Science Fiction in India

Mythological Ideas for SF Story Themes: A Novel Approach of Effective Science Communication among Indian SF Audience

2012-01-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

Paper presented in International Conference on Science Communication for Scientific Temper held on 10 - 12 January 2012 at NASC Complex, PUSA, New Delhi,India

Author as chair person of the session on science fiction and SF dignitaries on dais

Mythological Ideas for SF Story Themes: A Novel Approach of Effective Science Communication among Indian SF Audience

Arvind Mishra

Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association,

16, Cotton Mill Colony

Chowkaghat,

Varanasi -221001

U.P.

Email:drarvind3@gmail.com

Blog: http://indiascifiarvind.blogspot.com/

Abstract

Indian mythology as contained in Indian scriptures abounds in imaginative ideas. Carl Sagan was very impressed by these sources of ancient knowledge and once appealed SF writers to delve deep into Indian mythology to get original SF theme ideas. Many of such imaginative dreams of our ancestors are still in queue to be realized in want of appropriate technology though many have already seen the light of the day!

There are extrapolations, imaginative themes, and descriptions of gadgets in contemporary sf and in Indian mythology often quite alike. In Ramayana for example, there is a description of a very special kind of aero plane infused with artificial intelligence and emotions named Puspak Viman (Remember, Rendezvous with Rama by Clarke?). Puspak Viman also possesses a vacant seat always for any last minute VIP entrant! Sudarshan Chakra (a kind of revolving disc) and specially designed arrows used by Lord Krishna and Lord Rama in war fields return to them immediately after hitting the target (Guided Missiles!). Maya Yuddhaa (A kind of illusory /virtual war) as described in the epic Ramayana causes no real damage to enemy soldiers but is practiced only to frighten enemies who ultimately surrender owing to all sorts of dreadful imagery. These stories have been very popular among masses and such ideas could very well be used in modern Sf story writing with ingenuity in order to woo Indian SF audience.

A survey was made to find out such imaginative ideas in our scriptures which could be used in conjugation with modern technological developments in Sf stories so as to attract Indian audience to the genre and also to inculcate scientific temper in masses. Findings are presented and discussed.

Introduction

There is a temptation to draw analogies between science fiction and mythology among science fiction (SF) aficionados. SF like mythological imaginations depicts a world which is contemporarily non existent and remains very unfamiliar to its readers. Science fiction (SF) has often been stated therefore to be a form of contemporary mythology (Patricia Warrick, 1978). There are indeed strange and interesting similarities in both SF and mythology. Science fiction as we know it today is largely about strange new ideas and imagery –features which characterize mythological stories as well. Only significant difference lies in the reasoned application and description of technology in SF. Myths lack such approach understandably because technology as we witness today was not in existence in earlier times. Ideas nevertheless are no less important which have been found to pave the ways for new inventions. “Ancient wisdom” could be enriched and supplemented with modern technology in SF (Brain Aldiss, 1986). Mythological ideas when complemented with modern technology could give rise to wonderful sf themes.

On the above premise a survey work was envisaged to search for ideas and concepts in Indian mythological stories for the purpose of using them in various print and electronic SF media in order to impart the intended scientific knowledge in lucid ways in targeted Indian audience. Some preliminary survey findings are elaborated and documented here.

There is however a caution that the mythological stories must not be taken as the incidences and events described in them having been actually happened in remote past. They should be taken as ideas only and be judiciously used in context to present day knowledge of S&T. As an instance I must quote here an example how I used an idea from a mythological story of King Pradyumn, son of Lord Krishna and demon Sambrasur in which child Pradymn’s age is accelerated in a ritual in order to make him strong enough to defeat the mighty and invincible demon. I used this very idea in my story entitled ‘Alvida Professor-Good Bye Professor’, (Mishra, 2001) to accelerate the aging of the main protagonist by imagined technology of growth genes being inserted in man’s genome at embryonic stage in order to accelerate his aging process and face the tough situations of the harsher future world without being dependent on the parents for a very long time. Here the abracadabra of the myth was replaced by a logical and scientifically provable technology. We know that parental care is a long time affair in humans as the children could fend for themselves only after they are over adolescent age. The example may be a guide line in using mythological ideas in similar vein and could invariably be incorporated with technologies taking clues from modern S &T. Similar approach could be employed by SF writer while dealing with the cited mythological ideas here.

Survey Findings: Theme Ideas

An array of interesting ideas was retrieved from various works of Indian scriptures and related literature, critiques and commentaries. Ramayana and the Mahabharata are treasure troves of science fictional imaginative ideas (Deshpande, 2011). Such ideas were pin pointed and categorized under following themes.

