Main Anna Hoon; میں انّا ہوں ; Urdu Short Story;اردو افسانہ

 Main Anna Hoon; میں انّا ہوں  

Urdu Short Story;اردو افسانہ 

Hirs-e-Gunah; حرص گناہ;Urdu Short Story; اردو افسانہ

 Hirs-e-Gunah; حرص گناہ 

Urdu Short Story; اردو افسانہ 

Virse Mein Mili Saughat;ورثے میں ملی سوغاتUrdu Short Story; اردو افسانہ ;

 Virse Mein Mili Saughat

ورثے میں ملی سوغات 

Urdu Short Story; اردو افسانہ  

Pandit Sham Lal Saraf - A Gandhian & A Freedom Fighter

Pandit Sham Lal Saraf

 - A Gandhian and a Freedom Fighter

I knew him very closely. He was my uncle, married to my father's sister, to be precise. He was simple, clean and tidy, modest, unpretentious, had strict principles and was a true Gandhian. He was reserved and unrevealing about his accomplishments. Though an introvert he still managed to be in politics and public life. Had I not seen him I would not have believed that a person called Mahatma Gandhi, whose disciple he was, ever lived and walked on this earth. 

Sham Lal Saraf was born on July 4, 1904, in Rainawari, Srinagar (Kashmir) in a Kashmiri Pandit family with the surname 'Tikoos' though they were generally known as  'Sarafs'. Maybe some of his ancestors worked as goldsmiths. The family observed the festival 'Tike Tchorum' which showed their belonging to Tikoos originally. His father's name was Pandit Sansar Chand Saraf who as I learnt was a strict disciplinarian.  

Saraf Sahab was educated at the famous CMS High School, Srinagar known for quality education, sports and character building. He participated in sports and was a member of the school hockey team besides cultural activities. On completion of his schooling, he graduated from S P College, Srinagar. Thereafter, he plunged into business and owned two shops of Kashmir handicrafts bearing the name 'Sudesh Arts & Crafts', one situated on the Bund over the bank of river Jhelum, next to Shaw Bros, and the other in the Central Market (Shop No 115). My father also joined him in his business later on.  Once Saraf Sahab joined the freedom movement of the state called the 'Quit Kashmir Movement', he handed over both the shops to my father who managed them single-handedly up to 1962 when he too sold them, One of the Bund changed the signboard to 'Ganymede' (See picture below) and the other was thereafter called as 'Desh Arts & Crafts'. Despite giving up his studies after B A, he kept in touch with books and current affairs all his life. In 1968 when I was preparing for my graduation, he dictated two essays to me titled, 'Students Unrest in India' and 'Arab Israel War' that opened my eyes to the depth of his knowledge on the subjects. I was fortunate to use both in my final examination because students were asked to appear in the English paper again as some students had gone on strike in the first one.  

Sham Lal Saraf was married on March 20, 1923, to Tarashwari Budki (Gunwati Saraf after marriage) who was the daughter of Pt Ram Chand Budki residing at Krala Teng, S R Gunj, Srinagar. She was a humble, devoted, pious and highly spiritual lady who did not eat non-vegetarian food from the very childhood though she cooked tons of meat and fish for her husband, family and guests all her life. Despite getting married to a person who later became a State Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, she never changed her lifestyle nor participated in official dinners and banquets. She was a devotee of Lord Shiva and had a dedicated puja room in her house, called 'Thokur Kuth' in Kashmiri, where she would sit for many hours performing puja. She had no ego, no pride and no self-conceit. Gunwati bore him more than a dozen children but only one daughter, Sudesh Saraf survived. Sudesh became a lecturer at Women's College, Srinagar after her post-graduation in Hindi and was married to K L Zutshi, an engineer by profession. Unfortunately, Sudesh left for her heavenly abode a few years ago.  

Pt Sham Lal Saraf initially became a member of a Kashmiri Pandit organization called Yuvak Sabha which later merged with J&K National Conference. The latter got associated with the National Movement of Congress before 1930. Other members of the organisation were Jia Lal Kilam, P N Bazaz, and Kashyap Bandhu. He was a signatory of the National Demands Document presented to the then Maharaja demanding inter alia freedom of speech, adult franchise, self-governance and reservation of vacancies for the state subjects. He became a member of the J&K Constituent Assembly in 1951 proclaimed by the then Sadre Riyasat J&K.

Saraf Sahab was a Member of the State legislature, from September 1951 to April 7, 1962, and was later nominated as a Member of Parliament 3rd Lok Sabha for the next 5 years by the President of India. He served as a Cabinet Minister in the State of J&K from 1947 to April 1962. His first assignment was as Minister of Tourism and Education. Besides, he was a member of several associations and societies interested in social, cultural educational and religious movements. He travelled widely and visited Sri Lanka, the USSR, Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Poland and Sweden. 

