अभी अभी अवतार फ़िल्म देख कर लौटा हूँ -बच्चों ने आज मेरे जन्म दिन पर यह मूवी दर्शन मुझे बतौर उपहार दिया! हालीवुड की इस फ़िल्म को लेकर कई दिनों से काफी हल्ला गुल्ला मचा हुआ था और बनारस में तो कल कई हालों में इसके शो का हाउस फुल था -टिकट के लिए मारामारी मची थी ! यह विज्ञान कथा फिल्मों के प्रति बढ़ती रुझान का संकेत है ,यद्यपि इसके पीछे एक सुगठित प्रचार/व्यवसाय तंत्र काम कर रहा है ! अफ़सोस है यह फ़िल्म भविष्य ( 2154 ई) के एक एलियन सभ्यता से मुठभेड़ की कहानी है -दोस्ताना मिलाप नहीं है जिसके आईजक आजिमोव एक बड़े पक्षधर थे! यह खनिज संपदा से उत्तरोत्तर श्रीहीन होती भविष्य की धरती की कहानी है, जब एक दुर्लभ खनिज अनॉब्टेनियम की खोज के लिए अमेरिका से एक सैन्य अभियान के तहत अल्फ़ा सेंटोरी तारा मंडल के ग्रह पैन्डोरा पर एक सैन्य कुमुक भेजी जाती है ! वहां की यात्रा में ६ महीने लगते हैं!अन्तरिक्ष सैन्य यात्री यह सफ़र विशेषीकृत बंद प्रशीतित कक्षों में समाधिस्थ अवस्थाओं में पूरा करते हैं !
पैन्डोरा के मूलवासी उस स्थान को नहीं छोड़ना चाहते जहाँ से उत्खनन के जरिये वह दुर्लभ खनिज निकाला जाना है ! केवल सैन्य कार्यवाही ही एक मात्र विकल्प लगती है और परियोजना के पीछे लगे धन्ना सेठ इसकी इजाजत दे देते हैं ! मगर एक जैवविद महिला वैज्ञानिक मूल वासियों को समझा बुझा कर उस जगह को छोड़ने के अपने एक प्लान को भी आजामाना चाहती है जो सैन्य अभियान के मुखिया को महज एक बचकाना और हास्यास्पद प्रयास लगता है ! जैव वैज्ञानिकों और सेना के आकाओं में यह संवाद हीनता मानो विज्ञान कथाओं की एक पुरानी और जानी पहचानी परिपाटी सी बन चुकी है . तो योजना यह बनती है कि किसी बहाने से कुछ ऐसे घुसपैठियों को स्थानीय मूल निवासियों के बीच भेज दिया जाय जो उन सरीखे ही हों और उनमें घुलमिलकर भेदिये का काम कर सकें और उस खनिज -समृद्ध जगह से उन्हें बिना प्रतिरोध विस्थापित होने को राजी कर सकें !मगर ऐसा करने में बहुत खतरे हैं ,क्योंकि वे बहुत आक्रामक हैं ! तो तय यह पाया जाता है कि उनकी ही तरह हूबहू दिखने और आचरण वाला व्यक्ति उनके बीच भेजा जाय ! इसलिए उनका डी एन ये और पृथ्वी वासी नायक के डी एन ये के मिश्रण से नायक का ही एक नया "अवतार" बनाया गया और उसमें नायक के मस्तिष्क की कार्यात्मक प्रतिकृति इम्प्लांट कर दी जाती है ! अब नायक को एक जगह प्रायोगिक बक्से में रखते हुये उसके मष्तिष्क के सहारे उसके अवतार को संचालित करने के काम को अंजाम दिया जाता है !यह अवतार उन मूल वासियों के बीच घुसपैठ बनाने में सफल तो होता है -पर एक मूल निवासिनी के प्यार के पचड़े में पड़ कर अभियान का विद्रोही भी हो जाता है और उन मूल निवासियों की रक्षा को समर्पित हो जाता है ! जैवविद की इस योजना के असफल होने पर सैन्य कार्यवाही अपरिहार्य हो जाती है -मगर धरती वासियों को मुंह की खानी पड़ती है और वापस धरती पर भागना पड़ता है !नायक का मूल रूप भी अंतिम साँसे लेता है मगर अपने अवतार में अपनी चेतना सदा के लिए मूल वासियों को समर्पित करके !
फ़िल्म की दृश्यावलियाँ -इमेजरी जबरदस्त है -आधुनिक कम्पयूटर एनीमेशन से तरह तरह के चित्र विचित्र जीव जंतुओं की निर्मिति तो बस देखते ही बनती है -मानो अनेक मिथकीय चरित्र जीवंत हो उठे हों -रामायण काव्य काल के भालू बन्दर ,विलुप्त डायिनोसोरों की अनेक कल्पनात्मक प्रतिकृतियाँ ,एक अपरिचित से वातावरण के हैरत अंगेज पेड़ पौधे और वनस्पतियाँ चमत्कृत करती हैं -कई मिथकीय चरित्रों के कल्पित अल्ट्रा माडर्न /भविष्यत रूप -गरुण सदृश भीमकाय उड़ाकू जीव हमें माहाभारत और रामायण काल के परिवेश में मानों ले जाते हैं ! इन दृश्यों को देखकर तो मानो अमेरिकी विज्ञान कथा लेखिका उर्सुला ली गुइन की यह उक्ति कि विज्ञान फंतासी समकालीन पुराकथाएँ (मिथक ) ही हैं चरितार्थ लगती है!
अवतार फिल्म की एक ख़ास बात है इसका नामकरण -और वह भी भारतीय मिथकों से ही लिया गया है ! किसी विराट चेतना के एक अंश के रूप में धरती पर अवतरण ही अवतार का प्रगट होना है -हिन्दू मिथकों में दस प्रमुख और गौण अवतारों को लेकर कुल चौबीस अवतार अवधारित है -महज एक अवतार अभी भी भविष्य के गर्भ में है -कल्कि! चेतना का पूंजीभूत पृथक अस्तित्व ही अवतार है -फ़िल्म का नामकरण अवतार चेतना के ऐसे ही प्रोजेक्शन का अवधारण करता है जहां मूल व्यक्तित्व तो कहीं और हैं मगर उसका अंतरण कही और भी पुंजीभूत हो सकता है,मगर वह संचालित अपने मूल रूप से ही होता है.जैसे हिन्दू त्रिदेवों के एक देव विष्णु हैं जो अपने मूल रूप में तो क्षीर सागर में शयन करते हैं मगर वहीं से अप्रगट ही धरती के अपने अवतार की लीलाएं संचालित करते हैं -फ़िल्म में नायक का एक ऐसा ही अवतार भविष्य की वर्चुअल प्रौद्योगिकी के चलते कल्पित हुआ है ! और विज्ञान कथाओं की उस परम्परा का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है जिन्हें साईबर पंक कहा जाता है -कम्प्यूटर जनित आभासी दुनिया और मानव चेतना का युग्मित रूप ! फ़िल्म के लड़ने भिड़ने के दृश्यों में भारी भरकम साईबोर्गों (मनुष्य -मशीन का मेल ) का भी खूब दृश्यांकन हुआ है !
ताज्जुब है अभी भी हालीवुड में साम्राज्यवादी /औपनिवेशिक श्रेष्ठता बोध को प्रदर्शित करने वाली फिल्मों का बोलबाला है -एक शांत प्रिय देश पर एक साम्राज्यवादी दादा किस्म के देश का अधिपत्य जो हमें बर्बर ब्रितानी आक्रमणों की याद दिलाता है अभी भी हालीवुड का एक स्थाई कथानक भाव बना हुआ है -और वही प्रवृत्ति धरती और अपने सौर मंडल से दिक्काल की बड़ी दूरियों तक भी अक्षुण बनी हुई है -क्या मनुष्य कभी नहीं सुधरेगा ? पैन्डोरा पर धरती वासियों का आक्रमण भी एक ऐसे ही कथानक का विस्तार है और इसलिए बासी सा लगता है ! क्या पैन्डोरा वासियों से अन्य कोई मैत्री /कूटनीतिक संवाद कायम करने की सोच पर फ़िल्म नहीं बन सकती थी ? क्या युद्ध ही अंतिम विकल्प है मानवता के सातत्य के लिए? हम युद्ध के बदले शांति को क्या हमेशा के लिये दफ़न कर चुके -मगर क्या कीजिये बिना भयंकर मुठभेड़ /युद्ध के दृश्यों को फिल्माए फ़िल्म पैसे कैसे बटोरेगी ? आखिर इनका अंतिम मकसद तो व्यवसाय का ही हैं न ?
मैं फ़िल्म को पांच में से ढायी स्टार देता हूँ ! और वह भी जबरदस्त दृश्यों के फिल्मांकन के लिए! भारतीय मनीषा के लिए फ़िल्म में कुछ ख़ास नहीं है !
Eleventh Annual National Conference on Science Fiction in Indian Literature
A Report
By Prof. Sagar Mal Gupta
Inaugural
The inaugural function of the conference started in the fully packed Govindbhai Shroff auditorium. of Aurangabad. The function started by paying homage and observing two minutes silence in honour of the death of Shri Gunakar Mule, a noted science communicator. The famous Marathi scholar, Prof. Gangadhar Pantavne presided over the function. Tribute was also paid to the founder of the Sarasvati Bhuvan Education Society, the veteran freedom fighter Padmavibhusan late Govindbhai Shroff, President of the Institute and a tower of inspiration. The retired justice honourable shri Chapalgaonkar, Dr. A. Bhalero, the general secretary of the Saraswati Bhuvan Education Society, the keynote speaker Dr. G.P.Phondke, the Principal of the college Dr. Birajdhar, Dr.K.S. Purshottaman, Dr. Srinarhari, both president and secretary of IASFS, Vellore, Mr.Nimish Kapoor, Senior Scientific Officer ,Vigyan Prasar ,Dr. Y.H. Deshpande, Convenor were the dignitaries on the dais. All the dignitaries were ritualistically welcomed with a shawl, a coconut and a sapling of rose flower. The function started with lighting of the traditional lamp before Goddess Sarasvati and then by recital of Sarasvati Vandana(Obeisance to Goddess of Learning –a Hindu deity!) . The function was anchored by Dr. (Mrs) Deshpande and Dr. R.D. Garge.
Introducing the conference Dr. Y.H. Deshpande said that this was the second conference in Aurangabad, the first one being held in 2006. He asserted that 21st century belongs to science fiction. Dr. Ashok Balerao welcomed all the dignitaries on the dais and stated that science fiction of today may prove to be science of tomorrow. Science based literature makes predictions that come to be true. H.G. Wells made a prediction about the journey to the moon in 1903 that came to be true in 1969 with Armstrong’s landing on the moon.
Introducing Indian Association for Science Fiction studies (IASFS)which came into existence in 1998 on 2nd January 1998 on Asimov’s birth anniversary Dr. Purshothaman, president of the association, stated that the association was established with a meager membership of 14 scholars, which has grown to hundreds in 2009. Our mission is to spread science fiction and we believe that with the popularization of science fiction this world will be a better place to live. The Govt. of Tamilnadu is establishing an international library with a budget of 100 crores and we shall have a big and rich section of science fiction in that library. He invited authors to send the list of books for the inclusion in the above library. Supplementing the information, Dr. Srinarhari, Secretary of IASFS said that purpose of the association is to promote research work in science fiction.
