनी प्रसन्नता पर विश्वास न हो पा रहा हो।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“कल,” उसने अपनी उंगली को स्मरण-स्वरूप उठा कर बोला।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“कल”, उसने एक निष्कपट मुस्कान के साथ दुहराया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">एक घंटे चालीस मिनट के बाद हार्टले फ्लोरल-हर्स्ट स्टेशन पर ट्रेन से उतरा। दस मिनट पैदल चल कर वह एक सुन्दर, दो मंजिला कॉटेज के गेट पर था जो एक खूबसूरत लॉन के साथ लगा हुआ बनाया गया था। घर में प्रवेश करने के पूर्व ही वह एक महिला से मिला जिसकी काले चमकीले बालों वाली चोटियाँ थीं और जिसने हवा में उड़ता हुआ एक श्वेत समर-गाउन पहन रखा था। उसने किसी प्रत्यक्ष कारण के बिना ही उसकी गर्दन को लगभग दबा ही दिया था।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">हॉल में प्रवेश करते ही उसने कहा : “मम्मा आयी हैं. उनके वापस जाने के लिए ऑटो बस आधे घंटे में आने वाला है। वे डिनर के लिए आयीं थीं, लेकिन यहाँ तो डिनर बना ही नहीं है।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“मुझे तुम्हें कुछ बताना है,” हार्टले ने कहा। मैंने सोचा था तुम्हें थोड़ा आराम से बताएँगे लेकिन अब चूंकि संयोग से तुम्हारी माँ भी हैं यहाँ, तो मैं तुरंत बता देता हूँ।”</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">वह रुका और उसके कान में कुछ फुसफुसाया।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">उसकी पत्नी चीख उठी। उसकी माँ दौड़ती हुई हॉल में आयी। चमकीले काले बालों वाली वह महिला फिर से चीखी- एक दुलारी बेटी और पति की प्यारी की हर्षित चीख।</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“ओह मम्मा !”, वह हर्षोन्मत्त होकर जोर से बोली, “कुछ मालूम चला? विविएन हमारे यहाँ खाना बनाने के लिए तैयार हो गयी! वह वही है जो मोंट्गोमरी परिवार के साथ साल भर तक रही थी। और अब बिली डिअर,” उसने कहा, “तुरंत ही किचन में जाओ और हेलोइस को अभी विदा करो। पूरा दिन बीत गया, वह फिर आज सुबह से ही शराब पी कर पड़ी हुयी है” </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">--------------------##########-------------------------###########------------------</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">अनुवादक -</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">डॉ स्कन्द शुक्ल,</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">प्रयागराज।</span></div></div><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOKM8tGw3xs/YUsM1WaS2-I/AAAAAAAAO1A/9Q3OsCAtn9oAXBJjVuJVAKnOLBjHwnjWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242606472_10159591099168119_913169629834774388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOKM8tGw3xs/YUsM1WaS2-I/AAAAAAAAO1A/9Q3OsCAtn9oAXBJjVuJVAKnOLBjHwnjWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242606472_10159591099168119_913169629834774388_n.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcpwKvclOjw/YUsM54dqq5I/AAAAAAAAO1E/Cs_Jd_cMJB4bnueIjTqCpygiXEXHLRyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242156661_10159591099318119_330801984345573161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="748" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcpwKvclOjw/YUsM54dqq5I/AAAAAAAAO1E/Cs_Jd_cMJB4bnueIjTqCpygiXEXHLRyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242156661_10159591099318119_330801984345573161_n.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJd5ATEbp_A/YUsM-Nn7fEI/AAAAAAAAO1I/zjDONL4ZJtg-duAbvjLYNwiBCceakHQuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242464636_10159591099418119_4371642722298370021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJd5ATEbp_A/YUsM-Nn7fEI/AAAAAAAAO1I/zjDONL4ZJtg-duAbvjLYNwiBCceakHQuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242464636_10159591099418119_4371642722298370021_n.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r14pbNIrA8k/YUsNBZlJsiI/AAAAAAAAO1M/hh8V3H2MsTAQ89oxwxmAk9YfRRwdAyTMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242782938_10159591099498119_6832893817188882722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="689" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r14pbNIrA8k/YUsNBZlJsiI/AAAAAAAAO1M/hh8V3H2MsTAQ89oxwxmAk9YfRRwdAyTMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242782938_10159591099498119_6832893817188882722_n.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div></div>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-5282503364732181312021-09-12T07:57:00.000-07:002021-09-12T07:57:17.255-07:00...And, this engraving is life-giving (published in HT East U.P. Edition 04-09-21)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhigNU1R4w/YT4T-FxPb6I/AAAAAAAAO0I/ikl7zzUDXyYzssK6BBCp4-QeVjRgUUWPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/241217386_10159561132873119_409681409453526396_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1080" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQhigNU1R4w/YT4T-FxPb6I/AAAAAAAAO0I/ikl7zzUDXyYzssK6BBCp4-QeVjRgUUWPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/241217386_10159561132873119_409681409453526396_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06;">.<span style="font-size: large;">..And, this engraving is life-giving <br /> </span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This
was when steel was making ingress into middle class households – the 70s and
early 80s. <i>‘Purane kapde lo, naye bartan lo’</i> (give old clothes, get new
utensils) - the hawkers went calling, from lane to lane, on foot or on bicycles,
carrying a sack of steel utensils. Old clothes were bartered for new kitchenware,
and lots of haggling happened over the quantity, quality and size of the
clothes to be exchanged for the various utensils. If the peddler was willing to
give a small steel bowl for a set of small child’s cloth or a <i>thali </i>for a
chiffon sari, the homemaker may not have been ready to settle for anything less
than a big bowl for the child’s clothes and a weighty steel pan for the sari. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was thus that people gradually accumulated essentials and built their homes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
buyers usually got the name of the head of the family engraved on these
utensils; even on as small an item as a spoon. While the peddlers used a small
chisel and a hammer to perform the delicate job, the utensil shop owners did it
with a hand-held machine which looked somewhat like today’s drilling machines
used in our homes. As a small child, I always felt fascinated with that machine
writing my father’s name on a new utensil with a typical <i>ghirr </i>sound. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I grew up a bit and perhaps wanted things to call my own, I demanded that my
name be put on the dishes to be purchased for my use. So the next time a
tiffin-box, a small steel tumbler and, <i>thali </i>were bought for me, they
bore my name. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But
why were names engraved on the utensils in those days? The practice seems to
have faded-away with the passage of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I
asked my mother the reason once, and she said, ‘so that they do not get mingled
with the other utensils and get returned to the rightful owner when something
is sent in them to the neighbours or they send something to us’. Actually,
lending and borrowing of things of daily requirement and food items among
neighbours was very common- so common that it wasn’t even noticed. The non-existence
in those days of facilities like phones and home-delivery services, and
availability of essentials like food-grains, sugar and kerosene oil only at the
ration-shops, made the dependence of neighbours on each other inevitable if
something fell short suddenly. It was ensured that things borrowed were
returned in the same quantity (mostly in the same utensil) as soon as possible.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Small
functions in a family like birthdays, <i>Satya Narayan katha</i> or <i>Akhand
Ramayan </i>etc. also necessitated borrowing things like chairs, utensils and,
pedestal fans from the neighbours. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Similar
was the state in villages; rather, more pronounced. There, I remember, seeing
the name of the family-head not only on utensils but also on cots, bed sheets,
quilts and mattresses. With time I came to understand that it was because all
these things were lent-borrowed during occasions like wedding ceremonies. Caterers
and tent-house providers were businesses unheard of in those days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wedding ceremony was an occasion not limited
to a family; it involved the whole village community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an occasion involving the prestige not
of one family, but the whole village. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Times
have changed. Being friendly or well acquainted with one’s neighbours is quite
uncommon. Social distances have grown over the years. Families are self-sufficient,
and perhaps, therefore tend to be self-centered. The market is there for all
your needs. The middle class has become affluent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But, is
it really that we do not need anyone now, and our nuclear families and the
market are enough to make us comfortably wade through this morass called
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Covid
has shown that it isn’t actually so. Society, friends and, neighbours are as
relevant today as they were at any time in history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think of a family in which all were so
ill that even food was difficult to be cooked. Think of a family in which small
kids had to be left at home while the parents were hospitalized. None could
have done without helping hands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #984806; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes
it’s true that those days of engraving one’s name on utensils are long past.
However, the days of getting one’s name engraved on the heart of fellow beings
shall never be over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, this engraving
has always been life-giving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: right; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #984806; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">n<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #984806; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 128;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Dr Skand Shukla</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-73031092085836733592021-03-29T03:20:00.000-07:002021-03-29T03:20:22.575-07:00School bells to ring again (Published in TOI Lko edition 01/03/2021 )<p> <span style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>School bells to ring again<br /></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/primary-school-bells-to-start-ringing-again-today/articleshow/81264102.cms</b></span></u></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVyKLz0y00/YGGpLRg7yPI/AAAAAAAAN2E/ePttb3ZShdMJr3_4O_4Lej_UsEuEhmzPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1059/toi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1052" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUVyKLz0y00/YGGpLRg7yPI/AAAAAAAAN2E/ePttb3ZShdMJr3_4O_4Lej_UsEuEhmzPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/toi.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><p></p><pre style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Whenever I saw my sons settling themselves before the computers for their lessons with a listless ‘present Ma’am’, that ritual chant of the whole class in unison of ‘good morning, teacher’ would echo from the recesses of my memory. Yes, in unison. Not only in wishing teachers, but also, in accepting punishments. Even when we stood in the assembly condoling a death!</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">I still don’t understand why, as the command was given to stand in attention for two minutes, did a smile begin somewhere, turned into a giggle as it travelled from row to row, and by the time the two minutes ended, made someone or the other burst into laughter. All of it was inexplicably spontaneous and linked everyone together.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">School sure was fun time. It was formed of friendships, games, pranks and, a bond with teachers in spite of punishments at their hands- corporal ones at that! And, at this age, when we are completing half a century in our lives, we can proudly say that all the relationships have lasted so long.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">The fun began as soon as we stepped out of our homes for our schools.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Games like ‘raja-mantra-chor-sipahi’, antakshri, giving a push together to the rickshaw on steep slopes and, unending chats marked our rickshaw-rides to school.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Cycling to school was more exciting. It gave us a sense of freedom and inculcated confidence. Pedaling in groups, we raced against each other, rode double (even triple at times) if someone didn’t have a bicycle and, lent a hand or money if a friend’s cycle developed a snag.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Help was always at hand if one forgot to wear his belt or tie to school during uniform inspections. As one stood in queue, the particular item would reach him when his turn came from someone who had had got himself checked by then, or one whose turn was to come a wee later.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Such was the bond in the class that even the threat of mass punishments could never make us spill out the names of the pranksters when the mischief got discovered.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Pilfering of food from others’ lunch-boxes was another fun-filled activity! Whatsoever goodies were packed by our moms in our tiffins, it was always the others’ that one went after.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">The reverie can go on and on…And I am sure that all school-lives must’ve been similar to ours, until this school session began in April 2020.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">The ‘class monitor’ gave place to the ‘computer monitor’. Pens and copies became redundant. The discipline of schedules went for a toss and snoozing in class lost its charm.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">The change was troubling. School uniforms and the classrooms are a great leveler. The online classes aren’t. Besides the issues of availability of laptops, smart-phones and, internet connectivity, a grave issue is the exposure of the child’s home-environment to all.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Arnold’s lines- ‘in the sea of life enisled…/ We mortal millions live alone’ reverberate when I see the keyboard-monitor education. It can create automatons but cannot inculcate life-skills and develop a child into an emotionally mature human being.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Schools are meant to make us realize that we are social animals with traits of empathy and a sense of community. We are made to learn unconsciously the skills of working as a team whether playing a sport or working on a project. As we resolve a fight during a break, we learn the skills of conflict resolution. We develop fellowships that help us sail the crests and troughs of life.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Thankfully, the schools are opening their gates by and by to welcome back the students, and this generation of students shall also grow with its own memories and relationships.</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">--Dr. Skand Shukla</span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /></span><br style="color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/primary-school-bells-to-start-ringing-again-today/?fbclid=IwAR0qPFhA_Xvz-P-p3vdUX8D6v5x9j2m5fdj6TLnWgON70aG_gRwllKrKgqg" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/.../primary-school.../</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"> </span></pre><pre style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></pre>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-49900121517009823342020-12-08T07:36:00.001-08:002020-12-08T07:38:27.857-08:00मास्क - एक कविता <p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मास्क</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मास्क अच्छे हैं।</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">छुपा लेते हैं</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">सफ़ेद होती मूंछों को</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">होठों के ऊपर</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">उभर रही झुर्रियों को;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मास्क अच्छे हैं।</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">छुपा लेते हैं</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">बेमन दी जाने वाली</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">झूठी मुस्कानों को</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">या देखकर कुछ ऐसा </span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">इच्छा हो मुँह बिचकाने को;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मास्क अच्छे हैं।</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">छुपा लेते हैं</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">बेबस चेहरों पर</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">खरोंच के निशानों को</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">निढाल पसरे हुए</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मजबूर अरमानों को;</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">मास्क अच्छे हैं।</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">छिप पाता यह सब</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">क्या सचमुच?</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">या फिर अगाध</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">गहराईयाँ आँखों की,</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">प्रतिध्वनित करती रहतीं</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">सच को?</span><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">-----------##########--------<br /><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8VruIrxrDI/X8-c7gR3QhI/AAAAAAAALL8/nDDrqD5NIQ8-FNolEZE6n2BjzDpicdU9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128759438_10158945518043119_3902792786669749086_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1091" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8VruIrxrDI/X8-c7gR3QhI/AAAAAAAALL8/nDDrqD5NIQ8-FNolEZE6n2BjzDpicdU9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w236-h320/128759438_10158945518043119_3902792786669749086_o.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 16.6667px;">Published in 'Amar Ujala Kavya' link - </span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span lang="HI" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">https://www.amarujala.com/kavya/mere-alfaz/skand-shukla-mask?fbclid=IwAR0nVVXgdIthWOZo6kkKSeleBiAkbr1BFvSnJhDJrXCyZARJlQKaDuE0f0Y<o:p></o:p></span></p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-4084563797512949472020-10-11T18:21:00.001-07:002020-10-11T18:21:17.705-07:00<p> <br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: center;"><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">शीत के बाद बसंत</span></u><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जाड़े की शामें हमेशा से ही उसे मनहूस लगती रही
हैं। गर्मियों की तरह सूरज धीरे धीरे नहीं उतरता</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> कि लोग
धीमे धीमे ठंडी होती सांझ का आनन्द उठा सकें। वह तो<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>दिखते दिखते धुप्प से अचानक ही ढुक जाता है, और
तुरंत ही, हो आये अँधेरे के साथ, ठंडी, अन्दर तक बेध देने वाली गलन उस मुलायम सी
गरमी को न जाने कहाँ भगा देती है। तब, ‘लव सॉंग ऑफ़ प्रूफ्रोक’ में एलीअट की वह
चौंका देने वाली पंक्ति कितनी सटीक लगती है – ‘व्हेन द इवनिंग इज स्प्रेड आउट
अगेंस्ट द स्काई/ लाइक अ पेशेंट ईथरायिज्ड ऑन द टेबल’।</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6cjKt-8nac/X4Ou3dqBs5I/AAAAAAAAKcg/kBvVca6jfDAkXdGTgMEMPM-TRkWwHklbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1443/d78866%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1443" height="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6cjKt-8nac/X4Ou3dqBs5I/AAAAAAAAKcg/kBvVca6jfDAkXdGTgMEMPM-TRkWwHklbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w358-h259/d78866%2B%25281%2529.png" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अब तो बसंत के आगमन के साथ ही ये शामें खुशनुमा
होंगी कुछ।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">निम्मी पार्क में बैठी रोमी का इंतज़ार कर रही थी।
थोड़ी देर में धुंधलका छाने वाला था। बस कुछ ही देर में खेल रहे बच्चे अपने अपने
घरों को चले जायेंगे। कुछ कुछ अपार्टमेंट्स से उन्हें अन्दर आने की आवाजें आने भी लगी
थीं- ‘अब अन्दर आओ, होमवर्क करना है’, ’ठण्ड बढ़ रही है, जल्दी आओ’... । पार्क में
स्थित उस बड़े से पेड़ पर चिड़ियों की फौज वापस लौट रही थी और चिड़ियों और उनके चूजों
के मिलन का शोर बढ़ता ही जा रहा था। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">टाइम कटे भी तो कैसे? पढ़ने की हॉबी तो है, लेकिन
कितना पढ़े? और जिसे पढ़ने की लत हो, वह टी.वी. को नहीं झेल सकता? सोशलाइज़ेशन तो
कितने वर्ष हुए समाप्त ही हो गया। आखिर जिसके घर जाओ वह अपने बच्चों में व्यस्त।
और फिर मिलने जुलने वालों की बातों और आँखों में हमेशा वही सवाल। कभी स्वाभाविक
जिज्ञासा के रूप में और कभी संवेदना स्वरुप। नौकरी भी छोड़नी पड़ गयी। आखिर महीनों
महीनों की छुट्टियां देता कौन जो माँ बनने के प्रयास में उसे आवश्यक होती थीं।
आई.वी.एफ., मोलर प्रेगनेंसी, मिसकैरिज... जैसे शब्द तो पढ़ाई लिखाई के दौरान
सुने-पढ़े थे। क्या पता था कि उनसे इस तरह रूबरू होना होगा किसी दिन। तभी उसे पैरों
के पास कुछ गुदगुदी से लगी, जैसे किसी ने छुआ हो। तन्द्रा टूटी और उसने अचकचाकर
बेंच के नीचे झांका।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘ओह! तो यह तुम हो!’ भय मुस्कान में बदल गया। वह
एक प्यारा सा पिल्ला था। गोल मटोल सा ढनंगते उसके पैरों से चिपट रहा था। तभी उसकी
माँ आ गयी, हौले से दांतों से उसे पकड़ा और सुरक्षित स्थान पर ले जाने लगी। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">वह फिर से बैठ गयी। खाना बनाने का कितना शौक था
उसे। वह भी, नए नए व्यंजन इजाद करने का। और, रोमी हो या उसके सास-श्वसुर, सभी खाने
के शौक़ीन। लेकिन अब? अच्छा नहीं लगता जब पड़ोस की हम-उम्र महिलाओं को कहते सुनती है
– ‘अब इन बच्चों को कौन सा व्यंजन बना कर दें? टिफ़िन खत्म ही नहीं करते ये कभी’। ‘काश,
ईश्वर ने अवसर तो दिया होता मुझे’!</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">उन संत्रास भरे प्रयासों के दौरान कितनी ही बार
तो ख्याल आया कि किसी बच्चे को ही गोद ले लें। कुछ करीबी शुभेच्छुओं ने यह भी कहा
कि गोद लेना बड़ा शुभ होता है। अक्सर ऐसा करने पर कंसेप्शन भी सफल हो जाता है।
लेकिन यह निर्णय इतना आसान तो होता नहीं न। परम्पराओं, संस्कारों में बंधे हम,
कैसे स्वीकार लें किसी को? कितने तो प्रश्न उमड़ते थे जब भी इस पर रोमी से बात
हुयी। किसका होगा वो? क्या बड़ा होने पर अपना मानेगा हमें? आखिर अभी हमारी उम्र ही
क्या है? अभी तो कुछ एक वर्ष और हैं कि अपने के लिए प्रयास कर लें। गोद तो कभी भी
ले लेंगे। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">यह भी सोचा कि किसी रिश्तेदार से ही उसका बच्चा
गोद ले लें। इस से कुल आदि के प्रश्न और संशय से मुक्ति तो रहेगी। लेकिन फिर दूसरी
बाधाएं। किस से कहो। कैसे प्रस्ताव रखो। पुराने ज़माने की तरह अब कई कई बच्चे तो होते
नहीं परिवारों में, कि किसी एक को दुसरे को दे दे। न्यूक्लिअर फैमिली के समय में
वैसे भी सब नियोजित ही होता है। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">बस, इसी सब में बारह वर्ष गुजर गये । अब तो आदत
पड़ गयी है। अब अवसाद है भी तो महसूस नहीं होता । </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">रोमी आ ही रहे होंगे। निम्मी ने उठने का उपक्रम
किया ही था कि अचानक पीछे से आवाज़ आयी – ‘अरे हम लोग को देख कर चल दी क्या?’ और
फिर एक मधुर सी हँसी। उसने पीछे देखा तो उसके टावर के ग्राउंड फ्लोर पर एक
अपार्टमेंट में रहने वाले बुजुर्ग दम्पत्ति – चोपड़ा अंकल और आंटी थे। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘अरे नहीं आंटी’, कहते हुए उसने लपक के दोनों के
पैर छुए। चोपड़ा अंकल व्हील चेयर पर थे और उनकी पत्नी उन्हें पार्क की सैर कराने ले
आयी थीं। उसने उनके हाथ से व्हील चेयर की हैंडल ले ली और उस छोटे से आर्टिफीसियल
पॉन्ड के पास उनके पसंदीदा स्थान की ओर चली। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">चोपड़ा जी पिचहत्तर के कुछ ऊपर के थे और उनकी
पत्नी उनसे दो-तीन वर्ष कम। सरकारी अधिकारी रहे थे और कई उच्च पदों पर कार्य करते
हुए पंद्रह वर्ष पूर्व सेवानिवृत्त होकर इसी शहर में बस गये थे। अधिकांश सेवा
काल<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>उनका इसी महानगर में बीता था। दोनों
संताने भी यहीं हुयी थीं और स्कूली<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>शिक्षा
ग्रहण की थीं। भाग्यवान व्यक्ति थे। दोनों ही बच्चे उच्च पदस्थ। एक तो अमरीका में
किसी बैंक में कार्यरत था। उसने अमरीकी नागरिकता भी ले ली थी। और दूसरा, भारतीय वन
सेवा का अधिकारी था जो नार्थ-ईस्ट के किसी काडर में तैनात था। दोनों के ही दो दो
बच्चे थे। सुन्दर और गुणवान। ऐसा सुना था। क्योंकि किसी को याद नहीं कि इन हाल के
वर्षों में उनमें से कोई अपने बाबा-दादी के पास मिलने आये हों। नौकरी की शुरुआत
में तो बेटे बहू साल में एक-आध बार आ जाते थे। होली पर कोई और, दीपावली पर कोई।
लेकिन समय के साथ, नौकरी की व्यस्तताएं और बच्चों की पढाई उन भेंटों को कम करती गयीं।
अब तो स्काइप और फेसबुक के माध्यम से ही उनमें उत्तरोत्तर वृद्धि का पता चलता था। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘बस-बस, यहीं रोक दो निम्मी’, अंकल ने कहा। चोपड़ा
आंटी और निम्मी उनके बगल में बैठने के लिए रखे रॉक्स पर बैठ गये। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘शीत ने इन पौधों की पत्तियाँ ही समाप्त कर दी
हैं। ठण्ड कम हो तो यह वापस हरी हों’, निम्मी ने पॉन्ड के पास के लगे फूलों के
पौधों की ओर देखते हुए कहा।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘आप लोग यहाँ की यह भीषण जाड़ा क्यों झेलते है?