                                        (Meeting with Turkish press delegation in March 1952)

In 1953 he got embroiled in a confrontation with his mentor and leader Sheikh Mohd Abdullah who had delivered the notorious secessionist Ranbir Singh Pora speech as a consequence of which his cabinet planned his ouster. As a retaliation, Sheikh Abdullah tried to dismiss him from the cabinet and even planned to put him behind bars but before he could execute his plans, Sheikh Abdullah himself was ousted as Prime Minister of J&K in 1953 and Bakshi Ghulam Mohd took over the charge instead. Allegations levelled against Saraf Sahab were that his brother-in-law (Sala), who was serving in the Jail Department, had stolen a clock from Saraf's office which was recovered from his car. This is documented in his autobiography 'Atish-e-Chinar' written by a ghostwriter, M Y Taing. Unfortunately, the writer had not verified the facts. Saraf Sahab had only one brother-in-law and that was my father who was a shopkeeper and till 1962 had never worked in any government office.  Moreover, the truth about allegations of corruption can be gauged by comparing the assets left by Sheikh Abdullah and all other Ministers during Sheikh's and Bakshi's regimes vis-a-vis what was left by Sham Lal Saraf. He possessed just one incomplete three-story building in Gugji Bagh, Srinagar and that too was built after he demitted his office. In this regard, I asked him once, "Hindus don't credit you with the ouster of Sheikh Sahab saying it was Bakshi who did it while Muslims blame you entirely for dethroning him? So you get no credit whatsoever." He replied, "My direct confrontation could have taken a communal colour and my community would have to bear the brunt of it if I had openly come out against Sheikh Sahab on that occasion. In fact, I preferred to lay low for a long time and even refused to join the new cabinet of Bakshi Sahab for many days to avoid public gaze."    

As has been written earlier, Pt Sham Lal Saraf was a member of the Cabinet of Sheikh Abdullah from 1947 to 1953 and later Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed from 1953 onwards to 1962. In the photo on the right, he can be seen taking the oath of Office as Minister in Bakshi's Cabinet. The oath was administered by the then Sadre Riyasat, Dr Karan Singh. He acquitted himself with unparalleled integrity and industry. He was a stickler for principles and I always thought he could have been more successful as a bureaucrat than a politician. This trait of his made him unpopular among the public, especially the Kashmiri Pandits, who approached him to bestow them with undue favours but he did not oblige them. Examples of this could be seen that his own daughter was neither a doctor nor an engineer and he could not manage a medical seat for me or my sister though he was in power at that time. On my asking that Muslim students with far lesser marks got the seats, he replied, "For a Muslim of Kashmir, who doesn't feel integrated with the country due to indoctrination since 1953, India is from Uri to Qazigund while for you India spans from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari. If I don't give him preference in education and employment in J&K and bottle him up, he will surely break that bottle upon my head one day." How prophetic! Subversive forces used this very plank in the 1990s to incite young Kashmiris to take up the gun. I appreciated his viewpoint and in fact, it changed the course of my life. He too acknowledged it before his wife saying, "This fellow never turned his back to seek help. Whatever he has achieved is all on his own."  

Saraf Sahab was a true nationalist. He stood his ground in 1953, and later, on 11 September 1964 he despite being a member of J&K Congress supported a bill introduced by an independent Member of Parliament, Prakash Vir Shastri demanding the removal of Article 370 from the Constitution. During the debate, he said:

"In these 17 years, our state has suffered by not having been brought at par with the rest of the states in the country. Our people have suffered. Everybody has suffered. Let the people have the proper benefit of what flows from the Centre to other states. As it is, people suffer in a number of ways, for instance, in getting scholarships, getting seats in colleges and universities in other places etc. Not only that, there is the non-application of labour laws."

Saraf Sahab also highlighted what he said was the plight of the working classes in the state then: 

"In my state, there are lakhs of people working in various forests, handicrafts and factories, and all the beneficial laws that we have in the Centre, and which are applicable to the rest of the states, they are not benefitted by them. I know the feelings of workers in that State. Every time they say: why do you keep this wall of separation, let us also get the benefits as the rest of our countrymen." 

It was my good fortune to know him personally and watch his behaviour closely. He was very serious and did not indulge in loose talk. He was a true Gandhian and held Nehru in great esteem. I never heard him speak ill against anyone behind his back not even Sheikh Sahab despite the great betrayal by the latter. He would often tell me not to be so facetious and take life seriously. He had a high moral standard which often touched spiritual realms. Notwithstanding the climatic conditions, he would get up early in the morning, take bath and do some routine yoga exercises, then read Gita, Ramayana and Jap ji every day. He would constantly emphasize that a person has three facets of his personality i.e Physical, Mental and Spiritual and one must nurture them all. On this, I would often disagree with him. I used to argue that a person cannot achieve excellence in one field if he lays equal emphasis on all three, for example, if he wants to become a Dara Singh he has to ignore the other two aspects except the physical aspect, if he wants to become a Buddha he cannot afford to develop the physical side and in case he wants to emulate Shakespeare, he has to ignore the physical and spiritual faculties. The issue, however, remained unresolved. 

