Poet, novelist, critic and linguist Dr. Bhalachandra Nemade is back in the centre of discussion with his Deshivad, a theory that negates globalisation or internationalism, asserting the value of the writers’ native heritage. His milestone novel in the Sixties, Khosala continues to occupy an important place in Marathi literature. After 35 years, his mega novel “Hindu” has been able to generate excitement among readers and has seen huge success on its release. Nemade, has always been open to discussion and has welcomed critics to differ with him. His latest novel “Hindu” came under severe criticism.
Born into an agriculturist’s family in Sangavi village in Maharashtra in 1938, Nemade went on to become an English lecturer. He served in several universities and in fact, in the 1960s was instrumental in initiating the little magazine revolution in Maharashtra. With him were other important writers like Arjun Dange, Ashok Shahane, and Namdeo Dhasal. His other most significant work that captures his philosophy is Teeka Svayamvar . He was the convenor of Central Sahitya Akademi and undertook language studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Shimla.
How should Dalit writers of today write?
It is very important that they write. It is time they transcended their ‘dalit framework’. Marathi literature is facing this crisis. They should make an attempt to look beyond this limiting framework. It is very important to overcome this. Finally, this society belongs to all of us.
A literary festival goes on in Jaipur these days. What do you think of this? Does literature benefit from such events?
I had been invited to this festival once. This is a festival for foreign tourists. There is no connection between the festival and literature. The visitors of the festival get to see Jaipur. At best, they get to know about the different Indian languages. I think that is the only limited advantage of this festival.
You took 35 years to write your novel “Hindu”. Does it take so long to finish a piece of writing?
I took that long. I wasn’t writing it all these 35 years. Between my other pre-occupations, I wrote this novel. When you write a novel you have to be aware of all the current issues. You must know what is happening in Europe and America. I come from an agricultural family, I have those responsibilities too. The needs of the stomach are primary, literature comes later. Then there are other responsibilities as a writer – attending seminars, functions etc.
It got into a huge controversy because I was discussing the Hindu society in my novel. We have to be truthful when we write. I had to write about Hindu-Muslim issues, Belgaum issue, the language issue of Assam… and other things. There are so many such problems and a writer should think deeply before he writes.
Do you believe in distinctions like popular and serious literature?
This is an idea that has been fostered by modern education. Every individual chooses the literature he wants to read according to his personal taste. Hence, thrillers, mysteries, and entertainers belong to the popular genre. A mature reader is more interested in writings that concern society and its problems. He will choose literature that is serious. We need both kinds of writings.
What do you think of Indian English writers?
I did think a lot about this. If you are a serious writer, it is impossible to write in any other language but your own. There is something false about writing in another language. You are writing not for your own language audience but for someone else. This is what writers like Naipaul and Rushdie did. You fashion literature that suits the tastes of the British. We have to write about our society, for our people.
Khosalacontinues to be a highly influential work. What is the reason?
When I was 25 years old, I behaved like a rebel. I never read anything properly. I wouldn’t attend exams. I never took my family relationships seriously. This was not just my problem, but the problem of all youngsters. But I was all eyes and ears to everything that was happening around me. The novel is about how a good-for-nothing youngster can be successful in his life. Fifty years have passed, but these issues remain. That is probably why Khosala continues to be read.
Many Indian languages are on the verge of extinction due to English….
When a single language becomes hegemonic it does suppress other languages. In English every relationship is encapsulated in the word ‘aunty’. If you desert your language that has a history of thousands of years and chase some other, it is bound to die. It is important to have a strong bond with your own language.
