A Class X student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kavaratti, has authored a book of poems, claiming to be the first Hindi anthology from the Lakshadweep isles.
But 15-year-old Jazeem Sherin’s collection, ‘Pehla Kadam’ (First Step) is not about the sun-kissed beaches. Her 14 poems express the thoughts that flash through human minds. “Some words cannot be spoken or written. But it can be expressed as poetry,” she says.
Why did she choose to pen her thoughts in Hindi when her mother tongue is Malayalam and medium of instruction in school is English? “I love Hindi. I believe it has more depth to communicate my emotions. Besides, it is our national language,” Jazeem says.
The anthology, which has been dedicated to a drawing teacher, Haneefa Master, in Lakshadweep, portrays multiple themes, in simple words. In the opening short piece, ‘Bachpan’ (Childhood), the young poet seeks the transformation in the innocent character of a child after it attains adulthood.
Two poems ‘Shiyakatein’ (Complaints) and ‘Khushi’ (Happiness) reflect the personal conflicts of individuals in life.In ‘Hum Ek Ladki Mein’ (I am a girl), Jazeem questions the stereotyping and discrimination of girls in society. Why a girl is denied rights that are given to boys, she laments.
Each poem is juxtaposed with lovely sketches of N.K.P. Muthu Koya, Paul Kallenode, Madanan, Sunil Ashokapuram, Francis Kodenkandath, Ponmani Thomas and O.G. Moosa. Jaffer Shah, her father, has also contributed a sketch. The collection, published by Bhasha Samanwaya Vedi and Malabar Dweep Welfare Society, was released by P.V. Krishnan Nair, secretary, Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi, here on Monday.
Biju Govind
