A Hundred Years Loyalty سو سال وفا Novel Review by Naeem Ashraf

Novel Review

A Hundred Years Loyalty

سو سال وفا

Urdu Novel : Faris Mughal فارس مغل

Book Review : Naeem Ashraf نعیم اشرف

“Older customs and traditions prevalent in a society must change with the course of time. The society, a nation or a civilization not prepared to adjust itself with dictates of time, provides a suffocated, stagnant and sickening environment to its members. Society is a dynamic phenomenon. It cannot grow in stagnation. We must remember that the next generation dos not belong to us. It belongs to 21st Century, the era of science and technology, the age of reason and wisdom. Our new generation sees everything through the lens of logic. They wish to discard any past practices not in harmony with the modern way of life. Whereas our 20th century generation is still adamant to uphold centuries old traditions of their forefathers. They wish to see their children grow in accordance with the rotten customs of the past. This clash of thought has created a generation gap. When our new generation views the life of their Western counterparts, they envy them. Alongside the light of modern education has convinced them to break the shackles of tradition and live their lives without any dictation.

By all reasons and logics the friendliness and affection that grows between two individuals out of domestic sphere must be respected inside their respective homes and family members. Any feeling of affection needs an expression. If it does not find an open acceptance, it uses covert means to manifest itself. In our congested society many a times the innocent loves manifest themselves in a park, cinema house or a hotel room. Why so? Because the most adults of Pakistan can choose for themselves a dress, a pair of shoes, a perfume or even a same-gender friend but cannot choose a life partner for themselves. Us, the 20th century generation must give breathing space to our 21st century generation. We need to create an environment wherein the parents and children face each other with confidence instead of shying away with guilt.”

This passage is a linking paragraph taken from 336 – page Urdu Novel “Sau Saal Wafa” by Faris Mughal, a passionate writer from Baluchistan. The plot of the novel presents prevalent law and order situation in our beloved province, Baluchistan. Baluchistan has a great history. It is blessed with brave, valiant and proud tribes. Its soil is enriched by nature with huge quantities of natural resources; minerals, seafood and fruits. It has deep Arabian Sea in its South-West that allows all kind of water vessels to anchor on its beautiful coast line. Its people are loving and peaceful by nature. But unfortunately the past few decades have seen turmoil on this peaceful land.

Seven-decade criminal neglect by Federal and Provincial Governments in the realm of social development; education, health and civic facilities have forced the tribal youth of Baluchistan to revolt against the ruling elite. The deprivation has gone to the extent that we painfully heard the slogan of independent Baluchistan. Why? Because the people of Baluchistan feel deprived when they see the social development in other provinces. Our rival nations who believe in perpetual instability in our beloved motherland find it easy to entice deprived masses of Baluchistan to implement their evil design by carrying out clandestine operations on this land of majestic mountains and stunningly beautiful coastal areas. Recent wave of terrorism in Pakistan has affected Baluchistan the most.

The central character of the novel, Dastan is a journalist, writer and a poet. Young and handsome Dastan has Balochi blood running in his veins and holds a passionate heart in his chest. He believes in using pen instead of arms to restore peace in Baluchistan. His mentor Wajah Mansur runs an Academy of Literature and Arts to promote peace and harmony amongst various races living in Baluchistan. His buddies, Hiayatullah, Hafiz, Shamsa and others have the similar mission. Dastan falls in love with Fateah, an attractive, kind hearted but unfortunately sight impaired young girl whose parents got settled in Quetta few decades ago. But now witnessing the conditions of the city have been forced to move back to Punjab. The romantic love story of Fateah and Dastan sails through the turbulent tides of time. Baila another beautiful young artist twists her heart on charming Dastan. As the luck would have it, Baila happens to be an Indian agent who operates from Karachi to perpetrate killings in Quetta. Dastan remains unaware about her covert activities till the end. The novel side by side also beautifully encompasses famous Balochi folk tale of Mast and her beloved Summal.

The story of the novel is mesmerizing from beginning to end. This is a story of love, hatred and betrayal. This is the tale of our loyal Baloch brethren who are loyal and faithful to Pakistan over one hundred years despite facing ignorance, tyranny and callous attitudes from us. The art and craft of novel is amazingly articulated though the plot might have been larger than needed. The book is a must read and must be included in rare Urdu fiction written in Baluchistan.

It might not be relevant but I wish to reiterate here that the societies that do not regard books and the writers, cannot produce Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw or Einstein. But instead produce property dealers’ drug smugglers and money launderers. I am ashamed to say that good and talented writers like Faris Mughal are not patronized by the Government. Why any big publishing house did not offer him a royalty – paid publication? Why any literary governmental organization like National Book Foundation or an international organization like Oxford University Press of Pakistan did not take on this project? This novel should have been published in millions but only few hundred copies have been published. It is a shame that the legendary writer had to self-publish this historical novel. It is high time our government should make policy for patronizing the fiction writers like Faris Mughal.

This novel is recommended for inclusion into leading Urdu fiction of Pakistan.