I can read Hindi - slowly, write Hindi - with very bad spelling and handwriting, and speak Hindi - with mistakes, especially gender related and pronunciations. But I am not ashamed of those. After all, it is only the third language I know. To improve my hindi, I try to speak as often as I can. It is my effort to read Hindi, that I am not particularly happy about. I have tried to ask a few friends who are native speakers of the language, and I still don't have a list of writers who represent modern Hindi literature.
I am also worried, because none of my friends are reading Hindi, when I know some of them do read a lot. Forget about reading, they are not even aware about the Hindi literary scene from what I understand. I don't remember a recent Hindi movie which is based on original literary work. I don't remember anyone talking about a Hindi books, whereas a lot of noise is heard about works in English. Does that mean that there is a lack of interest in Hindi literature among people today? That would be sad, since I firmly believe a language evolves and enriches through written work.
BTW, I am currently reading two Bangla books, both fiction, but fact based. And even if I am not a big fan of modern Bangla fiction, I can tell you the names of at least five contemporary authors. I might also be able to suggest you books in Bangla based on your interest / genre. I know people discuss literature here. Why is it not the same with my Hindi speaking friends?
Please prove that my feeling is wrong. Tell me Hindi lit scene is thriving. Help me find some good Hindi literature.
Posts
A long and rushed year
10 months ago
12 comments:
I'm glad 'the' post is up :)
Thanks!
Hmm....its true. Most of us (Hindi speaking ppl) don't know much about Hindi literature. I mean, I have read classics but ask me about any new Hindi author and I can't come up with one name. No, not because I have no interest in Hindi literature. I want to read Hindi books but I don't think many people are writing Hindi literature, books now days...make it 'GOOD' Hindi books. I don't think we have enough people who write in Hindi. Go to a BIG bookshop and you'll find one tiny shelf dedicated to Hindi books - mostly stocked with classics and mythology...no 'new' books..no new authors. There is a constant buzz about new Indian authors...every one wants to be a writer - IIM grad to advertising pro., all are coming up with their books but they all are writing in English. No one is writing in Hindi. Yes! There is a lack of interest in Hindi literature among people today. It is sad that Hindi as a language is dying...slowly.
However, I'll try to find out some good Hindi book titles and share them with you :)
Pakka!
I agree with your observations Swati... everyone is writing these days, but in English! I haven't heard of a new Hindi work since forever!
Thanks for the list (in anticipation).
I have been reading a book by "lagta nahin man mera" by Krishna Agnihotri (biopic) these days and I really liked it. I have grown up reading classics written by Bangla authors translated in Hindi ....likes of Pratham Pratishruti, Romtha (by Mahasweta Devi- awesome piece), Dena Paavna, Shesh Prashan etc(by Sharatchandra)..and Bimal Mitra as well...but yes I agree, it is very difficult to come across any new books by modern Hindi authors. I think it is my love for Hindi and Urdu which time and again compels me to pick up old classics bu I really look forward for something new coming up.....
Er. You're right. At least I am certainly not aware. Not that I am ashamed of it. It's just that I wasn't interested till now. I'm trying myself - for over two years I have been reading Urdu off and on and perhaps now is the time to get into Hindi literature. It is full of neat words too. Please educate me once you can.
You know what... I have read one or two Hindi books in the past... I think the best one I read was Ramayan written by Narendra Modi... This is a series of 8 or 9 books in which Ramayan has been portrayed in a real life human scenario... less of magic and god's power...
The other one was Chanakya... but I just don't remeber what was in it as I was too young when I read it...!!! ;)
I don't remember reading a word in Hindi ever since I finished my last third language exam and that was way back!:-)
I don't about the rest of India, but in Bengal,we can't expect people to be interested in Hindi literature when many of them have lost interest even in Bengali literature. There are not many among the present genereation, at least, who seem to be interested in Bengali literature.
have asked a friend about some good modern hindi literature authors. lets see if she can help.
Must say "it was interesting to know that I do not have any idea about it. And your post made me realize this. Will surely try to read some Hindi literature now :)"
I have not read much of Hindi literature but one book I really enjoyed was Amrita Pritam's Pinjar. I had loved the movie, which is based on the novel and it is worth reading. The language is simple but powerful. Try reading Pinjar, it's a good book to start reading Hindi literature with.
@Reetika
Thanks for dropping by... the deal is I read Bangla classics in original. I want to read Hindi classics (some I have already read), and I don't get too many suggestions.
@RT
I will :)
@Adisha
What!?! You, from Meerut, and have read two hindi books in your entire life?
@Butterfly
Really? People here have lost interest in Bangla literature? Still I think the situation is not as bad as Hindi. My friends and relatives do read Bangla.
@Aseem
Thanks. Will love to hear from your friends, and you - once you start reading Hindi :)
@Kanchan
Thanks, seeing you after a long time. I will certainly keep your recommendation in mind, and try to find it.
Try mahadevi verma......have not read any body else who writes in a simpler manner...ever...
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