As we March into the month of March, February is the month I remember for giving birth to two great Indian writers - Manoj Das an Odia writer of international fame and Khushwant Singh, who needs no introduction. Both are my favorites whose simple, crispy and lucid style of writing without using many bombadistic words has a tremendous influence on me.
Both are unique in their own way - One known for his sagacious and the other for his salacious writings. Manoj Das's writing touches the simple truth and philosophy of life. He never hurts a fly. But Khushwant Singh never spared anyone, including himself and his Sardar community by his self deprecating jokes, often mocking at his own religion and community.
Books by both authors are enchanting writing and make fabulous read. They are excellent story tellers for a layman tyro (like me). Yet both have some serious writings to their credit - Manoj Das with his philosophical stuff which can only be understood and appreciated by folks at an higher level of intellect (not me). Khushwant Singh is known for his volumes of "History of Sikhs" which is regarded as an authentic treatise and researched encyclopedia about the Sikh community and the religion.
Manoj Das is a vegetarian and spiritual person to core. Khushwant Singh loved his Spirits in the form of Single Malt. Prayers and Devotional songs are Sri Das's company during the evening, while the old Sardar cherished the company of women and women his company. The fairer sex were attracted towards his intellect. He listened to their sorrows (most women have secret sorrows) and his company was a soothing balm for them. The Sardar was smart enough to figure out Indian mind's hypocrisy and obsession with sex which he catered well in his work. Manoj Das nevered veered into that territory in his writing.
Unlike poles are known attract each other. Manoj Das's short stories were serialized by Khushwant Singh when the later edited "THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY", the most widely read and circulated magazine in 1970s. Writings styles of both eminent writers were poles apart.
The Sardar, a master of glut of smut, thrived on liberal dosage of crude humor, fart and sex, whereas Manoj Das's revolved on nature and life, the subtle humor hovering around its vagaries. Khushwant Singh who rejected many stories sent to him published many short stories written by Manoj Das.
Sri Das eulogized the witty Sardar as JANE NIRBHIKA LEKHAKA (One fearless writer). It is proved by the fact he dared to take head on the likes of Bal Thackarey at a time most other journos when expected to bend, volunteered to crawl before the Mumbai's self proclaimed lord and minority hater).
Manoj Das, in his tribute to Khushwant Singh after the later's death has described how liquor used to flow during evenings at the Sardar's party, while Manoj Das would be sipping his endless glasses of Tomato juice. These two great writers formed a unique bond in diversity, of mutual trust and respect. The old Sardar still kept writing well into his 90s and may Sri Das, who is in his 80s is still going strong. Khushwant Singh lived until 99 and I sincerely hope Manoj Das to hit a century.
Both are unique in their own way - One known for his sagacious and the other for his salacious writings. Manoj Das's writing touches the simple truth and philosophy of life. He never hurts a fly. But Khushwant Singh never spared anyone, including himself and his Sardar community by his self deprecating jokes, often mocking at his own religion and community.
Books by both authors are enchanting writing and make fabulous read. They are excellent story tellers for a layman tyro (like me). Yet both have some serious writings to their credit - Manoj Das with his philosophical stuff which can only be understood and appreciated by folks at an higher level of intellect (not me). Khushwant Singh is known for his volumes of "History of Sikhs" which is regarded as an authentic treatise and researched encyclopedia about the Sikh community and the religion.
Manoj Das is a vegetarian and spiritual person to core. Khushwant Singh loved his Spirits in the form of Single Malt. Prayers and Devotional songs are Sri Das's company during the evening, while the old Sardar cherished the company of women and women his company. The fairer sex were attracted towards his intellect. He listened to their sorrows (most women have secret sorrows) and his company was a soothing balm for them. The Sardar was smart enough to figure out Indian mind's hypocrisy and obsession with sex which he catered well in his work. Manoj Das nevered veered into that territory in his writing.
Unlike poles are known attract each other. Manoj Das's short stories were serialized by Khushwant Singh when the later edited "THE ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY", the most widely read and circulated magazine in 1970s. Writings styles of both eminent writers were poles apart.
The Sardar, a master of glut of smut, thrived on liberal dosage of crude humor, fart and sex, whereas Manoj Das's revolved on nature and life, the subtle humor hovering around its vagaries. Khushwant Singh who rejected many stories sent to him published many short stories written by Manoj Das.
Sri Das eulogized the witty Sardar as JANE NIRBHIKA LEKHAKA (One fearless writer). It is proved by the fact he dared to take head on the likes of Bal Thackarey at a time most other journos when expected to bend, volunteered to crawl before the Mumbai's self proclaimed lord and minority hater).
Manoj Das, in his tribute to Khushwant Singh after the later's death has described how liquor used to flow during evenings at the Sardar's party, while Manoj Das would be sipping his endless glasses of Tomato juice. These two great writers formed a unique bond in diversity, of mutual trust and respect. The old Sardar still kept writing well into his 90s and may Sri Das, who is in his 80s is still going strong. Khushwant Singh lived until 99 and I sincerely hope Manoj Das to hit a century.
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