Saraf Sahab left his mortal remains on 26 July 1983. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

                        (With Sadre Riyasat Dr Karan Singh & Foreign dignitaries. Mir Qasim, Sadiq,

                         GLDogra & Bakshi can also be seen)

I must confess that whatever I achieved in my life was all because of his teachings that guided me to lead an honest and to some extent principled life though I could not match him. I am reminded of a couplet of Allama Iqbal:

                  Hazaron   saal   Nargis    apni   be - noori    pe   roti   hai,

                Badi mushkil se hota hai chaman mein deeda-var paida. 

*****

 

Modi Government: SWOT Analysis

 

MODI GOVERNMENT: SWOT ANALYSIS

• Strengths:

1. Made BJP expand its base from Cow/Hindi belt to whole of India especially North East, South India & Bengal. No mean achievement.
2. Eschewed dependence on fair weather friends/Allies e.g Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, TDP and even JDU.
3. The image of BJP, hitherto considered as Upper Caste party, was totally overhauled by embracing OBC's, SC's & ST's. Focussed on their development & extended reservations to deserving groups.
4. Reduced a National party i.e Congress to nonentity under Congress Mukt Bharat campaign besides marginalising regional parties like SP, BSP, TDP, NC, PDP etc,
5. Tried to reduce corruption & nepotism in the country despite resistance by vested interests including politicians and bureaucrats.
6. Increased vigilance on internal security of the country. No major Terrorist attacks happened except in & around J&K.
7. Made special efforts to develop Indian defence system and prepare the country for any eventuality due to China-Pakistan military axis. In this effort modern fighter airplanes, tanks, guns, arsenal and clothing for defense personnel were purchased.
8. Gave up Ostrich attitude towards enemies, Stongly resisted Chinese incursions on Northern Border. Struck back at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorist activities in & around J&K. Surgical Strikes yielded expected results.
9. Integrated the country by abrogation of Art 370 & Art 35A besides separation of Ladakh UT to relieve it from Kashmiri hegemony. Kashmir Separatist leaders & their cheerleaders wearing secular masks were totally marginalized.
10. Developed a strong sense of NATIONALISM among Indians which was found lacking generally.
11. Took action against war mongering Left extremists especially Naxalites and reduced their influence on Indian minds.
12. A rethinking on writing objective history of India was initiated with a view of giving proper place to all the dynasties who ruled India from North to South and from West to East besides giving proper place to those martyrs and freedom fighters who had laid their lives in freedom struggle against foreign invaders from time to time but had been hitherto ignored by Historians with vested interests.
13. To further this aim Civilian Awards were given to deserving people working for the society in remote areas rather than celebrities who come to limelight due to media propaganda.
14. Washed away from Indian minds the much hyped Socialism and Social justice which despite 70 years hardly bore any fruit since the number of poor and illiterate increased in number. In fact it was politicians and middlemen who amassed money. As a result India remained a laggard.
15. Laid emphasis on MADE IN INDIA and gave incentives to industries and entrepreneurs in the country. Privatisation and PPP model was adopted vigorously to reduce government role in PSUs & for monetization of assets.
16. Let large industries develop without victimization in order to develop proper industrial infrastructure in India and make it globally competitive. No unnecessary coditions or controls imposed.
17. Emphasis on Skill development was an innovative idea. Youth instead of seeking unproductive degrees have now an option to equip themselves with proper employment oriented skills
18. Development (VIKAS) became the key word in India during last 7 years.
19. Initiated Digital India revolution. Substitution of Cash transactions by digital transactions was encouraged with an eye to reduce blackmarketing. Prior to that Demonetisation was done to unearth black money, one side effect of which was that new notes introduced are smaller in size saving crores to the exchequre.
20. Exemplary performance was registered in laying a network of roads connecting remotest corners of the country and rapidly developing surface transport. Besides Roads, Railways and Airports have also registered an unprecedented growth in number, speed and quality.
21. Laid emphasis on Tribal development and reached out to remote tribes.
22. Innovative schemes introduced such as Housing for poor, Banking for all, Direct subsidy to farmers, Girl child education, Ujjwala Yojana etc.
23. Introduced the much needed Triple Talaq Act and saved Muslim women from Male chauvinism and exploitation.
24. Bravely faced the biggest challenge of CORONAVIRUS pandemic, acknowledged the work of Corona Warriors and eventually brought the pandemic under control. India developed a Vaccine against the virus for the first time despite immense lobbying and pressure from MNCs of the developed world.