इतनी बढ़िया जगहों पर आपके बेटे हैं, वहाँ कभी नहीं जाते आप लोग?’, उसके मुँह से
बरबस ही निकल गया।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘हाँ, सुना तो हम दोनों ने भी है कि वे दोनों ही
बड़े बड़े खूबसूरत बंगलों में रहते हैं। काम करने वालों और सुविधाओं की कोई कमी नहीं
है’, चोपड़ा अंकल ने बोला। ‘लेकिन मनुष्य को सबसे अधिक आवश्यकता होती है समाज की,
कोई बोलने-बतलाने वाला, कोई जिस से वह शेयर कर सके अपने अंतर्मन को। और वह इसकी
जीवन यात्रा में कोई भी हो सकता है। उसके लिए विधिक और सामाजिक रूप से परिभाषित
संबंधों की परिधि ही आवश्यक नहीं। वह सब यहीं है। आखिर जीवन का अधिकांश समय यहीं
बिताया है हम दोनों ने, तो संबंध भी तो यहीं हैं’।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तभी आंटी ने बोला, ‘अरे निम्मी, व्हाट्सएप्प पर
मेरी नयी डीपी नहीं देखी तुमने?’ </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘हाँ आंटी, दोपहर में नज़र पड़ी। पूछने ही
वाली थी। फिर दादी बनी हैं क्या आप! बड़ी प्यारी से बिटिया की फोटो लगी है उस पर’।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘नहीं जी। तुम तो जानती हो न कि कॉलोनी के
पास उस अनाथालय में हम लोग जाते रहते हैं अक्सर। बस वहीं पर थी यह। अनाथालय की
सिस्टर ने बताया कि गेट के पास कोई एक कम्बल में लिटा हुआ छोड़ गया था। सचमुच बहुत
प्यारी है वो। कल ही तुम्हारे अंकल का जन्मदिन भी है न। वहीं मनाएंगे। और इसके लिए
तो आज दोपहर इन्होंने खूब सारे सामान विशेष रूप से लिए, जैसे अपने ही घर कोई आया
हो’</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘अरे भाई, अपने घर में ही कोई आया हो, यह
सब मानने की ही तो बात है। मन ने मान लिया कि अपना है तो बस हो गया’, अंकल ने
ठठाकर कर हँसते हुए उत्तर दिया। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">निम्मी को अन्दर कुछ हो रहा था। जैसे वह
अचानक किसी निर्णय पर पंहुचने चाहती हो। तुरंत।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अचानक उसने अपना फोन अपने हैण्ड-वॉलेट से
निकाला और रोमी को मिला दिया। </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘जल्दी आओ थोड़ा।‘</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘कुछ विशेष?,’ उधर से आवाज़ आयी।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘हाँ। विशेष। एक छोटी सी बिटिया के लिए
शॉपिंग करनी है, खूब सारी। आखिर कितनी भी विकट ठण्ड पड़े, बसंत तो आयेगा ही न।’</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">चोपड़ा दंपत्ति उसके मुख पर पसर आयी उस
अभूतपूर्व शांतिमय-कान्ति को स्पष्ट देख रहे थे।</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: right;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(डॉ स्कन्द शुक्ल) </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: right;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24 एम.आई.जी.
म्योराबाद आवास योजना , कमलानगर,</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: right;"><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">प्रयागराज <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> दैनिक जागरण और नयी दुनिया के साहित्यिक पृष्ठ पर प्रकाशित (12/10/20) लिंक - </o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">https://epaper.naidunia.com/epaper/image-12-Oct-2020-edition-bhopal-10-78866.html?fbclid=IwAR2037oQ88VSEovaZ7crlVTkwYlSYkHCUW2SG2Qa7ncIviswlT3mIdFwlGo</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #EAF1DD; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-background-themetint: 51;"><o:p> </o:p></p>SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-84140636821256624422020-03-03T08:23:00.002-08:002020-03-03T08:23:22.625-08:00एक रुपया - पुनर्नवा दैनिक जागरण - 14-01-2020 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> एक रुपया</u></b></div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aayW5jaVwAI/Xl6CQOB8PnI/AAAAAAAAFVc/nO1IziHp6mMFFAnTPCi2VWYyPh81XLqCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ek%2Brupya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="960" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aayW5jaVwAI/Xl6CQOB8PnI/AAAAAAAAFVc/nO1IziHp6mMFFAnTPCi2VWYyPh81XLqCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/ek%2Brupya.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">वाह! बिलकुल अपने नाम के अनुरूप, ग्रैंड! मॉल रोड के ऊपर स्थित इस स्थान से शिमला के खूबसूरत पहाड़ों की हरीतिमा क्या खूब दिख रही थी। कुछ पल पहले तो लग ही नहीं रहा था कि यह खड़ी चढ़ाई समाप्त भी होगी। और फिर अचानक उस पोर्टर का स्वर – ‘इस सीढ़ी पर चढ़िए’, और एक लोहे की साधारण सी सीढ़ी की ओर उसका मुड़ना। लगा कि गलत होटल का चयन हो गया। पता नहीं किसने सुझाया था इसे कि वह एक हेरिटेज भवन है और कभी लार्ड विलियम बैंटिक का कासल था। परन्तु, प्रवेश द्वार से घुसते ही उस विराट कई मंजिला इमारत ने मन के संशय को समाप्त कर दिया। चिनार और देवदार के विशाल वृक्षों से आच्छादित उस सुन्दर विस्तार में जगह जगह पर बंदरों से दूर रहने की हिदायत के बोर्ड लगे थे। कुछ देर अपने सुइट में आराम करने के बाद बाहर निकल कर घूमने का निश्चय हुआ । होटल की बेदम सी चाय के कारण एक बढ़िया चाय की जोरदार तलब भी थी। </span><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61PWUh0-W_I/Xl6C1XSPAWI/AAAAAAAAFVg/e0kW2Lvtj5oKT9kNJKHbGkEPtCoGd_UDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/64525187_10157275331393119_4868640292405772288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61PWUh0-W_I/Xl6C1XSPAWI/AAAAAAAAFVg/e0kW2Lvtj5oKT9kNJKHbGkEPtCoGd_UDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/64525187_10157275331393119_4868640292405772288_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">होटल की सीढ़ियों से उतरते ही सड़क पर ढेरों खाने की दुकानें थीं । सच तो यह है कि किसी स्थान के असली खाने को चखना- जानना हो तो स्ट्रीट-फ़ूड से अच्छा कुछ भी नहीं होता। आलू-पराठा जैसी सर्व-सुलभ चीज़ का भी स्वाद अलग अलग स्थानों पर अलग अलग ही आप पायेंगे। परन्तु उस समय तो आँखें केवल चाय की दूकान खोज रही थीं। और एक दिख भी गयी- बस कुछ कदम दूर।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">बुजुर्ग से उस चाय वाले ने हमें देखते ही स्वागत भरी गर्म मुस्कान के साथ पूछा – ‘चाय? पराठे तो अभी बने नहीं हैं । उनके लिए तो अभी आटा गूंथने जा रहा हूँ।’ </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘हाँ, बस चाय। दो कप।’ </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">बच्चे अपने चिप्स के पैकेटों में व्यस्त थे।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">ऊपरी सतह पर एल्युमीनियम शीट लगा हुआ एक बड़ा सा लकड़ी का बक्स- स्टोर और रसोई के काउंटर-टॉप- दोनों के ही रूप में उपयोग हो रहा था। एक ओर मिट्टी-तेल का पम्प वाला स्टोव रखा था। दूध से भरा एक बड़ा सा एल्युमीनियम का भगोना, चाय बनाने का एक पैन, एक बेलन और, पराठे सेंकने के लिए एक लोहे का तवा भी उसी पर थे। बगल में कुछ प्लास्टिक के मर्तबान थे जिनमें चाय की पत्ती, चीनी और मठरी जैसी खाने की चीज़ें थीं। कुछ डिस्पोजेबल पेपर कप, शीशे की ग्लास और शायद मठरी आदि तौलने के लिए एक तराजू। यही कुल दूकान थी।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">तभी एक अप्रत्याशित वस्तु की ओर निगाह गयी – एक पिस्तौल, बिलकुल असली ! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘यह क्यों?’, मैंने आश्चर्य के स्वर में पूछा। ‘क्या यह खिलौने वाली है?’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘न, बाबू’, उसने चाय के लिए अदरक कूटते हुए उत्तर दिया। </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘बिलकुल असली तो नहीं है पर यह खिलौना भी नहीं है। इसमें से रबर वाली गोलियां निकलती हैं। इनसे हल्की चोट भी लगती है। असल में जब बन्दर गुलेल से नहीं डरते तो इसे चलाना पड़ता है।’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">ऊपर होटल और आस पास की इमारतों पर लोहे की ढलुवा छतों पर दौड़ते, खेलते और आपस में लड़ते बंदरों की तेज़ आवाज़ सुनायी पड़ रही थी । ‘अरे! देखो, उधर एक है’, छोटे बेटे ने चाय वाले के पीछे चट्टान पर, देवदार के वृक्ष की आड़ ले कर हमारी तरफ देखते बन्दर की ओर इशारा किया। उन्होंने अपने पास रखी पिस्तौल उठा कर हँसते हुए उसे देते हुए कहा, ‘इसे लो और उसकी ओर इसे दिखाओ। डरो नहीं, यह खाली है। इसका स्वाद वो सब पहले पा चुके हैं इसलिए अब इसे देख कर ही डर जाते हैं।’ </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">सचमुच, पिस्तौल देखते ही वह बड़ा सा बन्दर तुरंत डाल डाल कूदते हुए भाग गया।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2qgDGORqQ0/Xl6C1xVygpI/AAAAAAAAFVk/hUJwSCC_WqsHQpfFA2cXqkxqpRbd76FAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/69089109_10157436033318119_2955048335574040576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2qgDGORqQ0/Xl6C1xVygpI/AAAAAAAAFVk/hUJwSCC_WqsHQpfFA2cXqkxqpRbd76FAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/69089109_10157436033318119_2955048335574040576_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">चाय अच्छी थी और वह स्थल भी प्रीतिकर। उन कुछ दिनों में सुबह की पहली चाय का स्थान वही रहा।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">प्रवास का तीसरा दिन। अल सुबह। सब शांत - पहाड़ की शीतल हवा में झूमते चिनार और देवदार के पत्तों, चिड़ियों के कूजन और, बीच बीच में बंदरों की चिल्लाहट के अतिरिक्त। अधिकांश पर्यटक शायद अभी अपने गर्म रजाइयों के सुखद ककून में थे, पर पहाड़ जगने लगा था। चाय वाला स्टोव जलाने के लिए उसमे पम्प दे रहा था और मेरी पत्नी और मैं दो बड़े पत्थरों पर रखे पटरे वाली बेंच पर बैठे चाय की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे। दूर पहाड़ सुबह की धुंध में ढंके थे। नीचे शिमला का रेलवे स्टेशन दिख रहा था । धुएं के छल्ले फेंकता और अपने हूटर से अपनी पूरी ताकत झोंक देने का अहसास कराता एक इंजन हाँफता चल रहा था। जल्द ही कालका से सुबह वाली टॉय-ट्रेन्स छुक छुक करती पँहुचने लगेंगी। मैं प्लेटफार्म पर उन कुलियों की कल्पना कर सकता था जो पर्यटकों की प्रतीक्षा में खड़े होंगे कि वे आयें तो वे उनके भारी भरकम लगेज को अपनी पीठ पर बांध कर उन खड़े पहाडी रास्तों से ऊपर पहुँचायें।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">छह-सात लोगों का एक ग्रुप अचानक उस चाय के स्टाल पर पहुँचा। उनके साथ सामान देख कर यह सहज अनुमान लगाया जा सकता था कि वे लोग नीचे, स्टेशन पर, शिमला से वापस कालका जाने वाली गाड़ी पकड़ने जा रहे हैं ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘चाय मिलेगी?’, उनमें से एक ने पूछा ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘जी बिलकुल’, चाय वाले ने मुस्कुरा के जवाब दिया । ‘बस पांच मिनट लगेंगे। उन लोगों की बन रही है, बस उसके बाद आप लोगों के लिए।’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘असल में जल्दी है हम लोगों को’, उस युवक ने कहा और इधर उधर नज़रें दौड़ाईं कि शायद कोई अन्य दूकान दिख जाय। पर उस समय आस पास कोई भी और नहीं खुली थी ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘कोई बात नहीं, आप इन लोगों को पहले पिला दीजिये’, मैं अपने स्थान से ही बोला। ‘हम लोग इनके बाद ले लेंगे।’ </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">मुझे लगा कि इन्हें अपनी ट्रेन पकड़नी होगी; और वैसे भी, हम उस आनंदमयी सुरम्य निर्मल निस्तब्धता में डूबे हुए अनंत प्रतीक्षा कर सकते थे।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">एक हल्के से कोलाहल से मेरी तंद्रा टूटी। चाय वाले ने 500 रुपये का नोट हाथ में पकड़ा हुआ था और उन लोगों से किसी छोटे मूल्य का नोट चाह रहा था। वो कह रहा था कि सुबह का समय है और वे लोग उसके पहले ग्राहक। आखिर इतनी सुबह वह उसका छुट्टा कहाँ से दे। परन्तु उस ग्रुप में सभी ने छुट्टे पैसे अथवा छोटा नोट पास न होना बताया।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">थक हार कर उसने दूकान में खंगालना शुरू कर दिया, और अंततः विभिन्न मूल्यों के नोट और सिक्कों को जोड़-जाड़ कर उस व्यक्ति को पैसे वापस किये। </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">उन सिक्कों और तुड़े- मुड़े नोटों को बड़ी मेहनत से सीधा कर-कर उन सज्जन ने गिनना प्रारंभ किया ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अरे! इसमें तो एक रुपया कम है अभी’, उन्होंने पूरा गिनने के बाद कहा ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘बाबू , कुछ देर बाद ले लीजियेगा । सब जगह ढूंढ लिए और अब इस समय तो है नहीं।’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अरे भाई, अब कहाँ हम लोग लौटेंगे । हम लोग तो जा रहे हैं ट्रेन पकड़ने।’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">तभी चाय वाले को स्टोव के पाए की नीचे एक सिक्का नज़र आया और उसने उसे तुरंत उठा कर उन्हें दे दिया । पार्टी अपने गंतव्य की ओर रवाना हुयी।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">उसी दोपहर उस स्टाल पर दुबारा जाना हुआ । </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">हुआ यूँ कि उस दिन के लिए निर्धारित दर्शनीय स्थलों का भ्रमण कुछ जल्दी ही ख़त्म हो गया, तो तय हुआ कि होटल चल कर कुछ देर आराम कर लिया जाये और शाम को फिर से निकला जाएगा।</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">होटल के लिए उस खड़ी चढ़ाई पर चलते समय चाय की इच्छा हुयी। दूकान पर कोई ग्राहक नहीं था और उन बुजुर्ग चायवाले के स्थान पर एक बुजुर्ग महिला थीं – गोलमटोल चहरे की झुर्रियों पर पसरी हुयी उसी स्नेहिल मुस्कान के साथ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘क्या लेंगे?’, उन्होंने प्रेम से पूछा ।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘हम दो लोगों के लिए चाय’, मेरी पत्नी ने कहा। </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘जी’, वे बोलीं और चाय की तैयारी शुरू कर दी।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अंकल नहीं दिख रहे? दोपहर में दूकान आप ही संभालतीं हैं क्या?’ पत्नी ने पूछा।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अरे नहीं। असल में वो दूकान के लिए कुछ सामान लेने गए हैं, इसीलिये मैं यहाँ हूँ।’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘तुम दोनों चाय नहीं लोगे?’ , वो बच्चों की ओर मुखातिब थीं।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘न, हम लोग चाय नहीं पीते’, छोटे ने उत्तर दिया।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘वाह! यह तो बड़ी अच्छी बात है। बच्चों को चाय नहीं पीना चाहिए।’ उन्होंने बच्चों से मुस्कुरा के बोला। </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">काम के साथ साथ वो उनसे बात करती रहीं। वे किस कक्षा में पढ़ते हैं, कहाँ रहते हैं, आदि, आदि।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">कुछ ही देर में चाय बन गयी और हमे उन्होंने दो पेपर कप पकड़ा दिए। उसके बाद सामने रखी झबिया से पेपर के बड़े से दोने में नमकपारा निकाला और बच्चों को दे दिया। ‘बस अभी दस मिनट पहले ही बनाएं हैं। तुम दोनों को अच्छे लगेंगे।’, वे बोलीं।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">उस दोने से हम दोनों ने भी कुछ ले कर चखा। नमकपारे सचमुच बहुत कुरकुरे और स्वादिष्ट थे।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘कितने हुए?’, चाय पी लेने के बाद मैंने पचास रुपये का नोट देते हुए पूछा।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘बीस’, उन्होंने तीस रूपए वापस करते हुए कहा।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अरे आप नमकपारा जोड़ना भूल गयीं’, मैं बोला।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">एक भ्रूभंगित मुस्कान के साथ उन्होंने कहा - ‘कौन से नमकपारे’?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">‘अरे, आप दोनों लोग चाय पीते और ये दोनों ऐसे ही बैठे रहते? मेरे नाती-पोते भी इन दोनों के बराबर हैं। वो तो इनको मेरी ओर से था’।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">नीचे श्यामला देवी के मंदिर की घंटियो की मधुर आवाज़ स्पष्ट सुनायी पड़ रही थी।</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">###########################&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&##########################</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666;">Note- the newspaper erroneously published someone else's photograph instead of mine </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b></i></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-55290448906139305062019-11-02T00:35:00.001-07:002019-11-02T00:44:06.458-07:00गोधूलि (साकी की प्रसिद्द कहानी ‘डस्क’ का हिन्दी अनुवाद ) - Published in 'कादम्बिनी' नवम्बर २०१९ अंक <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: center;">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोधूलि</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: center;">
<i><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(साकी की प्रसिद्द कहानी ‘डस्क’ का हिन्दी अनुवाद </span></u></i><a href="http://epaper.livehindustan.com/epaper/Magazine/Kadambani/2019-11-01/520/Page-1.html">http://epaper.livehindustan.com/epaper/Magazine/Kadambani/2019-11-01/520/Page-1.html</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><u><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63GV_ZHHbEk/Xb0w8UVaonI/AAAAAAAAFOY/RymNGqQAqAQezTZAia531bfSMrMGfs-WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/godhooli01-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1215" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63GV_ZHHbEk/Xb0w8UVaonI/AAAAAAAAFOY/RymNGqQAqAQezTZAia531bfSMrMGfs-WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/godhooli01-page-001.jpg" width="151" /></a><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">नार्मन गोर्ट्स्बी पार्क की बेंच पर बैठा हुआ था। उसकी पीठ के पीछे घास की
पट्टी के बाद पार्क की रेलिंग थी और सामने एक चौड़ा वाहन पथ। लन्दन का प्रसिद्द
हाईड पार्क कार्नर, वाहनों के शोर शराबे के साथ, उसके ठीक दाहिनी ओर स्थित था। शुरुआती
मार्च की संध्या का लगभग साढ़े छह का समय। मद्धिम सी चांदनी और</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ढेर सारे स्ट्रीट लैम्प्स</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> पूर्णरूपेण पसर चुकी गोधूलि के
प्रभाव को कम करने का असफल प्रयास कर रहे थे। सड़क और फूटपाथ पर सन्नाटा था, पर
पार्क में <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बेंचों-कुर्सियों पर बैठीं या
हिलती डुलती सी कई अस्पष्ट आकृतियाँ उस हलके से प्रकाश में मौजूद थीं, जैसे वे सभी
उस उदास धुंधलके में समाहित हों ।<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFtKbm5yHog/Xb0xCIuDaaI/AAAAAAAAFOg/3g9aU4lIpJIuDrw_175UJJJ4EWn3GCAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/godhooli%2B03-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1215" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFtKbm5yHog/Xb0xCIuDaaI/AAAAAAAAFOg/3g9aU4lIpJIuDrw_175UJJJ4EWn3GCAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/godhooli%2B03-page-001.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oikk5YWxsQo/Xb0w_VbLjYI/AAAAAAAAFOc/QwWcZYOu5koaSxNK35KjucTwLWfEfELvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/godhooli%2B02-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1215" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oikk5YWxsQo/Xb0w_VbLjYI/AAAAAAAAFOc/QwWcZYOu5koaSxNK35KjucTwLWfEfELvACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/godhooli%2B02-page-001.jpg" width="151" /></a><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>गोर्ट्स्बी को यह दृश्य भा रहा था क्योंकि वह
उसके वर्तमान मूड से मेल खा रहा था। उसके अनुसार <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>गोधूलि हारे हुए लोगों का समय था; और ऐसे पुरुष
और महिलाएं जो लड़ लड़ कर हार गये, जिन्होंने अपनी फूटी किस्मत और मृत आशाओं को यथा
संभव लोगों की निगाहों से छुपा कर रखा था, इसी समय निकलते हैं, जिससे उनके झुके
कंधों, मलिन वस्त्रों और, दुखी आँखों को न कोई देख पाए और न कोई प्रश्न करे।
झाड़ियों और रेलिंग के यवनिका के उस पार चमकीले प्रकाश और ट्रैफिक का शोर शराबा था।
गोधूलि में से प्रकाश बिखेरती खिडकियों की कतारें दीख पड़ रही थीं। यह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>उन लोगों के बसेरे थे जो अपने जीवन संघर्ष में
विजयी रहे थे, या कम से कम अभी हार तो नहीं ही माने थे। उस बेला में गोर्ट्स्बी अपने
को हारे हुओं में ही रख रहा था । पैसे उसके लिए समस्या नहीं थे ; यदि वह चाहता तो
वह आराम से उस प्रकाश और शोर के मार्ग पर निकल जाता और उन सबके <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बीच स्थान ग्रहण कर लेता जो अपनी सम्पन्नता का
आनन्द उठा रहे थे । वह तो किसी एक अलग, अनिर्वचनीय से उद्देश्य में असफल हो गया
था। उसका हृदय दुःख और नैराश्य से भरा था और उसे उस अँधेरे के अपने आस पास के
साथियों को देखने-समझने और वर्गीकृत करने में किसी दोषदर्शी सा संतोष प्राप्त हो
रहां था ।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">बेंच पर उसके बगल में एक वृद्ध से सज्जन बैठे थे। उनके हाव-भाव बता रहे थे कि
चुनौतियों से लड़ने की शक्ति उनमें अब न थी । उनके कपडे ठीक-ठाक से लग रहे थे,
परन्तु इतने अच्छे भी नहीं, कि उनसे सम्पन्नता झलके। एक ऐसा इंसान जो अकेले ही
रोने को मजबूर हो। जब वो जाने के लिए उठे तो गोर्ट्स्बी ने मन में सोचा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कि यह वापस अपने घर ही जा
रहे होंगे जहां इन्हें कोई पूछता ही नहीं होगा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">या फिर, किसी ऐसे सूने से डेरे पर, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जिसका किराया चुका पाना ही अब इनकी एक मात्र आकांक्षा होगी । धीरे -धीरे वे
अँधेरे में आँखों से ओझल हो गए, और तुरंत ही उनके स्थान पर एक नवयुवक आ कर बैठ गया
। उसके कपडे तो काफी अच्छे थे परन्तु भाव-भंगिमा में वह अपने पूर्ववर्ती वृद्ध