Alien Worlds

Mythological stories have descriptions of many worlds (i.e. Loka in vernacular) other than the earth viz.,Pataal Lok (an imaginary world underneath the Earth). A description has already given by Srinarhari (2007). He has provided with a vivid description pf many worlds akin to alien words of SF fantasies. A fairy world called Gandharvalok , Chandralok (the land of moon); Nagalok (the world of serpents )and so on so forth. Likewise, Yaksha lok; Kinnara lok; Matsya lok (an underwater world which has mermen and mermaids: human bodies resembling fishes usually with divine qualities.) Lucid accounts of heaven and hell- worlds beyond the earth have also been given in our scriptures along with fascinating interwoven plots which may ignite SF writers to take up new story plots in light of emerging and predicted technologies though such imagined bizarre worlds are already being depicted in many SF movies. Recent movie Avatar is a case in point where the concept of “Avatar” (the incarnation) of Indian myth has been replaced with a downloading of entire memory of a protagonist into a genetic replica of the protagonist in an alien world where he looks like Krishan of our legends.

Celestial Abodes

In Mahabharata there is a story of Trishanku –a celestial body which is described to have been projected into space by one sage Vishwamitra. This looks like imaginative leap of ancestors of the land indicating that the sky could be conquered by man one day! King Trisanku, according to Indian mythology, decided to perform a great sacrifice which would enable him to ascend bodily to heaven. Sage Vishwamitra assisted him in this pursuit. But in heaven, Indra, the king of gods barred his entry, and Trisanku was thrown back to earth from the celestial abode of the gods. Sage Viswamitra in rage started creating new constellations and new forms of life and became a threat to the work of Brahma (the creator in the Hindu trinity, others being Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva a destroyer).In the tussle which ensued Trisanku was made immortal by stopping his downward fall midway between heaven and earth. Since then he has been hanging up above the earth as the story narrates it.

In 1945, Arthur C Clarke wrote an article published in Wireless World that placing three geostationary satellites (Compare Trisanku!) above the equator would revolutionize global telecommunication. Thus a mythological idea that objects can be made to appear stationary above the Earth found a place in science fiction. In 1964, Syncom, a man made satellite was placed above a fixed longitude on the equator, and a myth became a reality when supplemented with appropriate technology. Further space stories could be based on the idea.

Space Travels

There are many descriptions of flying machines called ‘Vimans’ in Indian epics. Air travel can be traced back in descriptions of ‘Pushpak Vimana' an aero plane which has been shown to possess even emotions.(Remember, Rendezvous with Rama by Clarke) . Pushpak Vimana also possesses a vacant seat always for any last minute VIP entrant! Idea of machines with emotions like Pushpak Viman is very curious and sf stories could be based on generation voyages in which the space shuttle remains an intelligent and emotional body.

Mythological stories depict interstellar travels too in interesting ways. Narada a humorous protagonist and at the same time a sage with prophetic vision is often referred to as 'thrilok sanchari ' that is one who could travel in all the conventional worlds namely, the Earth, Paradise and the Hell or even to underground worlds and may instantaneously reach to any part of the universe. Present day SF writing has a penchant for such interplanetary, interstellar travels where traveling with speed of light and even faster and going back in to past instead of future offers many amazing story plots to work upon.

War Weapons

There are war weapons like Sudarshan Chakra - the circular disc weapon of god Vishnu which could chase the enemies to kill them wherever they might go for shelter. Sudarshan Chakra and specially designed arrows used by Lord Krishna and Lord Rama in war fields return to them immediately after hitting the target (Compare Guided Missiles!) Arrows like ‘Narayanaashtr’ and ‘Brahmaashtra’ have been depicted as weapons of mass destruction but vary in powers of their destruction and effect in different situations. They could cause instantaneous rains or fire and could even split the Earth or the sky into pieces. Countering arrows by hero protagonists could neutralize the effect of the enemy's attack. Could we work out on such ideas in light of existing technologies to provide a future world equipped with similar weapons in SF stories? Like Maya Yuddhaa (a kind of illusory /virtual war) as described in the epic Ramayana causes no real damage to enemy soldiers but is practiced only to frighten enemies who ultimately surrender in horrifying situations! Such ideas often pave ways for new technologies and would remain lively and inviting sources for SF writers.

Tele-viewing and Telepathy

Idea of tele-viewing is very well present in Mahabharata. A protagonist Sanjaya helps visually handicapped King Dhritrashtra witness the war vividly, much as if it was the live telecast of today. Further Hindu Gods have been shown equipped with powers to know what is going on the minds of their devotees or enemies. This is a fascinating idea to know what’s going on minds of people sitting opposite while discussing issues of strategic importance. This becomes even more important as language is an imperfect way of expressing thoughts .Mythological ideas as such may be explored further for a technological breakthrough to allow mind to meld into mind directly and instantly, thought into thought so that a telepathic society can exist (Asimov, 1981). Could we know the mind of a person opposite to us with the help of any imagined plausible technology? SF writers could try out such ideas.