Outlining the programmes and activities of Vigyan Prasar, the senior scientific officer MR. Nimish Kapoor stated that its objective is to popularize science among the masses; to develop rational attitude, scientific conscience and to exchange knowledge of science and technology. We prepare books, articles of science in plain simple language. We organize seminars, conferences and fairs to disseminate science. We function as a resource network. We have started online chat sessions, audio-video science serials, a VIPNET newsletter, clipset, multimedia CD-Roms, and interactive kits on solar and weather activities.
The distinguished guest of honour Justice Chapalgaonkar said that it is SF writer’s duty to inculcate scientific temper in people. If one reads SF, one gets the confidence that science can be used for the betterment of society, “SF should be given a proper place in literature and society”, he said. There is a dearth of SF in vernaculars though we have a good number of SF in English, Martahi and Hindi. “Science with SF can discipline irrationality of mind”, he maintained.
Dr. Gajanand Purshottam Phondke(nick named as Bal Phondke), the nuclear physicist from MumbaiUniversity gave the key-note address. Defining SF, he said that science fiction involves speculations on current or future science and technology. It draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge. The SF writer uses scientific data or themes to explore unexpected possibilities. There are two types of SF: Hardcore and Softcore. Science is central to hardcore SF whereas softcore SF deals with the implausibly possible. The best SF deals with both aspects applying the science to human behavior and system.
Dwelling on what SF is not, Dr. Phondke said that prose in literary format to explain science principles to laymen; stories of how scientific discoveries were made; fantasy; fiction based on inaccurate and pseudo science and stories without fictional elements are not SF.
Detailing the evolution of SF, Dr. Phondke said that SF is an evolving genre. It started with Frankestein to Jurassic park to Da Vinci Code. It also includes movies such as ‘Star Trek’ The Terminator. “Harry Potter is black magic not SF”, he maintained. “My Sister’s Keeper” and “Change of Heart” are excellent science fiction books.
The characteristics of SF include a fairy tale approach; exploration of deep space or the deep ocean, inclusion of discoveries of modern physics, quantum theory and the theory of relativity. SF depicts new changes that have taken place in life style embracing fast communication, fast food, reduction in spaces and change of mindset.
SF has stressed anthropomorphism, genetic engineering, influence of biotechnology not only in the drawing room but also in the bedroom. As we know that family set up and social structure is undergoing a drastic change. These are reflected in science fiction. Modern science fiction takes into consideration ethical, legal and social issues. As literature mirrors society, how can SF neglect the reflection of these changes in its depiction?
In this presidential address, a noted Marathi ‘Dalit’ literature expert Dr. Gangadhar Pantavne reiterated that SF is part of literature expressing scientific truth. Science fiction containing not too much science and written in common language can be useful for common man. “A Literature which cannot be understood by common man cannot have long lasting value”, he said.
An sf anthology for children by Dr.Arvind Mishra entitled (Rahul ki Mangal Yatra -Rahul's Voyage to Mars ) was also released on the occasion in commemoration of Bal Diwas,a day dedicated especially to children and celebrated every year on 14th November in loving memory of Pt. J awahar Lal Neharu .
Technical Sessions
The Technical Session was presided over by Dr. M.H. Srinarhari. There were two paper presentations. Dr. Hemant Kumar presented a paper on ‘Science Fiction Poetry(sfp)’. According to the speaker, sfp is concerned with science and its impact on the world and employ science imagery. Science fiction poets are known for the uniqueness of both scientific vision and language.
Speaking on the Historical Perspective of Hindi Science Fiction’ Dr. Arvind Dubey said that Hindi SF is divided into Proto, Pulp and Pseudo SF. Proto SF contains scientific anecdotes and gadgets described in mythology. While pulp sf is printed on papers of cheap quality and has a tinge of so called cheap literature as well and popularized in pocket book forms. Pseudo SF, on the other hand, looks like SF but is not based on scientific principles. Devakinandan Khatri’s Chandra Kanta Santati’ is such a science fiction. In the1900, ‘Chandra Lok Ki Yatra by Keshav Prasad Singh was a famous story of SF published in Saraswati, a Hindi magazine of great repute. The 20th century witnessed the evolution of SF through Hindi magazines such as ‘Saraswati’ , Paraag and Dharmyug. The 21st century contains not only SF, but SF Plays, radio plays, satire, comedy, poetry and folk narratives. ‘Ek Aur Kraunch Vadha’ is a famous SF in Hindi. ‘Kiraye Ki Kokh’ by Archana is an SF play; ‘Bas Ab Aur Nahin a satire in SF; ‘Khyali Sangeetkar” by Zeashan Haider Zaidi is a comedy in SF. Mr. India, Krish are SF films in Hindi. In the 21st century, there is a tendency to create personal blogs. He also made a mention of the online Hindi Magazine entitled ‘Kalkion'..
Dr. R.B.Ghooi presented a very interesting paper entitled ‘International Conferences: Future of the Planet’ A Secret conclave was held at Honolulu in Hawaii attended by top world class leaders and scientists. The novelty of the presentation lay in his creation of SF in the presentation. It is estimated that the population of the world will be 9 billion by the end of 2050 whereas resources on the earth will decrease many times. The scientists and the world leaders were asked to put forward suggestions for solution of this stupendous problem. They pondered over several solutions involving harvesting of solar energy, use of chemical substances and biological solution of reducing the size of human beings to 60 grams. This would ensure the consumption of food going down by one thousand times. This solution is of course, has its advantages and disadvantages.
Dr. Nellai S. Muthu discussed the evolution of SF in the world with an interesting power point presentation. He, in fact, applied fiction to science as it were in his presentation. He pointed out that the year 2009 is the international year of astronomy.
The history of science fiction demonstrates that it started as fantasy. By 1600 onwards there was transition from fantasy to fiction. Jonathan Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ is one of the finest SF. In 1700 onwards, SF related to the journey to the moon was written. In the 18th century, physics based science fiction was written. ‘Frankenstein’ an SF by Mary Shelley was written in 1818. Jules Verne (1865) made a moon ship in the form of a bullet. He predicted a zero gravity state for the moon because he believed that at the midpoint, the earth and the moon’s gravity cancel each other. In 1900 onwards, mythology kindled technology leading to a new term technovelgy. In 2000, onwards, nanotechnology, biosensors, smart homes, automax, nemosystem virtual reality, brain bionics, biomenchotronics, futurology- all became part of modern SF. This marked the end of technical sessions on 14th November 2009.
A Nocturne Unforgettable !
Cultural evening witnessed a captivating programme of visual reconstruction of Binaca Geetmala (a very popular film song radio serial from 1953 to 1977) and was presented by a noted film journalist Sh. Ashok Ujlambkar inviting the entire participants down to their memory lane. It made all of us quite nostalgic. Someone aptly remarked that the evolution of Hindi songs imitated the evolution of sf itself in India .
The Day After ….
On 15th November 2009, the first technical session started with Mr. VM Tiwari in the chair. Dr. K. Mohan, an SF writer from Erode, presented a paper entitled ‘Taking Science Fiction to World Level’. Mr. Mohan suggested that we should set high standards in writing to bring the writing of SF on par with the world. Project should be taken to bring more people to SF writing, more quality science fiction need to be printed. The difference between western and Indian science fiction lies in the content of science. SF Websites and online publications of science fiction are to be started.
Dr. G.S. Unnikrishnan spoke on “SF for Common man”. In south Indian languages, SF has not been attempted much except in Malayalam where it is very rich. Most SF is packed with science information. Hence, it is difficult for a common man to understand SF. Bionics, robotics etc. do not have much appeal for Indian readers.
Prof. Sagarl Mal Gupta presented his paper on ‘Evolution and Growth of SF in India and the World’, Professor Gupta pointed out that the difference among speculative fiction, fantasy, magic realism and science fiction needs clarification. He accepted the prevalent definition of science fiction that SF is a kind of fiction based on speculations on current or future science and technology. No SF can be created without a dash of imagination. However, the fantasy to be included should be possible and plausible within the science principles- in scientific fiction. Ashok Kumar Banker combines myth with modern technology in contemporary Indian science fiction. Rana Das Gupta presents cloning, artificial intelligence and memory erasure. His most famous anthology is “Tokyo Cancelled”.
Dr. B. Geetha presented her paper on “How to Teach SF in Colleges”. She argued that there is lack of awareness among people about the genre. SF does not find a place in the curricula of the colleges/ universities. But SF can be brought not only to literature classes but to pharmacology, philosophy, science and technology, courses in gender studies, bio-technology and general studies. “SF has been started in 200 courses and this will result in the promotion of more readers and more and better writing of SF”, she said.
Dr.Arvind Mishra ,Mr.Zakir Ali 'Rajnish',Dr.Garge and Dr.Bal Phondke
In the next technical session,Dr Satish Deshpande spoke on “Translation of Science Fiction’. According to him, language passes information from one language to another. Human civilization is what is because of the gift of human language. Science attempts to discover truth through its own methodology. Scientific truth has been changing. The truth value of language is between zero and one. This creates the basic dialectics of the science fiction. The question to be addressed is how much of science and how much of fiction. Is language adequate to describe scientific truth? Typology in language is not exclusive like science, it is inclusive. There is a lot of overlapping in language. Such problems are reflected in translation of SF.
Dr. Arvind Mishra made a very important distinction between Mainstream SF and Genre Sf in his paper entitled , “Mainstream and Genre SF: Emergence and Trends in Hindi vis a vis Western Literature”. He said that it was usually the mainstream science fiction which gained popularity in Hindi magazines.
AVM VM Tiwari spoke on “Impact of Technology” in his presentation. He described TV as a sexy model of technology. The programmes presented on TV want you to be excited. SF writer can help the businessman, the politician and other sections of society. Mainstream literature is mostly ignorant of SF. Language is a vehicle for connecting thoughts and culture. We have lost our language, so we have lost our culture. Your culture can come only through language.
Dr. J. Panneerselvam spoke on the Anna Centenary Library, singular in India, to be started in Chennai with a budget of 100 Crocs, with a carpet area of 3.75 lac square feet. It will have 06 blocks, 27 lodging rooms, 10 lakh books on the shelf and one crore e-material (units are in Hindi) . He also presented an animated film depicting a rendezvous of girl from village and one from Venus of another solar system with the idea of taking science fiction to the common-man. Dr. Paneerselvam suggested that SF writers should make syndicates to produce animated SF films.
Ms. Prashant Kumari spoke on ‘The Culture of SF’. “The idea of cultural history has recently developed”, she said. Race barriers are opposed by science fiction writers. SF writers are asking for human rights and classless society. There is a lot of relationship between religion and science. In “Scientism” the problem of science has been solved through religion. SF also solved the problems of gender.
Dr. M.H. Srinarhari said in his presentation that SF as a genre is almost non existent in Kannada. He further said that it is not easy to write SF without reading books. Time Machine is a popular theme in SF.
Panel Discussion
The technical session was followed by Panel Discussion on the role of conference and seminars in the evolution of science fiction in India. The Panelists included Dr. Arvind Mishra, AVM(rtd) VM Tiwari, Dr. R.D. Garge and Zakir Ali.