सज्जन जितना ही दुखी लग रहा था। </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">बैठते-बैठते उसके मुंह से कुछ अपशब्द भी निकले</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जिस से गोर्ट्स्बी को यकीन हो गया की यह भी अपने हालात से खुश
नहीं था</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“तुम
कुछ अच्छे मूड में नहीं लगते ?”, गोर्ट्स्बी ने कहा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। उसे लगा कि उस युवक की उस मुखर <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>अभिव्यक्ति </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">में यह अपेक्षित था कि उसका संज्ञान
लिया जाय </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>युवक ने कुछ अजीब तरीके से गोर्त्स्बी को
देखा......... </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अगर आपकी भी स्थिति मेरे जैसी हो तो आप भी अच्छे मूड में नहीं रहेंगे</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उसने कहा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैंने अपने जीवन की सबसे बड़ी मूर्खता की है।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अच्छा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”...</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> गोर्त्स्बी ने कहा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। अत्यंत निरपेक्ष भाव से।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">युवक ने कहा </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैं आज ही यहाँ आया</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मुझे बर्कशायर स्क्वायर में पैटागोनियन
होटल में रुकना था</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन यहाँ आ कर पता चला की उसे तोड़
कर उसकी जगह एक थिएटर बना दिया गया है। खैर टैक्सी वाले ने मुझे एक और होटल का पता
दिया और वहाँ पहुँचते ही मैंने अपने लोगों को एक पत्र लिखा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जिसमे उस नयी जगह का पता दिया था</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> उसके बाद मैं एक साबुन की टिकिया
खरीदने निकल गया</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। असल में, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जल्दबाजी में अपने सामान में साबुन की
टिकिया रखना भूल गया था</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और मुझे होटल का साबुन पसंद नहीं है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> थोड़ी देर इधर
उधर घूमने और एक ड्रिंक लेने के बाद मैं जब वापस जाने के लिए सोचा तो अचानक मुझे
एहसास हुआ कि मुझे तो अपने होटल का नाम याद ही <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>नहीं</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> और न ही वह सड़क जिस पर वह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>होटल था</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> अच्छी मुसीबत हो गयी है मेरे लिए</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">एक ऐसे व्यक्ति के लिए जिस का लन्दन
में कोई दोस्त या परिचित न हो </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">! </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>हाँ, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>मैं अपने परिवार को टेलीग्राम भेज तो सकता हूँ</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">होटल के पते के लिए</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन मेरा पत्र तो कल से पहले वहाँ
पहुंचेगा नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> अब स्थिति यह है है कि मेरे पास पैसे
ही नहीं है </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। होटल से एक शिलिंग ले कर निकला था
जो</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> साबुन की
टिकिया और ड्रिंक में ही खत्म हो गए, और अब बस जेब में दो पेन्स ले कर टहल रहा हूँ</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> पता नहीं
रात कैसे गुज़र होगी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वृत्तांत के बाद एक
भावपूर्ण मौन ।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कुछ क्षणों के बाद</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उसने</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कहा,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">आप</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">सोच</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">रहे</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">होंगे की</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैंने</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">एक</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">असंभव</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">सी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कहानी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">बना</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">डाली है।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उसकी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">आवाज़</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">में</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">थोड़ा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">रोष सा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">था</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“न, न, बिलकुल भी असंभव
नहीं यह।” गोर्ट्स्बी ने गंभीरता से कहा। “मुझे याद है कि एक बार मैंने भी कुछ ऐसा
ही किया था एक अन्य देश की राजधानी में। और उस घटना के दौरान तो हम दो लोग थे जो
उसे और उल्लेखनीय बनाता है । संयोग से हमें यह याद था कि हमारा होटल एक नहर के
किनारे था, और जैसे ही ढूंढते ढूंढते हम उस नहर के पास पंहुचे, हम अपना होटल पा
गये”। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“किसी विदेशी शहर में
तो मेरे लिए थोड़ा और आसान होता । दूतावास जाता और वहाँ से मदद मिल जाती। लेकिन
अपने ही देश के किसी शहर में ऐसी समस्या में पड़ना तो और भी कठिन है । और अब तो यदि
किसी सहृदय व्यक्ति ने मुझे कुछ उधार दे दिया तब तो ठीक है , अन्यथा आज की रात तो
नदी किनारे सोना पड़ेगा। </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">पर फिर भी, मुझे यह अच्छा लगा की कम से कम आपने यह तो माना की मेरे साथ घटी
घटना असंभव नहीं है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">इस अंतिम वाक्य में एक गर्मजोशी सी थी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। शायद इस उम्मीद में कि वह अपेक्षित सहृदयता गोर्ट्स्बी में ही हो।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">हाँ हाँ, बिलकुल सही</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी ने धीरे धीरे बोला। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">पर तुम्हारी कहानी की कमज़ोर कड़ी यह है की तुम्हारे पास मुझे दिखाने को वह साबुन
की टिकिया नहीं है।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">युवक को जैसे झटका लगा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वह अपने ओवरकोट की जेबें टटोलने लगा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और उछल कर खड़ा हो गया। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">लगता है कि मैंने अपनी साबुन की
टिकिया भी गुम कर दी।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, उसने भुनभुनाते हुए कहा।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">क्या तुम्हे नहीं लगता कि” गोर्ट्स्बी ने कहा, </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">एक ही शाम, होटल और साबुन की टिकिया,
दोनों ही गुम कर देना</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> कुछ ज्यादा ही लापरवाही है</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">पर युवक यह सब सुनने के
लिए नहीं रुका। वह तुरंत ही अपना </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">सर ऊँचा किये हुए आगे
निकल चुका था।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अफ़सोस!</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी ने सोचा। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">साबुन की टिकिया लेने निकलना</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">यही एक मात्र विश्वसनीय हिस्सा था उसकी कहानी का</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन उस में इतनी दूरदर्शिता नहीं थी
की वह एक साबुन की टिकिया अपने पास रख लेता- एक अच्छी तरह पैक की हुयी साबुन की
टिकिया- जैसे कोई दुकानदार पैक कर के देता है। और फिर, ऐसे काम में तो दूरदर्शिता
और सावधानी अत्यंत ही आवश्यक है </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, सोचते हुए गोर्ट्स्बी भी चलने के लिए उठा; कि तभी उसकी आँखें आश्चर्य से
फ़ैल गयीं । नीचे बेंच के पास कागज में पैक एक अंडाकार वस्तु थी</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> वैसी ही जैसे कोई दक्ष दुकानदार पैक
करता है। </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“और यह साबुन की टिकिया
के अतिरिक्त और क्या हो सकती थी , जो कि निश्चित ही </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">बेंच पर बैठते समय उस
युवक के कोट से गिर गयी होगी” - गोर्ट्स्बी <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>का मन ग्लानि से भर गया।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वह तेज़ी से उस ओवरकोट वाले युवक की
खोज में उस दिशा में चल पड़ा जिधर वह गया था। अँधेरा बढ़ गया था और खोजते खोजते
गोर्ट्स्बी भी निराश हो चुका था कि तभी उसने उस युवक को एक सड़क के किनारे देखा ।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ऐसा लग रहा था की वह यह
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>सोच नहीं पा रहा था कि <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>बाएं जाए या दायें। जब गोर्ट्स्बी <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ने उसे पुकारा तो वह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>लगभग आक्रामक सा हो कर उसकी और मुड़ा।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">तुम्हारी कहानी का वह <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>अहम गवाह मिल
गया है</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी ने कहा</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और साबुन की टिकिया उसकी और बढ़ा दी। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">शायद ये तुम्हारी कोट की जेब से गिर गयी थी जब तुम झटके से बेंच पर बैठे।
मेरे व्यवहार और अविश्वास के लिए मुझे माफ कर दो</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">पर सचमुच उस समय तुम्हारे पक्ष में
कुछ भी नहीं था। और जब यह टिकिया तुम्हारी सत्यता की गवाही दे रही है तो मुझे उसके
पक्ष में ही निर्णय लेना होगा। मेरे विचार से एक गिन्नी से तो तुम्हारा काम चल
जाएगा --</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">नवयुवक ने झटपट उस
गिन्नी को अपनी जेब में डाल लिया ।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">यह है मेरा कार्ड जिस पर मेरा पता दिया है। इस सप्ताह किसी भी दिन तुम मुझे
वह गिन्नी लौटा देना</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, गोर्ट्स्बी ने कहा। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और हाँ, साबुन की टिकिया को अब गुम नहीं करना</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">यह तुम्हारी अच्छी दोस्त साबित हुई है।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“सौभाग्य ही था जो यह
आपको मिल गयी।“ युवक ने कहा, और शुक्रिया अदा करते हुए वह नाइट्सब्रिज की दिशा में
तेजी से चल दिया। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">बेचारा! सचमुच बड़ी मसीबत में था।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी ने स्वयं से कहा। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और मेरे लिए भी यह एक सबक है कि मैं अपने आप को ज्यादा होशियार न समझा करूँ।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी फिर से
पार्क की उसी बेंच की तरफ चल दिया, और जैसे ही वहाँ पहुंचा उसने देखा </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कि <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>युवक से पहले जो वृद्ध सज्जन उस
बेंच पर बैठे थे</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वे बेंच के नीचे कुछ ढूंढ रहे हैं।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">क्या आपका कुछ गुम हो गया है</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?” </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गोर्ट्स्बी ने पूछा।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जी हाँ , श्रीमान</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वृद्ध सज्जन ने कहा। </span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“ </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #244061; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">एक साबुन की टिकिया।</span><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2F2F2; mso-background-themecolor: background1; mso-background-themeshade: 242; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #244061;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">अनुवाद – डॉ
स्कन्द शुक्ल </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #244061; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-22130784150104347122019-09-08T10:03:00.002-07:002019-09-08T10:03:47.018-07:00One Rupee - Story broadcast on AIR Prayagraj 8-9-19<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">All of us felt so glad when the huge
building loomed up before us. The tiring steep climb had drained us completely.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It really looked grand in its expanse and size,
just like its name- Hotel Grand. Overlooking the famed Mall Road, it gave a
beautiful view of the verdant Shimla hills. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Full of giant chinaar and deodars trees, the
hotel had put up boards warning the guests not to entertain monkeys which were
there in the premises in large numbers. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">After settling in the huge suite we decided to
roam out.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A nice cup of tea was what we
required to energize us.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The hotel one
had been tepid and tasteless.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As one descended the hotel complex,
the immediate street below was lined with small kiosks with a varied fare.
Having a penchant for exploring foods typical of a place, I find the street
side and the unbranded eateries the best for it. The fact is that even a simple
thing as aloo<i> paratha</i> tastes differently in the different parts of the
country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our eyes however searched for
a tea-stall, and there was one, a few steps away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">The sixty year something shopkeeper
welcomed us with a smile. Warmth oozed out as he lovingly asked- ‘Tea? The parathas
are not yet ready. I am going to knead dough for them.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Yes, two cups of tea’, I said. The kids had
their chips packets to munch on. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA6eJehcTS8/XXUzc1hjs-I/AAAAAAAAFJo/wt1ICqVrZqcUkljKLgEm4TT939SrYgqpgCLcBGAs/s1600/69234014_10157436034468119_1478875751045398528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA6eJehcTS8/XXUzc1hjs-I/AAAAAAAAFJo/wt1ICqVrZqcUkljKLgEm4TT939SrYgqpgCLcBGAs/s320/69234014_10157436034468119_1478875751045398528_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A large wooden box with an aluminum
sheet top doubled up both as a store and a kitchen countertop. There was a
kerosene pressure stove on the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
big aluminum <i>bhagauna </i>with milk in it, a pan for preparing tea, a
rolling pin and, an iron griddle for frying parathas stood on the
countertop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the side were a few
plastic jars with eatables like freshly prepared<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>mathri,</i> a few disposable paper cups
and glasses for serving tea and, a weighing scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the most interesting thing along with
these things was a gun and a sling shot! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Why this?’ I asked pointing to the
gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Is it a toy?’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘No babu’, he replied as he grated
ginger to put in the tea-pan. ‘It isn’t a toy-gun. It shoots rubber pellets. This
is to scare the monkeys away if they don’t stay away with the sling shot.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We could hear the shrill cries of the
monkeys as they ran, played and fought among themselves on the corrugated roofs
of the nearby buildings and the hotel above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘There’s one’, my younger son said pointing to one lurking behind a huge
deodar tree on the mountain side at the back of the tea stall owner...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He picked up the gun and gave it to my son. ‘Take
this and point it towards it’, he said. ‘It has no pellets in it because having
had the taste of this earlier, now they scamper away by the mere sight of this
gun’, he laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And true! As soon as
the monkey saw the gun it immediately leapt away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The tea was nice and endearing and so
was the ambience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We became its regular
for the next few days of our sojourn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TU58UgMARAU/XXUy6Yt8SJI/AAAAAAAAFJg/kIWXWwS_9uc_TogaAzfYLy8i_H4vkAMZACLcBGAs/s1600/69089109_10157436033318119_2955048335574040576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TU58UgMARAU/XXUy6Yt8SJI/AAAAAAAAFJg/kIWXWwS_9uc_TogaAzfYLy8i_H4vkAMZACLcBGAs/s320/69089109_10157436033318119_2955048335574040576_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was the third day of our stay.
Early morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quiet of the place
broken only by the sounds of the swaying branches of the cedar and poplar in
the mountain winds, twitter of the birds and, the screech of the monkeys. The
hills were waking up for work, while the tourist, perhaps, still enjoying the
languor of their warm beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife and
I were sitting on a makeshift bench, a plank of wood resting on two rocks,
waiting for our tea as the stove was being pumped to be lit. The shop had
already been spruced up for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
distant hills were draped in mist. The Shimla railway station was visible and
we could see an engine coughing up puffs of smoke and sounding its horn as it
lunged with all its strength. Soon the morning trains from Kalka would be
chugging in and I could imagine the porters on the platform waiting anxiously
for the passengers to strap their heavy luggage on their back and bring them up
the steep mountain-roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A group of about six people suddenly
descended on the stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all had
their luggage with them and I could gather from their talk that they were on
their way down to board their train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Can we have tea?’ one of them said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Yes of course’, the shop-owner
replied. ‘Give me a moment. I am already preparing for those two persons. I’ll
make fresh tea for you all after this’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘We are in a hurry', he said
impatiently and looked around, perhaps to see if there was any other tea stall
nearby. Unfortunately there wasn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘We will wait. Please serve them
first ‘, I said to the shop owner from my perch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they had their train to catch;
besides I was enjoying myself, immersed in my surroundings and I could wait in
that serenity forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They were served their tea and I
busied myself again in the quietude as our tea was getting prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My reverie was broken by a slight
commotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shop keeper was holding a
note of rupees 500 and was asking for a smaller denomination note. None in the
party seemed to have a smaller note than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The shop owner said that it was early morning and they were the first
customers of the day, so how could he have change for that big amount of money.
