Enhancing Literary Quality : Some Points to Ponder

*Enhancing Literary Quality : Some Points to Ponder*

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By Adv. Lakhan Singh Katre

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          To protect our local language/dialect is not just a matter of pride; it requires continuous efforts to create something substantial and powerful in that language. As Shri Vijay Darda says in his editorial (Lokmat Deepotsav 2023), "We need to put in efforts, hard work, and dedication to achieve this."

         To discover something new and innovative beyond our existing knowledge, we need to transcend our current awareness. As Victor Hugo says, "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come." Unless we expand our awareness, we won't be able to recognize when the time has come.

       In reality, without expanding our awareness, we can't achieve intellectual openness, and that leads to intellectual stagnation. To understand intellectual openness, we need to adopt an inquiring mindset that doesn't get stuck on old ideas or get swayed by new ones. This mindset helps us develop our ability to rethink and reevaluate our ideas at any stage.

       In this context, it's essential to be aware of the concepts of consistency and inconsistency when creating any form of literature. The thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and renowned economist John Maynard Keynes are relevant and worth considering in this regard.

(i) Mahatma Gandhi's Quote

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"I never try to be consistent. In my search for truth, I have rejected many ideas and accepted new ones. ... My God is the one who gives me the truth every moment, and I am always ready to follow it. So, if someone finds inconsistencies in my writings on the same topic, and still believes in my wisdom, they should accept my latest views on that topic." - Mahatma Gandhi (April 29, 1933)

(ii) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Quote

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"Emerson said that consistency is the virtue of a donkey, and I don't want to be a donkey. No one can bind themselves to their thoughts just for the sake of consistency. ... Responsibility is more important than consistency. Every responsible person should learn to unlearn what they have learned and constantly reevaluate their previous thoughts. They should also have the courage to change their old ideas. However, this requires sufficient and valid reasons. No thought is final." - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

(iii) John Maynard Keynes' Quote

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"When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" - John Maynard Keynes

       In the realm of literature, poetry is the most challenging form of writing. When looking at poetry from a Marathi, Indian, or global perspective, readers, critics, and thinkers don't just see it as information or description. This outdated view has become obsolete. With the changing times and global literary trends, poetry is now expected to inspire thought, develop critical thinking, and encourage readers to think for themselves.

        To understand the concept of poetry, one must grasp the underlying meaning beyond the literal words. Poetry that lacks this deeper meaning is not truly poetry. It's not just about wordplay or rhymes; it's about conveying a message that's not immediately apparent.

        A simple example is the famous dialogue by Nana Patekar: "Ek machhar sala, bana deta hai aadmi ko hijra" [एक मच्छर साला, बना देता है आदमी को हिजड़ा] (A mosquito can make a man effeminate). This two-line verse is a small poem that conveys a deeper meaning. The action of clapping to kill a mosquito is similar to the gestures of a eunuch, highlighting the irony of being rendered powerless. The reader who understands this underlying message will appreciate the poem; otherwise, it will just seem like another Nana Patekar dialogue.

       We must develop the ability to uncover the hidden meanings and interpretations in poetry, which is the true essence of literature.

        Poetry is the most challenging form of writing in literature. To understand poetry, one needs to look beyond the literal meaning of words. Poetry is not just about information or description; it's about inspiring thought and critical thinking.

       Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and John Maynard Keynes emphasized the importance of adapting to new information and ideas. Gandhi believed in pursuing truth, even if it meant changing his views. Ambedkar stressed the importance of responsibility over consistency, and Keynes famously said, "When the facts change, I change my mind."

       In poetry, the true meaning often lies between the lines. A poem that lacks this deeper meaning is not truly a poem. It's not just about wordplay or rhymes; it's about conveying a message that's not immediately apparent.

        A simple example is the famous dialogue by Nana Patekar: 

     "A mosquito can make a man effeminate." This two-line verse is a small poem that conveys a deeper meaning. The reader who understands this underlying message will appreciate the poem.

        To truly appreciate poetry, one needs to develop the ability to uncover the hidden meanings and interpretations. This is the true essence of literature.

      The Oxford University Press has chosen "Brain-Rot" as the Word of the Year for 2024. This term refers to the decay of critical thinking skills, often due to excessive exposure to social media.

       Social media has become a platform for easy information (not knowledge!), communication, entertainment, and comparison. However, it also perpetuates one-sided, self-serving narratives and promotes intellectual laziness.

       A recent example of this phenomenon is an article about the Zadiboli language, written by Dr. Harishchandra Borakar, in a prestigious publication edited by Dr. Ganesh Devi. The article fails to mention my contributions to the Zadiboli language, despite my significant involvement in promoting it. Similarly, the article neglects to acknowledge the late Gajanan Bagade Guruji, who was instrumental in popularizing the Zadiboli language.

      This kind of biased and self-serving writing is a prime example of "Brain-Rot." It highlights the dangers of uncritical thinking and the importance of promoting intellectual honesty and integrity.

        To maintain the quality and standard of literary writing, it's essential to adhere to at least six key principles/concepts. If these principles are followed, the writing/sahitya/vangmaya will retain its value and quality. However, if the quality declines, it can be detrimental to the language/dialect, potentially leading to its downfall.

       It's our collective responsibility, as speakers of Marathi and other dialects, to acknowledge and uphold this responsibility.

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@Adv. Lakhan Singh Katre,

Borkanhar-441902, Distt.Gondia. 

(28.12.2024)

(●Member, Marathi Bhasha Salahkar Samiti, Sahitya Akademi, Delhi

●President, Vidarbha Prant, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad, Delhi

●National President, Powari Boli Sahitya, Kala, Sanskruti Mandal, Nagpur

●Former Member, Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya va Sanskruti Mandal, Mumbai

●Chairman, 11th Zadiboli Sahitya Sammelan, Varora (Anandwan), Chandrapur: January 2004

●Chairman, 2nd Akhil Bharatiya Powari Boli Sahitya Sammelan, Nagpur, December 2021

and many more achievements...]

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