The discussion was chaired by Dr. K.S. Purshottaman; who said that the panelists should evaluate how far the conferences like this would be useful for the development of the genre. Dr. Arvind Mishra reiterated that sf conferences are suitable forums and platforms to disseminate basic knowledge and the current trends of science fiction and they are very useful in dispelling many misconceptions about the genre and addresses the queries of the audience that pave way for the enrichment of the genre. AVM(rtd )V.M. Tiwari lauded the role of intellectuals since time immemorial in holding such conferences. He related these conferences to ‘Sant Samagam’, which were the forums in ancient India to reach out amicable solutions. Dr. Garge said that young people should be roped in to participate in SFs. Mr. Zakir Ali Rajneesh maintained that little discussion takes place on children’s SF in these conferences. He suggested that such conferences should hold special sessions on children’s science fiction so that more and more writers should join the bandwagon of writers on SF.
A Podium Presentation by AVM(rtd) VM Tiwari
After the panel discussion there was valedictory function in which Dr. Deepak Mule, registration of MarathwaraUniversity was the chief guest. The conference came to an end with an invitation by Dr. Purhshothaman to all the delegates to join the next conference on SF in Chennai in 2010.
डॉ अरविन्द दुबे एक अच्छे विज्ञान कथाकार हैं उन्होंने यहाँ एक भावपूर्ण आलेख लिखा है और एक वयोवृद्ध (?) विज्ञान कथाकार की चुटकी लेना नहीं चूके हैं जिसने विज्ञान कथाये लिखनी बहुत कम कर दी हैं ! यह पढ़कर मुझे एक वृत्तांत की याद हो आई -बल्कि वार्तालाप कहिये जो जान डब्ल्यू कैम्पवेल जूनियर और आजिमोव में हुआ था जो अब विज्ञान कथा साहित्य के एक सुनहले पृष्ठ के रूप में सुरक्षित है-जब कैम्प बेल अस्टाउन्डिंग के संपादक हुए तो उन्होंने विज्ञानं कथायें लिखनी छोड़ दीं .असिमोव को यह समझ ही न आये कि आखिर हुआ क्या कि एक महान लेखक ने कहानी लिखनी ही बंद कर दी -आखिर इसका कारण पूछने की हिमाकत वे कैम्पबेल से कर ही तो बैठे -
आजिमोव :कैम्पबेल आखिर आप जैसा बड़ा लेखक लिखना कैसे छोड़ सकता है ? कैम्पबेल :मैं उससे कुछ बेहतर कर रहा हूँ आसिमोव ,मैं अब सम्पादक जो हूँ ! आजिमोव (हिचकते हुए ) क्क्क्क कैसे यह काम कहानी लिखने से बेहतर है ? कैम्पबेल : मैं जब कहानीकार था तो एक समय केवल एक ही कहानी तो लिखता था
और अब एक साथ पूरे पचास ? अजिमोव (आख फाड़ते हुए ) आखिर वो कैसे ? कैम्पबेल : पचास लेखक मेरे प्लाट पर काम कर रहे हैं -मतलब मैं पचास कहानियों पर एक साथ काम कर रहा हूँ !
असिमोव निरुत्तर हो गए ! वे खुद भी एक कैम्पबेल प्रोडक्ट ही तो थे ! विज्ञान कथा के इतिहासकार इस प्रसंग को बखूबी जानते हैं -मगर दुर्भाग्य मेरी हिन्दी पट्टी नहीं जानती ! कारण है कि हम परले दर्जे के अक्रितग्य ,(मतलब कृतघ्न ) और असहिष्णु लोग है ! यहाँ राजनीति में भी जिस सीढ़ी से लोग अर्श तक पहुँचते है उसी को फर्श पर फेक देते हैं -उपेक्षित ! यह प्रवृत्ति ख़ास तौर पर हमारी हिन्दी /गोबर पट्टी में विशेष रूप से है ! न बड़ों के प्रति सम्मान है और न ही उपकारों के प्रति उदार विनम्रता और समर्पण की भावना -हाँ दो शब्द क्या जान जायेगें विषय का स्वयम्भू विद्वान बन अखाडे में ताली ठोकने लगेगें !
और क्या कहूं -हिन्दी विज्ञान कथा की अब यही हालत हो चली है -आत्मान्वेषण की जरूरत है !
For those who have longing for science fiction here is a good news -Indian Association of Science Fiction Studies (IASFS) ,Vellore ,Tamilnadu in collaboration with Sarswati Bhuvan Education Society (SBES) Aurangabad ,Maharashrtra and Vigyan Prasar New Delhi ,is all set to host a two day conference on Science Fiction in Indian Literature on14-15thNovember 2009 .
The event would be organized in Aurangabad which is a place of prime tourist attraction in India .The place is on world tourist map owing to the sculptures of ancient caves Ajanta and Elora which are included in the list of world heritage sites also .
Aurngabad is well connected by the air and road with different places of India .The climate of the city would be pleasant with a temp range of 14-25 degree Celsius requiring occasionally warm clothing .
Further details could be availed from Dr.Y .H .Deshpande who is convener of the event.
Phone:0240-2333034
Mob:09890980442
Email:yhdeshpande@yahoo.co.in
अभी अभी डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ देख कर लौटा हूँ ! हिन्दी वर्जन ! जब मैं और बेटे कौस्तुभ 8 बजे रात वाली शो में हाल में घुसे तो देखकर दंग रह गए कि हम केवल दो ही दर्शकों को हाल सुशोभित कर रहा था या केवल हम दोनों ही हाल की शोभा बढा रहे थे ! तभी एक और सज्जन आते दिखे -मन में उनके प्रति तीव्र प्रशंसाभाव उपजा कि हमारी ही तरह एक और विशिष्ट साईंस फिक्शन का दर्शक लो आ गया -मगर अगले ही पल घोर हताशा हुयी देखकर कि ये तो वही टिकट चैक करने वाला था न जाने क्यों ऊपर सीढियों पर चढा आ रहा था -एक तीव्र आशंका ने जन्म लिया कहीं शो तो निरस्त नहीं हुआ ? मगर नहीं, उसी क्षण हाल की बत्तियां बुझी और फिल्म शुरू हो गयी !
यह एक हतभाग्य अंतरिक्षयान और यात्रिओं की कहानी है जो अफ्रीका के जोहांसबर्ग शहर के ठीक ऊपर अपनी शिप -यान को रोक रखने के लिए मजबूर हो जाते हैं क्योंकि उनके यान का कमांड मोड्यूल ही दुर्घटना वश छिटक कर गिर पड़ता है ! रिसक्यू आपरेशन में सभी अन्तरिक्षवासियों -एलिएंस को बिना मारे (थैंक्स ह्यूमन राईट्स के झंडाबरदार !) लाकर एक जगह बसा दिया जाता है जो धरती का सबसे पहला और बड़ा -करीब १८ लाख एलिएंस बासिंदों की झोपड़ पट्टी में तब्दील हो जाती है ! हमारा सभ्य समाज उनसे उसी तरह व्यवहार करता है जैसे हम मौजूदा झोपड़ पट्टियों लोगों के साथ करते हैं -वही स्लमडाग ट्रीटमेंट ! मानवतावादी संगठनों को बस दिखाने के लिए उनसे ऊपरी तौर पर संवेदना है मगर अन्दर से जातीय नफरत ! उन्हें जहाँ बसाया जाता है वह मनुष्य की बस्तियों के ठीक पास की जगह होती है -डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ ! और इसलिए धरा पुत्रों और धारावी (डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ ) पुत्रों में आये दिन छीना झपटी होती रहती है ! अब कई संगठनों की मांग उठनी शुरू होती है कि एलिएंस बस्ती को दूर बसाया जाय ! धरना प्रदर्शनों का दौर शुरू हो जाता है ! आखिर उनके पुनर्वास का निर्णय लिया जाता है ! उनसे दिखावटी तौर पर वहा से हटने की नोटिस पर इकबालिया दस्तखत कराने की कोशिश होती है मगर वे मना करते हैं !
मध्यांतर (बत्तियां जलती हैं हाल में कुल बारह एलिएंस नजर आते हैं मतलब बाकी दस और...... )
इसी बीच गुप चुप तौर पर उन्ही एलियंस के बीच के कुछ तेज बुद्धि सदस्य क्रिस्टोफर नामक एलियेंन की अगुआई मे कमांड मोड्यूल को खोज कर उसकी मरम्मत का काम करते रहते हैं जिसमें एक दिखावटी मानवतावादी संगठन का मासूम सा अधिकारी विकस (जिसका इस्तेमाल हो रहा होता है मगर वह अनभिग्य है ) विघ्न डालता है -छीना झपटी में विकस के हाथ में एक छोटा सा सिलिंडर आ जाता है जिससे कुछ स्प्रे सा निकल कर उसके सांसों में घुस जाता है -अनहोनी हो जाती है -विकस उन्ही एलिएंस में तब्दील होने लगता है ,उसका एक हाथ बिलकुल एलिएंस सा हो जाता है -बिलकुल झीगें की टांग सा ! एलिएंस भी खुद लोब्स्टर और ग्रासहापर के हाईब्रिड से लगते हैं ! और प्रांस कहे जाते हैं ! ( भगवान अपने महान बालीवुड - खलनायक प्राण की आत्मा को शांति दें ! )
अब विकस की पोजीशन बहुत नाजुक हो जाती है -उसी का संस्थान अब खुद उसे ही वैज्ञानिक प्रयोगो के लिए चुनता है -किसी तरह विकस भाग कर उन्ही एलिएंस के बीच ही शरण लेता है ! वह एलिएंस को भागने में मदद करता है ! क्रिस्टोफर उससे वादा करता है कि वह अपने ग्रह पर जाकर फिर उसे बचाने और उसे उसका पुराना मानव स्वरुप देने लौटेगा ! आखिर दो कुशाग्र एलिएंस स्पेसशिप को विकस की सहायता से भयंकर मारकाट के बीच दुरुस्त कर अपने ग्रह की ओर उड़ चलते हैं -जाहिर है यह एक सिक्वेल सीरीज की फिल्म है -इस बीच डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ के स्लम को डिस्ट्रिक्ट १० के रूप में मानव बस्ती से काफी फासले पर मिलिटरी की सहायता से पुनर्वासित कर दिया जाता है ! तब तक विकस भी पूरी तरह एलिएंस में तब्दील हो चुका रहता है और अपनी पत्नी को छुप छुपा कर गुलाब के फूल भेट कर आया करता है ! मगर उसे अपनी सूरत भी बिचारा किस मुंह से दिखाए !
फिल्म खुद हमारे अपने धरती के स्लम पर हमारे दृष्टिकोण पर सटायर है ! रंगभेद की राजनीति पर भी करारा वार है ! अच्छी विगयान कथाएँ किस तरह हमारी मौजूदा सामजिक विसंगतियों को भी उभार सकती हैं यह फिल्म एक बेहतरीन उदाहरण है ! किस तरह नशेडी ,शस्त्रों के माफिया तन्त्र इन स्लमों के जरिये विस्तार पाते हैं इसका भी जोरदार चित्रण इस फिल्म में है !
डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ को देखने के जोरदार सिफारिश है ! निर्देशक नील ब्लोमकैम्प हैं !