Cloning and Genetic Engineering

In Mahabharata the birth of ‘Kauravas’ –sons of King Dhritrashtra, 100 in numbers is described to have been resulted from fetus of premature birth. An imagination what modern cloning technology has made possible! Today’s 'test tube baby' technique is a case in point. We could further explore ideas and scientifically proven technologies as such to write SF stories. .

Time Travel

There are umpteen episodes of time dilation and travel in Mahabharata notably of King Raivat who goes to meet Brahma, the creator and finds to his utter dismay that many generations have passed on earth when he returns back. Such stories amply provide glimpses of richness of prophetic vision of what ancient writers possessed and technologies emerge and could be conceived many fascinating SF stories may see the light of day.

Parallel Universe

This concept is also found in mythology expressing an infinite number of universes, each with its own gods. A bird (crow) protagonist named Kakabhusundi in Ramcaritamanasa -an epic work by Indian medieval saint poet Tulsidas has been depicted to enter to mouth of Lord Rama, reaches to his belly and beholds many ‘Brahmand” (i.e. Universe in modern lingo.)

Thus narrates Kakabhusundi “I beheld multitudinous universes with many strange spheres each more wonderful than the rest, with countless stars, suns and moons, innumerable mountains and vast terrestrial globes …..Everything I saw had a distinctive stamp of its own universe…..”( Sri Ramcharitamaanas, Uttar Kaand ,80,1-4) Idea of parallel /alternate universes is fascinating and is the theme of many modern SF stories and many more could be written employing similar themes.

Eternal Youth, Reverse and Accelerated Aging

Story of king Yayati as described in Mahabharata provides a strange account how an aged King exchanged

his age with the youthfulness of his youngest son and returned it to him later. In yet another story the aging process of Pradyumn as described above is accelerated in a ritual in order to make him strong to kill the demon.

Discussion

Carl Sagan(1985) was very impressed by ‘ancient Indian wisdom’ and once appealed SF writers to delve deep into Indian mythology to get original SF theme ideas.

In such myth inspired SF stories Indian audience is easily lured as they have grown up with similar mythical concepts and ideas (Srinarhari,2008) .Thus imparting of modern scientific and technological developments through such innovative approach becomes tenable (Mishra, 2010). Recent film Avatar is a befitting example which became very popular among Indian audience as it has many Indian mythological elements cleverly interwoven with its plot.

Myths generally focus on superhuman characters the way superheroes are depicted in SF stories. Both mythical and SF stories usually deal with super realistic (surrealistic) stuff. While myth is usually regarded as true accounts of the remote past (though they are actually fanciful ideas only), SF deals with hitherto non existent worlds and by that implication the worlds of future or even distant future. Presently various formats of story telling are being employed involving mythological features to reach among greater audiences for a widespread communication across the globe .Various elements of myth could now be found in visual SF movies and television shows. The basis of modern storytelling here seems to be deeply rooted in the mythological tradition. Mythological archetypes such as the cautionary tales regarding the abuse of newly gained knowledge, battles between gods, and creation stories are lately the subject of some SF film productions. Such films are often created under the guise of cyberpunk, thrillers, action cinema; apocalyptic tales etc which are nothing but different subgenres of SF. Films such as ‘Clash of Titans’ and ‘The Immortals’ exhibited a trend of mining traditional mythology in order to directly improve a plot for modern consumption.

Conclusion

Present work empathically indicate that Indian mythology coupled with today’s technological breakthroughs could give a wide spectrum from which the modern SF writer can pick and choose to create unique works of science fiction.

References

Aldiss Brian, ‘Ancient Wisdom’, Trillion Year Spree, 1986.

Asimov Isaac., Asimov on Science Fiction, Panther Granda Publishing Ltd, 1981.

Deshpande Y.H., Science Fiction: A Bird Eye View, Science Fiction in India, Ayush Books, Jaipur, 2011.

Mishra Arvind ,(2001) , “ Alvida Professor”, Vigyan Pragati ,April 2001, NISCAIR Publications ,New Delhi ,pp 22-25.

Mishra Arvind, Ek Aur Kraunch Vadh (Hindi ) ,Lok Sadhna Kendra publication, Varanasi, 2008.

Mishra Arvind ,Manoj Mishra (2010) ,Innovative SF and Mythology Mix to Communicate S&T to Indian Masses ; 11^th International Conference on Public Communication of Science and Technology ,December 6-10,New Delhi ,India

Patricia Warrick, Science Fiction: Contemporary Mythology, Harper and Row Publishing Ltd, 1978.

