INDI A

SINGAPORE

M A L AY S I A

Notion Press No.8, 3rd Cross Street, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600004 First Published by Notion Press 2021 Copyright © SK Bhanwara 2021 All Rights Reserved. ISBN 978-1-63781-489-5 This book has been published with all efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. However, the author and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. While every effort has been made to avoid any mistake or omission, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that neither the author nor the publishers or printers would be liable in any manner to any person by reason of any mistake or omission in this publication or for any action taken or omitted to be taken or advice rendered or accepted on the basis of this work. For any defect in printing or binding the publishers will be liable only to replace the defective copy by another copy of this work then available.

Preface

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his novella is based on social research carried out through ethnography. It focuses on various aspects of the Indian society. The First Section brings out the structure of the society with its divisions and hierarchies which form the basis of livelihood. One’s means of livelihood reflects one’s social and commercial status. But even then, there are certain nuances within the caste or class. Even among the Dalits, all do not accept menial or scavenging jobs; only class historically known for scavenging among the Dalits undertakes scavenging jobs. Some sections of the Dalits restrict themselves to working as artisans i.e., making leather goods, bamboo baskets etc. They not only refuse to accept the menial jobs offered to them but also react in an offensive manner on being given such offers. The Second Section unwraps the hurdles faced by untouchables in the society. They are not doing scavenging jobs as a choice. They are doing it for survival. This is the only profession left for them. Only education and training promise their upliftment and progress. The Third Section deals with the concepts of purity and impurity. The concepts related to purity prevailing 3

Preface

in the society are irrational and arbitrary based on certain ancient scriptures or old traditions. They do not meet the demands of reason or stand to any logic as for example the holy river Ganga can purify all but not an untouchable person. The Fourth Section reveals through images and symbols how the unity is forged and sustained amidst the prevailing diversity and the compartmentalized living. Bharat Chowk is the symbol of unity in diversity, a place throbbing with the feelings of nationality and patriotism. Overall, the novella intends to convey the message that humanity is above caste, class, and rituals. To treat all human beings with respect and dignity and to show love and compassion to other living creatures around us are the hall mark of humanism. The concept and practice of untouchability, based on the irrational concept of purity, dooms humanity and degrades the society and the Nation. The civilized society must show strength of will and unity of purpose to eradicate this inhuman practice for good. SK Bhanwara

31.12.2020

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Acknowledgment

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wish to acknowledge sagacious guidance and intellectual and moral support I have received from Dr. A.K. Mishra, Associate Professor (Retd), Department of English, LR (PG) College, Ghaziabad (U.P.), India during the composition and completion of this work. My father, Late Shri Fakir Chand and mother Smt. Shakuntala, have been the moving spirits behind all my work. I also wish to thank my extended family and my all-weather friends who have provided the needed support and cooperation in completing this novella. Notion Press team support in designing dual impact book cover and publishing efforts are remarkable. Finally, I acknowledge the stimulus provided by IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and the academic support extended by its faculties of English in developing and sharpening my creative writing skills.

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Prologue

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irth and death are the truths of life, the former gives happiness, the latter deep sorrow. When someone leaves this world forever, our love remains as a result of loving association. The saddest moment occurs in life as the departing life submerges in eternity. The funeral takes place with necessary and bearable rituals. Human world follows certain set of Karmakands (rituals) based on religious beliefs. But what about the funeral of pet animals like cows, horses, dogs etc., we domesticate for our own use and benefits, keep them with us and love them? How many of us follow such rituals for them when they die? The last journey of one’s departure from the world is also the last memorable event of that living being. But do we make it? The novella takes up this question for consideration. A dog’s funeral is not the normal event in the society. But in this novella dealing with a dog’s funeral, with its dangling discussions among the characters and insight giving enlightenment by the people belonging to the cross section of society make the event memorable forever. As a result, social and religious messages are left behind to be churned and adopted forever. 7

SECTION 1

SK Bhanwara

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an Singh chewing small bit of tobacco mixed with lime paste was riding his old-fashioned bicycle searching for a labor to perform a work assigned by his master. He was a watchman posted at the residence of a high positioned railway officer. He was moving fast with swinging muffler. The cold wave was blowing in the morning. He entered a nearby colony and observes wellmarbled finished houses. This could not be destination for his search. Little ahead, he saw a person clad in dhoti kurta, his head covered with long hair and red mark on his forehead, engaged in worshiping a basil plant. He understood that he should not ask him for the desired work. He moved further and inquired about the availability of paid laborers. The man standing at the street corner advised him to go deep inside the colony and consult lower caste people (Dalits). He moved ahead for almost three minutes and found one person processing the soil. He got down from his bicycle, moved slowly to the man and asked “Will you please talk about someone who can execute housework in lieu of remuneration?” The man, probably a potter, replied “No, no one is here to do such work. I only make earthen pots.” and then, after a pause added “You may go further to find someone for your work.” He walked dragging his bicycle further with slight sweating and high heart beats due to long cycling. He saw a man processing leather and designing some shoes at their raw stage and laying them aside. He repeated the same query and got an instant but irritating reply, “Look 11