विज्ञान कथा साहित्य को नया अवदान है विष्णु प्रसाद चतुर्वेदी जी की लिखी यह उपन्यासिका ! इसे यूनिवर्सिटी बुक हाउस प्रा . लिमिटेड ,जयपुर द्वारा प्रकाशित किया गया है(ISBN:978-81-8198-265-0 ) और मूल्य है १९५ रूपये ! पुस्तक का आमुख तो चित्ताकर्षक है ही अंतर्वस्तु भी कम रोचक नहीं है ! यह बच्चों -किशोरों की अन्तरिक्ष यात्रा की एक मनोरंजक फंतासी है ! किशोर वयी मयूर एक अन्तरिक्ष यान गरुण बना लेता है और अपने अंकल प्रोफेसर जयंत के साथ अन्तरिक्ष में मंगल और बृहस्पति के बीच के क्षुद्र ग्रहिका पट्टी में छुपे खनिजों के पता लगाने की मुहिम पर जुट जाता है ! इस अभियान पर जुड़वाँ गरुण यान रवना होते हैं ताकि एक पर कोई आपदा आये तो भी अभियान चलता रहे !
बहरहाल वे सब अन्तरिक्ष परिवहन की समस्यायों को जूझते हुए जब एक क्षुद्र ग्रह गोल्डस्टार पर पहुँचते हैं तो यह देख कर हतप्रभ रह जाते हैं कि वहां तो पहले से ही किसी दूसरे ग्रह -नक्षत्र से आये एलिएन मौजूद हैं जो हीरे के बड़े खदानों को लूट रहे हैं! दोनों गरुण यान बंदी बना लिए जाते हैं मगर ॐ के सामूहिक और कई तरंगदैर्ध्यों पर उद्घोष से इनकी जान बच जाती है ! ऐसा इसलिए होता है कि परग्रही सभ्यता के लोग ही धरती पर आकार जीवन आबाद किये होते हैं इस रहस्य का खुलासा उनका मुखिया करता है ! मतलब ॐ का स्वर संधान अन्तरिक्ष वासियों के लिए अजूबा नहीं है !उपन्यासिका इसी सुख्नात मोड़ पर समाप्त होती है !
यह कृति मूलतः किशोरों के लिए है इसलिए इसमें लेखक ने उनके फंतासी प्रेमी बाल मन को अनावश्यक तार्किकता से बचाया है! हाँ बड़ों के लिए भी उपन्यासिका रोचक है मगर उन्हें ऐसे सवाल क्लांत कर सकते हैं कि आखिर किशोर नायक मयूर ने बिना किसी प्रशिक्षण और संसाधन के अत्याधुनिक अन्तरिक्ष यान कैसे बनाया ! यह सवाल इसलिए भी गैर मौजू है क्योंकि उपन्यास की कथा वस्तु क्षुद्र ग्रह ग्रहिकाओं में अकूत खनिज संपदा के दोहन की संभावनाओं से परिचय कराने पर आधारित है जो अन्तरिक्ष को लेकर एक नई वैश्विक सुगबुगाहट की ओर भी हिन्दी पाठकों का ध्यान आकृष्ट करती है !
कथाकार ने मूलभूत विज्ञान की ढेर सारी जानकारियाँ भी कथानक में ऐसी पिरोई हैं कि वे कथा प्रवाह में बाधक नहीं बनती ! और हाँ ,मनोविनोद और बच्चों की सहज हंसी ठिठोली से भी पूरा कथानक आप्लावित है जिससे किसी भी उम्र का पाठक मुस्कराए बिना नहीं रहेगा ! यान के कुछ सहयात्रियों में करीम और श्यामलाल का चयन इसी लिहाज से किया गया है -लेखकीय सिद्धहस्तता ही है कि विज्ञान कथाओं में आम तौर पर उपेक्षित रह जाने वाले चरित्र चित्रण के पहलू को भी लेखक ने उभारने में सफलता पायी है ! करीम का चरित्र तो एक समय के बहु पठित इब्ने सफी बी ये के जासूसी दुनिया सीरीज के हंसोड़ किरदार कासिम की याद दिलाता है -लगता है करीम का चरित्र कासिम से ही अनुप्राणित है !
खबर खौफनाक है ! अमेरिकानेमनुष्यकेअन्वेषितजीनसीक्वेंसकोपेटेंटदेनाशुरूकरदियाहै ! क्योकि जिन्हें भी पेटेंट मिलेगा वे व्यक्ति या कंपनियां इन पर एकाधिकार जमायेगी /जतायेगी -इनके उपयोगों इनके रासायनिक संघटन पर दावा करेगीं -कोई दूसरा यदि बिना अनुमति इनका कोई उपयोग करेगा तो उन पर हर्जेखर्चे का जुर्मना ठोकेगी ! आप इस गफलत में न रहें कि यह पेटेंट अधिकार महज प्रयोगशाला में निर्माण किए जीन सीक्वेंसों पर ही लागू है -नहीं जनाब यह कुदरती तौर पर पाये जाने वाले दमा ,कोलन कैंसर ,अलझीमर के पहचान लिए गए जीनों पर भी लागू हो गया है !
अभी पिछले दिनों ही न्यूयार्क टाइम्स ने वह खबर छापी थी जिसके मुताबिक स्टैनफोर्ड के एक जीन इंजिनियर ने मनुष्य के जीन सीक्वेंस तैयार करने की बहुत सस्ती प्राविधि तैयार कर ली है जिस पर पहले के भारी भरकम खर्चे दो करोड़ डालर की तुलना में महज ५० हजार डालर में ही यह काम अंजाम में लाया जा चुका है ! एक कम्पनी KHOME ( उच्चारण -नो -मी ) ने यही काम और भी सस्ते में कर देने के दावे किए हैं .
जीनोम क्रान्ति के इन संभावनाओं पर बहस शुरू होना लाजिमी ही है -पहले तो कहा जा रहा था कि जीन क्रान्ति लोगों तक जीन की जानकारी मुक्त रूप से और प्रजातांत्रिक तरीके से मुहैया करा देगी -मगर अब जीनों के पेटेंट की मुहिम से उन दावों की कलई खुलने लगी है -बड़ी बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनियां जीन चिकित्सा के अपने अरबों डालर की कमाई ऐसे ही नही छोड़ने वाली हैं ! हमें उनकी मोटी रकम चुकानी होगी !
It was dreadful to hear the demise of a visinory sf writer and critic Gene Van Troyer .
Gene has been very regular on our Yahoo Indian Science Fiction Group.He was a friend, philosopher and guide kind of persona for us -he expressed his views on various aspects of Sf on the forum from time to time and often showed the light and right path to choose whenever there happened to be some impasse in discussions between us !
I PERSONALLY feel very much deprived and bereaved on the demise of this visionary sf writer and critic.
He was full of optimism but oh the cruel death does not spare any one on this mortal land -perhaps he has gone to inhabit one of those planets of his sf stories which as a rule abounds with immortal lives .
When I talked him last I did not realize that his health was deteriorated to the extent that the end was too near …he accepted that writing in sitting posture was getting increasingly difficult for him but I felt that this man of great optimism and determination would come out of all this and shall have the last laugh ! ALAS ! as ill luck would have it it could not happen so ….
May all mighty give his family enough strength to withstand this great loss .
We have had a very illuminating discussion on even as basic thing of sf as its definition here and related threads on the Yahoo Forum.Some excerpts from there on this blog also.
We are already familiar with many literary forms of social fictions i.e. stories, novels, novelettes etc, which depict several shades of our society in a lucid and interesting manner. The themes and plots of such social fictions are based only on past or present happenings related to man and his society. That is why the oft repeated adage, "literature is the mirror of society". Science fiction on other hand is the portrayal of man's future. And here lies the difference between social and science fictions, notwithstanding the many similarities of both the genres as they entail identical ways of story telling, selection of a theme and structuring a plot around it and above all engaging the readers with a continuous and sustained flow of suspense leading ultimately to the climax of the story.
And for the sake of clarity I would like to quote the Mastero Issac Asimov here-
Realistic or social fiction deals with events played against social backgrounds not significantly different from those that are thought to exist now or have existed atsome time in the past. SF and fantacy on the other hand deal with events played against social backgrounds that do not exist today and have not existed in the past.
Further, background of the sf could bederived from our own but only by making appropriate changes in thelevel of existing S&T. Bottom line- SF is the perception of change through technology.
Arvind mishra
Afiction which can not or should not sustain itself without its scientific contents.
Dr.Arvind Dubey
The bottom line is science has to be an integral part of the story, but it should also deal with human emotions. Science means dealing with facts and science fiction means how science and technology his going to shape our world and not 'HOW IT HAS SHAPED our world'. Every genre has its own purpose, we can experiment but with keeping in mind the possible advantages or effects that it creates.
Swapnil Bhartiya
A good science fiction has to be basically a good fiction dealing with social issues.For that matter how social issues get complicated or simplified with new science coming into being can certainly be a part of the SF.
1) SF is that branch of literature which describes the consequences of S & T on human being.
2) It is a creative piece of art describing human relations and their existance on the background
of S & T known today and likely to develop tomorrow based on todays S & T
3) Story of people facing the problems created by S & T
A.P.Deshpande
Present or future, or even the past, SF should be about the way science and technology effects changes in our lives - individually or socially. Mere settings alone will not be SF, change is the key and consequent transformation - of body/mind/world/cosmos - is the door to a new vision of of man and his world.
K.S.Purushothaman SF is that fiction which cannot stand without its content of S&T¸ regardless of its setting in space and time.
Vishwa Mohan Tiwari
SF is scientifically justifiable story.
Zeashan Haider Zaidy
An excellent compilation has been made available here by Swapnil Bhartiya .A must see item.