But finding them adamant he started rummaging in every nook and cranny. Finally
he could muster the required change in various denomination notes and some
coins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The young man painstakingly
counted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it and then remarked- ‘It’s one
rupee less’. The shop owner asked him to take that one rupee later in the day
because he didn’t have it at the moment. ‘But I am going to board the train’,
he replied. And then suddenly a coin lurking behind the stove caught the shop
owner’s eye and he gave it to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was later in the afternoon that we
again got a chance to go to the stall. We were done for the day a little too
early in our sightseeing and decided to get back to our hotel to rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Climbing up the hill, a nice cup of tea was
the thing we desired. The shop was empty of customers and instead of the
elderly gentleman we were wont to see there was an elderly lady with that same
warm smile spread all over the creases on her chubby face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Yes?’ she asked affectionately. ‘Tea
for the two of us’, my wife said. ‘Okay’, she said and set about the
preparation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Where has uncle gone? Do you keep
the shop in the afternoon?’ my wife asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘No, no’, she replied. ‘Actually he
has gone to fetch some material for the shop and that’s why I am here’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Won’t you too have tea?’ she asked
my kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘No, we don’t drink tea’, the younger
one replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Oh! That’s so good. Tea is not good
for children’, she smiled to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She handed over two paper cups of tea
to us in a short while and then took out a sizeable helping of fresh <i>namak
para </i>from a punnet on a paper plate and gave it to the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘It was prepared just half an hour ago. You
will love it’, she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She asked their age and class and
where were they from as she carried on her work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The <i>paras</i> were really crispy
and tasty as we also partook a little.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘How much? , I asked the lady handing
her a fifty rupee note after we had finished our tea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Twenty’, she said as she returned me
rupees thirty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘You forgot to add the <i>paras</i>',
I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">‘What <i>paras?</i>’ she a smiling
frown. ‘I have grandsons of their age. How could I let them just sit having nothing
while you too had you tea? That was from me’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">I seemed to hear the bells ringing at
the Shyamla Devi temple below.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dr( Skand Shukla)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-90743067728544827572019-08-07T20:41:00.003-07:002022-01-08T23:49:42.207-08:00English teaching at primary level in India– Cultural Interference (published in HT Lko 5-8-19)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">English teaching at primary level in India–
Cultural Interference<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">(published in HT Lko 5-8-19)</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It goes without saying that a language is
embedded in culture. Let’s take the simple examples of two very common words – <i>pranam</i>
and <i>shanti.</i> Can the whole matrix of these words be translated into
English? The English words ‘greetings’ or ‘peace’ are but poor approximations
to <i>pranam</i> and <i>shanti. </i>Even a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>poet-philosopher of the stature of T S Eliot
failed to get an English equivalent and used the Sanskrit word as it is – ‘<i>Shantih shantih shantih’</i>
in his great poem – <i>The Waste Land</i>. A language, thus, cannot import the
subtle connotations of another language. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYWjmro_1FY/XUuYgcTtKLI/AAAAAAAAFGU/4CVwfZwiVwMFsOZClXDKA2z4Aa2DfOyvwCLcBGAs/s1600/67793362_10157415773108119_3852405821346414592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="452" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYWjmro_1FY/XUuYgcTtKLI/AAAAAAAAFGU/4CVwfZwiVwMFsOZClXDKA2z4Aa2DfOyvwCLcBGAs/s400/67793362_10157415773108119_3852405821346414592_o.jpg" width="112" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The effect of cultural interference is clearly
felt in the teaching of English in a vernacular setting such as the state of U.P.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is that in the rural hinterlands
English is not even the second language; it is practically the third language,
as the local dialects (Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Braj…) are the first and, <i>Khadi </i>Hindi<i>
</i>(standard Hindi) is the second language. In this scenario, where even the
teacher is essentially a Hindi speaking person (though may be knowledgeable in
English); the language-reinforcement crisis for the child is so evident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Culture and communication are intertwined and it determines
how people encode messages, the meanings they have for messages and, how they
get interpreted. For instance, as different from the West, in our
country, a teacher or elder is not addressed by his name/surname,
instead, family friends are identified through some relationship – 'Uncle',
'Aunty', 'Chacha', 'Mama' etc. and, in Hindi, there are two different ways of
addressing an elder and the younger – 'Aap' (for former) and 'Tum' (for
younger). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Associative contexts in which a word is used in a place
might evoke a different understanding of that word. The word 'darling', I
remember, raised shy smiles among us when a teacher addressed a student
lovingly by this term. As 10 years old, in the early 80s we had heard it being
used in the Hindi films in only one connotation. The various nuances of meaning
given to the word ‘sexy’, ranging from obscenity to aesthetics, are only a
matter of one’s cultural environs. Can someone in India, whose experience of a
summer’s day is of a scorching sun and hot <i>loo</i>, compare his beloved like
Shakespeare does in his sonnet- ‘Shall I compare thee to the summer’s day’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">All our educational philosophers have
been advocates of primary learning in our mother tongues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tagore, in his celebrated essay “The Centre
of Indian Culture”, wrote that a foreign language makes education 'nebulously
distant and unreal, (because it is) so detached from all our associations of
life, so terribly costly to us in time, health and means, and yet so meager of
results.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Researches all over have showed that
the second language can be best learned at an older age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broadly speaking, different life stages give
us different advantages in language learning. As babies, we have a better ear
for different sounds and thus we don’t learn a language but we acquire it. As
adults, we have longer attention spans and crucial skills like literacy that
allow us to continually expand our vocabulary, <b>even in our own language</b>.
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is known as ‘explicit learning’: studying a language in a
classroom with a teacher explaining the rules. Young children are very bad at
explicit learning, because they don’t have the cognitive control and the
attention and memory capabilities while adults are much better at that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The fact is that English teaching in
a vernacular scenario cannot be divorced from its vernacular ambience. Both our
teachers and books are to be aware of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We should remember Tagore’s caution -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘The diversity of our languages should not be allowed to frighten us;
but we should be warned of the futility of borrowing the language of our
culture from a far-away land, making stagnant and shallow that which is fluid
near its source.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our English teaching has to go side by side
along our vernacular and the content has to be drawn as much as possible from
the children’s everyday environment. Only this can help in an effective
teaching-learning of English and also let the mother tongue thrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dr Skand Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">(Officer of the U.P. Education
Services )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-76069020543086378362019-04-07T09:18:00.001-07:002019-04-07T09:18:07.310-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">द्वंद्व</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />(25/3/19 को <i>पुनर्नवा , दैनिक जागरण</i> में प्रकाशित)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कैच ट्वेंटी टू</span></i><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> और <i>फज़ी लॉजिक</i> जैसे शब्दों जिनसे</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">पढ़ाई के समय साक्षात्कार हुआ था,
उनके अर्थ उसके बाद के जीवन-अनुभव हमें समझाते चले हैं। चेखोव और साकी जैसों की
कहानियों सी घटनाएं जब हमारे सामने असल ज़िंदगी में घटित होती लगती हैं तब हम
हतप्रभ से, बेकेट के उन प्रसिद्द पात्रों की तरह किसी गोडो के आगमन की तरह सही
निर्णय के लिए प्रतीक्षा करते रह जाते हैं । यह प्रसंग भी कुछ ऐसा ही था।<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कई वर्ष हुए। एक अति-पिछड़े जनपद
में शिक्षाधिकारी के रूप में समाज, परिवेश और मानव स्वभाव के नित नए अनुभवों से
सामना हो रहा था और, इनके बारे में ज्ञानार्जन भी। उम्र और सरकारी सेवा दोनों का
ही नयापन ऊर्जा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और आदर्शों
को बनाए रखने में अपना सहयोग दे रहे थे। सभी के लिए शिक्षा उपलब्ध कराने के अभियान
के प्रारम्भिक वर्ष थे और इस दिशा में सभी संभव यत्न किये जा रहे थे। इन्हीं में
से एक थी विद्यालयों में स्थाई अध्यापकों के सहयोग के लिए पंचायत-वार पैरा-टीचर्स
की व्यवस्था।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">इससे,
उस समय प्रशिक्षित और पूर्णकालिक अध्यापकों की अत्यधिक कमी को दूर कर, अब तक
शिक्षा से अछूते परिवारों के नव-नामांकित बच्चों को शिक्षक उपलब्ध कराना ही एक
मात्र उद्देश्य न था। नयी पीढी को उसके सामाजिक दायित्यों का भान कराना, उनसे इसके
लिए सहयोग लेना और, इन्हें इसके प्रति मानदेय के माध्यम से उपार्जन उपलब्ध कराते
हुए उनमें अपने व्यक्तित्व का अहसास कराना भी इसमें सम्मिलित था। और इसीलिए, इनके
चयन में महिलाओं के लिए विशेष रूप से स्थान आरक्षित थे।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>यद्यपि यह पद न तो स्थाई था और न ही इसके लिए
मिलने वाला पारिश्रमिक किसी के जीवन-यापन योग्य, फिर भी बेरोजगारी <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>के मारे ग्रामीण युवाओं में इसके लिए भी गला काट
प्रतिद्वंदिता थी। <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैं उस दिन तड़के ही एक जांच पर
निकल गया था। शहर में स्थित जनपद मुख्यालय से लगभग साठ किलोमीटर दूर। दोपहर हो चली
थी जब वापस अपने कार्यालय पँहुचा। मुलाकातियों और शिकायतकर्ताओं की भारी भीड़
एकत्रित थी। देख कर मन खिन्न हो गया। वापसी के रास्ते में <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>सोच रहा था कि शायद सुबह से मुझे अनुपस्थित पाकर
कार्यालय आये हुए लोग अब तक लौट गये हों और मैं कुछ देर चैन से फ़ाइलें निबटा
लूँगा। असल में ये प्रशासनिक पद भी बड़े विरोधाभासी भाव उत्पन्न करते हैं। अगल बगल
लोग घेरे न हों तो व्यक्ति स्वयं को महत्वहीन लगने लगता है, और यदि हर समय घेरे
रहें तो मन उकताता है और अपने लिए भी कुछ समय के लिए व्याकुल रहता है। <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अपने चैम्बर में जाते समय देखा कि
मेरे स्टेनो से उसके कक्ष में एक लड़की बहस में उलझी थी। कुर्सी पर बैठते ही चपरासी
ने एक एक करके लोगों को अन्दर भेजना शुरू किया। मैं उनकी बातें सुनता और उनके
प्रत्यावेदनों को लेकर यथावश्यक मार्किंग कर देता। कुछ ही लोगों के बाद उस लड़की ने
प्रवेश किया। प्रवेश करते ही वह फट पड़ी। मेरे अधीनस्थ स्टाफ और अधिकारी पर
भ्रष्टाचार का आरोप लगाते हुए उसने कहा कि उसके साथ अन्याय हो रहा है और उसे कई
दिनों से दौड़ाया जा रहा है। उसके तमतमाए तेवर को देखते हुए मैंने उसे बैठने को कहा
और चपरासी के लिए घंटी बजायी। चपरासी को उसके लिए पानी लाने को कहा। दबे रंग और
तीखे नाक-नक्श की वह युवती 18-19 वर्ष की रही होगी। वह किसी निम्न-वर्गीय परिवार
की लग रही थी पर उसमें आत्मविश्वास स्पष्ट झलक रहा था।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">कुछ क्षणों में जब वह थोड़ा सयंत
हुई तब मैंने उसे विस्तार से अपनी बात बताने को कहा। पता चला कि उसने अपनी पंचायत
में स्थित प्राथमिक विद्यालय में पैरा-टीचर पद के लिए आवेदन कर रखा था। सभी
आवेदनकर्ताओं में उसका स्थान मेरिट में प्रथम था। मेरिट को तैयार हुए यद्यपि काफी
समय बीत गया था परन्तु मेरिट-सूची और उसका चयन-प्रस्ताव विकास खंड स्तर से जनपद
स्तर, यानी मेरे कार्यालय को, स्वीकृति के लिए नहीं भेजा जा रहा था। </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘क्या फर्क पड़ता है उस से ?’,
मैंने कहा। ‘आखिर जब एक बार मेरिट–सूची तैयार हो ही गयी है तो चाहे जितने दिन लगें
तुम्हारा स्थान तो प्रथम ही रहेगा। और इस कारण चयन भी पक्का होगा’, मैंने उसे
आश्वस्त करना चाहा। </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘न,न। ऐसा नहीं है।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, उसने कहा। ‘यह सब एक रणनीति के
तहत हो रहा है सर।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘मतलब?’</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘मेरा विवाह हो चुका है, सर। और
मेरा गौना बस दो-एक महीने में ही होना है।’</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘तो?’, मैंने पूछा । मेरी समझ में
कुछ नहीं आ रहा था ।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘अरे सर! ये लोग इसी बात का तो
इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं; कि मेरा गौना हो, और मैं अपनी ससुराल चली जाऊं। यह होते ही मैं
इस ग्राम-पंचायत की नहीं मानी जाऊंगी और मेरी अर्हता इस विद्यालय के लिए नहीं रह
जायेगी। इस तरह मेरा अभ्यर्थन अमान्य कर दिया जाएगा और मेरिट में मेरे बाद वाले
व्यक्ति को चुन लिया जाएगा।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘ओह! तो यह बात है</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> , मैंने अब कुछ कुछ स्थिति को समझते
हुए कहा । </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘आपके नीचे के लोगों ने निश्चित
पैसे खाए हैं सर। वे झूठ- मूठ की शिकायतों के बहाने इसमें देरी कर रहे हैं। मैं
नौकरी करना चाहती हूँ। मैं अपने पैरों पर खड़ी होना चाहती हूँ।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> बड़ी कठिनाई से मैंने इंटर
तक की पढ़ाई पूरी की है । कुछ आमदनी होगी तो आगे भी इसे जारी कर सकूंगी। पैसे के
लिए किसी का मुँह तो नहीं देखना होगा</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">। वह रुआँसी हो गयी थी ।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैंने उसे आश्वस्त किया कि कुछ भी
गलत नहीं होने दिया जायेगा और, उसके सामने ही, इस केस से जुड़े लोगों को सभी अभिलेख
के साथ अगले दिन उपस्थित होने के निर्देश दे दिए ।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri1vtSrRhSc/XKoiMjkPWUI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/C5Q2wEBfUKUCsVk6jIzDrJdBdb-SkGtbQCLcBGAs/s1600/54522537_10157078414713119_2775114975675416576_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1141" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri1vtSrRhSc/XKoiMjkPWUI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/C5Q2wEBfUKUCsVk6jIzDrJdBdb-SkGtbQCLcBGAs/s320/54522537_10157078414713119_2775114975675416576_o.jpg" width="268" /></a><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">देर शाम जब आवास पंहुचा तो कपडे बदल कर अभी चाय हाथ में लिया ही थी कि नौकर ने </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">बताया कि कोई मिलना चाहता है।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">थकान से चूर</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">मन </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">चिड़चिड़ा
गया</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">। मैंने </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">कहा कि उस से </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">कह दे कि अगले दिन कार्यालय में मिले</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">। नौकर जानता था कि मैं वैसे भी किसी से सरकारी काम के लिए आने वाले से आवास
पर नहीं मिलता था, फिर भी उसने आग्रह के स्वर में कहा , ‘साहब मिल लें। शायद बहुत
जरूरी काम है । बहुत समझाया कि घर आप नहीं मिलते फिर भी जिद्द पकड़ कर बैठा है ।
आया भी कहीं दूर से लगता है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;">’</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘ठीक है, बुलाओ उसे। मिल ही लेता
हूँ’, कुछ सोच के मैंने कहा। जल्दी जल्दी चाय ख़त्म करके </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">बरामदे में आया तो देखा कि
चालीस के कुछ ऊपर का एक व्यक्ति खड़ा है। मुझे देखते ही </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">वह </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">पैर छूने के लिए झुका, और बोला - ‘साहब मैं उस लड़की का पिता हूँ जो आज आपसे कार्यालय में मिली थी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘तो? उस संबंध में मैंने सारे
रिकॉर्ड कल मंगवाएं तो हैं। </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">अब आज आप क्यों परेशान कर रहे?’, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मैंने कुछ नाराज़गी से कहा।</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘असल में सर, मैं कुछ और विनती
ले कर आया हूँ’, उसने याचना के स्वर में कहा। ‘मैं नहीं </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">चाहता हूँ कि उस पत्रावली पर आप तुरंत निर्णय लें</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">।</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">’</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मुझे विस्मित होते देख उसने
कहा- ‘मैं आपको सब बताता हूँ सर। इसमें आपके नीचे के </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">अधिकारी अथवा स्टाफ की कोई गलती
नहीं है। मैंने ही उनसे कहा था कि वे कोशिश करें कि </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">मेरी बिटिया </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">का चयन न होने पाए। आप सोच रहे होंगे कि बाप
होकर मैं ऐसा क्यों कह रहा </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">हूँ? मजबूरी है साहब, मजबूरी।
हाड़ तोड़ मेहनत और पेट काट कर अपनी तीन बेटियों को पढाया </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">है। यह बड़ी है सबसे। पढाई में
भी बहुत अच्छी। लेकिन साहब रहना तो समाज में ही है, शादी –</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ब्याह तो करना ही था। पिछले साल
कर्जा लेकर पास के गाँव में इसकी शादी कर दी थी। इसी </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">गर्मी के लिए गौना तय हुआ है।
गौने बाद तो इसे दूसरे घर जाना ही है । वह नौकरी के लिए </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">जिद्द ठाने है लेकिन उसे अभी
ज़माने की समझ ही कितनी है। मैं पिता हूँ उसका और उसके </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अच्छे के लिए ही तो सोचूंगा।
सोचिये साहब, यदि यह नौकरी पा भी गयी तो भी आखिर कितने </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">दिन यहाँ कर पाएगी! सूची में
दुसरे नम्बर पर एक लड़का है। उसी ने हमसे कहा था कि यदि </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">इस पद को मेरी बिटिया छोड़ दे तो
उसका चयन हो जाएगा। इसके बदले में साहब, उसने गौने </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">के लिए मेरी कुछ मदद करने को
कहा है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> अब आप ही बताइये साहब मैं करूँ तो क्या करूँ!’</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">वह बोलते बोलते रोने लगा था</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">।</span><br />
<pre style="background: white; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">और मैं? एक पिता का अपनी पुत्री
के प्रति ममत्व, सामाजिक दायित्वों के प्रति उसकी विवशता </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">और, एक नवयुवती के </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">स्वप्न के मध्य</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> अनिर्णय की स्थिति में निस्तब्ध खड़ा था </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">।</span><br />
<pre style="background: white; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt;">डॉ स्कन्द शुक्ल </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Mangal, serif; font-size: 12pt;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<pre style="background: white; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<pre style="background: white; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<br /></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-33154433025413173812019-02-23T20:11:00.001-08:002019-02-23T20:34:08.796-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="2iuq6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2iuq6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>Warmth, Up Close and Personal
</b><i>(published in the Hindu 24/2/19
url -
</i></u></span><i><span style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><u>https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/warmth-up-close-and-personal/article26352293.ece</u></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>)</u></span></i></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; position: relative; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="c6rfo-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="cmtkg-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Euhl17DETVw/XHIZZ6kA0KI/AAAAAAAAE58/4JCE0ZEP22suOGndxPuEsa68x2czQgIHgCLcBGAs/s1600/hindu%2Bhand%2Bknitted%2Bsweaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1440" height="169" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Euhl17DETVw/XHIZZ6kA0KI/AAAAAAAAE58/4JCE0ZEP22suOGndxPuEsa68x2czQgIHgCLcBGAs/s320/hindu%2Bhand%2Bknitted%2Bsweaters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cmtkg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="cmtkg-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">Just when you are feeling all eyes on yourself and are gloating on the pullover you are wearing for its unique design, you suddenly see another person wearing a similar one. It’s such a big letdown; in fact downright embarrassing! How painstakingly you had searched for it, foraging through innumerable stores and finally settling for this! It was ‘like’ at first sight. But then, what else can one expect in this assembly line, mass production age. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cmtkg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="cmtkg-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="bqhlt-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bqhlt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="bqhlt-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">It was another time when all sweaters had their own distinct patterns. They were like our fingerprints, or those stripes on coats of Zebras and tigers, each unique. Our moms took pains to ensure that the design on the sweater of their loved ones didn’t resemble any other sweater on earth. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bqhlt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="bqhlt-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="e6v9p-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6v9p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="e6v9p-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"> Women’s magazines devoted their winter editions to sweater designs. Market places acquired a colourful hue as shops after shops converted themselves temporarily to selling wool-yarns. They made an ostentatious display of their stock, kept as wool- balls or hung in loops of yarn in innumerable tints. Sarojini Naidu’s description of colours, expressed in another context though, could have been so apt here - ‘Silver and blue as the mountain mist,/ … Some are like fields of sunlit corn / Some, like the flame of her marriage fire,/ Or, rich with the hue of her heart's desire/… Some are purple and gold flecked grey/ For she who has journeyed through life midway…’.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e6v9p-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="e6v9p-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="b7tvb-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b7tvb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="b7tvb-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">Sweaters were not knitted, they were created. Magazines were consulted, designs were mulled upon, and improvisations explored on old patterns. As the ladies gathered after their household chores for a chitter-chatter in the winter Sun, the nimble fingers engaged with the knitting needles and the yarn. The woolen canvas grew and enchanting motifs surfaced out of nowhere on them. The magic, they said, lay in the requisite ‘gauge’ or phandaa which was ensured with an engineer’s precision. For those uninitiated in the art, ‘gauge’ is a measurement of the number of stitches and rows per inch of knitting.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b7tvb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="b7tvb-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="7g7ge-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7g7ge-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="7g7ge-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">As it acquired shape, the likely wearer was called time and again to ensure the correct measurement of the torso and the sleeves. Since these summons made clear as for whom the particular piece was being knitted, our moms used a deceptive trick when they were to surprise us with a gift. Instead of trying it on us, the sweater, as it got knitted, was tried on a similar bodied child! And wasn’t it a moment of pride when some lady stopped one to admire the pattern on one’s sweater and examine it to try to understand how the particular design was made!</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7g7ge-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="7g7ge-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="2n5pd-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2n5pd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="2n5pd-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">Knitting has been a prominent feature in literature as well. Whether it be the lady characters in Jane Austen classics or the elderly lady sleuth Miss Marple in crime thrillers of Agatha Christie, knitting was perhaps a kind of metaphor both for a woman’s struggles with daily life and also her creativity, of her innate ability to make something beautiful from nothing . </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2n5pd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="2n5pd-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="e4hh1-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e4hh1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="e4hh1-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">It seems, in retrospect, that our sweaters had an unending life. They underwent a reincarnation when they became too old to be worn any longer. Unlike the machine made, these hand knitted sweaters were unreeled then, and the yarn was used to knit newer ones. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e4hh1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="e4hh1-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="29ba6" data-offset-key="c1j5m-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c1j5m-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: justify;">