Sagan Carl, Cosmos, Ballantine Books, 1985.

Sri Ramacaritamaanas, Uttar Kaand , 80,1-4,Gita Press ,Gorakhphur,1968.

Srinarhari, M H (2008),Koi Mil Gaya –

India

’s First Science Fiction Film,http://www.concatenation.org/articles/koirevised3.html

Paper should be referred as follows -

Mishra Arvind (2012) ,Mythological Ideas for SF Story Themes: A Novel Approach of Effective Science Communication among Indian SF Audience,Pre-Proceedings, International Conference on Science Communication for Scientific Temper ,10-12 January, 2012,New Delhi,pp. 213-217.

Anil Menon Releases Books on Science Fiction for Indian Audience...

2012-01-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

Anil Menon noted science fiction writer released two books of science fiction stories in a workshop recently held in Lucknow. Workshop was aimed to thrash out the issues relevant to science fiction writing in regional/intra- national languages.Indian sf fandom proposed Anil Menon to be the Brand Ambassador of Indian science fiction and the proposal was unanimously accepted with thunderous applause. Mr.Menon shared his own experiences of being an sf writer.

Science Fiction in India is being released by Anil Menon(second from left)with other eminent Indian SF dignitaries on dais.

He emphasized that workshops on sf writing could only be more fruitful if they are planned for longer times,say three or four weeks. Longer workshops offer more informal get together and encouragements for the participants to interact freely with trainers /sf writers of eminence. The workshop in Lucknow was held on 26-27 December,2011 and was organised jointly be Vigyan Prasar ,National Book Trust, India and a voluntary local organization TASLIM.

Buddha Future released!

The books released were ,"Science Fiction in India" edited by Dr.Arvind Mishra et al and "Buddha Future" written by noted Hindi SF writer Zeashan Haider Zaidy. Science Fiction in India unveils a panorama of Indian science fiction .its burning issue and prospects and advocates strongly for establishing a government aided national centre for promotion of Indian Sf and writers.

The book also presents the salient features of Benaras Document on Indian Sf as prepared by eminent Indian sf writers and critics during NCSTC (DST,GOI) funded first ever national discussion on science fiction held in Varanasi in 2008. The other book released by Mr. Menon ,'Buddha Future ' (Aged future) is a sub genre of science fiction humour hitherto of its own kind in annals of sf writing in India. We often hear of mystery sf.adventure sf, jungle sf story ,romantic sf and so on so forth but there is no mention ever of humour sf!The book therefore attains a special status.

Mythological Ideas for SF Story Themes: A Novel Approach of Effective Science Communication among Indian SF Audience

2011-11-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Mythological Ideas for SF Story Themes: A Novel Approach of Effective Science Communication among Indian SF Audience

Abstract accepted for presentation in
International Conference on Science Communication for Scientific Temper

(Delhi,10 - 12 January 2012)

Indian mythology as contained in Indian scriptures abounds in imaginative ideas. Carl Sagan was very impressed by these sources of ancient knowledge and once appealed SF writers to delve deep into Indian mythology to get original SF theme ideas. Many of such imaginative dreams of our ancestors are still in queue to be realized in want of appropriate technology though many have already seen the light of the day!

There are extrapolations, imaginative themes, and descriptions of gadgets in contemporary sf and in Indian mythology often quite alike. In Ramayan for example, there is a description of a very special kind of aero plane infused with artificial intelligence and emotions named Puspak Viman (Remember, Rendezvous with Rama by Clarke?) . Puspak Viman also possesses a vacant seat always for any last minute VIP entrant! Sudarshan Chakra (a kind of revolving disc) and specially designed arrows used by Lord Krishna and Lord Rama in war fields return to them immediately after hitting the target (Guided Missiles!). Maya Yuddhaa (A kind of illusory /virtual war) as described in the epic Ramayan causes no real damage to enemy soldiers but is practiced only to frighten enemies who ultimately surrender in such fearful situations! These stories have been very popular among masses and could very well be used in modern Sf with ingenuity in order to woo Indian SF audience.

A survey was made to find out such imaginative ideas in our scriptures for using them as Sf themes as an approach to attract Indian audience for effective science communication. Findings shall be presented.

(Reviewer’s comments) The flow of ideas from myths to SF ought to be to increase the scientific temper rather than ‘romaticise’ the past by anachronistic reconstructions of the past using present day scientific knowledge. The mythology ought to provide ideas for new scientific theories and new technologies rather than legitamising the past ‘achievements’ to the extent of dulling the present efforts. Author is advised to keep this key difference in writing this paper.Efforts should be to trace the ‘know-why’ of the mythical objects to (re) construct them in the present rather than ‘know-what’ of these objects.