पुस्तक समीक्षा : एक और क्रौंच वध वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण एवं मानवीय संवेदना का संतुलन
प्रोफेसर रामदेव शुक्ल ,विभागाध्यक्ष (निवर्तमान) , हिन्दी विभाग , गोरखपुर विश्वविद्यालय (उ0प्र0)
अपनी सर्जनात्मक कल्पना के माध्यम से मनुष्य बेहतर दुनिया बनाने के लिए तब से प्रयत्नशील है, जब से उसने भाषा की खोज करके सामाजिक जीवन का आरम्भ किया। कल्पना, स्वप्न और यथार्थ को लेकर फैंटेसी रचती है जो आगे चलकर जिज्ञासु वैज्ञानिकों को प्रकृति के नियमों की खोज में प्रवृत्त कर देती है। विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी के क्षेत्र में अभूतपूर्व आविष्कार धरती पर मानव जीवन को सुखसुविधा के साधनों से सम्पन्न करते आ रहे हैं। उनमें से अधिकांश का संकेत एक डेढ़ सौ वर्ष पहले से ही विज्ञान कथाओं द्वारा मिलने लगे थे। विज्ञान कथाओं में कल्पना की उड़ान के सर्वाधिक बड़े अन्तहीन क्षेत्र के रूप में ब्रह्माण्ड की अगणित आकाशगंगाओं और उनमें सक्रिय सौरमण्डलों में जीवन की उपस्थिति का विषय रहा है। अभी तक पृथ्वी के अतिरिक्त किसी अन्य ग्रह पर जीवन की उपस्थिति के ठोस प्रमाण नहीं मिले हैं, किन्तु इस सम्भावना पर सभी देशों में वैज्ञानिक अभियान सक्रिय है।
सबसे उर्वर क्षेत्र इस सम्भावना का है कि पृथ्वी से अनेक प्रकाशवर्ष दूर स्थित ग्रहों पर विकसित होने वाली सभ्यताओं की वैज्ञानिक और तकनीकी उपलब्धियाँ पृथ्वीवासियों की अपेक्षा हजारों गुना विकसित हैं। डॉ0 अरविन्द मिश्र की अनेक विज्ञान कथाएँ ऐसे कल्पित ग्रहों और उनके निवासियों को हिन्दी पाठक वर्ग के समक्ष मूर्त करती हैं। `गुरूदक्षिणा´ कहानी में पृथ्वी पर अपनी ही आकाशगंगा के सैटोरी तारामंडल के टेरान ग्रह की अति उन्नत सभ्यता का वर्णन है। वहाँ भी जीवन का क्रमिक विकास पृथ्वी के समान ही एक कोशीय प्राणी से मनुष्य के उच्चतम रूप तक हुआ है। उनकी प्रौद्योगिकी पृथ्वी की अपेक्षा हजारों साल आगे है। वहाँ सारा काम रोबोट करते हैं। यहाँ तक कि तार्किक चिन्तन भी रोबोट करते हैं। प्रजनन को छोड़कर सारा काम। रोबोट वहाँ के वैज्ञानिको के निर्देशन में पृथ्वी की सभ्यता-संस्कृति का अध्ययन करना चाहते है। एक रोबोट पृथ्वी के युवा वैज्ञानिक का रूप धारण करके एक प्रोफेसर के पास आता है।
प्रोफेसर कुछ ही देर पहले हुई ट्रेन दुर्घटना में अपने प्रिय शिष्य हर्ष की मृत्यु के समाचार से अवसन्न है कि अचानक हर्ष उपस्थित होकर उन्हें चकित कर देता हैं। बताता है कि ट्रेन उस समय दुर्घटना ग्रस्त हुई, जब वह एक पुल से गुजर रही थी। मैं नदी में गिर कर बच गया। सबेरे नदी किनारे होश में आया तो लगा कि मुझे प्रकृति ने बचा लिया है। यही नया हर्ष था अर्थात रोबोट, जो दुर्घटना में मर चुके युवा हर्ष के वेश में प्राफेसर उदयन के पास आया था। उसे अपने ग्रह के वैज्ञानिक नियमों के अनुसार काम करने के लिए पृथ्वी पर दो वर्ष का समय मिला था। रोबो हर्ष एक जनवरी 2001 से लेकर 25 दिसम्बर 2002 तक की अपनी डायरी के पृष्ठ पढ़ता है। कथाकार ने डायरी के माध्यम से भारतीय विश्वविद्यालयों में शोधकार्य के क्षेत्र की अनेक विसंगतियों, भारतीय सभ्यता, संस्कृति, इतिहास, मन्दिर , भगवान आदि पर सटीक टिप्पणियाँ की है। रोबो हर्ष प्रयोगशाला में डायरी के पन्ने पढ़ रहा था, उसी समय प्रोफेसर उदयन आए। डायरी पर उनकी निगाह नहीं पड़ी। अध्ययनरत शोधछात्र की साधना से पुलकित प्रोफेसर उसके साथ ही घर गये। उधर टेरान ग्रह के प्रमुख ने हर्ष को सूचना दी कि 31 दिसम्बर को रात दस बजे अदृश्य यान उसे लौटाने के लिए घर के सामने उतरेगा। उस रात प्रोफेसर के अन्तिम दर्शन के लिए पहुँचने पर हर्ष ने प्रोफेसर को हार्ट अटैक से तड़पते देखा। फोन करके उसने उनके डाक्टर को बुलाया। उपचार के बाद डाक्टर ने हर्ष से कहा, हर्ष! तुम्हारे सिवा दुनिया में प्रोफेसर का कोई नहीं है। ... ... अब तो तुम्हारी सेवा सुश्रूषा और सानिध्य ही इन्हें नया जीवन दे सकता है। समझ लो, यही तुम्हारी गुरूदक्षिणा है।´´
कहानी का अंत इस रूप में किया गया है कि रोबो हर्ष अपने ग्रह के प्रमुख वैज्ञानिकों के आदेश की अवहेलना करके गुरूदक्षिणा चुकाने के लिए अपने ग्रह को छोड़कर पृथ्वी का निवासी बन जाता है। लेखक ने आखिरी वाक्य लिखा है- `` टेरानवासियों ने अपना एक बेहतरीन रोबो खो दिया था ... ...।´´ कुशल कथा शिल्पी अरविन्द मिश्र ने रोबो को मूल्यचेतस मुनष्य में बदल दिया है।
``राज करेगा रोबोट´´ कहानी में रोबोशासित ग्रह के प्रमुख की घोषणा होती है, ``मानवों का सर्वनाश हमारा मुख्य ध्येय होगा... ... आपरेशन जीनोसाइड।´´ पृथ्वी के वैज्ञानिकों को खबर मिल गयी। `टाइम मशीन´ और स्वप्नदर्शक यंत्र के सहारे अतीत में जाकर भविष्य को सुधारने का प्रयास किया गया। अन्त में इजाक आजिमोव विरचित `रोबोटस एण्ड एम्पायर 'की घोषणा होती है कि ' कोई भी रोबोट मानवता को हानि नहीं पहुँचायेगा और अपनी किसी कार्यविधि से मानवता को यह मौका नहीं देगा कि खुद उसे (रोबोट का) कोई हानि पहुँचे। ' सन् 2901 में रोबो को पूरी तरह अपने जन्मदाता मानव की सुख सुविधा का ध्यान रखने वाले अनुचर के रूप में परिकल्पित किया गया है। रोबोटिक्स की नियमावली के कारण यह करिश्मा हो सका। उसी नियमावली के कारण भारत वर्ष के एक कार्यालय में काम करने आई सुन्दरी रोबोट रोबिनों ने कार्यारम्भ करने के पहले ही त्यागपत्र दे दिया। इन दोनो कहानियों मे पाठक का भरपूर मनोरंजन भी होता है, और `रोबो´ प्रकरण के साथ मानवीय भावनाओं के सामंजस्य का आस्वादन भी।
`सम्मोहन´ कहानी में बारह प्रकाश वर्ष दूर ग्रह के रोबोट से एक अंधी युवती की भेंट काफी हाऊस में होती हैं। वह आदमी के रूप में है। उसी तरह खाता पीता है। उसकी आवाज से असहज हो आई युवती की हैरानी देखकर वह अपना परिचय देता है। ``हम लौह भक्षी है, बिना लोहे के हम जिन्दा नहीं रह सकते। हमारी बनावट में लोहे के अंश ही तो है... ...। आप के यहाँ तो रोबोट के ढ़ाँचे भर है ... ...पर हम तो बुद्धि से युक्त अत्यन्त उन्नत सभ्यता के लोग है- रोबो जैसे निर्मित बुद्धिहीन प्राणी नहीं ... ... हम अजर अमर है, हम प्रजनन कर सकते हैं ... ... हम खरबों में पहुँच चुके हैं... ... इन खरबों उदरपिशाचों को लोहा चाहिए, लोहा नाश्ते में, लोहा खाने में दोनो वक्त .. ...।´´ वह बताता है कि हम लोग पृथ्वी का सारा लोहा लूटने आए है। तीन चरणों में लूटेंगे। विदा लेते समय उसने युवती को सम्मोहित करके आदेश दिया कि तुम मेरे विषय में सब कुछ भूल जाओगी। लेखक की शिल्प योजना के अनुसार युवती अंधी है, इसलिए सम्मोहित नहीं होती और लेखक को अजनबी के विषय में बता देती है।
अरविन्द मिश्र की विज्ञान कथाओं में वैज्ञानिक आविष्कारों के आधार पर कहानी रची जाती है। इसके साथ ही गहरी चिन्ता आज की सभ्यता में `मनुष्यता´ अर्थात मानवीय भावनाओं के विलुप्त होते जाने पर व्यक्त होती है। इस कहानी में अन्तरिक्ष वासी रोबोट कहता है, ``हमारी पहली खेप तुम्हारे सारे अस्त्र शस्त्र और आयुध होंगे। एक तरह से यह तुम्हारे लिए वरदान ही होगा। `छुपा हुआ वरदान´ -बड़ी लड़ाई करते हो तुम तुच्छ लोग। आपस में ही लड़ते मरते रहते हो... .. तुम्हारी जैसी लड़ाकू स्पीशीज का यही हश्र उचित होगा।´ इसी तरह `राज करेगा रोबोट´ कहानी में मानवों का नामोनिशान मिटाने की योजना इसलिए बनाई जाती है कि ``लालची, लोभी, घमण्डी, स्वार्थी मानवों का सर्वनाश ही हमारा मुख्य ध्येय होगा।`` लेखक वर्तमान युग के मानवों में इन अमानवीय दुर्गुणों के अतिचार से मुक्त पूर्ण मानवीय सभ्यता का स्वप्न देखता है। बीसवीं शताब्दी के दो विश्वयुद्धों में व्यापक नरसंहार के बाद दुनिया भर के संवदेनशील बुद्धिजीवी विश्व के समस्त देशों के एक शासनतंत्र की सम्भावना तलाशने लगे थे। इसी कहानी में अरविन्द मिश्र ने केवल एक विश्लेषण के माध्यम से उस परिकल्पना का संकेत किया है। रोबो आक्रमण से बचाव के लिए बुलाई गयी बैठक को `वैश्विक सरकार के मुखिया´ संबोधित कर रहे थे। संकेत की व्यंजना स्पष्ट है कि एक होने के कारण मानव बच सके।
`अतिम दृश्य´ कहानी `मेटेरियल ट्रांसमिशन´ की सम्भावना पर आधारित कहानी है। अनेक नाटक और फिल्मी कथानक कहानी की रचना प्रक्रिया के शिल्प में आते हैं। अन्त में दर्शक सुखद एहसास से भर जाता है, यह देखकर कि नाटक तो पूरा हो गया। इसी विषय पर कहानी लिखने वाला लेखक अपने मित्र से बात करता है। अमेरिकी मित्र विपिन की बात होती है। वह इसी प्रक्रिया से अमेरिका से आता है। कहानी के विषय में चर्चा सुनता है, करता है। कहानी का अंत होता है लेखक के बाथरूम जाने से। अमेरिका पहुँचकर पलभर बाद विपिन वहाँ से फोन करके मेटीरियल ट्रांसमिशन का प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाण देता है। पाठक मंत्रमुग्ध होकर `मैटेरियल ट्रांसमिशन´ का चमत्कार देखता है। सुगठित शिल्प में रची यह कहानी विज्ञान की अपूर्व क्षमता व्यंजित कर देती है।
हिमालय की ऊँचाइयों पर `येती´ नामक प्रजाति के होने की अनेक कथाएँ प्रचलित है। `कायान्तरण´ कहानी एक जीव वैज्ञानिक तथ्य पर रची गयी सम्भावना है। `सैलामेण्डर अपने लार्वा रूप में ही प्रजनन करता है ... ...ऐम्बायोस्टोमा सैलामेन्डर का स्थायी लार्वारूप बनकर प्रजनन करने लगता है।´ अरविन्द मिश्र एक सम्भावना पर काम करते हुए अपने मित्र के हेलीकाप्टर दुर्घटना में बचकर येती परिवार में पहुँचने और `येती´ में कायान्तरित हो जाने की कथा गढ़ लेते हैं। पाठक चमत्कृत होकर अपने और वानर प्रजाति के सम्बन्ध पर सोचने लगता है। पूरी कहानी पत्र शैली में लिखी गयी है, कायान्तरित व्यक्ति का पत्र लेखक के नाम और लेखक का पत्र कहानी के पाठको के नाम। यह शैली, कहानी की विश्वसनीयता को बचाए रखती है।
`आपरेशन कामदमन´ कहानी सर्जनात्मकता और कामेच्छा के अभेद्य सम्बन्ध की मनोवैज्ञानिक कथा है। सर्जनात्मक साहित्य की महत्ता स्वीकार करके कुछ वैज्ञानिक चिन्ता करते हैं कि लेखक काम की पूर्ति में अपनी ऊर्जा का अपव्यय कर देते हैं। इसलिए कुछ लेखकों की सहमति से उनकी कामेच्छा आपरेशन करके खत्म कर दी जाती है परिणाम? वे सभी स्वस्थ, प्रसन्नचित्त और निरोगी थे, किन्तु उनके रचने की चाह का लोप हो गया सा लगता था।´´ भारतीय परम्परा पूरी सृष्टि को काम-कामना का ही परिणाम मानती है। महाकाव्य `कामायनी´ में जयशंकर प्रसाद की स्पष्ट घोषणा है- काम मंगल से मंडित श्रेय, सर्ग (सृष्टि) इच्छा का है परिणाम। तिरस्कृत कर इसको तुम भूल बनाते हों असफल भव-धाम।।
अरविन्द मिश्र ने अपनी कहानी में इस सत्य का मार्मिक व्यंजना की है। `एक और क्रौंच-वध´ में वैज्ञानिक की निर्ममता को प्रेम की कोमल अनुभूति के हाथों पराजित होना पड़ता है।
`अछूत´ कहानी में एक अद्भुत उड़ान है, कल्पना की। सुदूर किसी ग्रह पर सारा काम बहुत उन्नत सभ्यता के लोग अति उन्नत तकनीकी के माध्यम से करते हैं। पृथ्वी के एक वैज्ञानिक उस सुदूर ग्रह के वासी एक परिवार तक अपना संदेश पहुँचा देते हैं कि अपना विवाह किसी उन्नत ग्रह की वैज्ञानिक युवती से करना चाहते हैं। उधर से भी युवती और उसके माता-पिता सहमत हो जाते हैं। किन्तु पृथ्वी से विशेष यान द्वारा विवाह के लिए उस ग्रह पर पहुँचते ही पता चलता है कि वहाँ भी शूद्र और अछूत की समस्या पृथ्वी के देश भारत की तरह ही घृणित रूप में फलफूल रही हैं। कथाकार इस अमानवीय प्रथा को अस्वीकार मानते हैं। किन्तु यह भूल जाते हैं कि इतनी उन्नत अवस्था में यह कोढ़ रह ही नहीं सकता। `धर्म पुत्र´ `अन्तरक्षि कोकिला´ आदि कहानियाँ वैज्ञानिक आविष्कारों की सम्भाव्यता के साथ पाठक का भरपूर मनोरंजन करती हैं।
डॉ0 अरविन्द वैज्ञानिक हैं और कथाकार भी। अपने दोनों रूपों के बीच सहज संतुलन स्थापित कर लेने के कारण ही वे अपनी कहानियों के माध्यम से वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण और मानवीय संवेदना का विकास करने में सफल हो रहे हैं।