• Weaknesses:

1. Due to lack of belief in coexistence and coalition culture, forced their avowed friends to become their foes and even poached on them. Shiv Sena felt frightened as a result and separated their ways. So did Akalis and earlier JDU, the latter however returned back to the fold.
2. Made too many promises in the initial phase of electioneering in 2014 which were unimaginable and couldd never have been achieved. Non-fulfilment of such promises still haunts the government. Its leader is nicknamed FEKU and many people don't trust the government for promises they make.
3. Too much reliance on charisma of Narendra Modi who became a mascot for elections whether Parliamentary or for State legislatures. Regional leadership was neither created nor depended upon. Popular state leaders were stunted.
4. Too many YESMEN were encouraged and established leaders in states were sidelined in many cases. As a result elections in many states were lost to opposition. Delhi case was a classic example and so was Maharashtra. Agreements reached with the allies should have been put in black and white.
5. While luminaries like Advani, Joshi etc were eliminated, potential of stalwarts like Sushma Swaraj was never used optimally. In fact it was difficult to know who dealt with External affairs, PM or EAM.
6. In order to introduce reforms rapidly, passed several legislations in hurry especially the three farm laws which resulted in a year long sit-in strike by farmers of Northern India. Ultimately had to retrace their steps and announce cancellation of farm laws. Even application of mind in case of Demonetization and Janta Curfew during COVID was lacking.
7. Rate of growth of GDP during six years before pandemic was substantially less compared to previous six years. Reasons for eceonomic slow down were not analysed and action to invigorate economy was not taken.
8. Created an image of being captive to crony Capitalists. Such image activated poor and lower middle class, trade unions, farmers and other groups who joined hands to dislodge the government.
9. Aligned with PDP in J&K which turned out to be counter productive.
10. Qualified and Intelligent people were not chosen for dealing with finance or RBI.
11. Middle and small industries were ignored while too much emphasis was laid on large industries which resulted in slow growth in this sector besides unemployment.
12. No proper action was taken for employment generation. The target of employment announced by government was never achieved resulting in turbulence among youth especially educated youth. Worse still the pandemic further caused escalation in unemployment.
13. An atmosphere of Communalism, casteistism and sectarianism was allowed to grow unbridled which has dented the image of the government run by BJP which already has a tag of being a Hindu party.
14. There is a feeling that present government has undermined the federal character of the country. Democracy demands cooperation between Centre, State and Local Self Government institutions.

C. Opportunities:

1. Implementation of UCC and Family planning are two opportunities which need to be implemented. Instead frivolous CAA/NRC was attempted.
2. The Coronovirus pandemic has exposed the fragile health sector of India which remained neglected all through. This opportunity has been seized by the government which has initiated making many AIIMS all over India besides developing indigenous vaccine and giving incentives to indigenous Research and Development besides Drugs sector.

D. Threats:

1. India has lost neighbouring friends due to change in global scenario. China has used the opportunity to befriend them. Thus India has been encircled by hostile countries with backing of wealthier China.
2. Possibility of war by China & Pakistan cannot be ruled out though India has already taught both countries a lesson against such misadventure.
3. Hostile farmers can be detrimental to BJP and the government needs to be wary of them. Farmers is a large class without any borders of caste, religion or language.
4. Political cum Bureaucratic vicious circle has developed over last 70 years supporting each other. This is the biggest threat faced by the present government which has not been able to make any dent in fixing corrupt politicians be it National Herald case, Chit fund case or Vasooli gate.
5. Inability to restrain extreme right wing organizations from creating communal discord can become volcanic in due course and we may face a bigger problem in the country. It is better to ensure that SAB KA SATH, SAB KA VIKAS, SAB KA VISHWAS AUR SAB KA PRAYAS filters down to the lowest level in BJP in order to create a harmonious and peaceful environment in the country which is a must for growth and development.

Corruption; भ्रष्टाचार; کرپشن ; Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ

 Corruption; भ्रष्टाचार; کرپشن 

Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ 

भ्रष्टाचार 

रक्षा करने वालों ने रक्षा करने के बदले उसकी अपने ही घर में हत्या कर दी। प्रधान मंत्री होने के नाते सारा देश शोक में डूब गया। मैं भी सोच विचार में तल्लीन हो गया। मुझे उसका वह साक्षात्कार याद आ रहा था जिस में उसने महाराष्ट्र मुख्य मंत्री को बचाने के लिए कहा था। 

"करप्शन इज़ ए ग्लोबल फेनोमेनन यानि भ्रष्टाचार एक वैश्विक परिघटना है।"

