Poetry has always been a mirror reflecting the emotions, struggles, and unspoken truths of society. Shabdon Ki Siski is one such powerful collection that resonates deeply with contemporary realities, weaving sorrow, protest, and introspection into its verses. The poet’s words bleed raw emotions, capturing the essence of human suffering, political turmoil, and the fragile bonds of relationships. This review delves into the book’s thematic richness, stylistic beauty, and its impact on the reader’s conscience.

Inside the Book: Shabdon Ki Siski

1. The Trauma of the Pandemic

One of the most poignant poems in the collection revolves around the COVID-19 pandemic. The poet describes the virus not just as a disease but as a fire consuming relationships:

कोरोना…

बस एक नाम नहीं,

एक न दिखने वाली आग थी,

जो फेफड़ों में नहीं,

रिश्तों में जल रही थी।

These lines highlight how the pandemic was not just a medical crisis but also a social catastrophe. Families were torn apart, last rites became a luxury, and faith institutions shut their doors while hospitals overflowed with despair. The imagery of a father being separated from his son’s pyre and a daughter witnessing her mother’s last moments from behind glass encapsulates the era’s heartbreaking isolation. The poet’s ability to capture the pain in simple yet striking words makes this piece unforgettable.

2. Social Injustice and Political Apathy

Another strong undercurrent in Shabdon Ki Siskī is the critique of systemic oppression and political indifference. The poet paints a grim picture of the powerless struggling against the bureaucratic machine:

सरकारी इमारतों में बैठे लोग,

फैसले काग़ज़ों पर लिखते हैं।

और सड़कों पर बैठे बच्चे,

उन्हीं काग़ज़ों को हकीकत बनाने की कोशिश में,

अपनी हड्डियाँ तुड़वाते हैं।

These lines are a stark reminder of how governance often remains a distant, abstract concept for those who suffer on the ground. The poet contrasts the privilege of policymakers with the plight of street children who dream of being recognized as humans rather than statistics.

3. Environmental Exploitation

The poet also brings attention to the destruction of nature:

पानी… ज़मीन की नब्ज़ में दौड़ता वो लहू, जिसे हमने चूसकर, रेत के फ़र्श पर गिरते देखा।

Here, nature is personified, its veins drained of life due to human greed. The poet does not merely describe environmental degradation but makes it deeply personal, urging readers to see the land as a living entity rather than an exploitable resource.

4. The Struggles of Indigenous Communities

In another hard-hitting verse, the poet speaks about indigenous communities, often ignored by mainstream discourse:

धरने पर बैठे कुछ लोग,

जिन्हें अख़बारों में आदिवासी कहा जाता है।

सरकार के लिए बस एक विरोध हैं,

मगर जंगल के लिए अंतिम संस्कार।

The poet mourns how these communities are reduced to mere protest statistics, their rich cultures and deep connections with nature overlooked. Their struggle for land and identity is painted as a battle against erasure.

5. The Corruption of Religion

Religion, originally meant to unite and heal, has been distorted by selfish interests:

धर्म एक नदी थी,

जो इंसानियत की प्यास बुझाने आयी थी।

मगर हमने इसे तालाब बना दिया,

जिसमें हर कोई अपनी गंदगी धोने लगा।

The poet’s metaphor of religion as a pure river turned into a stagnant pond perfectly captures how faith has been misused. It is a powerful critique of how dogma replaces compassion and rituals overshadow true spirituality.

6. The Illusion of Democracy

The poet also questions the illusion of democracy:

जनता राजा है…

पर सिर्फ़ वोट डालने तक।

उसके बाद?

वो फिर से वही भीड़ बन जाती है,

जिसकी गिनती सिर्फ़ नारों में होती है।

These lines expose the paradox of electoral politics, where people hold power only momentarily, only to be reduced to faceless masses once the voting process is over. The poet calls for a deeper political consciousness rather than blind participation.

Stylistic Excellence

The beauty of Shabdon Ki Siskī lies in its simplicity. The poet does not rely on elaborate metaphors or ornate language; instead, they use direct, piercing words that strike the heart immediately. The rhythm is natural, almost conversational, making the poems accessible to all while retaining their depth. The use of repetition, contrasts, and irony strengthens the emotional impact, leaving the reader with lingering thoughts.

Cultural and Historical Context

This collection is deeply rooted in the socio-political climate of contemporary India. The references to governance, environmental concerns, and social inequalities echo the voices of poets like Dushyant Kumar and Pash, who have historically used poetry as a tool of resistance. The poet’s ability to weave historical consciousness into modern struggles makes Shabdon Ki Siskī both timeless and relevant.

Comparison with Other Contemporary Works

Compared to other contemporary poetry collections, Shabdon Ki Siskī stands out for its fearless approach. While many modern poets focus on personal emotions and introspection, this book does not shy away from addressing broader societal issues. It aligns with the works of poets like Rupi Kaur in its accessibility but is more politically charged, making it a significant contribution to modern Hindi literature.

Impact on the Reader

Reading Shabdon Ki Siskī is an emotional experience. The poetry compels the reader to reflect, to feel the pain of others, and to recognize the cracks in society. It is not just a collection of verses but a call to action—an urging to see beyond headlines, statistics, and propaganda and to feel the raw, unfiltered emotions of those who suffer in silence.

Recommendations for Readers

This book is ideal for:

• Readers who appreciate thought-provoking poetry.
• Those interested in socially conscious literature.
• Academics and students studying contemporary Hindi poetry.
• Activists looking for artistic expression of societal struggles.

Shabdon Ki Siskī is more than just poetry; it is a chronicle of our times, an unflinching gaze at our collective failures, and a voice for those unheard. Whether it is the sorrow of a pandemic, the despair of the marginalized, or the corruption of institutions, the poet lays bare the world’s wounds with honesty and grace. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of words to heal, challenge, and transform society.

Get Your Copy of Shabdon Ki Siski

Experience the depth and power of this poetic masterpiece by getting your own copy today! Shabdon Ki Siskī is available in both eBook and paperback formats. Click the link below to purchase and embark on a journey of emotions, reflection, and social awareness.

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