रामदेव शुक्ल
शीतल युयश, राप्ती चौक, आरोग्य मंदिर
गोरखपुर-273003
(मूल कृति-एक और क्रौंचवध, प्रथम संस्करण, 1998, तृतीय नव-संस्करण, 2008, मूल्य रु0 125/- पृष्ठ 94, प्रकाशक : लोक साधना केन्द्र, वाराणसी)वितरक : विश्व हिन्दी पीठ, 3/16, आवास विकास कालोनी, कबीर नगर, वाराणसी-221005)एक और समीक्षा ब्लागर अनूप शुक्ल द्वारा
We have had a wonderful discussion on various aspects of sf and mythology especially Indian mythology here on Yahoo Indian Science Fiction Group and here ,courtesy to great Greg Bear ,one of the luminaries of contemporary American sf.
While you could accesss the links directly here is an excerpt from the lively discussion which I trust you will enjoy -But please do not hesitate to put your own views to enrich the discussion.
From: Swapnil Bhartiya Location: New Delhi, India Date: 03/31/2007
Hi Greg, I am a technology journalist and sf writer. I have read you a lot and, of course, a fan. But at times I think have you tried to explore the intellect of ancient India? Indian literature is full of such instance like Nuclear Bomb -- Brahmastra; guided weapon like -- Sudarshan Chakra; plastic surgery and the concept of Geetha....? I would request you have a look into it, I guess that would enrich the SF literature.
Thanks for writing, Swapnil! I quite agree--I think the ancient Indian writers and thinkers would have gotten along well with science fiction writers--and certainly taught us a thing or two. I'm utilizing Hindu concepts and words (and ancient gods, reshaped) in CITY AT THE END OF TIME, but there's always more Indian source material to be mined for inspiration. (In ETERNITY, I opened the novel with a quote from the Upanishads...)
Hi Mr.Greg, Its great to hear you are interested in ancient hindu scriptures and mytholgy which are full of imaginative ideas and human/humane values.I know you are aware that Carl Sagan was also inspired by these sources of ancient knowledge.Please do tell me whether mythology could in any conceivable way inspire sf writing? What aspects of mythology could relate to sf?or THEY are just poles apart? Your opinion may be of great value to indian sf writers in general and to me in particular. There are many extrapolations,imaginative plots,descriptions of gadgets very akin to sf of today in Indian mythology like 'PUSPAK VIMAN'a special kind of aeroplane full of emotions and always has a seat vacant for last time VIP[very important person] entrant[Please remember, RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA BY CLARKE].SUDRSHAN chakra AND ARROWS used by LORD RAMA comes back to the owner just after hitting the target.ofcourse these are the ideas of acient writers only but how interesting when we care to see that they came into existence thousands years ago.There are still many more like MAYA YUDDHAA very akin to virtual war,birth of an army by a live body[pind] in great epic war-MAHABHARAT and one is tempted to make an anology to human cloning with it.May be only if you like it more of it next. regards ,
Dr.Arvind Mishra
From: Greg Bear Date: 04/04/2007
I don't know of any Western sf writers who haven't been inspired by one or more traditions of mythology. Physicists in particular seem taken with Buddhist and Hindu scriptures, since they deal with such long vistas of time, and such curious cognitive and metaphysical states--much like modern physics. Roger Zelazny, decades ago, wrote the much-admired LORD OF LIGHT based on Indian stories and myth. Sir Arthur's FOUNTAINS OF PARADISE takes place on both ancient and future Serendip, a.k.a. Taprobane, today known as Sri Lanka--though Sir Arthur moved it a few degrees, as Gregory Benford reminds us, to expedite a space elevator. I'm sure there are many more examples! In Western myth and legend, there are many science fiction-like tales of marvels both technological and philosophical. One example I'm fond of are the legends concerning Alexander the Great, who in medieval lore is reputed to have done many extraordinary things--defeating dragons by wearing protective armor against their poisonous breath (a space suit?), diving to the bottom of the sea in an inverted bell, etc. A heroic Tom Swift type! Human imagination has always trended toward the marvelous, and today we often call it science fiction. Perhaps the greatest analogs to stories like Mahabharata are found in comic books--tales of superheroes--and in movies and television shows like X-Men and "Heroes." Is Dr. Who a wandering god with a propensity for young human females? Perhaps we should color him blue, like Krishna!
Swapnil Bhartiya Date: 04/05/2007
Now, Indian mythology is very rich and is full or references of events, people and devices most of which S&T realized after years as well as many others which are still to become reality. Besides, the episodes in Mythology could give some writer's ideas to base their stories upon. I am not against mythology, but the kind of points I was expecting were missed out altogether.
I wanted to see the view of my experienced friends on the same. I wanted to see their view on a utopian society created in the times of Ram Rajya -- could not such a society be a bane instead of boon? Failure of any utopian society is destined -- HG Well's Time Machine is a vivid example of what happens when everything is good. Instead of celebrating Indian Mythology (every civilization has its own myths) is it possible we take lessons from it as well and base our SF on it, warning of the same?
I was also expecting to analyse the multi-dimensions of Indain Mythology --- Krishna shared the doctrin of Geeta with Arjuna in the war of Kurukshetra -- Geeta was so lengthy that it would have taken Krishna Weeks to tell it, would two armies - with Duryodhan on one side - wait that long standing because two guys are talking? Or, Krishna gave Geeta the way Neo was trained in Matrix -- information was fed directly into the mind of Arjuna?
We must also consider most of the thing in Indian mythology was exploration. In Indian mythology, people referred to nine planets (and Sun and Moon are not planets, as described in mythology -- but today's science has expelled Pluto off the planet's list), this is confusing. I trust my friends know we DON'T have nine planets anymore (click here to learn how we lost Pluto).But Indian mythology has no reference to Neptune, or moons of other planets. Indian mythology has no reference that actually there are three stars which make our pole star. Its not one. Dear friends doesn't this raise questions on authenticity or limit of mythological imagination? I wanted to explore that through this discussion.
With all due respect sir, I beg to differ with the belief that future generations will not laugh at us when they look back. They will. But by that time they will have their own newer superstitions; newer fantasies. Future generations will have their own fantasies and will be laughed at by their future generations. This is a non ending cycle of evolution.
Now, Tiwari Ji has very rightly put the point of short sight -- but I don't completely agree that we are ignorant. People in India are ignorant of global warming and our effort to address it is zilch. But same is not the case in more aware societies like the west. I guess my friends are aware that there may organizations working and lobbying to deploy policies like Koyoto Protocol for the same. This year Al Gore's documentary -- An Inconvenient Truth -- won the Oscar and the movie addresses the issue of global warming. But the debate is also on that is it man made or due to natural reasons?
Weather is one of the most complex phenomenons on our planet; we cannot predict it for more than few weeks. And we don't have enough data to analyze how the climate of the world changed in ages. This we do know that there have been several ice ages, and that was the reason of collapse of a race -- Neanderthal man. So it could be a natural phenomenon. And to address issues like global warming and comet impact as predicted by scientist in year 2110, NASA and other organizations are exploring possibilities of moving to inner planets like Mars. I guess my friends have enjoyed views of Mars at their home on Google Mars which gives you free trip to Mars and Moon. (Please click here to take a free ride to Mars)
The point that I want to drive home is Indian mythology does give some references but it is not ultimate truth. You can take references from it if what ever is available in mythology suits your needs. That is a rich source of ideas.
But, our Mythology doesn't talk about such celestial events like meteorite attack, comet impact or mass extinction. Indian mythology gives no solutions to upliftment of ordinary human's life. And as Zakir put, there is more to ordinary beings -- humans -- than gods and heroes.
Now, as dear Arvind ji pointed, there is more to learn from nature -- my story Rhythm Of Nature is based on such phenomena -- Arvind ji has read it. Many natural phenomena are still unexplained. Rukhsana referred to one -- Bermuda Triangle. I am sure my friends are aware that Earth is losing its magnetic field. Poles are shifting, in some years North Pole will becomes South Pole -- what will happen in between when we have no poles? We will be consummated by the solar winds? What will happen when the molten core of the Earth will solidify?
Any answers in Mythology?
Mythology offers some good ideas to those who have not explored them yet. So does nature and current S&T. A debate arose that mythology is SF of that time. It came out that it could not be SF, but fantasy. As some one on the panel added that our SF can be traced back to the hard science but same is not the case with mythology. However, to some extent same rule is applicable to contemporary SF as well. For example, there is no reference of Star Trek Enterprises' devices or Start War's gadgets in real world!