'Disillusioned' -Story by Arvind Mishra

2011-10-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Nipun, a web reporter of Moon Times was also on-board the flight of Bharat Chand Air Bus Service. "You have reached the moon and soon your will be reaching the apartment of Prof. Surendra Kumar," The broadcast monitor of the air bus, which was mounted at the back of the seat in front of Nipun, was giving regular updates. The young Indian journalist was on an assignment to make a documentary on renowned space expert, Prof. Surendra Kumar. He was speaking in his vigio- phone,”I know the rest of the co-passengers are also getting these updates the way I am getting them. I have no acquaintance with any of these people. Either way there are not many passengers on this flight. Surprisingly no one has showed any interest in knowing about me, neither have I any desire to learn anything about them. Within a few seconds every one will reach his destination. Then there is no need to get friendly with each other...”

Vigionphone was mounted at the back of the seat in front of Nipun, below the GPS monitor. It could be moved to and fro according to need. Nipun had pulled it closer to his face. Vigiophone was sending his every word and every expression back to the moon times.

Prof Kumar was one of the few famous technologies who had been called on moon at a very high salary after an extremely successful career on earth. The number of people coming to moon from earth was very high now.

About 10,000 and 35 sq. meter area, which was around the landing site of Apollo 16 mission, had been converted into an artificial circular habitat for people. The habitat had no connection with the external atmosphere of the moon. The habitat was situated on a very strong pillar made of a new alloy RSWM (reinforced spider web material). The diameter of the pillar itself was some 2 km, so you can imagine the hugeness of the structure.

The entire habitat was rotating on its axis so as to provide the much needed gravitational force so that people could feel comfortable in the low gravity of the moon. The Airbus was about to dock to one of the entrances of this fast rotating structure. This docking needed a surgical precision but everything was controlled by computers so it was a regular thing for them. It was just a matter of moments when Nipun will be landing on Moon. Web journalists used to get such assignments and then Prof. Kumar was not some ordinary person. He had played pivotal role in the designing establishment of the moon habitat.

The moon habitat was a complicated structure with so many components. The automation of services was one of the most critical things. Prof. Kumar could be called the architect of the project. He was the architect behind the automation of services and the facilities on the habitat. Nipun was supposed to conduct the interview and send it back to earth. Initially, they had planned for a live interview, but Prof. refused for a live interview. He made it clear that the interview should be recorded and should be telecast only after his meticulous scrutiny and edits. Scientists were very much concerned about being misquoted often which could lead to some or the other controversy, so he was extra careful while going public.

**********

"You are welcome at the Southern end of the APJ Abdul Kalam Door. We have successfully docked on the habitat. Please wait for the green signal before leaving your seats. Then you can take floating cabins to reach your destinations. We wish you a great stay at Moon. Thank you for choosing Indian Chandra Air Bus service. Please travel with us in future as well."

The passengers remained seated until the green light on their site turned on. Nipun was the 5th in the queue. Few moments later he was sitting comfortably in the floating cabin. It was similar to Earth's rope way cabins. The only difference was, these cabins were floating or flying on the air. It was a special kind of floating cabin, an excellent example of automated planes. The artificial atmosphere of the moon was creating enough resistance for the cabin so that it was moving at a steady speed. The cabin had a screen and a two way communication system. A lady's voice came from the vigiophone, "Prof Kumar is awaiting your arrival. I am his assistant Maria Grawal. Once the cabin is stabilized, you can exit through the right door and you can walk into the Celestial Rendezvous apartment of Prof Kumar. You are welcome Mr Nipun,"

The cabin halted and docked with the entrance of Prof Kumar's apartment. The door of the apartment opened once the cabin docked and locked onto the door. Nipun entered the apartment. He was greeted by the voice of Maria, "Welcome Mr Nipun. Prof Kumar will be joining you in a few minutes.”

He walked into the room. He could not see her around, he understood that she was monitoring and interacting with him from some remote location. This was a usual feature of communication on Earth as well. He went ahead and sat on a couch. Suddenly he saw a crevice emerging and widening in one of the walls and then he saw that the wall had retracted to make way for a human figure. It was Prof. Kumar who emerged from the wall. Nipun got up.

**********

"Sit down Nipun. How was your journey?" Nipun felt a deep affection in his voice, something he wouldn't notice in the voice of an interviewee. He had not experience such affection back on earth for a long time. He had seen Prof many a times in videos and photographs but he could now notice such glow on his face and the affection in his eyes. The hair was all white and the style matched that of Kalam Sahab a president of

India

of yore. Kumar shook hands with Nipun and asked him to sit, as he took his seat on his chair, Nipun felt an awe of meeting such a personality.