<span data-offset-key="c1j5m-0-0" style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: inherit;">The hand knitted sweaters made you feel warm not merely because they were made of wool. They contained something far more valuable- the warmth of relations and affection. We are fortunate to have experienced this warmth.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-31031331911744528062018-08-25T20:45:00.004-07:002018-08-25T20:45:42.971-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBMF4QnmDc/W4Ig8VSYjjI/AAAAAAAAEcg/wEYbUWj2LWA6HIvDgIRSMGNdk_DVD7WjgCLcBGAs/s1600/new%2Bindian%2Bexpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="502" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaBMF4QnmDc/W4Ig8VSYjjI/AAAAAAAAEcg/wEYbUWj2LWA6HIvDgIRSMGNdk_DVD7WjgCLcBGAs/s200/new%2Bindian%2Bexpress.jpg" width="109" /></a><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Summer
on our Rooftops</span></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(published on the Edit Page of the New Indian Express 24-7-2018)</span></span></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Rooftops
during summers were lively places before the high-rises, air-conditioners,
television and, a general sense of insecurity did them in. Lying on the cots,
gazing at the stars, deciphering their patterns, wondering what lay beyond, it
felt ethereal as the light breeze fanned one to sleep. Though it was all (to
borrow from Wordsworth) ‘quiet as a Nun, breathless with adoration’, one was
encompassed by sounds – sounds which can be heard only when all is still. The
chirping of crickets, a cuckoo calling her mate, the waft of an old film song
or the crackle of some transistor tuned to Radio Ceylon or the B.B.C News and,
the soft voices of a conversing couple or, someone narrating stories to kids,
slowly faded away, as the gentle summer breeze, with a whiff of the sweet mild
smell of a mango tree in bloom, lulled all to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Preparations
for the nightly slumber began when the Sun went down after its harsh day’s
labour. The rooftop floor was drenched with water to cool it down. The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>string cots would then be brought out in the
open from the shade and, bed sheets <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spread on them early enough to make them cool
by the time one would lie on them after a couple of hours or so. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">As
evening set in, the rooftops became a frenzy of activity. The young rendered
the evening sky a riot of colours as their kites swirled with excitement or
swam with elegance. Released from their day-long confinement, the kids hit the
outdoors with a vengeance. Hide and Seek, <i>Vish-Amrit, Chor-Sipahi, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Chibbadi </span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">or Hopscotch were some of those games
for which terraces were ideally suited. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d9ead3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Mango pickles owed themselves to sunny
terraces. Whether it were their marinating with salt and turmeric at the
beginning, or seasoning them with spices and mustard oil before they finally
got ready to eat and also store for a long period, they had to be laid down in
the summer Sun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #d9ead3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #7f6000;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Those were times of early to bed and early to
rise. Fracas and farce, euphemistically called the <i>T.V. News</i> hadn’t
taken our fancy then. Families conversed and kids had stories to hear as they
went to sleep. Twitter of birds, mooing of a cow somewhere, and the morning
Sun’s soft rays woke them up. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our towns hadn’t turned into
megalopolises and, the houses did not resemble cells of a honeycomb. Yes, it’s
so different today. Closeted with four walls all the day long, we have to
wrench ourselves from the communication gadgets to go to sleep amidst the monotonous
whirr of the air-conditioners. The word ‘complex’ in the compound word
‘residential complex’ seems so apt. In this context, two great thinkers- Ruskin
and Tagore- come to mind. While Ruskin believed that our architecture is an
expression of our life and character, Tagore abhorred walls. He wrote- ‘…walls
leave their mark deep in the minds of men. They set up a habit of securing all
our conquests by fortifying them and separating them from one another…. It
breeds in us a strong suspicion of whatever is beyond the barriers we have
built, and everything has to fight hard for its entrance into our recognition’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #7f6000;">Some
decades back, the roofs of the houses were lively, open and, welcoming as the
then life, unlike today, when huge water tanks and dish T.V. antennas are their
only adornments. Hasn’t similarly, our then openness and genuine warmth seems
to have been replaced by canned emotions and digital expressions? </span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>http://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/mindspace/2018/jul/24/the-rooftops-of-our-homes-are-now-dead-1847592.html</u></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><o:p><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"> -------------</span></span></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-71603898920504541582018-02-26T19:06:00.000-08:002018-02-26T19:06:00.534-08:00Musings of a newspaper addict/ The thrill of the morning <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.5pt; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Musings of a newspaper
addict<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.5pt; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">published in The Hindu - 08/10/17 </span></b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-thrill-of-the-morning/article19819797.ece</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.5pt; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">How I wait to hear the
‘thud’ of the rolled bundle falling on my terrace! A few minutes late and there
I am - perched on the railing, waiting eagerly to catch a glimpse of his cycle
turning the corner towards my house. It sure looks fantastic. With a large bundle
tied on their handles and carriers laden with another, the bicycles swim in my
lane. The satchel on their handle bars
holds some more- the rolled ones. The practiced fingers nimbly pick the exact
newspaper from the bundles or the satchel, depending on whether they are to be
delivered to a ground floor verandah or, to an upper floor terrace and, the
dexterous arm akin to an Olympian javelin thrower sends it to the desired
place. All in one seamless action! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a confirmed newspaper
addict. Without it the morning seems
bland, the morning- tea insipid, and, the day morose. They
may have been the mornings of a remote
town, Sakti in Chhatisgarh, or a non-descript railway station where my train
happened to stop during some journey , the Heathrow airport where the flight to
USA took a break , or the cities in USA where I have had short sojourns, I have gone all out in search
for a newspaper. Yes, the printed version- which one can feel and smell and can
hold in one’s hands. Having had one, I flip and cursorily make a mental note of
the choicest and juiciest topics, and then lay it down on the lap to savour it,
to </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">chew and digest it in the celebrated words of
Bacon. I even deliberately leave some of the articles unread for the next day,
if the newspaper is not to be available
that day on account of a press holiday. </span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I cannot let my morning tea be tasteless !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 22.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
wasn’t so in the beginning. Those were the days when we children were asked to
read newspapers to improve both our language and knowledge, and it was a
reluctant compliance of course. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The comic strip, the
sports page and, the weekly Children’s page were the initial hook-ups. The graduation
to the editorial and op-ed pages took some years and the preparation for the
civil services exam made it staple. The newspapers then catered to all age
groups. They were meant to be read not to be merely seen as some of them now. <i>Page
three </i>was just another page in a daily, which usually carried local news.
It wasn’t an adjective then. While our teachers and parents insisted that we
read the newspapers, I dread asking my kids to do that. Not only have all the
well-known newspapers stopped having an exclusive kid’s space on their sheets,
some of them have also gone ahead for a blatant display of patent adult stuff on
them in the name of life style articles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> ‘But why is mine so late today?’, I grumble , careening
myself as if I would be able to see beyond the road-bend. Well may be some
newspaper might have reached the distribution centre late or may be his
cycle-tyre got punctured. I suddenly
realize that he must have left his home at the crack of dawn to be there at the
newspaper sorting center. The foggiest morning of a crippling winter or, a monsoonal one, raining hailstones makes no
difference to his schedule. So, while we in our blankets, lie warmly ensconced
in dreams, he is out there loading grim realities on his handle bar. He cycles
dripping wet to get our newspaper dry and crisp as a <i>papadum</i>. I realize
that this drudgery is to supplement his paltry income from some low-paid job
the rest of the day. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I espy my <i>paper-wala </i>shooting
newspaper missiles, bang on targets, of specific balconies and porches, as he
speedily cycles towards my house. My reverie breaks. I move a bit back from my
perch, take a stance </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">à la</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jonty
Rhodes and focus my attention to catch the roll of newspapers hurled from below.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.5pt; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.5pt; margin: 0in 22.5pt 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">
Skand Shukla</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-17273318999411524872017-09-29T23:41:00.000-07:002017-09-29T23:42:17.595-07:00Our Primary Level Text books and Social Constructs about Gender (published in the Journal of Women's Studies)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Our
Primary Level Text books and Social Constructs about Gender <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Abstract</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_V8131it0U/Wc88LyKuCVI/AAAAAAAAA60/ZyAF4Uzj4906pHQhdEvfjDl5ccRMPNe6wCLcBGAs/s1600/1%2B001%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_V8131it0U/Wc88LyKuCVI/AAAAAAAAA60/ZyAF4Uzj4906pHQhdEvfjDl5ccRMPNe6wCLcBGAs/s320/1%2B001%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Text books are not only an expression of the
beliefs of the writers who are a part of a particular social milieu, but also a
shaper of the belief system of the coming generations. A reading of the primary
school text books of various publications, including NCERT, shows that they
seem to be guided by many age old social constructs about gender. ‘S</span></i></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">ocial
construct’</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">
is an idea that seems to be natural and so obvious that it is accepted
unquestionably, but, which in fact, may not represent reality, being actually
an invention of a given society.<span style="background: white; color: #282828;">
In fact ‘gender’ itself is a social construct. </span><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Down the years, gender sensitivity as regards the text books
has been limited to an increase in pictorial content depicting women and gender
role reversals, but has not questioned the traditional gender power structure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This paper intends to present how
finely the gender biasness is interwoven in the content of the textbooks and why
and how it can be done away with, with a little circumspection</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Our
Primary Level Text books and Social Constructs about Gender <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;">It was during the mid-19<sup>th</sup> century, the period of Victorian
England, when Tennyson wrote in his long poem ‘<i>The Princess</i>’- <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"> ‘…</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;">Man for the field and woman for the hearth:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;">Man for the sword and for the needle she:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;"> Man with the head and
woman with the heart: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;">Man to command and woman to obey; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;">All else confusion….’(Part V, lines 427-431)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> The poem
raised and explored the question of the male- domination in gender relations,
both in work area as in lines cited above and, in sexual relationships as in
the lines- ‘</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">We
hunt them for the beauty of their skins;/They love us for it, and we ride them
down<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">’ (V, 147-50). <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fce5cd; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
scenario has changed tremendously in the West since then. Changes have not been
little even in our part of the world but the moot point is whether the <i>social beliefs</i> have changed to
considering the two genders equal (not similar) on a social scale <i>or, is it only</i> that woman have taken to
some works in professional area, mostly because of economic necessity, which
previously were done only by males. Perhaps it is only the latter and the
clearest signs can be found in our text books written for our primary school
children. Text books are important indicators because they are not only an
expression of the beliefs of the writer who himself is a part of a particular
social milieu, but also a shaper of the belief system of the coming generations
in society.Browsing through the primary school text books of various
publications, including NCERT, makes one feel that the age old social
constructs about the male being more
powerful, both in physic and intellect, and hence the natural decision
maker, exist in our society till date and are also being perpetuated through
them. </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> To put it
simply, a ‘social construct’</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> is an idea or notion that seems to be natural and
obvious to people who accept it unquestionably, but, which in fact, may or may
not represent reality. Thus it is largely an invention of a given society.<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> In fact ‘gender’ itself is a social
construct. Gender, as distinguished from sex, is the assigning of masculine or
feminine behavior and roles based on the genitalia. Some of the social
constructs about gender are- girls are feminine i.e. are characterized by being
shy, soft spoken, sensitive, self-effacing, compliant, emotional and subjective;
boys have masculine traits and are out-going, aggressive, achievement oriented
and objective. These constructs become the basis of stereotypes in other fields
as well. For instance, in the field of education, it is widely believed that
girls are less adept in mathematics vis-à-vis boys, drawn perhaps from the
notion that girls are emotional while boys are rational. Similarly, in
reference to marital life, it seems to be a given that woman are best suited
for household chores while men for works outside the house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fce5cd; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"> The
assigning of softness and emotionality, down the ages, to one of the two genders
has automatically resulted in the acquiring of a dominant role by the other
gender. It would however be interesting to think overas to why this assigning
traverses time and space.Fiona Tolan writes- ‘<i>The Second Sex</i> argued that there was no such thing as ‘feminist
nature’. There was no physical or psychological reason why women should be
inferior to men…Biological differences do not provide a causal explanation for
women’s oppression, however their reproductive function has placed women at a
disadvantage by tying them to the domestic sphere…’ (Waugh 321-322).Without
going into a debate over the question of the two genders being psychologically
or emotionally differentfrom each other, this writer’s guess too is that since
it has been the woman who bore child, she automatically got bound within a
boundary for rearing and, as a corollary, got stamped over time with the
attribute of emotional and a weaker gender vis-à-vis man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> These social
constructs can easily be seen to be false if we just observe the world around-
a woman laborer giving as much output as a man at a construction site and also
taking care of her child, lady scientists in one of the most intellectually
demanding organizations as ISRO, ladies climbing high mountains – even an
amputee like Arunima Sinha, ladies heading big corporates and; men too breaking
down in times of distress, even tough sportsmen as the South Cricket team players
on losing a world cup match. But, the question is- can we observe objectively?
Perhaps not. The reason is that we all - men and women- have been bred amid
gender discriminatory social constructs. Content and images in our text books
have only gone to reinforce, unawares, our impressionable minds with the gender
stereotypes. No wonder socially prescribed, practiced and believed in gender
roles and behavior do not strike us as odd. No wonder statements like, ‘it’s
the cow which is tied to a peg, not the bull’, are sometimes issued by the
boy’s apologists when his inappropriate behavior towards a girl is asked to be
restrained.No wonder,a criminal</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">seems to echo
Tennyson’s words cited above</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">when justifying his
heinous act of violation of the girl Nirbhaya-</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">"Housework
and housekeeping is for girls…’ <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Besides the typical images of boys playing
outdoor games and girls playing with dolls with which our primary school text
books are replete with, there are more gender related seemingly innocuous
contents, which on a deeper analysis, are not really so. Down the years, gender
sensitivity as regards the text books has been limited to an increase in
pictorial content depicting women and gender role reversals, <i>but</i> has continued situating her within
domesticity and, not questioning the traditional gender power structure. A few
examples from books published by India’s premier educational organization, the
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), below
will show how finely the gender biasness is interwoven in the content of the
textbooks–<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">‘His</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> mother and sister have to walk a longer distance to fetch
water… While walking on the hot sand their feet burn and blisters just cannot
be avoided. When the train carrying water comes they are very happy. Madho’s
father goes to fetch water in his camel-cart’. (Chapter 20 ‘Drop By Drop’,
Environmental Studies book <i>Looking Around</i>).</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The text
above and the picture of </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">ladies trudging to fetch water in this chapter on water
conservation reinforces in the young minds
that the job of fetching water is of women alone. Moreover, it goes on
to assert that, when a man does so (the chapter makes clear that it is ‘not
often’) he goes not on foot, but on a cart, , unlike Madho’s ‘mother and
sister!</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The stage directions in chapter 8 of the Hindi textbook for
class 3 , <i>Rimjhim,</i> for a skit of the famous parable of a monkey
eating the whole bread being fought over by two cats are worded thus- ‘ <i>7-8 baraskaladkabandar ban saktahaiaur 5-6
baraskiladkiyaanbilli ban saktihain.’</i>(a boy of 7-8 years of age can become
the monkey and girls of 5-6 years can play the parts of the cats).A dialogue
spoken by the monkey is so expressed- “<i>roti
kiski? Mai iskafaisalakaroonga. Chalokachehry, mere peechhepeechheaao.</i>” (Whose
bread? I will decide it. Come to the court, come behind me) The stage
directions then say-‘ <i>bandardono se
chheenkar roti apnehaathmeilekarchaltahai,
donobilliyaanpeechhe-peechheaatihain’</i>. (the monkey snatches the bread from
both of them and with it in its hands begins to walk while the two cats follow
)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">The stage
directions specifying the gender of the actors for the role of the monkey and
the cats, the dialogues and, the accompanying picture of the monkey sitting on
a pedestal while the cribbing cats look above to him for justice reinforce the
notion of maleness essential for decision making and females given to stupidly
fighting over small things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">In both the above examples, a little
circumspection could have made the content gender neutral. In the first, the
distinction between men and women could have been avoided and, men too could
have been shown partaking in the domestic works. In the second, the specifying
of gender for role play could have been avoided or even provided that a girl
could be the monkey-judge and a boy and a girl can play the roles of the cats. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Some of the seemingly innocuous pictures of children playing
are like bas-relief in the way they subtly put forth the distinction between
the two genders even when the two are shown to be performing the same activity.
The chapter ‘ Nobody’s Friends’ in Unit
8 of class 5 English text-book juxtaposes in one picture a girl-child with a
doll with a boy-child on a tricycle. Again, a picture of three children playing basketball in Chapter
‘Teamwork’ (page 20) in Class 5 English book shows two boys leaping high in the air, touching
the ball while the lone girl’s feet are on the ground, the ball quite beyond
her reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">Besides
the NCERT books, which are supposed to set standards for other publications,
here are some examples from other reputed publications-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In the Social Studies book for class 4, <i>TREK </i>(Oxford University Press, 2013),there are five pictures of
different seasons being enjoyed by a child and not one is of a girl-child in chapter
6- ‘The Climate of India’. The chapter 8 of this book- ‘Natural Resources’- has
a picture of children enjoying themselves in a pond and, all of them are boys.Chapter
7- ‘Organizations that help us’- has five different pictures of various
professionals helping us the police,
doctor, army personnel, workers in a post office and none of them has a woman
Chapter 10- ‘Our Industries’- has a picture of people working in an automobile
industry and all of them are men. <b><i>However</i></b> there is a chapter, chapter
11- ‘Our Heritage’- which has pictures in which there only women, and
interestingly they all are depictions of dances of various kinds. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The book <i>Environmental
Studies</i> , Viva Publications , written for class 2 has pictures of 12
professionals in the chapter 11- ‘We Need Them’- and none of them has a woman
while, in the same chapter, the sub section ‘People who entertain us’ has the
only picture of a woman and,<b><i>again interestingly,</i></b>it is of a
dancer !<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"> The above
are only a few samples of the gendered content existing subtly in our primary
level textbooks of various reputed publications. These examples give a fair
idea of the fact that our text book writers have to get out of the time warp of
antiquity as far as the gender constructs are concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">In their essay ‘Inclusive Education in India:
The Struggle for Quality in Consonance with Equity’, NidhiSingal and Roger
Jeffery remark that- ‘Efforts aimed at developing inclusive education have been
largely framed by the distributive paradigm of social justice’ (Artiles,
Kozleski and Waitoller, 181). The distributive view of justice, as thought of
by Rawls, has relevance only to an extent. It is useful in that it focuses on
access and provision of resources like free books, uniform, and even bicycles
and money sometimes, and thus ensures the availability of basic essentials for
education to girls but, it stops short of realizing the roles that are played
by social structures and institutional contexts in upholding the gender
inequalities.Access does not automatically ensure equality. In fact, if the curriculum
and the content are not examined in the light of gender equity, the gender
inequalities of socialization and social control will only be perpetuated. As
Lewis advises to ‘remember the ‘education’ in inclusive education’ (qtd in
Artiles, Kozleski and Waitoller, 182), inclusion is not enough in itself and
attains worth only with the imparting of an education that helps to create a
just and equal society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #073763;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">We should also remember that it’s not only
about girls. ‘Femininity’ cannot exist by itself, therefore masculinity and its
effects on boys and menneeds to be sensitively understood and addressed too.<i>The Position Paper</i> of the National Focus
Group on Gender Issues in Education expressly says-‘</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Boys and men
also suffer from the stereotyping that exists in a patriarchal culture. Boys
are discouraged from being emotional, gentle and caring or from admitting to
being weak or fearful. They are thrust into the role of breadwinners,
protectors, warriors. Most men cannot live up to the notion of hegemonic masculinity.