Also if we talk of society, in Mythology we do find examples of individual's capacity to do things powers with gods like hanuman or devices like pushpak viman -- a plane with only executive class. But those facilities were not far masses -- ordinary people were kept deprived of all that. Whereas SF deals with ordinary life -- that, how science affects them -- Zakir's approach and something I have seen in Arvind ji's stories.
Respected Tiwari Ji and Dear Rukhsana, I would request you to please identify more such issues like global warming and death of sun, and see how mythology could give solutions to these. We are not living in past. We have new sets of problems -- serious ones. Mythology has nothing that could cure disease. Now please friends don't bring in Charak - he is not part of mythology!
For disease like AIDs, Cancer and eradication of racism -- which plagued our mythology as well -- discrimination against woman (a rich king can have 100 wives --no respect for woman at that time) and so-called lower cast. Mythology has a lot of dark chapters too, but we ignore them, why? Does mythology offers solutions to disease, Identity crises? Wars? Racism? Expansion of human civilization? Employment? Public entertainment? Mass source of information like the internet? And many more.
If it does, then we can refer to it. If it doesn't then we should not live in a dreamland and come out to address the grotesque reality of our times and try to make the world a better place.
We have to find a mid path; we live in today's world. We have to find how mythology can help. Onus is on us: we want to live in a Utopian world that doesn't exist anymore or we want to open our eyes and look at pain surrounding us and solve some problems.
We are free beings. We make choices, and there is nothing right and wrong. It's just what the need of the hour is.
Regards , Swapnil Bhartiya
From: Greg Bear Date: 04/05/2007
Fascinating discussion!
In the West, an erroneous (in my opinion) distinction is often made between what we teach as mythology and what many consider religion. The traditional stories and even the religions of others are considered by many Westerners to be "mythology," which they regard as lesser, or manifestly untrue.
But my perspective is that of Western mythologist and philosopher Joseph Campbell, who in his works pointed out that mythology is the rich background on which all our thoughts and lives are based--be it modern religion, ancient myths, fairy stories, or fantasy. (He did not consider science fiction to be any sort of mythology--one point on which we disagree.)
In Western science fiction fandom, there has often been a debate between "serious and constructive" stories--particularly so-called hard SF, scientifically rigorous--and more free-wheeling fiction, often labeled fantasy or science fantasy.
I think it is a mistake to expect any mythology--and most science fiction--to offer practical and immediate solutions to present-day problems. Their value lies in more personal enrichment. Like religion, however, they may offer ethical guidelines for real-world solutions--or warnings against destructive behaviors.
My apologies for loosely conflating formal Hindu religious beliefs with science fiction ideas, or perhaps the less enlightened usage of the term Myth. Joseph Campbell regarded all religions as coming under the umbrella of mythology--and never considered mythology to be "fanciful" or "a lie." He was extremely respectful of all cultural ideas, and worked to compare them in a larger human and historical context. That's what my discussion has attempted to do.
From: Arvind mishra
Thanks for sharing your views on mythology and sf.I find myself greatly benefitted.But i fail to understand why one should be apologetic for exploiting the mine of ideas ie mythology for betterment of a creative persuit like sf.You are modest in admitting that.Its amazing that you are aware of even very subtle things as tendencies or even the colour of a Hindu god ie Lord Krisna.As such do you have a longing to visit the land of those facsinating and eternal ideas ie India? arvind mishra
From: Greg Bear Date: 04/06/2007
One of my favorite professors, Elizabeth Chater, shared a deep love for Hindu stories with me, and my shelf of Indian religious and mythological texts is about a meter long!
I'd love to visit India. Gregory Benford is the Killer B who has made the most visits to India, and most recently to Sri Lanka. His photographs and essays certainly pique my interest.
From: arvind mishra
India awaits the Great Greg!.It would be a great moment for Indian SFfandom too.May be we we could organise an event this years end and reguest your goodself to chair a session.I shall let you know if things are finalized.Thre we would have a detailed discussions on the associations of sf and mythology especially the Indian mythology. I can recall Issac Asimov also had a longing to visit India but his dread of air travels prevented that.I feel you dont have any such phobias. arvind mishra
From: Swapnil Bhartiya Date: 04/07/2007
Dear Greg,
Once aging the journalist is back(pun intended).The discussion with you is getting more and more interesting. But there is one more opinion building in the process. Just like TV was a killer of imagination, as it limits a viewers own imagination of events, similar is the case with mythology. As you have also mentioned that every civilization has its own mythology. Don't you think that limits the flight of imagination a SF writers could have had otherwise?
Your point puts it very clearly that we should look and learn from mythology, but when people try to prove that actually people of those times knew science behind things like -- Pushpak Viman (a plane) looks illogical to me.
What is your opinion Greg, that where should we draw that line of not going overboard and prove that people of those times were much more learned?
Writers who are obsessed with mythology tend to forget present day issues and live in a Utopian society, where as those who know where the line is -- Sir Clarke and yourself, they do justice.
Please share your views -- where to draw the line.
From: Greg Bear Date: 04/09/2007
There used to be a lot of books about how we could find evidence of modern technology in the past--CHARIOTS OF THE GODS by von Daniken being a good example. I've never been convinced. But what we can prove is that our ancestors had imaginations as rich and developed as our own--and created fantastic stories in their own contexts. In a way, we live some of the things they could only dream about--but we have yet to live ALL the things they dreamed about! There's nothing wrong with being inspired by ancient imaginations! But as you say, let's not get carried away...
Thanks for kind reply.We anxiously await your arrival to India .Indian sf could derive inpirations from your works and person.You have very well concluded[what I think!]the issue of myth and sf.There are many such examples which denote that many a dreams of our ancestors are still to be realized in want of suitable technology. Thanks for sparing your valuable and bysy minutes to enlighted us on the topic of universal interest. arvind
First Natioanl Discussion on Science Fiction and ' Banaras Document on Sf ' - Vishwa Mohan Tiwari (air marshal, retd)
[The aim of ' Banaras Document on Sf ' is mainly to put in writing the essence of discussionsof five groups on subjects that were given to them in the session called 'Document Banaras'. The subjects were so chosen as to provide sufficient coverage necessary to develop a strategy for growth and popularization of science fiction (SF) in India. SF is an important and futuristic genre of literature. The purpose of discussions was to obtain a road map for the promotion of growth and popularization of SF in all forms in India. However a broad outline of entire proceedings of the Conference is also given, in brief, because that activity formed the basis of thinking about Document Banaras on sf 2008.]
A conference with the theme, 'National Discussion on ‘Science Fiction: Past Present and Future', the first of its kind, was held at Varanasi during 10th - 14th November 2008. National Council of Science and Technology Communication, (NCSTC, the sponsor) Government of India, New Delhi, Indian SF Writers Association, (ISFWA) Faizabad andIndian Association of SF studies (IASFS), Vellore, Tamil Nadu joined together to make this unique conference happen.It was a productive Conference in which various delegates from different parts of India participated warmly and whole heartedly.
The Conference was launched on 10th Nov. with a Press Conference. Dr Patairiya, Director NCSTC, Dr R.R.Upadhyaya, President, ISFWA and Dr Arvind Mishra, Convener of the Conference delineated the objectives of the National Discussion to the press persons.In the evening a Puppet performance, based, befittingly, on an SF story by Zeashan Haider Zaidy was staged by a Puppeteer from Lucknow, Arshad Umar. Then a short SF film 'First World' by Mark Lund was also screened. The climax of the day was celebration of the 'World Science Day’ with an interesting presentation entitled ‘Moon: Facts and Fictions' by Dr Nellai S. Muthu, a scientist from Chennai.
The Conference was formally inaugurated on 11th Nov. by Prof. SN Dubey, VC of JRH Chitrakoot University. Keynote address was delivered by Dr Y.H. Deshpande, a well known Marathi SF writer. Dr Patairiya Presided and Ms. Madhu Pant, and Mr.Hemant Kumar also expressed their views on the necessity of SF.Books by Harish Goyal, Dr. Ratnakar Bhelkar and Zeashan Haider Zaidy were released on the occasion .Dr RR Upadhyaya, President ISFWA proposed the vote of thanks.
The first technical session, 'Historical Perspectives of Indian SF', was chaired by Prof. Sagar Mal Gupta, and Dr Arvind Dubey, Dr Chandra Mohan Nautiyal, Dr Arul Aram presented their papers. The second technical session, 'Understanding of SF : A Cognitive Approach' was chaired by Ms.Madhu Pant, former Director Bal Bhawan, N. Delhi. Dr Thirumani. Mr.Harish Goyal, Mr VP Chaturvedi, Dr Amit Sarwal, Mr. Mehrdad Anaseri, Mr. Mohan, Mr. Kamalesh Shrivastava presented their papers. The third technical session 'Current Trends in SF' was chaired by Dr. Vibhawaree Deshpande. Ms. Anwesha Maity, Ms.Reema Sarwal, Zakir Ali Rajneesh, Dr. Bhelkar, Mr.Anil Kumar and Jai Prakash presented their papers. Two joint teams of Mr. M Venkateshan and Ms.M Srividya, and NS Sampath Kumar and S. Valliganthan presented papers on SF films. The fourth technical session, 'SF for Science Communication' was chaired by Mr Unnikrishnan Nair. The fifth technical session, ' The Latest Trends in SF', was chaired by Prof .R.D Shukla. Hemant Kumar, Zeashan Zaidi,Amit Kumar, Arshad Umar, Dr. Taralika Trivedi presented papers.In the last session, under the chairmanship of Dr RR Upadhyay, subtle qualities of SF stories were explained by Dr Upadhyaya. Dr Arvind Dubey, Harish Goyal, VishnuPrasad Chaturvedi, Rajneesh, Amit Kumar also explained structure, communication and effectiveness of SF stories for various media. In all the technical sessions, questions - answers and the discussions were lively, positive and to the point.
A special and an important session was held to discuss various issues necessary for promoting the growth of Science Fiction in India. In this session AVM Tiwari was on the Chair and five experts from different fields were on the dais Viz.,Dr. Vibhawaree Deshpande, Ms.Madhu Pant,Prof. RD Shukla, and Prof SM Gupta, Mr Unnikrishnan Nair.
Aim of the special session : AVM Tiwari explained the aim of the session in brief. SF is an important genre of literature as we are living in the age of information revolution created by tremendous advances in science and technology. The advances are taking place at the speed of light and the society is hardly able to cope with the consequent changes, resulting in social discord, distortions and loss of orientation. It has always been the responsibility of litterateurs to protect the humane values which are under constant threat owing to negative traits like greed, extreme selfishness etc and dominance of inhuman technology. S&T forms vitally essential part of an SF story. However as the knowledge of S & T in India is limited resulting in a highly reduced readership in SF, it discourages the authors and publishers of SF.
Therefore the need for accelerating the growth of SF is paramount. The aim of this session is to draw a road map for promoting the growth and popularity of SF in India.
A definition of SF still needs to be clearly enunciated as there are many of them floating in the literature. Giving definitions about any concept dealing with human society is always a difficult, if not impossible task because life itself cannot be contained within the boundaries of definitions. Also there are ambiguities on the scope of SF which need to be clarified. Prof. SM Gupta took the lead and a group was spontaneously formed to assist him.
