“Rape” revolved around Harkeeran Kaur who is the main character in this novel. She lives in Canada and goes on a cruise to take revenge of her brother’s death who was killed in Delhi, during mass murder, after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was gang raped. The criminal elements try to force and threaten her not to lodge a complaint against those who were responsible for her rape. No advocate was willing to take her case in court but finally one advocate assures to support her. She goes to India to attend to her sick parents but they don’t survive. The criminal elements again rape her, forcing her to return to Canada and contemplate her future.
By Acharya S.P. Dwivedi
SURREY – A large number of people in literary circles know Kulwant Singh Parmar-“Nadeem” as a doyen of Ghazals but not many people are aware of his egregious literary contribution in the field of Panjabi fiction and poetry.
Nadeem’s latest book, provocatively titled “RAPE”, was formally released by his loving wife-Surjeet Kaur who appeared to be his main source of inspiration and encouragement.
“Rape” revolved around Harkeeran Kaur who is the main character in this novel. She lives in Canada and goes on a cruise to take revenge of her brother’s death who was killed in Delhi, during mass murder, after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was gang raped. The criminal elements try to force and threaten her not to lodge a complaint against those who were responsible for her rape. No advocate was willing to take her case in court but finally one advocate assures to support her. She goes to India to attend to her sick parents but they don’t survive. The criminal elements again rape her, forcing her to return to Canada and contemplate her future.
The ceremony was emceed by intellectual Dr. Sadhu Singh. In his opening speech he said, “The theme of this novel is based upon the tragic event of Air India flight which was blown out in the sky by the terrorist plot that killed 329 innocent people. Nadeem has expanded the horizon of Panjabi language by his experiment in simple and communicative language and themes. He is a fearless writer and whatsoever comes to his mind he writes it unhesitatingly.” Novelist- Jarnail Singh Sekha presented the critical review of the novel. “Nadeem’s articulate characterization has made the novel more authentic and the unreal has become real,” said Jarnail Singh.
Mohan Gill-“ This novel “Rape” seems to be written in the continuation of Nadeem’s earlier novel –“Inderjall” in that he probed the event of –“Blue Star” (Attack on holy Golden temple) and mass murder of innocent Sikhs after the assassination of Prime Minister –Indira Gandhi. He has done admiringly a good home –work and presented the facts meticulously.” Gurpreet Singh, a progressive writer, who has also published a book on the same subject matter, applauded Nadeem for his boldness in picking up this serious but sensitive subject and doing justice to it undoubtedly.
Dwivedi said, “ The title of this novel-“Rape” can be interpreted from various angles- such as was it the rape of belief, religion, politics, social ethos, human rights or all? The beauty of this novel lies in the artistic description of real events. It deserves an attentive study .” The leading Panjabi writers and journalists—Inderjeet Sidhu, Surinder Kaur, Satish Gulatia, Harpreet Sekha, Harbhajan Hans, Harbans Dhillon, Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal, Kuljeet Kaur and Mohender Soomal also appreciated and congratulated Nadeem for his new novel.
Nadeem’s literary journey started in a quite early age of twelve when he composed his first poem on the death of Mahatma Gandhi and edited later college magazine. Although he was a science student but his love for Ghazals lead him to learn Persian, Arabic and Urdu languages. He learnt the intricacies of Ghazal from a highly experienced ustaad –teacher- . His first Panjabi novel-“ Chatti Mowt” hit the bookstores in 1995, “Inderjall”in 2004, “Payshi” in 2006 and “Sponsorship” in 2009. His latest novel-“Rape” was launched only last Sunday, August 12, 2012 by the BC Punjabi Cultural Foundation at Scott Road-89St., (Kitaab Mela Hall) in Surrey. Above this, he is credited with the publication of four books of Urdu Ghazals and four books of Panjabi Ghazals. He has co-edited a few anthologies of poems and his poems are often published in the national and international literary journals.