They are ridiculed for being effeminate if they are not aggressive. Gentle boys
are pushed around and sexually exploited by stronger, macho men. An excessive
emphasis on virility, male sexual prowess and performance leads to tremendous
insecurities and anxiety in men.’ (NCERT, 24)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">What
is required is a massive rethink on our definitions, language and concepts to
create gender non-discriminatory knowledge for our children.<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The
Position Paper</span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> of the
National Focus Group on Gender Issues in Education suggested construction of ‘alternative
gendered frameworks of knowledge that </span>equally reflect the life worlds of both men and women and carry within
them the seeds of a just social transformation.’ (NCERT, 32). These alternative
frameworks will have to go beyond merely making woman visible in the text
books, situating them within domestic boundaries (even while discussing
historical figures like Rani Jhansi and Razia Sultan) or, at best, supplementing
income of the family in her outdoor life. It also suggests to seek new
definitions of ‘strength’ as the existing definitions only lead to a false
perception of women being weak. It says-‘Strength is usually measured in
terms of who runs faster, jumps higher, carries heavier loads. Physicalstamina,
thresholds of pain, and longevity, are rarely taken to be indicators of
strength.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763;">The fact is that we have to move even beyond
gender and think in terms of intersectionality, i.e. multiple disadvantages of
some sections of society, to ensure inclusiveness in our thoughts. Thus,
instead of a picture of man mountaineer in the text book, we have to have the
picture of that woman amputee mountaineer who successfully climbed Mount
Everest. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #073763;"> Learning
imparted at the impressionable age of primary schooling remains forever and, it
is imbibed both from the texts as well as the images. It is hence, of utmost
importance that the material presented before children is such which is
empowering for girls in the sense of making them realise their potential, frees
the boys from the bondage of stereotype male-hood of aggressiveness and curbing
of emotions, and thus, raise a generation that is not conformist but critically
evaluative and constructive and capable of expanding its capacities to the
utmost and contribute to the making of a just and compassionate society. </span><span style="color: #282828;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Bibliography</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">1</span><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">1-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Artiles,
Alfredo J. , Elizabeth B. Kozeleski and Federico R. Waitoller<i>. Inclusive Education</i>, Harvard Education
Press, Cambridge, MA, 2011. Print.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">22-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Environmental Studies</span></i><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> , Viva Publications, New Delhi, 2014. Print<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">33-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">Gutek,
Gerald L. <i>Philosophical and Ideological
Voices in Education</i>, Pearson, USA, 2006. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">44-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">NCERT. <i>Marigold</i>,
</span><a href="http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm</span></a><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> Web (8/5/2015)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">55-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> NCERT. </span><i><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Looking Around, </span></i><a href="http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm</span></a><span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Web (8/5/2015)</span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">66-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">NCERT. <i>Rimjhim</i>, </span><a href="http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm</span></a><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> Web (8/5/2015)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">77-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> NCERT. <i>The
Position Paperof the National Focus Group on Gender Issues in Education</i>.
2006. Print<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;">88-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Prasad, Shiva. <i>Times of India,</i><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Teary-eyed-at-the-World-Cup/articleshow/46713409.cms"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Teary-eyed-at-the-World-Cup/articleshow/46713409.cms</span></a><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> Web (8/5/2015)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">99- Tennyson, Lord Alfred. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 106%;"><a href="http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/atennyson/bl-aten-princess.htm"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;">http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/atennyson/bl-aten-princess.htm</span></a></span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"> . Web (9/5/2015</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <b> Dr Skand Shukla</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">(Officer of the U.P. Education Services and was
recently a visiting fellow at the Arizona State University, U.S.A</span></span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">)</span><span style="color: #282828;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><u>Profile of the writer</u></b>-</span> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">An officer
of the Provincial Educational Services of Uttar Pradesh, did post-graduation in
English Literature with a gold medal and was awarded the degree of D.Phil. on
his thesis on Tagore’s philosophy of education by the University of Allahabad.
Articles related to academics and other issues have found place in newspapers
like The Hindu, The Economic Times, The Times of India and the Hindustan Times.
He was also a visiting fellow at the Arizona State University, U.S.A. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">E-mail id- <a href="mailto:skandshukla@yahoo.com">skandshukla@yahoo.com</a>
; Phone number- 09415254692</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-4462267944506851792017-09-17T00:37:00.000-07:002017-09-23T21:01:29.808-07:00हैप्पी बर्थडे- कादम्बिनी मई 2017 अंक में प्रकाशित <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3Tosdffvw/Wb4lxXVq43I/AAAAAAAAA5I/RxfPRdst7ok7k4hkBqcAEum1elwibK4AQCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BDoc%2B2017-09-17_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1235" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf3Tosdffvw/Wb4lxXVq43I/AAAAAAAAA5I/RxfPRdst7ok7k4hkBqcAEum1elwibK4AQCLcBGAs/s200/New%2BDoc%2B2017-09-17_1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="153" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgypiMmiw5s/Wb4mBlibUII/AAAAAAAAA5M/3KCztXAfH2MsIu20S1ll7Q8AX5W6dtRVgCLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BDoc%2B2017-09-17_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1298" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgypiMmiw5s/Wb4mBlibUII/AAAAAAAAA5M/3KCztXAfH2MsIu20S1ll7Q8AX5W6dtRVgCLcBGAs/s200/New%2BDoc%2B2017-09-17_2.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हैप्पी बर्थडे</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अरे ये क्या! आज तो </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">24</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> जनवरी है। तो क्या</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हुआ करे</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">मेरी बला से। चलूं उठूँ ।
सुबह के छः बज गये है! दो ही दिन तो हुए है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">जॉगिंग शुरू किये, अलसियाना ठीक नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन ये इसकी याद क्यों आ गयी</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">अचानक</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">वर्षों हो गये बातचीत
हुए, या सच बताऊं, तो ख्याल ही आये। हद है! पचास वर्ष की उम्र में उसका सपने</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">में दिख जाना! उन दिनो तो कभी मेरे सपने में आयी नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> जब घंटो साथ बीतते थे। </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">हाँ वो कभी कभी छेड़ने के
लिए अवश्य पूछती थी कि यार मैं कभी
तुम्हारे सपने वपने में आती हूँ की नहीं, और मैं तुनक के कहता था कि भाई दिन भर का
तो साथ रहता है अब कम से कम नींद में तो
चैन से रहने दो । अरे! उठूं भी-</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">ये सब क्या सोचने लगा</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">अच्छा एक करवट और, बस दो
मिनट। तो आज वो सपने में क्यो आ गयी</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">क्या टेलिपाथी जैसा तो कुछ नहीं हुआ होगा कि मैं भी उसके ख्यालों में आया होऊंगा? सोच कर
अच्छा लगा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">अरे खाक आया होऊंगा! ये
सब टेलिपाथी-वेलापाथी किताबी चीजें हैं। और
वैसे भी, इस सपने में कुछ ऐसा रोमान्टिक तो था नहीं। इस उम्र में</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> जीवन के यथार्थों से प्रतिक्षण
रूबरू होते होते, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">ढेरों जिम्मेदारियों के
बोझ तले, अब तो सपने भी रूटीन हो गये है। सपने में तो हम झगड़ रहे थे</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> बहस कर रहे थे- कीट्स के ओड्स पर और अचानक हैमलेट के दर्शन के सार
पर। हैमलेट मेरा पसन्दीदा चरित्र था- अनिर्णय से परिपूर्ण और</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">और भविष्य के लिए आशंकित । अन्त में शेक्सपीयर ने कह ही तो दिया था
कि आप कुछ नहीं करते</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">सब कुछ वो ऊपर वाली, वो
सर्वशक्तिमान अदृश्य शक्ति ही करती कराती है। व्यक्ति तो मात्र निमित्त है और सब
कुछ उसके जीवन में पूर्व –निर्धारित - ‘</span><span style="background: rgb(243 , 251 , 254); color: #002060; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">There’s a divinity that shapes our ends.</span><span lang="HI" style="background: rgb(243 , 251 , 254); color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> । और वो, हैमलेट के
अनिर्णय वाले चरित्र की निंदक।</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> विश्वविद्यालय की लाइब्रेरी का वो
रीडिंग रूम और बड़ी सी ओवल आकार की टेबल। हम पढ़ रहे थे। </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> ‘‘</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">ए सुनो, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">तुम मुझसे प्रेम तो नहीं
करने लगे</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">’’
</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अचानक उसने छेड़ने के
अंदाज़ में पूछा। मैं चौंक उठा, “क्यों</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">बिल्कुल नहीं”। </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">‘‘</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अच्छा मान लो हमारा विवाह हो गया तो</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">’’? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">पुनः प्रश्न। “तो फिर
क्या</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">पटेगी नहीं एक दिन भी”,
मैने कहा। “विवाह की सफलता के लिए</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> दो अनजान लोगों को करीब
आने के लिए</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> रोमांस आवश्यक है </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">;</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> और रोमांस आता है
नोवेल्टी से, इमैजिनेशन से, इमोशन्स आदि</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> आदि से। वो हमारे बीच
होगा नहीं क्योंकि लगता ही नहीं कि इस प्रगाढ़ मैत्री के कारण एक दुसरे के मन के
बारे में कुछ डिस्कवर करना बचा है । वैवाहिक सम्बन्ध में पटने के लिए कुछ सीक्रेट्स
चाहिए दो लोगो के बीच में- और यहाँ हम
दोनो के बीच वहीं नहीं है- एकदम खुली पुस्तक हैं </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हम दोनो एक दूसरे के लिए”। “हुम्म”, उसने धीमे से कहा।
“और ये मित्रता क्या होती है ?” उसने पूछा
। “और ये प्रेम, और रोमांस”? मेरे शब्दों के मीमांसा करने के गुण से वो इतना
परिचित जो थी ।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">“क्या मालूम भाई ,”
मैंने कहा । “प्रेम हुआ हो तब तो बताऊँ । और रोमांस ? मेरे जैसे भावना शून्य ,
इमोशनलेस </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">व्यक्ति के लिए तो उसका अनुभव असंभव ही है । आई ऍम अ
पर्सन ऑफ़ रीज़न नॉट ऑफ़ इमोशन्स, यू नो सो वेल। लेकिन अब तुमने विषय छेड़ ही दिया है
तो मेरे ख्याल से यह कहा जा सकता है कि ‘प्रेम’ बस होता है</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">बिना भावाभिव्यक्ति के भी उसका अस्तित्व है</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">'</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">रोमांस</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">' </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">में उसका परिलक्षण </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">उसकी अभिव्यक्ति होती है</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">;</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> और यह प्रकटन</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">यह
अभिव्यक्ति किसी व्यक्ति की केवल कल्पनाओं से ही सीमांकित हो सकती है -</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> लिमिटेड ओनली</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> बाई वन्स इमेजिनेशन ,
यू नो” । “मैं समझी नहीं”। "एक उदाहरण देता हूँ । शॉ की ‘कैंडिडा’ पढ़ा है न
तुमने ? पति-पत्नी प्रेम तो करते हैं एक
दूसरे से पर जब कभी वो एक्सप्रेस किया जाता है शब्दों में , ऐक्शन्स में – जैसे
कोई सरप्राइज गिफ्ट , कैंडल लाइट डिनर – तब रोमांस का प्रवेश होता है । रोमांटिक
लम्हा उस अनिर्वचनीय प्रेम को महसूस करा जाता है । प्रेम आपके वातावरण में रचा बसा
तो रहता है परन्तु आप उस से अनभिज्ञ रहते हैं। कुछ वैसे ही जैसे पढ़ाई में डूबे
रहने पर कमरे में बज रहे रेडियो कि उपस्थिति का एहसास तब तक नहीं होता जब तक की
कोई उसे बंद न कर दे या, उसके ट्यून में परिवर्तन- व्हिच एक्चुअली जोल्ट्स यू तो
कॉन्शअस्नेस ऑफ़ इट्स बीइंग” । “और मैत्री ?” उसने पूछा। “प्रेम पोजेसिव होता है ,
मित्रता नहीं । मैत्री वहाँ है जहां हम अपने सभी मनोभावों को बिना किसी वर्जना के,
हिचकिचाहट के और, शर्म के दुसरे के समक्ष प्रकट कर सकें , शेयर कर सकें। प्रेमी यह रिस्क नहीं मोल सकता कि उसके किसी
वाक्य से, किसी कृत्य से प्रेम मंद पड़ जाय । मैत्री ऐसी किसी आशंका से मुक्त रहती
है” । </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन प्रेम के लिए तो कवियों ने इतने कसीदे गढ़े हैं सदैव से”?
“कवियों ने न? क्योंकि वो दिल से सोचते हैं । लेकिन मालूम है अगाथा क्रिस्टी जैसी
क्राइम पर लिखने वाली लेखिका ने क्या कहा है ‘नेमेसिस’ में – <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">‘</span></span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">'Love! One of the most frightening words
there is in the world. Love...' </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">“, मैंने मुस्कराते हुए कहा</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> “यहाँ तक कि आचार्य रामचंद्र शुक्ल ने भी अपने
निबंध में यह माना है कि </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">समर्पण
श्रद्धालु की विशेषता है</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">, </span></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">प्रेमी की नहीं”</span></span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">‘‘</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">पता नहीं यार, ये
तुम्हारे टर्म्स और व्याख्या ! इमोशन्स, प्रेम</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">मैत्री</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , serif; line-height: 115%;">रोमान्स...! साहित्य और समालोचना</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> पढ़ते पढ़ते तुम्हारा
दिमाग खराब हो गया है – चलो चला जाये , हो गयी आज यहाँ की पढाई</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">’’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">।</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> अरे! ये क्या</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">साढ़े छः बज गये</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अब तो उठूं। आखिर ठीक
होगा आज उसको विश करना</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">उन वर्षों में तो मध्यरात्रि पर ही विश कर दिया करता था। परन्तु आज इतने
वर्षों बाद! वो तो इस फेसबुक</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">ह्वाट्सऐप के जमाने में अचानक दो तीन वर्षों पहले पता लगा कि कहाँ है</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">,</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">कितने बड़े बच्चे है,
नानी दादी तो नहीं बन गयी है</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">वरना कहाँ मालूम चलता। फिर
उसका नम्बर भी तो तभी मिल गया था परन्तु
तब भी शायद दो चार बार ही तो संदेशों का आदान प्रदान हुआ था – नितांत
औपचारिक , जैसे नव वर्ष पर या किसी त्यौहार पर बधाई। तब ये आज अचानक यह याद क्यों</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">विश करूं या न करू</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अरे यह तो हैमलेट की वो </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "courier new"; line-height: 115%;">soliloquy</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> हो</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">गयी</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">-</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "kruti dev 010"; line-height: 115%;">&^^</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "courier new"; line-height: 115%;">to be or not to be</span><b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">” </span></b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">।</span><b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">विश करूं और कोई
रिस्पान्स भी न आये तो बहुत अखरेगा। उस दिन के बाद तो कभी इस तरह अपनेपन से विश
किया भी नहीं। </span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "kruti dev 010"; line-height: 115%;">^^</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "courier new"; line-height: 115%;">Wish <i>you</i> a lovely wedding</span><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "kruti dev 010"; line-height: 115%;">**</span><b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">ही तो थी वो अंतिम
परितप्त विश। </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> कितने खटाश के दिन थे।
गलती भी मेरी ही थी शायद- नौकरी की रेस में बारम्बार असफलताओं से उत्पन्न अवसाद
शायद मैत्री पर भारी पड़ रहा था। और फिर उसका विवाह का तय हो जाना। यद्यपि वो
अप्रत्याशित भी नहीं था। आखिर उसके पसंद से वह विवाह हो रहा था और मैं उस से अनजान
भी नहीं था । परन्तु यह अचानक ही क्यों सब खराब लगाने लगा? लगा कि एक मित्र खो रहा
हूँ। ऐसा क्यों लगा</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">मैत्री तो स्वार्थ रहित होती है। वो पोजेसिव तो होती नहीं। हाँ प्रेम अवश्य पोजेसिव होता है। वो नहीं चाहता बांटना। उसे चिन्ता होती है कि वह हर न लिया जाय। तो
क्या यह मैत्री नहीं थी</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">क्या </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">इसलिए उसका जाना खराब लग
रहा था- इतना खराब कि वर्षों की मैत्री मुझे खट्टी</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">बल्कि कसैली लगने लगी थी। घर आना
जाना भी कम हो रहा था, साथ घूमना भी। विभिन्न विषयों पर गर्म बहसें, जो कभी झगड़े
जैसा रूप ले लेती थीं , रुक गयी थी । फोन पर घंटों कि जगह मिनटों ने ले ली थी।
यद्यपि आज सोचता हूँ तो लगता है कि यह परिवर्तन एक तरफ़ा ही था, वो तो पहले की तरह
ही थी – प्रतिदिन की छोटी–छोटी बातों को साझा करना, सिविल सर्विसेज के आगामी
साक्षात्कार के लिए टिप्स देते रहना और, पढाई के लिए डांटते रहना। परन्तु, मेरे
व्यवहार</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> और </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">शब्दों में ताने और
उलाहने परिलक्षित होने लगे थे-अनायास। या फिर यों कहें कि वह सब कहना और करना जो
अब तक सरल हास्य और विनोदपूर्ण लगा करता था एकाएक व्यंग और कटाक्ष सा प्रतीत होने लगा । आखिर शब्द और क्रिया की
प्रकृति या अर्थ संबंधों के परिप्रेक्ष्य
में ही तो निर्धारित होता है ।</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">खैर</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">लेकिन आज क्यो</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">उठूं भी</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अब आज तो हो चुकी जॉगिंग</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">इस स्वप्न और गतिमान
दिवास्वप्न के चक्कर में। क्या सोचेगी मुझे इतने वर्षों बाद विश करने पर। मैत्री
सम्बन्ध तोड़ने में मैं ही मुख्य दोषी था- अब लगता था। लेकिन क्या करूं शायद
परिस्थितियां ही ऐसी थी। यदि विश के रिस्पान्स में धन्यवाद भी न दिया उसने तो बहुत
बुरा लगेगा। सम्बन्ध समाप्त हो गये है- इस तथ्य पर मुहर लग जायेगी- जीवन के इस
मुकाम पर। लेकिन यह भी तो सत्य है कि जीवन ही अब कितना बचा है</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">? </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">कुछ वर्षों में
सेवानिवृत्ति , सुबह-शाम की सैर और, पौत्र पौत्री की चक्कलस। कुछ ही सम्बन्ध तो बनते
हैं जीवन में जो लगता है स्वार्थ रहित थे- निश्छल थे</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">उन्हें एकनॉलेज करने में
हर्ज क्या। </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">‘‘
</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अरे उठना नहीं है”</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">पत्नी ने रजाई खीचते हुए
कहा और, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हो गयी जॉगिंग!</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">’’</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> के </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">प्रेमासिक्त ताने के साथ बगल की टेबल पर चाय का कप और अखबार रखा । </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हाथ में ये फोन लेकर
सोये थे क्या आज”</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">?</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">‘‘</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">अरे कुछ नहीं</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">एक पुराने मित्र को
बर्थडे विश करने जा रहा था</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;">”</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">। और मैं ह्वाट्सऐप पर
टाइप करने लगा- </span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">‘</span><span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">हैप्पी बर्थडे’ - इस
इन्तजार के साथ कि प्रेषण के बाद जल्द वो दो टिक नीले हो जाये।</span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="color: #002060; font-family: "mangal" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;"> डॉ स्कन्द शुक्ल </span><span style="color: #002060; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F2DBDB; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-42981593996761525302017-04-28T06:26:00.001-07:002017-04-28T06:26:36.287-07:00Karela/ करेला - Published on the Literaray page 'punarnava' of Dainik Jagran <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">करेला</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmZTbY-Z8cg/WQNCTP6vHlI/AAAAAAAAA28/IgdY2KhwAv4fSVNuWS_wUhIR2drhNFa2wCLcB/s1600/karela%2Bjagran.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="537" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmZTbY-Z8cg/WQNCTP6vHlI/AAAAAAAAA28/IgdY2KhwAv4fSVNuWS_wUhIR2drhNFa2wCLcB/s640/karela%2Bjagran.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'<span lang="HI">करेला</span>'! <span lang="HI">कहीं से एक तेज़ आवाज आई</span> <span lang="HI">और</span>, <span lang="HI">अचानक
ही</span>, <span lang="HI">सड़क पर तूफ़ान सा आ गया ।</span> <span lang="HI">तुरंत ही उसने रिक्शे को बायीं
ओर मोड़ा</span>, <span lang="HI">किनारे रोकते हुए</span> <span lang="HI">हैंडल पर लटकते रस्से के छल्ले
को ब्रेक पर</span> <span lang="HI">सरका कर</span> <span lang="HI">लगाया</span> <span lang="HI">और</span>, <span lang="HI">जब तक
हम बच्चे कुछ समझ</span> <span lang="HI">पाते</span>
, <span lang="HI">एक ईंट का अद्धा उठा कर उन</span> <span lang="HI">भागते दो लड़कों की ओर दौड़ कर
फेंका</span> <span lang="HI">जिधर से शायद
वो आवाज़ आयी थी। कुछ क्षणों के लिए</span>
<span lang="HI">सड़क पर चलते लोग और वाहन थम से गये</span>, <span lang="HI">पर
थोड़ी</span> <span lang="HI">ही</span> <span lang="HI">देर में</span>, <span lang="HI">वातावरण में हंसी के</span> <span lang="HI">साथ सब कुछ सामान्य</span> <span lang="HI">हो गया । </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वो गुस्से में</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">बुदबुदाते हुए वापस लौटा</span>,
<span lang="HI">रस्सी के छल्ले को ब्रेक पर से वापस हैंडल पर खिसकाते हुए रिक्शे की</span> <span lang="HI">ऊंची कड़ी</span> <span lang="HI">सीट पर बैठा और</span>, <span lang="HI">स्कूल की ओर बढ़ चला ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'<span lang="HI">क्या हुआ था</span>?' <span lang="HI">हमने थोड़ी देर बाद पूछा ।</span> '<span lang="HI">कुछ नहीं</span>', <span lang="HI">उसने तेज़ी से पैडल मारते हुए जवाब दिया । ऐसा लगा कि उसका सारा गुस्सा उन
पैडलों पर निकल रहा था ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">वह था मज्जी</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">हमारा</span> <span lang="HI">रिक्शेवाला जो हमे रोज़ स्कूल लाता
- ले जाता था । नाटा कद</span>, <span lang="HI">पीठ पर कूबड़</span>, <span lang="HI">दबा
रंग</span>, <span lang="HI">सिर पर अस्त व्यस्त घने बालों वाला यह व्यक्ति प्रथम
दृष्टया कतई आकर्षक नहीं था ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'<span lang="HI">क्या आपको कोई और नहीं मिला</span>?',
<span lang="HI">माँ ने पिताजी से तुरंत ही धीरे से पूछा था । </span>'<span lang="HI">मैंने उसके बारे में सब पता कर लिया है</span>, <span lang="HI">अच्छा और भरोसे
के लायक है और</span>,<span lang="HI"> यहीं पास में</span>, <span lang="HI">एक
फर्लांग पर रहता है</span>’, <span lang="HI">उन्होंने आश्वस्त करते हुए कहा । </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'<span lang="HI">भैया चलो</span>'! <span lang="HI">अगली सुबह एक तेज़ पुकार आयी</span>
- <span lang="HI">ठीक उतने समय</span>, <span lang="HI">जब उसने आने को कहा था । जिस स्नेह से उसने बस्ते को
अपने कंधे पर लेते हुए</span>, <span lang="HI">पहली बार किसी अजनबी के साथ घर से बाहर
निकल रहे पांच वर्ष के बालक की उंगली पकड़ी और बहलाते हुए रिक्शे की ओर बढ़ा</span>,