The second issue was promotion and popularisation of SF. Media's role is important in popularization. Noted SF writer and a scientist Dr Vibhaawaree Deshpande took the lead and another group was formed.
It was felt by the delegates that one of the reasons for SF being not popular is ignorance about it, its purpose, content and style. Is it possible to educate people on this subject?Ms.Madhu Pant took the lead and yet another group was formed to assist her.
It is considered by some that SF must deal with future. If literature can deal with past, present and future why not same is the case with SF also? A delegate mentioned thatimpact of science can be better grasped by taking the concepts of S&T into future. It was decided to form still one more group for this subject 'Futurism' in SF, and Mr.G.S. Unnikrishnan took the lead of this group.
AVM Tiwari proposed that SF being a new genre, it may need new rules of ethics. Some delegates immediately opposed the idea of restraining literature with ethical rules. They claimed that the freedom of a creative artist must not be restrained for it may interfere with his creativity. AVM Tiwari explained that liberty without responsibility is in fact a counter productive option.. Then, literary creativity itself needs a discipline of language, of style, of form and of social good. Fictionwritten only for entertainment does not make good literature. As already said the aim of literature is to keep the humanism alive. Therefore ethics must form part of SF also. Dr. RD Shukla was requested to put forth his views. He convincingly argued in favour of ethics as a dominant value for SF. He was chosen by the delegates as the leader of this another parallel group.
All the Groups were given time to deliberate and come out with written conclusions. A brief resume of various group discussions is given here.
1. The scope of SF is expanding, like the universe. It might have been dominated by adventure stories in the beginning, now it is exploring not only all the fields of science and technology it is also creatively predicting future possibilities in S&T, good or bad. At the same time in style it is experimenting with scientific interpretation of myths, cyber punk, space opera, science satire etc. SF has proved popular in films in the West. Apart from all the subjects that SF films have explored, serious philosophical subjects are being taken up in films like Matrix, and 'What the Bleep Do You Mean'.
SF's scope is same as that of literature i.e. ‘Life’; it is only the dominant role of S&T in its works that makes it different from standard literature. Prof Amit Goswami has added a new component to its role as, 'the critique, extension, revision, and conspiracy of revolution, all directed against static scientific paradigms.' Here Amit Goswami is bringing out a surprising fact that the tendency of human beings which is to get attached to ‘ideologies’ is present even among scientists and SF writers. In addition to creation of better understanding of modern world, and possibilities of future world, SF may also through the story, indirectly communicate science to its readers and may ignite interest in science,help to develop scientific temper in people, and help people improve the society with better use of science.SF looks sympathetically, intuitively, critically and intelligently at life. Thus SF may do all this, but SF is more than the sum of its parts, because it is literature which sees what even Sun cannot see, as a proverb in Hindi claims.
Having decided on the scope of SF, many definitions were discussed. Famous SF writer (the member of the trio of SF, I. Asimov, and Arthur C Clarke)Robert A.Heinleinhas given a definition of SF: “Realistic speculation about possible future events, based solidly on adequate knowledge of the real world, past and present, and on a thorough understanding of the nature and significance of the scientific method.." SF is more than speculation. SF has an aim, nobler than entertainment, to restore humanism in humans. SF uses speculation. SF does many things as described, but SF is more than the sum of its parts, because like literature it sees what even Sun cannot see, as a proverb in Hindi claims.SF looks realistically, imaginatively, critically, sympathetically and intelligently at life. This definition is not broad enough for our grand SF.
Another SF author, Theodore Sturgeon gave one definition, "A good science fiction story is a story about human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, that would not have happened at all without its science content.” A good practical sort of definition, though this seems to be somewhat vague about the role of science in SF.
Amit Goswami, a famous Theoretical Quantum Physicist, gave this definition, “Science Fiction is that class of fiction which contains the currents of change in science and society. It concerns itself with the critique, extension, revision, and conspiracy of revolution, all directed against static scientific paradigms. Its goal is to prompt a paradigm shift to a new view that will be more responsive and true to nature. This is a definition, which may be better applied to hard core SF.
Majority of the group then gave their definition of SF, “ SF deals with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals; it often involves speculation based on current or future science including technology.' Strictly speaking it is not a definition because it does not tell what SF is but what it deals with and what it involves with. Further in this definition neither impact of men on science, nor impact of men on men in a world made complex by S&T is included. After all the considerations made so far, anotherdefinition is proposed, “SF is a means of understanding and exploring the world through an interesting story in which S&T have a strong role, and, possibly, raise the awareness to change the world for a better place.”
2. Futurism in SF
Many delegates insisted that SF must be futuristic. In SF interaction with S&T and human beings is explored and dramatized. If one wants to show the impact of a scientific idea or technology which is not clear in the 'present' then one must go into the future to see its consequences. This may be a valid method of doing so, but it does not mean that 'Futurism' is essential for SF. Also to say that 'Futurism' in SF is not essential is neither to deny this method nor to deny that a futuristic SF appears to be more appealing and more useful. It is to say that exploration in SF is possible in present time as well. A case in point is the famous suggestion by Arthur C Clarke of a 'Geosynchronous Point' for communication satellites; it involved no reference to future. All the knowledge required to produce that wonderful idea was available to everybody, but the brilliant thought occurred to Clarke. Synchronic and futuristic are both useful in SF. Unlike in the normal literature anachronism has a place in SF, but with caution. Anachronism is mixing up of time periods in a narrative, like in 3000 AD, one cannot show the use of a present day mobile phone, unless someone might have discovered the mobile phone of today lying somewhere and then by suitably modifying it he can use it, to produce a dramatic effect. Further, as a word of caution, time travel is a fantasy, it is against all the known principles of science.
By using S&T, human tragedy - comedies, dystopia, utopia and realism etc., SF is in a better postion to explore the interactions of S&T and society, thereby making a people aware of strengths and weaknessesof S&T whilst at the same time narrating a wonderful SF story.
3. Education of SF.
Every member agreed on the need of education in SF. Literature is being taught from primary standards to post graduate levels. Govt. has to be approached for its inclusion in curriculum of students of all stages, just as standard literature is. Indeed SF should be treated as integral part of literature, and taught like it. This issue is more to do with literary institutions like Sahitya Academies etc. Therefore they need to be approached to accept SF as integral part of literature. Teaching of SF should not mean teaching of science. Opposition to this effort is coming mainly for three reasons. First is resistance to change and second is clash of interests. Curriculum- time being limited, some aspects and works etc of literature would have to be replaced by some SF works. Third reason is lack of high class SF literature in Indian languages. Despite this resistance, efforts have to be made. As the introduction of education of SF is a difficult project, the task should be taken up by a special cell.
4. Role of Ethics : Whilst agreeing that the creative writers or poets cannot be dictated by any written code of conduct which may impinge on their creative freedom, necessity of responsibility and discipline for any creative work must also be realized. 'Humane Values' must be preserved in the SF works that are created. The SF work must not be didactic, as in any good literature, but the suitable message ought to be there submerged in the created work. Ethics need not be confused with religion, although ethics is generally derived from religious scriptures. It is humane behaviour that is recommended by ethics that is desirable in SF. Humane values such as love, truth, forgiveness, control on self, non stealth, non – inflicting pain or misery on innocents, tolerance of different view points, kindness, cleanliness, fortitude in adversity, wisdom etc. are to be encouraged.
Without Humane Values, SF or any fiction may be pure entertainment, but it would neither be responsible literature nor contributing to progress of a society without various types of conflicts e.g. conflicts with other man, with nature, with oneself.
5. Promotion of SF and its Popularization.
To be in forefront in S&T is vitally important for a nation today if it desires to remain free from technological and economical domination by advanced countries. Promotion of growth of SF means growth of S&T. Poor science – literacy no doubt discourages people to read SF. Addiction to pop soaps on TV on the one hand, and no SF education and lack of interest in science among the public and lack of availability of good SF in Indian languages on the other hand are obstacles in growth of SF and popularity of SF in India. Although it must be admitted that availability of good SF and popularity of SF may be in a catch 22 syndrome.
Spread of SF literature would help our society in rationally accepting the influence of S&T, which otherwise has a tendency to dehumanize the thinking of the people. By using dystopia, utopia and realism, SF is in a better position to analyse interactions of S&T and society, thereby making people aware of strengths and weaknesses of S&T. However the problem of popularization presents a disappointing scenario. Visual and print media, the most powerful arms of mass contact, just do not show interest in giving coverage to S&T, they having sold themselves to lucre. Internet is a good medium for spread of S&T and SF, within its limited reach today. Apart from a change in media's attitude, SF has to improve itself so that media accepts to publish their work.
SF is in a pioneering state, and obstacles in its path are many, SF writers who love this genre have to work enthusiastically and selflessly for promotion and growth of SF; other agencies also need to be urged to be positively responsive in this field. Having studied the problem of promotion of growth and popularization of SF, it is essential that a separate cell for this task be set up. As Govt and academia both are involved, a PG&PSF Cell ( Promotion of Growth and Popularization of SF Cell) may be set up. First with the Govt. e.g. preferably with NCSTC and its branches at some suitable universities. Volunteer organizations need to work so that multi agencies work in this field and may help each other and balance each other's shortcomings.
Here are important suggestions:
PG&PSF Cell should
1.generally work to achieve growth and popularization of SF,
2.Urge Govt. and private educational institutions to improve the standard of science teaching and science laboratories in schools. While teaching science aim also must be to impart capability of scientific thinking. Students must understand the concepts and not learn them by rote.
3.Work towards introduction of SF as part of literature in Education system, and acceptance by Sahitya Academies of SF as part of literature. All activities that are performed for literature should be applicable to SF as well.
4.Assist NCSTC in meeting their SF objectives, including organization of National and International Conferences on SF.
5.Award Fellowships for research on Inidan SF.
6.Offer Honours and Awards for quality SF. Other SF institutions may be urged to do the same.
7.Should approach jointly with SF clubs etc. Govt and Prasar Bharati to start a 'Science Channel' each on Radio and TV. Which of course would include SF.? They should help in promoting broadcasts and telecasts of SF activities and works.
8.Conduct workshops on SF for new SF writers and students.
9., in Universities, work with University administration to incorporate SF as a part educational curriculum and preparation of syllabi.
10.Promote translation of SF works preferably among Indian languages, and also into and from English.
11.Organize competitions in SF writing.
12.Urge Government and public libraries to buy SF books.
General considerations:
Clubs - 'SF Buff' - could be established by SF lovers where SF reading and discussion could take place, like poetry clubs do.
Some film makers could be approached by SF clubs to produce SF films.
SF lovers should open 'Science' or 'SF Blogs' and/or 'Web sites'.
Scientists should be portrayed in SF works as humane and inventive persons who are busy solving problems faced by society, so that they can become a role model for people.
If India has to be self respecting and an advanced country then Science ought to be taught in Indian languages, and SF must be written in Indian languages. Cross translation of SF works among regional languages must be encouraged.
Growth of SF in India is sine qua non for progress in S&T and also for a rational society not falling prey to its dehumanizing effect. Although SF deals with Science, so to say, it was an emotive subject, for it is a literature genre as well. About 75 to 100 delegates took active part in the deliberations, sometimes heated, but always giving more light than smoke. It is hoped that 'Document Banaras' will carry the gems of knowledge condensed in these discussions to various agencies who can help in promotion of growth and popularization of SF and to various SF lovers, especially the creators of SF.