"Son, I have 15 minutes for you. I received your questionnaire yesterday. I am glad that Moon Times is producing this programme on me. I always feel excited whenever earthlings remember me. After all I have spent 70 years on earth. I would not have accepted this assignment. You can image, which earth lover would even think of coming to moon at the age of 70? Back on earth this is the age for dharam karam, (religious duties) of “vanprastha”(an ancient ritual of going to jungle and never returning back home) . I have been a great admirer of our culture's values and traditions. “Janani Janambhumish Swargadapi gariyasi(a place where someone is born is no less like a heaven for him) Professor blurted out in his vernacular Hindi language spontaneously . .

" Nipun saw some moist in prof's eyes.

"But what forced you to do so?" he asked inadvertently, but there was some professional request too.

"It's a long story Nipun. I have stored all the information about my life in this fiber cap, I mean capsule. There is a request, telecast the downloadable version only after proper editing. There are some visuals and footage, some are related to my private life - for example my ancestral home at Palanpur village of Gujarat. There are some shots from my Surendra Mansion, my residence at the

USA

which was an awesome example of cybernetics. . After watching this all you will realize why at the age of 70 I had to leave the affectionate lap of much loved mother earth. Why I had to choose this mechanical life of moon. Now, I am about to complete 100 years. My life partner left me some 40 years ago. Back on earth when I was enjoying my "Shashtipurti welcome (A felicitation done when a celebrity reached 61 in

India

) ", she left for her heavenly abode. Now, she lives only in my memories. Both of my sons are in the USA. They have no affection towards their old father. I guess there never was any such affection. This is the gift of American culture. But no, the same 'culture' has taken roots in my parental village of Gujarat as well. Nipun, I left earth when human emotions were dying off. People were living their lives trapped in the mad mirage of materialism. I had never imagined in the 40-50 years of my life that man will engage in materialism to this extent. I was such an idiot that I could not notice this major change in society. Possibly I could not notice it in my extremely busy schedule. Children broke bonds. It’s only on the weekends we would get to hear about their well being. That too on the video -cam. Now, in my Mansion everything was under control of the artificially intelligent robot, my food, my appointments, everything was being taken care by the robots. I also got used to live without care and concern of my children. My servant robot was taking good care of me,” Prof was speaking in an emotional flow.

Nipun was listening to him as if mesmerized. There was some sweet pain inherent in the tone of Prof. Surendra. "Once I get extremely sick. But none of my children took my care. My robot was the one who took care of me. My wife had already died. I had never experienced so much of loneliness ever before. The meaning of life had become meaningless to me. The world thinks of me to be the messiah of automation and cybernetics, but there was no joy in my life. Sometimes I would think of my children, they were so much engrossed in materialism that all of their emotions had dried out? The technological progress and advancement has corrupted the man to that extent that children forgot their filial duties? And their even biological bonding had been pushed by industrial development? My robots, the automation process, were far better than them and were taking very well care of me. They had become so advanced that they could read changes in my facial expressions and would do things to make me happy. They made me feel better. Now, not only my day time activities, but also night time activities were in control of those robots. After all they were the results of my creation. I used to feel relaxed with this thought. But, human emotions, closeness of relatives were just non existent which used to hurt me very much. And then I took a big decision." he paused for a while. A device alarmed 'only five minutes remaining".

In the meantime an android came from somewhere and put a plate with some tablets on the table. "These are energy-giving, healthy tablets. They are tasty as well, try some." he said and lost once again in the chain of his memories.

"Yes, I decided that I should go and spend the rest of my life in my ancestral village of Gujarat. May be there I would get that human closeness, love and affection which I desired for a long time. Then I bade goodbye to the materialism of the USA and went to my parental village of Gujarat. I was full of awe when I reached there. There was so much of love, care and concern. That was the legacy of Indian culture which I was dying to get. Those were my relatives, my brothers, cousins, nephews. But alas, it was all only apparent. I was looking for affection while they were looking for the high-tech gadgets that I had bought from the USA -- which I had no value for.

Surveillance equipments that I had bought with me opened my eyes. They were talking in low tones about my bank balance, who was I going to include in my will, who will get how much share, would I put something for my USA settled sons or not, etc. They were thirsty for my money. The western culture was taking over the minds of those people as well. Or was that our value system had started to decline? It was like a broken dream. I was totally shattered and disillusioned. It was very painful for me. Life appeared to be a burden. That was the time when I got the offer for the Moon project and I immediately accepted. Though now I am here and this mechanical world is keeping me busy so much so that the memories of the past have faded. But, sometimes, when I meet young guys like you it reminds me of my own children who have not showed any concern about me in all these years. But I know that they are OK. They have their own families, their own children, but may be they are also following footsteps of their fathers. May be they will also repeat all that had happened to me." Suddenly he got up, 15 minutes had vanished …

**********

"OK Nipun, all this is in this capsule, you may use which ever information is useful to you. Just leave these private parts of my life which I told you. Either way what good are these negative thought going to do to humanity? We will have to accept our fate. The time has come when the man is converting into machine and machines are becoming humane. This is the dawn of a new, a brand new, age.