<span lang="HI">माँ का उसको लेकर सारा संशय</span>
<span lang="HI">मिट गया । हौले</span>
<span lang="HI">से</span> <span lang="HI">उसे</span> <span lang="HI">उठाकर उसने</span> <span lang="HI">रिक्शे</span> <span lang="HI">पर बैठाया और एक नए संबंध का सूत्रपात
हुआ</span> <span lang="HI">।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">मज्जी का व्यवहार सभी बच्चों के प्रति अभिभावक का ही होता
था</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">। स्वयं अपढ</span> <span lang="HI">होते हुए हुए भी परीक्षा के समय वो यह सुनिश्चित करता हुआ रिक्शा चलाता
जाता था कि सभी बच्चे अपने पाठ को दुहरा
रहे हैं</span> <span lang="HI">। क्या मजाल
कि कोई अनुचित</span> <span lang="HI">शब्द
किसी के मुंह</span> <span lang="HI">से
निकल जाए; और यदि ऐसा हो गया तो उसकी डांट के साथ साथ घर तक बात पहुँचनी भी
निश्चित होती थी।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> रिक्शे की गद्दी के नीचे का स्थान सभी बच्चों के लिए कौतूहल का केंद्र होता था । गद्दी उठाने पर वो बिलकुल दादी कि संदूकची जैसे लगता
था । उसमें उसके काम की ढेरों वस्तुओं के साथ –साथ इमली</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">अमरख</span>, <span lang="HI">अमरुद</span>, <span lang="HI">कच्ची अमियाँ जैसी बाल्य - रूचि की
चीज़ें भी होती थीं । रिक्शे के बच्चों को होली पर उसके द्वारा
तैयार विशेष गाढ़े रंग, और दिवाली
पर चुटपुटिया बजाने के लिए नट</span>-<span lang="HI">बोल्ट से बने यंत्र की प्रतीक्षा रहा करती थी । उसी संदुकची</span>-<span lang="HI">नुमा जगह</span> <span lang="HI">में</span> <span lang="HI">एक बड़ी सी</span> , <span lang="HI">पुरानी सी बरसाती भी रहती थी ।</span>
<span lang="HI">बारिश में प्रायः वह
उस बरसाती से रिक्शे के उस भाग को तो ढँक देता था जहां बच्चे बैठते थे और स्वयं भीगते हुए रिक्शा खींचता चलता
था । असल में पैसों की कमी उसे अपनी सुविधाओं पर व्यय करने से रोकती जो</span> <span lang="HI">थी ।</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उस रविवार तो वो बिलकुल बदले स्वरुप
में था</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">!
<span lang="HI">करीने से कढे बाल</span>, <span lang="HI">साफ़ और प्रेस किये कपड़े और</span>,
<span lang="HI">मुख पर एक चमक । वह माँ से
कुछ पैसे उधार लेने आया था । उसकी सगाई थी उस दिन</span>, <span lang="HI">उसने
शर्माते हुए बताया ।</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">विवाह के कुछ ही दिनों बाद वो अपनी
पत्नी को माँ से मिलवाने ले आया । तीखे
नैन</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span lang="HI">नक्श</span>, <span lang="HI">साफ़ रंग और</span>, <span lang="HI">दीप्तिमान
आँखे </span>-<span lang="HI"> मेरी बाल</span>-<span lang="HI">दृष्टि को भी वो भली
लगी। जाड़े की उस दोपहर</span> <span lang="HI">महिलाओं की बात चीत का विषय वही रही ।</span> '<span lang="HI">इतनी सुन्दर
! ये मज्जी जैसे व्यक्ति से विवाह को तैयार कैसे हो गयी</span> !',<span lang="HI">
उनमे से किसी एक की यह आश्चर्य</span>-<span lang="HI">सिक्त अभिव्यक्ति</span> <span lang="HI">और</span>, <span lang="HI">उस पर
अन्य सभी महिलाओं का सहमति का भाव</span>, <span lang="HI">उस विशद चर्चा का सार रहा
।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">मज्जी ने रहने की जगह बदल दी ।
पुरानी जगह एक</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">नव-विवाहित जोड़े के लिए
उपयुक्त नहीं थी । यह एक बड़े से खाली
प्लाट के एक कोने पर उधड़ा</span>-<span lang="HI">उजड़ा</span> <span lang="HI">सा</span>, <span lang="HI">बिना
रंग</span>-<span lang="HI">रोगन</span>, <span lang="HI">प्लास्टर</span> -<span lang="HI">विहीन एक कमरा था । कुछ ही समय में वह उजाड़ सी जगह</span>, <span lang="HI">जहाँ
तब तक</span> <span lang="HI">मात्र एक अमरख
का पेड़ था</span> , <span lang="HI">एक छोटे से बगीचे</span> <span lang="HI">में परिवर्तित हो चली थी । फूलों और मौसमी सब्जियों की</span> <span lang="HI">क्यारियों के साथ</span> -<span lang="HI">साथ एक बकरी और एक पिल्ला</span> , <span lang="HI">जिसे वह किसी कुड़ाघर के
पास से सुअरों से बचा के लाया था</span> , <span lang="HI">उस अदनवाटिका के अंग थे ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उनकी पहली संतान हुई और मज्जी कि
प्रसन्नता का ठिकाना न था । उसने आ कर माताजी को शुभ समाचार सुनाया और उन्होंने
मोहल्ले की अपनी सहेलियों को । सुनकर किसी ने यह आशा व्यक्त की कि यदि वह बच्चा
अपनी माँ पर जाय</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="HI">तो कितना ही अच्छा हो</span> <span lang="HI">और सभी ने उसका समर्थन किया</span> <span lang="HI">।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">यद्यपि अब मैं साइकिल से स्कूल
जाने लगा था</span> , <span lang="HI">फिर भी कभी कभी उसके पास चला जाता था । अक्सर
तब, जब साइकिल कि चेन में ग्रीस लगवानी होती थी या फिर अमरख</span> - <span lang="HI">इमली आदि</span> <span lang="HI">खाने
की इच्छा हो आती थी । परन्तु वो हमारे यहाँ नियमित रूप से आता रहता था । सप्ताह</span>-<span lang="HI">दस दिन में एक बार तो अवश्य ही ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">समय</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">के साथ परिवार में दो</span> <span lang="HI">बच्चों की वृद्धि और हुई और</span>,
<span lang="HI">स्वाभाविक रूप से खर्चों में भी । बढ़ती उम्र के साथ मज्जी की
शारीरिक श्रम की क्षमता भी कम हो रही थी</span>
<span lang="HI">और</span>, <span lang="HI">आमदनी भी । एक दिन जब वो मेरी माँ
से अपनी समस्याओं को बता रहा था तो उन्होंने सलाह दी कि क्यों नहीं वो अपनी पत्नी
से कहता कि वो भी कुछ घरों में कुछ काम पकड़ ले ।</span> '<span lang="HI">अरे नहीं
माताजी</span> ! <span lang="HI">उसने भी</span>
<span lang="HI">हमसे एक</span>-<span lang="HI">आध बार यह कहा</span>, <span lang="HI">लेकिन मैंने ही मना कर दिया... मैंने कह दिया है</span> <span lang="HI">कि अभी मेरे अन्दर उन सभी को
खिलाने की ताकत है ।... ये दुनिया बहुत अच्छी नहीं है</span>, <span lang="HI">माताजी!
उसे घर</span>- <span lang="HI">घर चौका</span>-<span lang="HI">बर्तन नहीं करने
भेजूंगा ।</span>' <span lang="HI">उसने
उत्तेजित स्वर में बोला था ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">उम्र
के साथ प्राथमिकताओं और रुचियों में परिवर्तन के साथ-साथ न जाने क्यों वहां का वातावरण अब पूर्व की भाँति आकर्षित करता हुआ महसूस नहीं
होता था । पंहुचने पर उसकी पत्नी का तत्काल अन्दर चला जाना या खिड़की और दरवाजे को परदे से ढँक लेना- ऐसा पहले तो
नहीं होता था ! अब किसी आगंतुक की उपस्थिति मानों उसे भारी जान पड़ती थी ।</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">उसका मेरे घर आना भी काफी कम हो चला
था । फिर भी</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, <span lang="HI">होली</span>, <span lang="HI">दीपावली
की त्यौहारी और ईद पर उसको कुछ पैसे देने के लिए उसको बुलवा भेजना मेरी माँ को कभी
नहीं भूलता था । वो अभी भी पुराने</span>, <span lang="HI">पहनने योग्य कपड़ों से</span> <span lang="HI">बर्तन वाले से बर्तन नहीं लेती
थीं</span>, <span lang="HI">बल्कि उसके लिए</span>
<span lang="HI">रख देती थी । समय बीतने के साथ वह और दुर्बल और बीमार ही होता जा रहा था । बीड़ी पीना छोड़ने की सलाह पर वो मुस्करा
कर बस कंधे उचका देता था</span>, <span lang="HI">यह कहते हुए कि</span> '<span lang="HI">बस एक ही तो यह नशा है । बड़ी राहत
देता है ।</span>'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">रिक्शा खींचने</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span lang="HI">की ताकत नहीं रही थी अब उसमें ।
अपना रिक्शा उसने किराये पर उठा दिया था । उसकी पत्नी भी आस</span>-<span lang="HI">पास
के घरों में कुछ काम करने लगी थी। यह उसने एक दिन बहुत दुःख के साथ बताया ।</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">अंतिम बार उसे घर आये कुछ एक माह
हुए थे कि एक दिन मालूम चला कि मज्जी नहीं रहा।</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '<span lang="HI">उसे टी</span>.<span lang="HI">बी</span>. <span lang="HI">हो गया था</span>',
<span lang="HI">पिताजी ने बताया । मुझे दुःख हुआ । सोचा एक बार उसके घर हो आऊँ</span>,
<span lang="HI">देख लूँ कि शायद परिवार को किसी प्रकार कि सहायता की आवश्यकता हो । </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लेकिन</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जब</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसके</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">घर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पाया</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तब</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कुछ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सप्ताह</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बीत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चुके</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थे।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वहाँ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चारो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">और</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सन्नाटा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">फूल</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">और</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पौधे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सूख</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गये</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थे।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कोई</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हलचल</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जानवर</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बकरी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">और</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कुत्ता</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">भी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दिखे।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पास</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">देखा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दरवाजे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ताला</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मिला।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैं</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वापस</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जाने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">के</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लिए</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उस</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">प्लॉट</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बाहर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">निकल</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">रहा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कि</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">एक</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बुजुर्ग</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">व्यक्ति</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">को</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अपनी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ओर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">देखते</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हुए</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पाया।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ध्यान</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">देखने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उन्हें</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पहचान</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गया।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">यहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पड़ोस</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">में</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">रहते</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थे।<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">क्या</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आप</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मज्जी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मिलने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आये</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थे</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ? ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आपको</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मालूम</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, ....</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गुजर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गया</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कई</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दिन</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पहले</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ' - </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बोले।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हाँ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैंने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सुना</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">' - </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैंने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कहा।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सोचा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">देख</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लूँ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">परिवार</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">किस</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हालत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">में</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">है</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">' - </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैंने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आगे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जोड़ा ।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लोग</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चले</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गये</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सब</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सामान</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लेकर</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">शायद</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अपने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गाँव</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">-</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उन्होंने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बताया।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ओह</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ! </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आखिरी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">समय</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बहुत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तकलीफ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">में</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बीते</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसके</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">टी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">न</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसे</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">? ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अभी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बहुत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उम्र</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">भी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लेकिन</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बहुत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लापरवाही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">किया</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">शायद</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अपनी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सेहत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">के</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">साथ</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?', </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैंने</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चलते</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चलते</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">प्रश्न</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">किया।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> '</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हाँ</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">टी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">काम</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">और</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कमाई</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दोनों</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बंद</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गयी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">इधर।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">लेकिन</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सच</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बोलूँ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">केवल</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">इतना</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">टी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बी</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अब</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">जा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मरा</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ...</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसकी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मौत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">शायद</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बहुत</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">पहले</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गयी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">थी।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">' </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">विस्मय</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उनकी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बात</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सुन</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">रहा</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मैं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">तो</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कहता</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">हूँ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कि</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">उसे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">इतनी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">सुन्दर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">महिला</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">से</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">विवाह</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">ही</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">नहीं</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">करना</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">चाहिए</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">था।</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">' </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">दुनियावी</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अनुभव</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">और</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">अर्थपूर्ण</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">मुस्कान</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">के</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">साथ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बात</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">समाप्त</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">कर</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">वे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">आगे</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">बढ़</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">गये।</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: right; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">डॉ</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">स्कन्द</span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HI;">शुक्ल</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> 24 एम. आई. जी., म्योराबाद आवास
योजना (निकट नेहरू युवा केंद्र, कमलानगर), इलाहाबाद
</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><i>published in Dainik Jagran date 17-4-17</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-64436872637024657192017-04-06T10:24:00.002-07:002017-04-06T10:24:37.919-07:00Renew The Classroom - Tackling Mass Cheating in Board Exams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-gXWs8w_78/WOZ5JEtHGyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/LuCfmfF3v44yZd10Bhx1L9evUYYWGvFuACLcB/s1600/c61c1a54-884a-45f1-947f-48c6cd31fc24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-gXWs8w_78/WOZ5JEtHGyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/LuCfmfF3v44yZd10Bhx1L9evUYYWGvFuACLcB/s400/c61c1a54-884a-45f1-947f-48c6cd31fc24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Elections and Board exams are arguably the biggest “social” events in our country; so much so that the issue of the purity of these exams was raised by the prime minister in an election meeting in UP. While cheating is a global phenomenon, mass-cheating on the scale we witness in some of our exams, is not.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Cheating has gone beyond the technique of copying from slips or books and has institutionalised itself in many places. Examination centres providing various services for a price (even dictation to the examinees) are not uncommon. However, the menace has been sought to be tackled only at the level of examination centres. Little has been done to understand the various reasons that have, over time, made cheating an inexorable part of our education system. Isn’t it strange that many of our examination boards, like CISCE and CBSE, are free from allegations of mass cheating? Even in higher education, the examination environment in most of the state universities is very different from top engineering and medical colleges.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
The reasons for mass cheating in board exams present a convoluted mass of interlinked issues, from pedagogy to the selection process for jobs. The poor quality of teaching in most of our elementary schools — in both rural and urban areas — is not a secret. The massive enrolment of first generation learners due to the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in the last decade-and-a-half has only resulted in an influx of semi-literate students at the high school level who have aspirations for jobs but, unfortunately, lack in learning. Besides, the secondary and higher-secondary schools have also seen a massive lowering in quality due to various reasons of their own. Students enroll in these schools but prefer to go to coaching institutes for studies, turning these schools into mere registering bodies for board exams.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Since various certificates/degrees are mandatory for different jobs, a student obviously wants to possess these through any manner possible. The lure for jobs involving large-scale recruitments — like elementary school teachers and police personnel — done on the basis of marks obtained in the board exams, make our students and their parents strive to get the highest marks possible by any means. When the working of examining agencies like Vyapam in Madhya Pradesh or the Public Service Commissions in various states start losing their credibility, both the educational institutions and the exam system start losing their value and sanctity.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
In this scenario of poor quality teaching combined with the importance of board exam results, students take recourse to unfair means. The examination centre facilitates the conversion of individual proclivities to a mass benefit arrangement — at a price, of course. The use of unfair means in the board exams undermines integrity and fairness at all levels. Each successive generation of examinees becomes weaker, resulting in the making of poor professionals. Just think of the values a teacher who is a product of this system will possess and propagate.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 28px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px;">
Given the gravity of the situation, well-planned, holistic measures are imperative. To begin with, academic supervision for quality should be ensured at all levels of school education. If the teachers are made to teach, there would be no reason to use coercive action against examinees during exams. Second, recruitment for government jobs should be on the basis of tests and not on board exam marks, thus reducing the premium on board exams. Board exams should test understanding, not rote learning. Objective tests make examining easier but make cheating easier as well. Third, a semester system can be adopted in classes 9-12. This will reduce the burden on students and boards, ensure continuous evaluation and teaching, and reduce the dependence on coaching and guide-books. Finally, the board should frame questions requiring long answers and even allow text books in the exams. This will test higher order cognition and ensure “sustainable learning”.</div>
<div class="footnote" style="background: rgb(246, 246, 246); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #696868; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px;">
The writer is an officer of the UP Education Service and a fellow of the Arizona State University</div>
<div class="footnote" style="background: rgb(246, 246, 246); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #696868; font-family: "Droid Serif", serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 10px;">
Published on the Edit Page of Indian Express dated 30-3-17 Link- http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/board-exam-cheating-mass0digital-poor-teaching-educational-system-sarva-shiksha-abhiyan-public-service-commissions-4591659/</div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-75138345587293465502017-02-22T07:43:00.001-08:002017-04-17T09:44:19.828-07:00Holi Hai! Holi Hai!- The Carnivalesque Festivities - published in The Hindu 19/02/17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Holi Hai!
Holi Hai!-</span></u></i></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> The Carnivalesque
Festivities<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">link- </span></u></b></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><u>http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-carnivalesque-mood-and-colours-of-holi/article17326353.ece</u></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">Does
one know of any other festival in the world where the celebrators repeatedly
and vociferously assert that it is, it is; and, that one should not mind it- ‘<i>Holi Hai? Holi Hai! Buraa na mano Holi hai!’</i>
Why this refrain, I used to wonder? Observing groups of revelers it suddenly
struck. With painted faces they all give two hoots to the world. Decent young
persons who would not allow a speck of dirt on their clothes or, would not bear
a strand of hair out of place (and if it’s ever so, it’s deliberate, mind
you!); ladies, who won’t bear the wind and the Sun rob the skin of its fair
hue; middle aged people, worrying constantly of the falling standards in manners
and; the aged, ruing over the lost gleam of their days, all give a boot to
everyday norms. Profanities rend the air
as the merry makers go round the town exhorting everybody to splatter them with
colours. Self-professed teetotalers are convinced by die-hard tipplers that a
sip on this day does not amount to ‘drinking’; and many do get convinced as the
festival’s spirit commands it. Partaking ‘bhaang’, of course, takes less of a
cajoling as, unlike alcohol, it has had cultural sanctions! If mutton and
chicken are for the non-vegetarians, the spicy <i>katahal </i>(jackfruit) curry becomes a vicarious pleasure for the
veggies. Two riders on a two-wheeler and four on a four-wheeler may be the
traffic rule; this day however has its own- the limit being the number the
vehicle can carry without toppling over. As the groups of revelers amble along,
absolute strangers neck each other and the young bend to touch the feet of the
old, the norms of social differences of class and caste get forgotten. The fear
of calories is put at bay as the delicacies get devoured by the most health
conscious. The spirit of defying the customary is throughout. If the lathi
wielding ladies in Barsana break the gender norm, Varanasi’s (in)famous Assi
Ghat <i>Kavi Sammelan</i>, where crass Hindi
expletives are used in poetry, can be
taken as subversion of the social, political and, language norms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWg0lRBwveQ/WK2xXHuJP-I/AAAAAAAAA0E/mK2oKxGzmMwBbDUJpgVXtuROQ8-zKiYVACLcB/s1600/16835951_10155028760543119_3741514369838000984_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWg0lRBwveQ/WK2xXHuJP-I/AAAAAAAAA0E/mK2oKxGzmMwBbDUJpgVXtuROQ8-zKiYVACLcB/s320/16835951_10155028760543119_3741514369838000984_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> Bakhtin
gave the concept of the carnivalesque in literature. Isn’t this festival a
social- carnival where social hierarchies of
everyday life—their solemnities and pieties and etiquettes, as well as all
ready-made truths—are profaned and overturned by normally suppressed voices and
energies? Or, should we ask, wasn’t this festival meant to be so- i.e.
providing a space to the non-privileged by shifting the authoritative norms of
the hegemony and its ‘high culture’ to the margins for a short period of
celebration- because lately it has changed its colour. The growth of modern privatized
individualistic worlds, perhaps, is leading to jealousies and a disbelief in
the other, fun is yielding place to unpleasant jibes, and therefore,
celebration for some metamorphoses into perversion sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> Holi is the time when man and nature
alike throw off the gloom of winter and rejoice in the colours and liveliness
of spring. The strictness of the social structure- age, sex, status and caste-
is loosened. The chant of <i>Holi Hai! Holi Hai,</i> perhaps, is to urge
everybody to disremember the social divisions of hierarchy in all its forms and
let playfulness reign. It has to be repeated so frequently to give a jerk to
our mind routinized in the rest of the 364 days of the year. So, let’s throw
the taboos to the wind – the restrictions of status, language, age and, of
course, the calories- at least for this one day and with pure fun in heart shout
without inhibition - <i>Holi Hai! Holi Hai!
Buraa na mano Holi hai!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> Dr Skand Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: magenta;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-8505056487953500732016-09-03T04:38:00.003-07:002021-08-20T21:15:58.404-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><u><b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #3d85c6; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">RIP VCR, the rage of our teens</span></b></u></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: courier; line-height: 36.8px;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Published in HT Allahabad 2-9-16</i></span></div><div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: courier; line-height: 36.8px;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTQxafxCY90/V8q1JQA23CI/AAAAAAAAAuk/ZfxB3GLy5tcNlhrEBBXirSNjJq4NNjmtQCLcB/s1600/HT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTQxafxCY90/V8q1JQA23CI/AAAAAAAAAuk/ZfxB3GLy5tcNlhrEBBXirSNjJq4NNjmtQCLcB/s400/HT.jpg" width="138" /></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Video cassette recorders, more popular by their acronym VCRs, officially became a thing of the past on July 31, 2016 when Japanese company Funai, which was still making them, announced that it won’t manufacture them anymore.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What a craze VCRs had in their heydays. What an impact it cast on the powerful Indian film industry. Video libraries sprang up all over. Several cinema halls closed down. Even films began to be shot with video viewers in mind.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As cinema halls started losing their charm, a TV set and a VCR provided them their home theatres. They needn’t even buy them. They could hire them for a song. Many a family used to book VCRs on weekends to enjoy a number of movies of their choice.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Those were the days when watching of films in theatres by youngsters wasn’t much liked by their families. But strangely, watching them on a VCR wasn’t considered bad. A lot of video shows, intended to collect money, were organised in our schools and we, as teenagers, got to enjoy many latest flicks without the guilt of bunking our classes.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Even long route bus travelling became fun with the introduction of luxury video coaches.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In small towns and villages, video-film halls were set up. They were similar to cinema halls but were much smaller and having a TV set with a videocassette player (VCP) instead of a screen and projector.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The VCRs had a tremendous impact on weddings. Video shows through the night replaced the traditional ‘nautanki’ performances for ‘baraatis’ even in remote villages. </span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 36.8px;">As the sound of dialogues and noise of a generator spread through the night, one could know from a mile that there was a wedding around.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The man shooting the event with the video camera acquired a higher status than the one with the still camera.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The video shows were not limited to Hindi films. Pakistani comedy serials like ‘Bakra Kishton Pe’, television serials like ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ were also hugely popular. Some of the video libraries situated in posh areas of big towns took pride in stocking English film videos and catered to lovers of those movies.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For us youngsters, the watching of video films was quite a ritual. It involved getting together, collecting money, selecting the venue with the least disturbance by the grown-ups as ‘all’ sorts of films were on the menu, transporting the TV and VCP on a rickshaw or a borrowed scooter to the venue and then huddling for a few hours.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 36.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are so many beautiful memories of these shows but this one makes me laugh even today. It was one of those days of marathon viewing at a friend’s place whose parents had gone out for the day. As one of the suspense movies was nearing climax, black stripes began appearing on the T.V. screen due to long hours of VCR playing. As the host was trying to wipe it clean with a piece of cloth, someone advised cleaning it with petrol. He immediately went to the verandah, dipped a length of cloth in the petrol tank of his father’s scooter and wiped the reel clean. </span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 36.8px;">It was only when we inserted the video cassette back in the VCP, played it, that we saw a completely black screen staring back at us. Actually we had forgotten that the scooter petrol tank had petrol mixed with mobil ! 😶😜</span></span></div><div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-size: large; line-height: 36.8px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 36.8px;">The VCR had had its day once the compact discs (CDs) made their entry in the</span><span style="line-height: 36.8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 36.8px;">mid-nineties. It, however, trudged along for some more years like Tennyson’s Ulysses ‘made weak by time and fate’, finally to its death this July 31. I am sure all those who were in their teens in the 80s would join me in offering their condolences to this wonderful device. RIP VCR.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></span><div class="yiv0783025438MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-67212578501576603622016-07-05T20:34:00.002-07:002016-07-05T20:34:55.350-07:00‘Shastrarths’ in the era of social media sites- The Hindu 28-6-16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="detail-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1f57a5; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: small;">‘Shastrarths’ in the era of social media sites</span></u></h1>
<div>
<u><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/shastrarths-in-the-era-of-social-media-sites/article8780440.ece</span></u></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;">Digression is the bane, and logic the first casualty, in any heated discussion on a social media site. I say the first casualty because the social-site friendship is the next, if the discussion is not stopped early enough. It was only Facebook and Twitter some time back, but WhatsApp has been fast to catch up. While tiny tweets have launched major wars of words, many a WhatsApp group has been broken and numerous Facebook friends ‘un-friended’ since the beginning of the social-site era. The debaters, <i style="outline: 0px;">a la</i>Don Quixote, tilt at windmills and can go off at a tangent any moment. It’s so amusing to an objective eye sometimes, when both the antagonists had actually been saying the same thing but, since they were not caring to read the comments of the others in the heat of the moment, they had been feeling all along that they were on opposite grounds!</span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"> It is remarkable that the original point of discussion is always lost in the heat of the labyrinthine arguments. The averments flow in umpteen directions and are mostly unrelated to the point of discussion. However, every ‘comment’ on that incendiary ‘post’ has the potential to open another front in the war. It’s a free-for-all. It’s like a dance during a <i style="outline: 0px;">baraat</i> procession — one can jump in whenever one feels like, take a completely independent cue, suddenly feel that since one has been a cynosure enough and beaten the rest, quietly exit.</span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"> Aren’t Tolstoy’s words about Sergey Ivanovich, in <i style="outline: 0px;">Anna Karenina</i>, so apt here? “He disliked contradiction, and still more, arguments that were continually skipping from one thing to another, introducing new and disconnected points, so that there was no knowing to which to reply.”</span></div>
<div id="inarticle_wrapper_div" style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
</div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;">I feel sometimes that these social sites are similar to those places in the real world where people meet each other for a short while and engage in small talk — a railway compartment, a tea shop or a betel stall, for instance. These are places where people cross each other regularly and thus get acquainted. They are not exactly close to each other; they are not exactly friends. They just know each other to the extent that they get into polite conversations and exchange of views while being there together. Things are all right till it is only an exchange of pleasantries and routine conversation; but they aren’t when somebody introduces a controversial subject. People are so bound with their views that all veneer of bonhomie gets shed at the drop of a different opinion. Mere acquaintances till that moment, the people in the gathering immediately acquire a for-or-against character. All become a part of either of the two rival viewpoints. If the discussion continues, invectives are sure to follow and, of course, fisticuffs may not be far behind.</span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="body" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #073763;"> Our country has had an ancient tradition of discourses, the ‘Shastrarths’. Profound truths and wisdom were churned out of them. The Socratian debates and the Marxian dialectics were quite similar — bringing out truths from questioning; questioning even one’s own opinions. But it can only be when we follow the famous words: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Ironically, however, the words themselves had been an issue of an argument once — whether they were Voltaire’s or his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall’s!</span></div>
<div class="body" style="background-color: white; color: #3b3a39; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px;">
<i style="outline: 0px;">skandshukla@yahoo.com</i></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-14528757525275561532016-05-06T20:26:00.001-07:002016-05-19T09:43:37.278-07:00A Wry Take on Indian Education System byTagore - Hindustan Times 7-5-16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A Wry Take on Indian Education System byTagore (link- </span></u></b><span style="line-height: 17.12px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>http://paper.hindustantimes.com/epaper/viewer.aspx?noredirect=true</u></b></span></span><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ENOzRNhMAk/Vy1ePO0sUGI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Z5780VbyACgM4Lbf4XjKsOccKDPHhs6mgCLcB/s1600/ht%2Btagore.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ENOzRNhMAk/Vy1ePO0sUGI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Z5780VbyACgM4Lbf4XjKsOccKDPHhs6mgCLcB/s320/ht%2Btagore.png" width="154" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Looking at his portraits
- noble face, intense eyes, hair hanging down to the shoulder, long white beard
and, flowing robes reaching the floor- can one imagine Tagore having had a
humorous side as well? A reading of his writings show that he did – and quite a
lot of it! He was a seer, but not without jollity. Besides being a litterateur,
painter, musician, philosopher, he was a great educationist. Since, as he said,
he saw education with an eye of an artist, he actually was a visionary and thus,
could look upon power play and human foibles with an understanding and a
twinkle in the eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> One of the ostensible reasons for Tagore beginning a
school was his detestation of the education system. Recollecting the deadening
effect on a child’s natural world of the ‘blank stare’ of the classroom walls
he satirically wrote- “I was not a creation of the school master - the
Government Board of Education was not consulted when I took birth in the world.
But was that any reason why they should wreck their vengeance upon me for this
oversight of my creator?” </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> Artificiality troubled him. Being a
scion of an aristocratic family and devoid of the opportunities of climbing
trees and running barefoot during his childhood, he smilingly quipped in the
essay- ‘My School’- “I myself was brought up in a cultured home in a town, and
as far as my personal behavior goes I have been obliged to act all through my
life as if I were born in a world where there are no trees….I have again to
confess that I was brought up in a respectable household and my feet from
childhood have been carefully saved from all naked contact with the dust.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> Tagore was against the use of
English as a medium of instruction. He felt that it had an irrational spelling
and syntax and thus for those in the Eastern world learning it was “as much a
feat as fitting an English sword into the scabbard of a scimitar’. He feared
the English lessons and he humorously wrote about his English teacher- “He was
so inordinately conscientious. He insisted on coming every single evening-
there never seemed to be either illness or death in his family. He was so
preposterously punctual too. I remember how the fascination for the frightful
attracted me every evening to the terrace facing the road; and just at the
right moment, his fateful umbrella - for bad weather never presented him from
coming, - would appear at the bend of our lane.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">He had a tough time making the teachers see eye to eye
with his ideas and his comment in one his essays- "I had in the beginning
to struggle very hard with my teachers, not with the students, as very often
happens in other schools."- evokes a grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> His comment in
the short story, ‘The Parrot's training’- “With text-book in the one hand and
baton in the other, the pundits gave the poor bird what may fitly be called
lessons!” is an acerbic comment on the traditional methods of teaching. On the
machine-like teaching in our Universities, he said in the essay- ‘The Centre of
Indian Culture’, -“We have our hard flints, which give us disconnected sparks
after toilsome blows; and the noise is a great deal more than the light.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">He was for a human-teacher -‘These teachers distribute
their diets of mental food, gingerly and from a dignified distance, raising
walls of note-books between themselves and their students. This kind of food is
neither relished, nor does it give nourishment. It is a famine ration…’ </span><span style="background: whitesmoke; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The story, ‘The Parrot's Training’ is a powerful
statement mocking at the educational system’s great love for huge and costly
paraphernalia. It is about a parrot considered ‘ignorant’ by the king to which
he decides to give a ‘sound schooling’. Many elaborate arrangements are made
and Tagore wryly comments-‘every creature remotely connected with cage
flourished beyond words, excepting only the bird’, and ironically, ‘The method
was so stupendous that the bird looked ridiculously unimportant in comparison’.
The bird dies as the education progresses in a darkly-comic manner and ends
only when - ‘Its throat was already choked with the leaves from the books that
it could neither whistle nor whisper.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
All of the above,
that Tagore touched upon with his typical wit, irony and, at times, hard
satirical outbursts, evoke both a smile and a serious concern on the system which existed then
and, exists now. The system’s tremendous centralized control on what and how
everybody is to learn, the trampling of the vernacular by English, the teacher-taught
relationship having gone commercial, the out-of-touch-with-reality information
being pushed down the throats of the young (my 8 year child’s GK Book has
questions on western cartoons and none on Indian litterateurs or agriculture),
and, the enormous importance being given to accoutrements is only getting
worse. Hope the seer is not only read, but followed as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
Dr Skand Shukla<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
(<i>The writer’s D.Phil is on Tagore’s Philosophy
of Education and he is an Officer of the U.P. Provincial Education Services</i>)
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Default" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: 267.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8064231894444625892.post-33283828256834852622016-02-03T09:53:00.000-08:002016-02-03T10:02:29.589-08:00Bias from her perspective<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: orange;">This article was published was published in the HINDU on 2nd february 2016 but it was truncated and its import got diluted . The link is</span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </span>http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/open-page-bias-from-her-perspective/article8180006.ece </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
little Girl’s Reflections on her School Books<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQhuv_3Y7SA/VrI-FqiDFUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/CLyHPohMhzI/s1600/Bias%2BHindu.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQhuv_3Y7SA/VrI-FqiDFUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/CLyHPohMhzI/s320/Bias%2BHindu.png" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why
can’t I be the judge in the play? Because I am a girl! Well, this is what my
class 3 NCERT Hindi text book says!! In that chapter which contains the play on
the parable in which the monkey is the judge between two cats fighting for a
bread, the stage directions so clearly say – <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">‘<i>7-8 baras ka ladka
bandar ban sakta hai aur 5-6 baras ki ladkiyaan billi ban sakti hain.’ </i>(a
boy of 7-8 years of age can become the monkey and girls of 5-6 years can play
the parts of the cats).<i> </i>Even the
dress has been so precisely prescribed for the boy-monkey and the quarreling cats.
And, at the end of the play, how I hate when we two girls, acting the cats,
chant -“<i>aapas mein jhagdaa kar baithin,
buddhi apni khoti</i>…” (we fought among ourselves as our minds are weak). As
if it’s only girls who fight for small things!
Doesn’t my brother, many a times, fight with me for that last piece of
pizza? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Yes,<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> I am only a 10 year old small girl and might not be so
knowledgeable but, even then, some of it is so obviously unfair. Just look at
the picture of the three kids playing basketball, in the chapter ‘Teamwork’ in my
class5 English book. It shows the lone girl’s feet on the ground and the ball
beyond her reach, while the two boys are shown high up in the air putting the
ball in the basket. I really feel bad because I can beat any boy in my class in
racing, football and basketball. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love
playing all sorts of outdoor games and my favourite game is cricket. In the
illustrations in my text books through all my classes, however, I have seen
only boys playing cricket while the girls have dolls in their hands. How much
have I always disliked playing with dolls!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> My aunt is a doctor but I have yet
to see a picture of a lady doctor in a book. In that picture of a doctor
administering vaccine to a child, we see a male doctor, a nurse and a queue of
mothers carrying their children. My experience is so different. I love to go
along with my Papa to the doctor and he makes me feel so brave that I don’t even
fear the injections. Oh! How I pity those boys who are so frightened of
injections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> It’s not only about the doctors. If
you see my EVS book you will see that the<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> pictures in the chapter ‘Organizations that help us’, depict only men
doing all the important jobs. There are five different pictures of various
professionals- the police, doctor, army personnel, workers in a post office-
and none of them has a woman. Even in my younger brother’s book who is in class
2, there are pictures of 12 professionals in the chapter, ‘We Need Them’, and
none of them is of a woman. And you know what? The only picture of woman in his
book is in the part ‘People who entertain us’ and, that is of her as a dancer.
Even in my book the chapter ‘Our Heritage’ has women in <i>all</i> its pictures- the pictures being of various dances in our
country. Hey! Everybody, even a kid, knows that women are performing duties in
every field. My father showed me in the newspaper the other day that they were
the lady scientists who made the Indian Mars mission so successful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f3f3f3; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I
have heard so much of a lady Arunima Sinha who reached the top of Mount Everest
even though she had lost her foot in an incident; but I can’t understand why my
text book has the picture of only men as mountaineers. Don’t these writers of
the text books read newspapers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> And
it’s not only about the outside world. Even the description at some places of
the household chores make me think them to be so odd! Just sample this from a
chapter ‘Drop by Drop’ in my NCERT EVS book - ‘His</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
mother and sister have to walk a longer distance to fetch water… While walking
on the hot sand their feet burn and blisters just cannot be avoided. When the train
carrying water comes they are very happy. Madho’s father goes to fetch water in
his camel-cart’. Is it all right that
while the women travel on foot, the man does it on a cart? To my little girl’s
mind it somehow doesn’t feel all that nice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I don’t know if
I am a bit weird and that all of the above seems strange to me only or,
something’s really amiss in our books. If it’s so, somebody please do something
as what we learn in our childhood stays with us forever and makes us what we
are in our adulthood. Why do they think that it’s only boys who can jump high,
love cricket and football or, do jobs like flying a plane or working in a steel
plant? I hope people writing the books start believing that even boys weep and
the girls love to play boisterously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Dr Skand Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #351c75;">(An
Officer of the Provincial Education Services and was a visiting Fellow to the
Arizona State University, U.S.A)</span><span style="color: #231f20;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #282828; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
SKANDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369223197555135054noreply@blogger.com5