Saturday, January 10, 2009

EXPERIENCES OF DESERTION: LOCATING THE WORKS OF HARINDER SINGH MAHBOOB


Prabhsharandeep Singh

This article introduces the work of the contemporary Punjabi poet and thinker Harinder Singh Mahboob. A prequel to a closer reading of Mahboob’s work, this article examines the nihilistic undertones that have come to suffuse recent Punjabi poetry through its interaction with the modernist thought process. This is examined by exploring the experiences associated with the 1947 partition of Punjab and the events leading towards it. Starting with a biographical account of Harinder Singh Mahboob, the article attempts to contextualize his poetical/philosophical experience. Mahboob’s sense of desertion, in his earlier poems, and the metaphysical transformation in the experience are discussed in light of prominent trends in modern Punjabi poetry. An analysis of his positioning in contemporary Punjabi literature provides a way to understand some of the ambivalent trends in the development of Sikh studies. His writings incorporate a strange combination of Western metaphysics, Sufism, and creative imagination that distinguishes his work from that of mainstream contemporary Punjabi poets and writers. The nihilistic suggestion of his work provide a fresh perspective on his creative impulse, simultaneously revealing a broad vision as well as unresolved inner conflicts.

continue reading...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Man writes of desertion, inner conflicts, analyzes the works of great writers throughout history. It would be beneficial for mankind if people took steps to resolve their own inner conflicts, desertion of their inner souls, and the analysis of their own mind and actions. This will hopefully lead to the transformation of society, one man at a time. Instead, people seek approval, acknowledgment and respect from others, hoping to leave behind a legacy. They forget that the most essential and beneficial acts entail the love, respect and understanding of the self. Only once that is attained, can it be expected from others. Poetry is a beautiful language that allows the poet to express his heart. Throughout time, these poems are read and reveal intricate details of feelings, obstacles, society, culture and people of the time. It is instrumental for people to read these works. It is even more important, however, that they pay attention to the lessons and values that the poems reveal and intertwine these lessons into their own lives.

Waaris Shah seemed to understand the importance of speaking through poetry also and revealed the life of his time through his works.

Anonymous said...

When inconsistency lies between what a man writes about, practices and thinks...then he has yet to understand himself. Scholars can create great works...but these are subjective to man's interpretation. Many scholars try to capture the essence of "reality" in their works;very few capture, taste and understand the essence of the divine and pure love. Experiences are the golden keys that possess the power to open up infinite possibilities and unveil the lessons of karma...few ponder this and write about desertion when they actually are in a state of self-desertion.

Anonymous said...

Please delete my two comments below. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

sorry above

Prabhsharandeep Singh said...

Why?

Prabhsharanbir Singh said...

Hi Anonymous,

Are you publishing these comments too?