Dog’s Funeral

here, my profession is to make leather shoes, and slippers. We are not daily-wagers and we don’t do such menial work.” He told him to move further inside the colony. As Pan Singh moved ahead, he found the street getting narrower and dirtier. He saw a lady throwing a basket full of cut hairs to the corporation garbage box. May be, she was carrying it from her husband’s salon constructed front faced integrated with the house. He approached her and asked “Bahinji (sister), will you tell me about somebody here who can do some menial work for my master?” “What! Do you think that all people living here are servants? Why don’t you go ahead and find the daily wagers? Why spoil my good morning asking silly questions?” And she turned to go even before completing the last sentence. Pan Singh felt tired and confused but he had no choice but to move ahead. Now the clusters of houses became congested, dirty and parted by narrow streets barely enough for a person to move along with bicycle. The drains on both sides were dirty and stinking. He covered his nose with his cotton towel he used to keep on his right shoulder. That he was seeking was nowhere in sight? The sun was rising higher and he was feeling desperate as he walked for another ten minutes to reach the dead end. The sight of an old man with dark complexion and long mustache, holding a bidi between his lips and engaged in repairing his broom, gave him some hope. He parked his 12

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bicycle by the wall of a hutment and dared to move closer to him and sat on the cot nearby without permission. He watched the old man carefully but he failed to draw his attention. So, he slowly began, “Namaste, Baba! What happened? Are you repairing your broom?” “Don’t you see, what I am doing, Bhai?”. The old man countered. “I have come to hire you for some important work of my master, if you agree.” Pan Singh pleaded This man was stunned. He was lost in deep thoughts with un-blinked eyes. The last two hours of his life flashed back to him. He had woken up early in the morning. He had cold water bath in the courtyard. After wearing his lungi, he had sat in front of small makeshift place of worship and lit the incense sticks. While chanting prayers his eyes were wandering to the empty wheat flour box. What was left only enough for breakfast and lunch. He was worried about the food which his old aged wife was to cook for the evening meal. But he had faith in God and He had sent the offer of earning money. The old man nodded his head in expression of agreement and, without any second thought, he took his scarf, put it around his head and got up to move. He put on his broken slippers and sounded inside “Sarbati, I am going for work. I shall have tea when I return.” “How long is the destination and how will you take me there?” he asked Pan Singh as he walked away from his hut. 13

Dog’s Funeral

“I have a bicycle. You will sit on the carrier”, Pan Singh proposed. “I am old, please take care. I don’t have energy to bear bumps”, he solicited. “Don’t worry. Just sit properly and hold strongly the rear frame of the seat”, Pan Singh assured. Holding a bundle of bidis and a matchbox in his hand, the old man settled on the carrier and Pan Singh rode back with a satisfaction on the completion of his mission. The old man, by virtue of his simple and straightforward manners, had raised the curiosity of Pan Singh. So, as he moved on, he started talking to him with a view to know about him. “What is your name?” “My name is Ram Singh” “What do you do to run your family?” “Presently I am not working anywhere. I was working as a scavenger in a private firm. But just two days back, I was fired.” Ram Singh’s curiosity woke up and he demanded to know, “What work are you going to offer me?” “Come on, yaar (friend), why do you worry about it? My master will pay you a handsome remuneration for the work.” 14

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As they rode out of the small group of clusters and reached the Ganga River Bridge, Ram Singh asked, “How far will you take me?” “We are going to reach soon”, assured Pan Singh Meanwhile, a melodious sound struck their ears “Jhumka Gira Re, Bareilly ke Bazaar Mein (I lost my earring in the market of Bareilly- a city in Uttar Pradesh, India)”. They noticed a stage program going on nearby. A beautiful dancer swaying on the stage was quite visible to them. Ram Singh blinked his eyes twice and told Pan Singh, “Stop-stop, let us watch this program for a few minutes.” Ram Singh was in a mood of entertainment. Pan Singh slowed down half-heartedly as he did not want any further delay. He resisted but could not stop Ram Singh who got down, left Pan Singh behind, bought a five-rupee handmade entry ticket and moved to the tent where the program was being staged. He enjoyed the songs along with the glamourous dance performed by the local artists. He was staring at the dancers and smiling. He could sense perfume in the air as he tried to come closure to the stage. He was so happy that he forgot his poverty and tossed a coin towards the stage. Pan Singh had no choice but to stand outside and wait for him as it was not an easy option to find someone else for the assigned task.

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Dog’s Funeral is a novella dealing with a unique domestic situation emerging from the death of a pet dog in the family and the wish of the family members to arrange a funeral for it. The incidents, characters and episodes in the story cover larger social and humanitarian issues like the concepts of purity and untouchability and the prevailing inhuman traditions, and raises vital questions regarding caste, community, religion and rituals. The dead dog waiting for the funeral remains in focus and the readers grapple with the question, “Don’t our pets that we love deserve dignity in death?” – Dr. AK Mishra, Associate Professor (Retd.) Department of English, LR PG College Ghaziabad (U.P.) SK Bhanwara, born on 03 December 1972 is a creative writer in English. He is a native of Ghaziabad (UP). He received his early education at Ingraham Institute at Ghaziabad and completed his Bachelor of Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and MSc from Sikkim Manipal University. He has completed ethnographic research on “Differences among Dalits” during an MA program in Public Policy from Jindal School of Governance and Public Policy Sonipat, Haryana in 2017. His areas of interest are social issues, philanthropy and human values. Price 150