उसी दिन मुझे शंका हुई थी कि वह स्वयं ही अपना समाधि-लेख लिख रही है। राष्ट्र तो क्या घर में भी माता-पिता अपने बच्चों को यह कभी नहीं कहते कि बेईमानी और भ्रष्टाचार ज़िन्दगी का सही रास्ता है हालाँकि अक्सर लोग हर रोज़ इसी रास्ते पर चलते हैं। 

ऑपरेशन ब्लू स्टार के बाद सिख उस से रुष्ट हो चुके थे और चंद लोग उस की जान के पीछे पड़े हुए थे। किसी ने कुछ सीनियर अफसरों को रिश्वत देकर उन्हें खरीद लिया और उसके सिक्योरिटी स्टाफ में सेंध लगायी। वह दो बागी सिख सिपाहियों को उसके घर के अंदर  एक साथ पोस्टिंग कराने में कामयाब होगए जिन्हों ने यह घिनोना काम आसानी से कर दिया। 

मैंने जब यह समाचार पढ़ा मेरे अंदर से आवाज़ आयी। 

"अगर भ्रष्टाचार वैश्विक प्रकरण है तो यह हमारे सीने में भी गुल खिला सकता है। 

    

Sagon Ka Ped; सागौन का पेड़; ساگون کا پیڑ ; Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ

Sagon Ka Ped; सागौन का पेड़; ساگون کا پیڑ 

Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ 

सागौन का पेड़ 

कप्तान जसवंत सिंह के यूनिट स्टोर में राशन और दुसरी वस्तओं में विसंगति पाई गयी। इसलिए फार्मेशन ने जाँच पड़ताल का आदेश जारी किया। तकनीकी मामलों में वह मेरे अधीन था परन्तु प्रशासनिक मामले और अनुशासनात्मक कार्यवाही क्यू ब्रांच के हिस्से में आती थी और उस में मेरा कोई रोल नहीं था। फिर भी न जाने क्यों उससे यक़ीन था कि मैं उस को बचा सकूंगा। उस ने कई बार मेरे घर के चक्कर लगाए और बचाव का रास्ता निकालने के लिए मिन्नत समाजत की। मुझे उसके चार बच्चों की हालत देखकर उस पर तरस आया। इसलिए जितना हो सका उसकी मदद की। अंततः वह आरोपों से बरी हो गया मगर सावधानी के तौर पर फार्मेशन ने उसको वहां से ट्रांसफर करवा  दिया। 

जाने से पहले मैं और मेरी बीवी उसको अलविदा कहने  के लिए उसके घर चले गए। वहां उस का सामान पैक हो रहा था जिसमें एक नया सागौन का सोफ़ा ध्यान आकर्षित कर रहा था। 

दुसरे दिन ऑफिस में पता चला कि जसवंत सिंह ने यूनिट के दो सागौन पेड़ कटवा कर उनका फर्नीचर बनवाया था। यह सुनकर मुझे अपने आप से घृणा  होने लगी कि मैं ने ऐसे आदमी को क्यों बचा लिया। मुझे बार बार कवी 'सौदा' का निम्नलिखित शेर याद आ रहा था। 

          "होगी कब तक बच्चा ख़बरदारी        चोर जाते रहे की अंधियारी" 

 

Kuch To Log Kahenge;कुछ तो लोग कहेंगे; کچھ تو لوگ کہیں گے ; Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ

Kuch To Log Kahenge;कुछ तो लोग कहेंगे

 کچھ تو لوگ کہیں گے 

Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ 

 

कुछ तो लोग कहेंगे  

बहुत बड़ा भ्रष्टाचारी था वह। संपत्ति इकट्ठा करने के तरीक़े काश कोई उससे सीख लेता। 

एक बार उसकी बीवी कैंसर की जानलेवा बीमारी में ग्रस्त हो गई। लाखों रुपए खर्च करके आखिरकार उसकी बीवी की जान बच गई परन्तु पूरी तरह स्वस्थ नहीं हो पाई। अब भी उसके इलाज पर हज़ारों रुपए प्रति वर्ष खर्च हो जाते हैं। 

कुछ लोग कहते हैं कि हराम की कमाई थी,गंदे नाले में बह गई। 

कुछ  लोगों का मानना है कि अंततः रुपया ही काम आ गया।  रुपए न होते तो बीवी का बचना मुश्किल था। 

कुछ लोग यह भी कहते हैं कि अगर वह ब्रष्टाचारी न होता तो उसको यह दिन ना देखने पड़ते। 

लोग बहुत कुछ कहते हैं लेकिन उसे मालूम है कि वह बीते हुए कल को वापस नहीं ला सक्ता। 

 

Haram Ki Kamai;हराम की कमाई;حرام کی کمائی ; Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ

Haram Ki Kamai;हराम की कमाई;حرام کی کمائی  

Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ 

हराम की कमाई 

बहुत समय पहले मुझे एक बेरोज़गार कवि का पत्र मिला। लिखा था। "मैं एक कवि हूँ। आप की रचनाओं का मैं प्रशंसक हूँ। मेरे पिता जी आपकी संस्था में कार्यरत थे मगर जवानी ही में देहांत हो गया। ऐसी स्तिथि में विधिक उत्तराधिकारियों में से किसी एक को, जो योग्य हो, नौकरी मिलने का अधिकार होता है। बदक़िस्मती से उस समय मेरी उम्र दस वर्ष की थी और मेरे दुसरे भाई बहन मुझ से छोटे थे। माँ ने नौकरी के लिए आवेदन करना उचित ना समझा क्यूंकि वह अनपढ़ थी। इसलिए वह मेरे वयस्क होने का इंतज़ार करती रही।  एम् ए करने के बाद मैंने नौकरी के लिए प्रार्थना पत्र भेज दिया मगर वह अस्वीकार हुआ। किसी ने मेरी न सुनी। एक समय ऐसा आया कि मिनिस्टर और मेम्बर  बोर्ड दोनों मेरे ही धर्म के थे और मुझे उनसे बहुत उम्मीद थी फिर भी कोई सुनवाई ना हुई। सुना है आप साहित्य प्रेमी और दीन-दयाल हैं इसलिए आप को यह पत्र लिखने की हिम्मत कर रहा हूँ। मुझे पूरी आशा है कि आप मुझे निराश नहीं करेंगे। 

वास्तव में इससे पहले मेरी ऐसी बुरी हालत न थी। मैं भारतीय जीवन बीमा निगम में एजेंट था। महीने के दस-बारह हज़ार कमीशन के रूप में कमाता था। आर्थिक स्थिरता को देख कर मैंने अपने टूटे-फूटे पैतृक मकान को नए सिरे से तामीर करने के लिए एल आई सी से ऋण ले लिया। हर महीने पांच हज़ार रुपए की क़िस्त मूलधन और बियाज के तौर पर भुगतान करना पड़ता है। दुर्भाग्य से एक दिन अचानक स्थानीय मौलवी से मुलाक़ात हुई। उसको न जाने कैसे मेरे व्यवसाय के बारे में पता चला था। उसने मुझे चेतावनी दी कि जो कुछ भी मैं कमीशन के तौर पर कमा लेता हूँ वह हराम की कमाई है। मुझे उसकी बातों पर विश्वास न हुआ। इसलिए पुष्टि के लिए दिल्ली के एक मौलाना के साथ संपर्क किया। उसने भी मौलवी साहब का समर्थन किया। नतीजे में मुझे एजेंसी का काम छोड़ना पड़ा। उसके बाद कहीं कोई नौकरी नहीं मिली। बस दिन में दस ग्यारह ट्यूशन पढ़ा कर जैसे तैसे बीवी और चार बच्चों का पेट पालता हूँ। दूसरी तरफ ऋण की क़िस्तें भी भरनी पड़ती हैं। समझ में नहीं आरहा है कि जीवनयापन कैसे कर सकूं गा। 

मैं चिंता में डूब गया। बहुत सोच विचार के बाद उत्तर लिखा, "भाई इम्तियाज़ अली, इस मामले में डिपार्टमेंट की कोई ग़लती नहीं बल्कि सारा दोष आप की माता जी का है। ऐसे मामलात में अगर वारिस पांच वर्ष के अंदर-अंदर प्रार्थना पत्र नहीं देता है तो वह अपना अधिकार खो देता है। उसके बाद भी जो कुछ तुम ने किया जल्दबाज़ी में किया। अगर बीमा कंपनियों की कमाई पाप की कमाई होती तो इस्लामी देशों में उनका अस्तित्व ना होता और हमारे अपने देश में हज़ारों मुस्सलमान इस व्यवसाय से जुड़े न होते। बीमा कंपनी जो वादा करती है क्या वह उससे पूरा नहीं करती? रही बात ब्याज की, बीमा कंपनी की कमाई और बैंकों की कमाई में कोई फ़र्क़ नहीं। अगर बैंकों की कमाई जायज़ हो सकती है तो फिर इन्शुरन्स कंपनियों की कमाई क्यों नहीं? अगर आप इस समस्या पर अधिक विस्तार में सोचेंगे तो जो क़िस्तें आप मकान के ऋण के तौर पर देते हैं. क्या उनमें सूद का अंश नहीं होता है? भाई मेरे, आज पूंजीवादी उपभोक्तावादी समाज इन्हीं भैसाखियों पर खड़ा है जिस से कोई मनुष्य बच नहीं सकता। यह बात सच है कि इस्लाम में खून पसीने  की कमाई को प्राथमिकता दी गयी है लेकिन मौलवी साहब ही पर नज़र डालो वह अपनी रोज़ी रोटी कमाने की खातिर कितना खून पसीना बहाता है?"     

