Journalism of Courage
Hindi writer and poet Jay Prakash Pathak ‘Vipr’,whose latest book was released in the city recently,explores different aspects of prose and poetry
His smile is that of a man who has worked endlessly towards one goal. With experienced eyes and the subtlety of one who weighs each word before uttering it,Jay Prakash Pathak talks about his greatest treasures his books. Through his words,one understands the remarkable influence that language can have on a person. Pathak has authored three books in Hindi,the latest one having been released on September 14. They all cover different subjects and genres and each one resonates in the reader’s mind long after the turn of the last page.
Pathak writes both prose and poetry. His first book,titled Anta Shijan,is a collection of 54 poems in seven parts. With the themes varying from motivation to patriotism,the book captures the different flavours of life. “One poem that I really like in my collection is called ‘Ab kavita kya…’. It deals with a poet’s dissatisfaction with the way art is handled in the country today,” he says,adding,”I did not try to publish my writings because I knew it would be difficult to do so without any contacts. The only reason I can see my compositions in print today is because of my son’s efforts. He worked hard on getting my work published. Talent is not enough these days and that is a very sad realisation.”
Pathak’s second book Vipanchi,which is also a poetic composition,is based on Naxalism. He has managed to capture the emotional side of the whole issue. Interestingly,the most unique thing about his poetry is the use of matrik chand in all his compositions,which is rare in today’s literature. “I have used matrik chand,wherein every word has just one maatra to it. But then this is too technical and this writing is hardly appreciated today,” he feels. But there is some hope,he says. “More people are educated now and that itself means that they are capable of reading,” he says.
