Manzoor Akash’s ‘Between Echoes and Shadows’ paints a rich picture of memories and modern-day challenges
Poetry is one of the highest forms of human expression. It provides a unique lens through which we explore human experiences, deepen understanding, cultivate empathy, and find a platform for self-discovery. At a time when the habit of reading printed material has almost vanished, there are still some who believe that reading poetry brings great joy.
Recently, as part of a special book launch event organised by the Cultural Academy at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, I had the opportunity to lay my hands on a copy of the new poetry collection Between Echoes and Shadows, published by Suman Publications, New Delhi. Although earlier I couldn’t spare time to delve into its pages, a week ago I finally picked up this slim volume and began reading it calmly at home.
The most common complaint I’ve heard about poetry is that it’s too abstract, complex, or generally meandering. But with this collection, I found nothing that might bore or confuse readers. Written in an easy-to-understand language, the book struck me as a labour of love — a heartfelt collection of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is a journey of self-discovery, of navigating life’s complexities, and of finding solace in the beauty of words.
This book consists of 29 inspiring poems, woven together into two parts — Whispers of the Past and Cries of the Present — painting a rich picture of memories and modern-day challenges. I would say Part I covers personal aspects of the author’s life, dealing with themes such as childhood, nature, love, and rural life. Part II, in contrast, laments the prevailing social evils that have afflicted our society at large and expresses a deep yearning for the reformation that the Kashmir Valley so desperately needs. Each poem begins with a brief introduction, allowing readers to quickly grasp its essence.
Already reviewed by Mahoor Haya Shah in Greater Kashmir under the title Verses in the Valley, and by Sanjay Pandita in A Dense Emotional Landscape, this humble endeavour of mine is merely to leave my own impression of the book for readers — nothing more.
To me, the central message throughout the book is a plea to move away from the unprecedented amount of time spent staring at screens, which leaves us digitally fatigued. Instead, we should devote our time to reading poetry — something that offers a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life.
In this context, the views of Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, former Secretary of the Cultural Academy, Srinagar, are worth quoting:
“Manzoor Akash has used poetry as a tool to preserve his culture, metaphorically through memories, and has protested against the social evils that have plagued our society at large. His lucid poetry, no doubt, portrays a range of themes — from childhood to nature, from love to rural life, and from culture to society… just to name a few.”
Two poems in particular — The Childhood Evening and Autumn Sunshine — which the poet presented at the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, during an event themed Ensemble of Image, Rhythm and Beauty: Multilingual Poetry Readings, left the audience spellbound. They even prompted high praise from Prof. Venod Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Gujarat, who chaired the session.
However, this literary work can in no way claim to be the definitive artistic creation on the subject of poetry. Like many literary works, it too is not without its flaws. To cite one, while the author captures everyday, ordinary events of the human condition in poetic snapshots — where readers are sure to find themselves in the lines — as someone from a literature background, I found a degree of creative deficiency in some of the poems.
While reading Akash’s poetic creation, one may find a reflection of one’s own thoughts, experiences, and emotions. I also believe that this slim volume offers a more immersive and tactile experience that screens simply cannot replicate.
So let us celebrate the enduring power of words.
Ahsan Ul Haq
ah***********@***il.com