"Zinda Zaroor Hoon" - A book review by Kay S

Unraveling Life Through an Ode

Written inspired by “Zinda Zaroor Hoon” - a book by Shirish Naik

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” - William Wordsworth

The above saying is so apt and adept in its explanation of poetry that one can seldom write or explain it any better than it has already been.  Each one of us at some point in life have yearned or needed inspiration to live or move on irrespective of the stage we are in.  Writing is indeed a cathartic experience for most writers and poets for it is the language of the soul that pours out on paper through the quills or pens of talented writers and poets.  The experience of reading the books of these people expose us “oh-so-normal” human beings to introspect on our life, its journey, experiences, existence of love or lack of, and death too.  One such amazing experience that I had was when I had the pride, honor, and privilege of reading to review this wonderful collection of poems titled, “Zinda Zaroor Hoon,” written by Shirish Naik who I met in a serendipitous meeting of sorts through our Mehfil or poetry group.

To say the least, this wonderful book of poetry invokes the soul to travel and reminisce on its own life and its journey.  Shirish’s poems as you start reading them starting from the very first poem goads you and takes you through varied, thought-provoking emotions forcing one to look within themselves.  The poetry touches your heart and soul and exposes the raw emotions experienced by a human being.  The beautiful language of Urdu in which it is written, a language rich for its in-depth and extensive vocabulary has taken the book to a different level of its own. Shirish’s knowledge and command over the language, literature, and the art of writing poetry comes to the fore as though a beautiful sunflower blooming at the dawn of the day to the subtle rising of the sun shedding its rays on the bud.  It is indeed a commendable attempt by the poet who has brought in different flavors of emotions which will cater to every kind of feeling that a reader might be in.  It invokes a warm feeling within the heart wanting one to fall deeper in love with life or begin to start loving life or at times question life and its mystery.  “Zinda Zaroor Hoon” literally meaning “I am definitely alive” a name that sort of has a tone of taunting as though it is a message to the reader who might be going through a difficult time or as though the poet is taunting someone who has hurt him making this a more intriguing book to pick to read.  Overall, I must say that it is a beautifully written book, rich in language and content.  I congratulate and wish Shirish all the best for this book and all his future endeavors.  Being a connoisseur of the Urdu language, it gives me a sense of pride and happiness to see many upcoming writers, poets, and lovers of this wonderful language that I love. The fact that this book has a review from the great Gulzar Saab himself goes to prove the calibre of the writing of the poet.  Anything I write above and beyond such a great poet, Gulzar Saab who I respect a whole lot would really be redundant; however, I am doing as much justice as I can to what I absorbed from this book.  Gulzar Saab is such a complete poet in himself who had me captivated with each and every one of his compositions and writings.  Shirish is indeed a gifted writer and very lucky to have the great legend himself review his book.  In the words of Shirish in his foreword:

Ye aur baat hai ki hai keemat alag-alag

It's is besides the point that the prices are different

Mai hoon zameer, aur main bikhta bhi hoon

I am the conscience and I also get sold or sell myself

Berang zindagi hai woh jab se gaye 'Shirish'

It is a colourless life since she has gone away 'Shirish'

Saansein bhi chal rahi hain, main zinda zaroor hoon

I am but still breathing, and I am definitely alive!!

In the words of one of our most eminent Presidents, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalaam, "Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.”  This book and Shirish’s poetry has indeed been invoked probably from both emotions and is capable of provoking the readers to feel both.  A must read for people of all ages.

With best wishes,

Kay S - Author of "Unfinished - A Woman's Tryst with Destiny"