A new civilization is dawning. We may meet again Nipun, I may come to earth for some work. Otherwise I am going to spend the rest of my life here on the moon, among the machines and all my AI servants. I am loved by them and I love them. You will get more information about these androids and their work distribution system in this capsule. Yes, please don't forget to send me the copy of moon times in which this story will appear."

On his return journey, Nipun was thinking which part of Kumar's life he should focus on and which one he should delete. Then he decided that once all the matter is downloaded only then he will choose. He shook his head which was getting heavy with these thoughts and got busy in the sceneries of earth appearing on the monitor.

Translated from Hindi and slightly modified from what appeared first on KALKION

'Science Fiction in India' Published- Reminiscences and Revelations!

2011-07-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

This declaration is with a deep sense of satiation akin to the one when you get a sacred ritual completed and last prayer performed. Science Fiction in India is now out as a result of a team work engaged in pursuit for an unexpected long time since the first ever National Discussion on Science Fiction which was organised in Varanasi.

The main objective of the discussion was to focus on various aspects of science fiction and its role in communicating science and technology related issues to the common people and children. The five-day exercise culminated in to preparing a draft for "Banaras Document on SF 2008". It also examined in depth how science fiction input could be enhanced and successfully employed in various science communication modules currently in vogue in India.

Taking into consideration the quality and sweep of the papers presented at the conference, it was decided by the office bearers of ISFWA to bring the select papers in a book form.

As stated above, preparation of the draft of the 'Benaras Document on SF 2008’ was one of the agenda of the conference , the book begins with the draft of Benaras Document 2008 and its critique by retired vice air marshal Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari.

Here is a glimpse -sort of bird eye view of the content of the book and salient points of the papers included.

. In his paper Y.H. Deshpande argues that SF with its futuristic vision enables man to face technological changes successfully. "Today's Science Fiction will be the science of tomorrow", says Dr. Deshpande. Like mainstream literature, science fiction deals with life. Rejecting the hypothesis that SF is of western origin, Deshpande contends that many stories of Mahabharata and the Ramayana are befitting Indian examples of SF.

Shri Yatindra Singh Hon. Justice Allahabad High Court and an sf aficionado himself in his paper 'Science Fiction: The Pied Piper of Science' present a lucid account of characteristics of sf and its historical background in detail and points to the topics such as space exploration, robotics, mathematics, artificial intelligence, surrogacy, cloning and stem cell research on which modern sf is based.

Mohan Sanjeevan in his paper 'Understanding SF' narrates how science fiction is a fine blending of science with fiction. He proves his point by giving illustrations of twelve sf stories originally written in Tamil and translated into English by him in the Tamil collection entitled -"Vinveli Nilayam".

C.M. Nautiyal in his paper 'The Dividing Lines between Science Fiction, Science Fantasy and Fantasy: Perspective from Films" credits Campbell with the origin of the term 'Science Fiction'. Comparing sf with science fiction films, he states that both media are popular with the audience. He maintains that science technology is an integral part of Science Fiction. Further, fantasy is impossible made probable and science fiction is improbable made possible. He averts that science fiction and science fantasy are overlapping categories.

Comparing fiction in general with Science Fiction in particular, Hemant Dwivedi states that mainstream fiction can learn from science fiction and vice versa for their betterment.

S.M. Gupta comprehensively surveys the development and evolution of Indian science fiction from adventure stories to Ashok Banker and Rana Das Gupta's ' The Tokyo Cancelled'. Bengali Science Fiction writers include Sukumar Ray and Satyajit Ray. So far as the development of science fiction in the world is concerned, Jules Verne is regarded as the father of science fiction. Among famous Science Fiction writers in England and the USA are still H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke and Asimov.

Nellai S Muthu in his detailed and informative paper entitled "Moon: Facts and Fictions" chronologically relates facts about the moon to the books produced as science fiction from 1634 onwards. Jules Verne's significant prediction in his sf 'From the Earth to the Moon' has similarity with real Apollo Program. Jules Verne's forecast about the three men traveling in a projectile to the moon in a weightless state proved to be correct. We find for the first time, the concept that light could work as a form of propulsion for spacecraft. He quotes extensively from H.G. Wells' novels to prove that the world's first liquid propulsion engine for a rocket application was made. He refers to the lunar mission undertaken by Russia, America, Japan and China in great detail including that of

India

and the former president APJ Abdul Kalam's projections in World Space Vision 2050.

