SONGSOPTOK: Do
you think literature is really essential in our life? If so why? In your
opinion, what is the true relationship between life and literature? What is
your own experience? And how does this relationship relate to the general
history of mankind?
REHMAT: Yes,
It is essential because literature unlocks the culture and life and It elevates
the particular to the universal. It gives us a deeper understanding of issues
and situations. With It we feel more complete and useful. When we speak about
literature, we immerse in the world of fantasy, fiction, history and facts. It
is a world with which we interact and that is all around us at all time.
SONGSOPTOK: We
would like to know the beginning of the story, i.e. how your upbringing
contributed to your own writing. Who were your favorite literary figures during
the early period of your life? How they have paved your early routes in
literature?
REHMAT: I discovered my love for writing since the
tender age of 15 years.
My favorites poets
are Rumi, Hafiz, Baba Fareed, Khalil Gibran, Wordsworth, John Keats,
Rabindranath and Mir Taqi Mir.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that
literature also bridges the human world with the Mother Nature? As well as with
the present time of our surroundings?
REHMAT:
There is definitely a great connection between mother nature and human world.
It is our first source of inspiration, when we learn to distinguish colors,
textures, flavors, climatic differences, a beautiful sunset and a summer rain.
SONGSOPTOK: What
are the main events that you think are the major issues that have influenced
present day literature?
REHMAT:
When we see any literary movement, we realize that the social, political,
economic, and even philosophical circumstances of any age greatly influenced
literary creations.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think in this age
of information and technology the dimensions of literature has largely been
extended beyond our preconceived ideas about literature in general? Now in this
changing scenario we would like to know from your own life experiences as a
poet, writer and a creative soul; how do you respond to this present time
REHMAT: Due to the boom in information technology,
now literature is more accessible, everything is available on the internet with
just a click. We need to be aware the structural changes imposed by the
perception of the world. In turn, as a writer and poet I must fulfill the
current electronic demands of my readers, publishing my own works on electronic
devices available to all.
SONGSOPTOK: Now
if we try to understand tradition and modernism in literature, do you think
poetry can play a pivotal role relating the two? If so, how? What are your
opinions about the role of the poet in bridging the gap, if any, between
tradition and modernism?
REHMAT:
Literature gives us a detailed preview of human experiences. Poetry is the
invention and experimentation of new modes of expression and thought. Modernist
poetry is the use of new and wide range of subjects, themes and issues and
traditional poetry had to be limited to subjects of universal significance and
general human appeal. Poets are testing new experiments with old traditions.
SONGSOPTOK: Do
you think that society is the key factor in shaping you up as a writer. What
about your own country? What is the influence of your country & your
culture in your writing? Do you believe that all writers are by and large the
product of their nationality? Is it an
incentive or an obstacle for becoming a truly international writer?
REHMAT: I
do not feel that writers are the product of
their nationality, because each
of them has been influenced differently by some literary currents, or by some
poets of different nationalities. The nationality of a writer is not an
impediment to excel abroad.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe creative
souls flourish more in turmoil than in peace? Why? Are you a protagonist of
"art for art's sake"? Can you please present us with your point of
view?
REHMAT:
Definitely because in difficult situations we can take from inside the true
being that we have in our hearts. It is vital to recover the capacity for
wonder like what we have, what we are and what we can do. My works are inspired
by love, nature and mysticism. I do not see myself as a mere spectator, I know
I can change things through poetry.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think people in
general actually bother about literature in general? Do you think this consumerist world is
turning the average man away from serious literature? And do you think poetry
or literature can solve any problems in our everyday life? Why should we adhere
to it?
REHMAT:
People are not bother about literature. It is true that the love of literature
is being lost, perhaps because the consumerist environment in which we live. For
this reason, we need to promote love of literature and poetry. An individual
can appreciate all this, We must begin to instill a love for literature and
poetry to children in schools since kindergarten and not only that but also the
love of culture and arts.
SONGSOPTOK: Are you a feminist? Can
literature play any decisive role in feminism at all? What role can literature
play to make our lives better on a day to day basis?
REHMAT::
We consider feminism as a doctrine and social movement calling for the
observance of capabilities and rights that have traditionally been reserved for
men. I try to defend the fair causes and
rights of women on the world through poetry and social media. Indeed! Because
the twentieth century is characterized by the struggle of women to end with the
social, political and symbolic inequality which have been subjected for
centuries. Feminism as a social movement born heir to the suffragist movement,
has likewise led to a profound reflection on gender enrollment of individuals
in their speeches and in their actions, questionings the universality of
culture and arts.
SONGSOPTOK: Now
if we want to look ahead, do you think that there is an oncoming crisis for
literature in general? Will it bring new dimensions in our life ahead? Or do
you think that the future of literature is not as bright as it should be?
REHMAT: We cannot remain silent in front of social
injustices based on social problems.
Poets are launching the points to talk openly about relevant issues, raise
awareness and seeking followers to support our thoughts.
REHMAT CHANGAIZI:
Poet, writer and philosopher. He discovered his love for writing at the tender
age. He graduated in Homeopathic medicine
and graduated in Law from M.I.U. Azad Jammu & Kashmir. He completed
master degree in Urdu literature from University of Sargodha, Pakistan. The main theme of his
writings is Love and mysticism. His poems have been translated into French,
Spanish, Polish and Arabic, and have also been published in several journals, magazines and anthologies at
national and international level.
We sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall
have your continued support.
Aparajita
Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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