Kafila: A Jhangi Family's Partition Memoir by Sumant Batra

 Kafila: A Jhangi Family's Partition Memoir by Sumant Batra

 Kafila meticulously re-examines the tragedy of the millions of people who were forcibly relocated overnight in 1947 and referred to as "refugees" in their own nation. As it chronicles the family's harrowing trip over the recently drawn border, the story of the author's grandpa, Kesar Dass, and his extended family is a significant addition to Partition literature.

Despite having lost everything during the violence and darkness that engulfed the nation during those turbulent times, it is not only poignant but also incredibly well-researched as it follows these courageous individuals and their perseverance through rehabilitation and resurgence, ultimately becoming nation builders. – Kishwar Desai, Author and Founder, Partition Museum, Amritsar and Delhi.

The Dasses have a difficult task ahead of them after being uprooted from their home and hearth and beginning anew on terrain that is not suitable for irrigation, in contrast to what they had left behind in Rodu Sultan. 

In addition, the psychological effects of the migration will follow everyone for the rest of their lives, including being referred to as "refugees" in their own nation. Nevertheless, by using all of their strength and resiliency, the family not only survives the ups and downs of life, but also turns them into positive experiences, with succeeding generations building a prosperous life out of the rubble of 1947.

The struggles of a family thrust into the crucible of the partition are poignantly described by Sumant Batra. The way he offers a broad overview of the time period and the politics that moulded the country, however, makes it global as well. Additionally, it is an appeal to the next generation to bring about the long-overdue resolution of a troubling period in our history. Additionally, a meditation on the healing power of love.

What makes this book so special is how intimate it is. In addition to presenting stories, the author preserves voices, sights, and vanished memories, transforming history into experienced reality. I was struck by the few black-and-white pictures strewn throughout the pages, which served as a reminder that these were actual people and not only anonymous "refugees." When the world they knew fell apart, they had families, weddings, and hopes.

I found the author's ability to strike a balance between grief and resiliency to be the most remarkable aspect. The novel also emphasises human survival instinct, love, and solidarity in the midst of disaster. It honours the resilience passed down through the ages while also serving as a sobering reminder of the price of Partition.

Purchase here.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

#bookrecommendations #BlogchatterHalfMarathon 

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters