Among women litterateurs whose literary prowess has been widely hailed and who succeeded in establishing themselves amongst the noted writers on rich literary landscape, Taranum Riyaz is a well-known example among them. She not only has meticulously penned down the feministic issues but also the one’s humanity at global level is facing in contemporary times, in her writings. She is an ace poetess, translator, fiction writer and a distinguished critic. Being an avid author of twenty books, her writings have enriched the landscape of urdu literature. Apart from being an eminent writer, Taranum Riyaz is a pious and noble lady. There is an urgent need to write and work on the contributions of Taranum Riyaz. Some young and energetic writers have dedicated themselves to pay a glowing tribute to her. Among them one is Zahid Zafar, hailing from the Keller village of Shopian district, Zahid is currently pursuing his doctorate on Taranum Riyaz’s short stories. He has edited “Taranum Riyaz ke Afsanon ka Tajziyati Mutala” comprising of fifteen short stories of Taranum Riyaz including their analytical study, four essays highlighting her literary contributions and two proems. Published by famed GNK Publications, it’s cover page offers an alluring look and spanning 365 pages. Zahid Zafar has dedicated this arduously edited book to all the fiction writers of Jammu Kashmir. In it’s foreword, eminent critic and writer Dr Riyaz Tawhidi, proclaims that Taranum Riyaz through her eloquent writings has enhanced and upgraded the standard of urdu literature. Zahid Zafar in it’s preface, reveals that among women writers of valley who progressed at lighting speed, Taranum Riyaz is a noteworthy example. He further states that her demise on 21-05-2021, has created a major void in literary landscape which is hard to get filled. He has expressed his gratitude to all those, who helped him in editing this book.
Prof Qudus Javaid has penned a protracted essay titled Kashmir ki Dard ashna Taranum Riyaz, highlighting her literary contributions and visionary ideas. How she declined to accept a permanent position despite multitude of offers and endlessly strided to add to urdu literature has been vividly painted. She has attended many seminars and poetic symposiums round the globe alongside winning a chain of awards. According to him Taranum Riyaz’s Barf Ashna Parinde novel is a masterpiece like the one’s written by Quratul Ain Hyder and Lali Choudhary. Dr Riyaz Tawhidi in another article about Taranum Riyaz’s fiction says, her framed novel Barf Ashna Parinde is a reflection of intermingling of history and culture.
She has portrayed history, culture, custom, tradition and vibrant lifestyle of Vallities in her writings. Dr Ishrat Naheed has scripted an extensive article in context to her short story collection Ababilen Lout Ayen Ge. According to her, Taranum Riyaz has painted stories happening in her immediate surroundings and underscoring the oppression met by the people at the hands of repressive regimes. Describing Taranum as a powerful fiction writer, she claims that her stories mirror the pain and sufferings of women folk in male dominated societies. Dr Qaseem Akhter, while commenting on the writing skills of Taranum Riyaz, opines that she isn’t an inspiring figure among the women writers only but is equally garnering praise and accolades from most critics and litterateurs for her outstanding fictional writings. Hum Tu Dobe Hain Sanam, this is the first and opening short story in this book, it’s analytical study has been written by Dr Alia Kawsar. It’s story revolves round Nadia and Shahid, the two characters who are spouses to each other. Nadia’s love, selfless services, kind approach and endurance has been nicely outlined in the story, on the other hand Shahid has no regard for her loyal, faithful and noble wife. He hardly treats her as his spouse and mocks and ridicules her every altruistic and self-sacrificing act. Seeing her unruly and rowdy behavior, her own daughter always remains in fear and trepidation. Not only uncivilized and lacking civic sense, he is also egocentric as is evident from his attempt to bite her lips after being diagnosed HIV positive. He blames her for being impotent despite himself being responsible to making her so previously. Maan Sahab, Another short story depicting selfless love of a sincere and obedient son towards her widowed mother. There are four main characters Maan Sahab, Khuram her son, Shagofa her daughter in-law and Kaiser her grandson. Elderly parents are considered a burden and sent to old age homes by their children, completely forgetting how they were nurtured by them in their early years. But here,
Khuram despite being pressurised by his wife to slash her spendings, prioritizes her needs and takes due care of her mother. Bibi, this is another short story reflecting callous and sadistic treatment our elderly especially mothers meet at the hands of her own children and grandchildren. Once, Bibi opened the lid of saucepan to know what has been cooked, inadvertently her grey hair falls in the curry. She feels ashamed and begs her daughter in-law not to expose it before her husband. Instead of respecting her pleas, she makes her husband furious by telling the truth. This is the condition of our elderly in our homes. Baramdah, Prof Neelofer Naz Nehvi has done an impressive analytical study of this story which is manifesting how faithless and disloyal husbands ruin the merital life of their wives. They endure the prolonged loneliness for years, do household chores, cook different dishes to please their husbands but in return what they reap is nothing but disloyalty and melancholy. Shehla, suhails wife is bearing the pangs of pain due to his involvement in some other women, spending most of the time outside, having extramarital relationships thereby compelling his wife to have the same with Junaid her brother in-law. Barf Girne Wali hai, Taranum Riyaz has meticulously and eloquently woven this story around the themes of penury and destitution. It’s analytical study has been tactfully drafted by editor Zahid Zafar himself. Though government has ordered a blanket ban on child labour and from time to time many executive orders and legislations were enacted to curb this menace, but the fragile economic conditions of our impoverished and downtrodden class is consistently compelling their children to embrace working in brick kilns, factories and other industries instead of learning in schools. This story centered around three main characters Khazir Mohd, his wife Hajira and javaid their lone son, who is desperate to work in hazardous and treacherous conditions aiming only to alleviate the sufferings of their family. Taibeer, Taranum Riyaz’s fictional prowess is radiating in her many stories including this one, analytically studied by young essayist S Mashouq Ahmad. This story ardently unveils how women workforce is subjected to highest level of harassment in public offices.
This story without mentioning the name of any character, is telling the sad tale of a city girl who toils hard to get educated and then a teaching job. She aspires and dreams to teach the innocent buds of a farflung locality, but to her utter surprise she is transferred immaturely. Reason behind her transfer was to quench the lustful thirst of her officers and clerics. She thinks to resign from the job, but instantly changes her mind and gets committed to defeat their ill-intentions. Taranum Riyaz occupies a unique position in today’s urdu literary landscape. Her works masterfully explore harsh realities of life, complicated human relationship, and inner conflicts in the human world. Her distinctive narrative style, woven from everyday life, has captivated readers and solidified her reputation as a literary icon. My recommendation to readers would be to go through this book and explore a vast literary world.
The writer is a columnist hailing from Qazigund Kashmir