 

Balayi Yaaft;उत्कोच;بالائی یافت ; Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ

Balayi Yaaft;उत्कोच;بالائی یافت 

Ministory;लघु कहानी;افسانچہ 

उत्कोच 

एक दिन वह मुझे ज़बरदस्ती अपने दफ्तर ले गया जो एक बैरक जैसे लम्बे मकान में स्थित था। वहां का वातावरण देखकर मुझे आश्चर्य हुआ। उसने दो-चार अगरबत्तियां जलाकर दीवार पर टंगे हुए देवताओं के चित्रों के सामने कुछ मन्त्रों का जाप किया और फिर आराम से अपनी कुर्सी पर विराजमान हुआ। कुछ समय के बाद बाहर एक के बाद एक ट्रक रुकते रहे, ट्रक का ड्राइवर उसके कमरे में चला आता, कुछ काग़ज़ मेज़ पर रख देता जिसके नीचे रुपयों से भरा लिफ़ाफ़ा होता और ऊपर एक व्हिस्की की बोतल पेपर वेट के बदले रख दी जाती। बाहर से किसी कर्मचारी की आवाज़ आती, "सर माल उतरवा दूँ?" वह जवाब देता, "ठीक है।" और फिर मज़दूर गेहूं या चावल की बोरियां गोदामों में रख देते। 

वह भारतीय खाद्य निगम का कर्मचारी था। उसका काम ट्रकों में लाये गए अनाज की क्वॉलिटी चेक करना और फिर उसको गोदामों में ढंग से रखवाना था। मगर वह ऐसा कुछ भी नहीं करता था। केवल मेज़ पर रखे हुए कागज़ों, लिफ़ाफ़े के वज़न और बोतल पर नज़र डाल कर बाहर खड़े मातहतों को हाथ के इशारे से हुकुम देने पर सतुष्ट होता।"

इसी दौरान उसने बाजार से तली हुई मछली मंगवाई और फिर दो गिलासों  में मदिरा उड़ेल कर मुझ से कहा, "लीजिये थोड़ी बहुत मदिरा का आनंद लीजिये।" मैंने केवल मछली के कुछ टुकड़े खाये तथा दफ्तर में शराब के सेवन करने से साफ़ इंकार किया। अंततः उसने सारी बोतलें और कागज़ लोहे की अलमारी में रख दिए, रुपयों भरे लिफ़ाफ़ों को जेब में डाल दिया और फिर घर की तरफ चल दिया। घर पहुँचते ही उसने सारे लिफ़ाफ़े अपनी धर्म पत्नी को दे दिए जिसने मुस्कराहट बिखेरते हुए उन्हें अपने ब्लाउज के अंदर सुरक्षित किया। 

रात को जब मैं और मेरी पत्नी उसकी फेमिली के साथ डाइनिंग टेबल पर बैठ गए तो मैं गहरी सोच में पड़ गया। "उसकी पत्नी जब मेरी पत्नी, जो उसकी सहेली थी, के सामने उपनी दौलत से प्राप्त की हुई वस्तुओं और गहनों का प्रदर्शन करती होगी तो मेरी पत्नी पर क्या गुज़रती होगी। वह सोचती होगी कि उसकी क़िस्मत फूट गई थी जब उसने इंडियन पोस्टल सर्विस के अफसर से शादी कर ली थी। इससे बेहतर था कि भारतीय खाद्य निगम के किसी क्लर्क से विवाह किया होता।" तथापि मुझे इस बात का संतोष था की हम दोनों अलग-अलग शहरों में रहते हैं और हमारी धर्म पत्नियां कभी कभार ही आपस में मिलती हैं। 

लगभग दो वर्ष यूँ ही बीत गए। एक दिन दोनों हमारे घर आये। अभिवादन के बाद वह कहने लगा, "भाई साहब, मैं आजकल बहुत परेशान हूँ। मेरा बेटा पढ़ाई की तरफ कुछ ध्यान ही नहीं देता। मेरी इच्छा है कि वह भी आपकी तरह इंडियन सिविल सर्विसेज की परीक्षा पास करे। एक ही तो बेटा है हमारा। मैं चाहता हूँ कि आप उसको कुछ काउंसलिंग करें। वह आप से  प्रभावित है और आपकी बात अवश्य मान ले गा।"

"भाई यह तो आप का कृपा है। परन्तु आप उसे अपने ही दफ्तर में क्यों नहीं लगाते हैं। मुझे जहाँ तक याद है आप ने कई बार मेरी नौकरी का मज़ाक उड़ा कर कहा था, "इतना परिश्रम करके आपको क्या मिला? मेरी कमाई तो आपकी आय से कई गुना अधिक है।"

