Bihar through his eyes

"SIXTEEN MONTHS doesn't make you a native unless you're Lawrence of Arabia," states journalist, poet and author Vijay Nambisan at the beginning of his book, "Bihar is in the eye of the beholder" (published by Penguin Books India). "I never was and never will be other than an outsider in Bihar," he says in his introduction. The author makes it clear this is an impressionistic account. "I am an essayist and a literary journalist, and facts are not as important to me as attitudes, opinions and impressions".

He then proceeds to give a highly readable and engaging account of his stay there. The easy, conversational style, the never failing sense of humour and the vivid descriptions of experiences and encounters make one feel that this is not is much a book that has been written as written itself.

Nambisan weaves together his personal experiences, political perceptions and portraits of ordinary people so effortlessly with the larger issues of the State and its chaotic functioning that he brings Bihar into our midst.

The illustrations by the writer present yet another dimension - of the author as artist. The self-portrait on the back flap is an extremely well executed likeness.

"There are Bihars in many parts of the world and many places can become Bihar. That's the value of the book and that's the value we learn from it," said Mr. Jaspar Utley, Director, British Council, South India, at the launch of the book jointly organised by the British Council Division and Penguin Books India. The event was held at the Council's premises at Chennai on August 11.

Mr. T. N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner, received the first copy.

Mr. Jaspar Utley, who introduced the writer, said the book was not an opportunity to bash Bihar but to convey the impressions of the writer who accompanied his wife, a surgeon, to a small town near Patna where she took up an assignment at a hospital. "This is not a partisan view but a reflection of the political process in one part of India," added Mr. Utley.

Mr. Seshan said Nambisan was right in stating that Bihar is in the eye of the beholder. There is a tendency to believe that Bihar is the last word in decay. "But then many had believed that this was the case with India and she is still strong," he pointed out. This is a delightful book on Bihar by an author who has had a ringside view and it was a welcome addition to the collection of books on India, he added.

Nambisan thanked the editors who had published his articles on Bihar (and out of which this book was born). He then read out extracts. In contrast to the dull monotone adopted by many authors at such events, Nambisan's reading of the astutely selected portions brought out the best in the text. And whet one's interest to read it in full.

"I'd just be happy if the book is bought," is Nambisan's half- jesting, half-serious reply when you ask him what reactions he expects for his book.

"It was David Davidar's (the editor of Penguin Book) idea that I write it. He had read my essays on Bihar in The Hindu (I had covered the election scene too in 1998) and he suggested that I do a book on Bihar. I took three months to decide and two years to complete it."

If it is an impressionistic account, why did he make it so political?

"Tell me, who's the man you think of first when you speak of Bihar? Laloo! He's the one man you associate with the State." Biharis are politically very aware in one sense. For almost everyone knows who the MLA of his constituency is. "But political awareness will matter only if it enables you to do something positive,'' adds Nambisan. ``That hasn't come to happen in Bihar. Or for that matter, in the other States".

But how much can you learn about a State in 16 months?

"I'm not offering my book as a guide to Bihar", he retorts. "Many correspondents may know about the political compulsions in the State but they do not know about living in Bihar. I travelled between Mokammah and Patna a good deal - I sat in chai shops, travelled by passenger trains and by bus. When you live there, "you" can understand it better."

Does not the book lack a definite structure?

"When Penguin gave me a contract, they asked me for a list of chapters and I gave them a synopsis. I don't plan, I write what I feel I have to."

Is there not an element of fear when writing about a State so full of violence and crime?

"I never felt unsafe" he says. "Even during the elections when I travelled often to Patna from Mokammah at ten in the night, there was no danger."

What's his next book on?

It is on Kerala.

If that book turns out to be as good a read as "Bihar is in the eye of the Beholder", it is certainly something to look forward to.

KAUSALYA SANTHANAM

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Timely tonic
Next     : Tailor-made to satisfy