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REHMAT CHANGAIZI




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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