"नहीं साहब कमाई ही सब कुछ नहीं होती, समाज में प्रतिष्ठा भी कोई चीज़ होती है।"

"मैंने यही बात कई बार कही थी मगर आप मानने से इंकार करते थे और आग्रह करते थे कि जीवन में दौलत ही सब कुछ है।"

वह स्वयं को तुच्छ मेहसूस करने लगा और उसको उत्तर देने के लिए शब्द ही नहीं मिल रहे थे। 

 

Nazrana; नज़राना ; نذرانہ ;Ministory ; लघु कहानी ;افسانچہ

Nazrana; नज़राना ; نذرانہ  

Ministory ; लघु कहानी ;افسانچہ 

नज़राना 

यह उन दिनों की बात है जब मैं सीनियर सुपरिंटेंडेंट पोस्ट ऑफिसिज़ था। एक मुख्य डाकखाने का निरीक्षण करते समय वहां के कर्मचारियों ने शिकायत की कि उनकी संख्या के हिसाब से ऑफिस में जगह कम पड़  रही है और मालिक मकान दो और कमरे देने को तैयार है यदि उस का किराया बढ़ाया जाये। मैंने इस बारे में मकान मालिक से बात की मगर वापस हेड क्वार्टर आकर भूल गया। छे महीने बाद दोबारा निरीक्षण के लिए जाना पड़ा और मकान मालिक से फिर इसी बात को लेकर सामना हुआ। मकान मालिक को संदेह ही नही बल्कि विश्वास हो गया कि मैंने काम मैं इसलिए टालमटोल किया क्यूंकि उसने मुझे मेरा हिस्सा नहीं पहुँचाया हालाँकि विलंब का कारण मेरी निजी परेशानियां थीं। 

दुसरे दिन मकान मालिक, जो स्थानीय हाईकोर्ट में जज था, मेरे घर पर आ धमका। बैठा और मेरे साथ इस सन्दर्भ में बातचीत कर ली। फिर उसने अपनी जेब में हाथ डाल कर एक लिफ़ाफ़ा निकाला और मुझे पेश करने की कोशिश की।  लिफ़ाफ़े में रुपयों का बंडल साफ़ नज़र आ रहा था। 

"यह क्या है?" मैंने देखते ही प्रश्न किया। 

"सर, कुछ नहीं, मेरी तरफ से तुच्छ सा नज़राना है।" उसने खिस्यानी सी हंसी हंस कर उत्तर दिया। 

इतने समय में मेरी पत्नी चाय लेकर अंदर आई। मैंने उसे दरवाज़े पर ही  रोक लिया। "नहीं चाय वापस ले जाओ। ही डज़ नॉट डिज़र्व टी ऑफ़ मय हाउस।"

वह हैरान हो गई क्यूंकि थोड़ी देर पहले मैंने उससे कहा था कि मेहमान हाईकोर्ट का जज है इसलिए अच्छी सी चाय बना कर ले आना। जज साहब अचंभे में पड़ गया कि यह क्या हो रहा है। कहने लगा, "सर आप बुरा मान गए।"

"बुरा मानने की ही तो बात है। आपने  मुंह पर तमांचा मार दिया। आपको शायद यह ख्याल है कि आप जज हैं इसलिए किसी का भी अपमान कर सकते हैं। मगर आप यह नहीं जानते हैं कि मैं किस इलाक़े में पला बड़ा हूँ। मैं आप की ऐसी दुर्गत करों गा कि कोर्ट में दरख्वास्त देने के योग्य भी नहीं रहेंगे।" मेरे गुस्से ने सीमाएं पार कर दीं। 

वह समझ गया। लिफ़ाफ़ा जेब में वापस रख लिया और बहुत ही सौम्यता से माफ़ी मांग ली। "सर,मैं बहुत शर्मिंदा हूँ और आप से क्षमा चाहता हूँ।"

मैंने भी अपने स्वर में नरमी लाकर कह दिया, "कम से कम यहाँ आने से  पहले किसी से मेरे बारे में पुछ तो लिया होता कि मैं घूस लेता हूँ या नहीं।" 

"सर आज तक जितने अफसरों से वास्ता पड़ा सभी ने यही कहा कि वह सत्यवादी हैं मगर रुपये के बग़ैर कभी किसी ने काम नहीं किया। अब आप ही बताईए कि किसी के माथे पर यह तो नहीं लिखा होता है कि वह भ्रष्ट है या नहीं।"

उस का उत्तर सुन कर मेरा गुस्सा ठंडा पड़ गया और मैंने अपनी पत्नी को दोबारा चाय लाने के लिए आवाज़ लगाई।