O. P. Sharma
Man Darpan (Reflections of Mind) in Hindi is the second poetic collection by noted writer Maharaj Krishan . His first poetic work titled “Meri Awaaz” was published in 1971 when he was a student of History Department, University of Kashmir , Srinagar.
His latest book “Man Darpan” contains Hindi poetry comprising poems, gazals and geets all of which are penned in his simple and lucid style. Most of his poetry is related to life depicting its complexities and emotion-packed ideas. Some are philosophical in nature while few others are reflections of the every day life but put in an impressive and creative way. I like some of them and hope that the readers too will enjoy them.
“Man Darpan” depicts poet’s panorama of seeing things around but definitely in different way than others. He has his own attitude of look at life and its various shades of emotions and visions and so these poems are on variety of topics and themes.. What ever the poet has witnessed in Jammu since his migration from Kashmir has penned his sentiments frankly from his own personal perspective and experiences.
The poet in the preface of the book frankly, says that he is a God conscious fellow but not rigid at all about his way of living and faith due to enlightened outlook. His poems are testimony of his. preference to humanity over religiosity. At many places poet’s views are very bold and progressive but there are many places where he is optimistic though there is also under-current deep inside of pessimistic feelings at times.
The book is dedicated to those, who are struggling hard in life and have a picture of hope for mankind as well as a faith in tomorrow. He salutes in his poetic compositions all those who fell after facing bravely the turbulence and turmoils of life. His approach is humane and optimistic which is reflected in his many poems. There is sensitivity of his mind and heart. He firmly believes that the whole universe lies in everyone’s heart.
This poet is idealistic as well as realistic in outlook. Stanza expresses his candid viewpoint as follows:
“Ruaz Sabi Ka Khooley Darpan
Jhoot Kabi no Booley Darpan”
Asli Kis Ki Soorat Nakli
Meezan Pe sub Tooley Darpan
Mirror reflects only the truth
It never tells a lie
What is real, what is un real
Mirror truly weighs the balance.
When we come to his gazals and geets, one feels the flight of his imagination and depth of his sentiments. too.
In the experimentation with life and its experiences, the poet is busy too much. The poet has written already, six books in Urdu, 2 in English, 2 in Hindi including “Man Darpan”.
Pal do pal dam bharta hoon
Jeevan darshan karta hoon
Darta Hoon agar kissi se
Izaat se apni darta hoon
Living every moment of life
Gaining experiences in journey of life
If I fear anything or anybody
It is really my ownself
Yet another piece of his poetry is noted below:.
Bhoola bula pani hoon
Aur baada abhimani hoon
Gyan ki baatein karta hoon
Asl mein to Agyani hoon
(Though a simple fellow but am really proud as I often talk about knowledge yet in reality am a shallow one.)
He asks can we love God while having hatred for His creations and creatures. He appeals for love for the entire humanity. Mark the fine feelings in these lines from Man Darpan: .
Words are words
Big one small one
Every word has its
Importance of own place
Words have kept alive
Our scriptures
Like Geeta, Bible, Quran
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