Jayaprakash D. in his paper "Science Fiction Films Help Make the World a Better Place" defines science films as the films that have a background of an advanced, functional technology that is normally set in the future. Then he presents a critique of the Day After Tomorrow (2004) film which in about the effects of global warming and climate shifts.

In his paper "H.G. Wells-Shaping Science Through Fiction" I Arul Aram gives a detailed summary of H.G. Wells ' The Time Machine" in which the protagonist tells the audience about his journey in the past and into the future. Interestingly enough, the novel hints at climate change due to global warming which may result in the extinction of human race in the distant future. The researcher also discusses Wells' other novels such as 'The Island of Doctor Moreau', 'The Invisible Man', 'The War of the Worlds' and 'The First Man in the Moon'. What Science Fiction writers can learn from H.G. Wells is the harmonization of science and ecology for human survival; marriage between science and social consciousness and lastly amalgamation of imagination and science for further development of science.

Ratnakar D. Bhelkar in his paper "Allien Encounter in C. Clarke's Childhood End" discusses the overlords' mission to save human race from its destructive use of science and they are victorious in creating an ideal world by the constructive use of science to restore peace and harmony as the face of the earth.

Pointing out the importance of Science Fiction Drama on radio, Harish Yadav in his paper "Science Fiction for Radio" argues that it not only provides entertainment to the listener but also enhances scientific temperament and develops scientific thinking in the masses.

Afrina Rizvi's paper - 'Science Content in Science Fiction " is concerned with the evaluation of scientific content as communication material in sf by following a methodology for comparative analysis based on Common Science Referring Terms (CSRT).

In his paper entitled "Science Fiction and Pragmatism" G.S. Unnikrishnan compares science fiction with mainstream literature and concludes that a good science fiction gets reclassified as mainstream fiction.

"There were several parallelisms between the social and political histories of Bengal and Japan in the 19th Century," affirms Anwesha Maity in her paper 'Comparing Histories of Science Fiction: Bengal and

Japan

'. Likewise, ‘similarities and evolutionary trends are visible in the science fiction of Japanese and Bengali languages,’ states the researcher and gives many examples of the books published on sf in both the languages.

विज्ञान गल्प और अपराध कथाओं के जाने माने उर्दू लेखक इज़हार असर:विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि ......

2011-06-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

विज्ञान गल्प और अपराध कथाओं के जाने माने उर्दू लेखक इज़हार असर के विगत १५ अप्रैल २०११ को इंतकाल की खबर जब अखबारों के जरिये कहानी प्रेमियों को मिली तो वे स्तब्ध रह गए ...वैसे तो उन्होंने एक लम्बा जीवन जिया और ८२ वर्ष की उम्र में दिवंगत हुए मगर अपने चाहने वालों के दिलों में हमेशा उनकी छवि तरोताजा ही रही . उन्होंने बेशुमार वैज्ञानिक कहानियां ,उपन्यास लिखे ,कत्थक के अच्छे जानकार रहे .वे लाहौर से भारत आये और यहीं बस गए ...एक उर्दू लेखक के रूप में उन्होंने ख्याति अर्जित की और अपराध ,विज्ञान गल्प उनके पसंदीदा विषय रहे .प्रोग्रेसिव राईटर्स असोसिएशन से वे जुड़े थे और २००६ में उन्हें मशहूर ग़ालिब अवार्ड से नवाजा गया था ...

इज़हार असर उत्तर प्रदेश के बिजनौर जिले में स्थाई रूप से रह रहे थे और जीवन के अंतिम पलों तक वे उपन्यासों के लेखन में जुटे रहे ..बताया जाता है कि वे लगभग हर हप्ते ही एक उपन्यास पूरा कर देते थे-इसका कारण यह था कि सरकार और सिस्टम की बेरुखी के चलते वे काफी समय से प्रकाशकों के कुचक्र में फंस कर 'डिमांड राईटिंग' कर रहे थे-मतलब माल दो और जैसा चाहे लिखवा लो -भारत में परिस्थितियों के चलते विद्वता का यह पतन चिंतित करता है...यह दुर्भाग्य ही है कि जीवन के उत्तरार्ध में उनसे समाज को वह साहित्य नहीं मिल सका जिसके लिए वे सर्वथा सक्षम थे....उनकी सारी प्रतिभा बस प्रकाशकों के मकडजाल में उलझ कर रह गयी थी और वे केवल लुगदी साहित्य (पल्प लिटरेचर ) के सृजन में मशगूल रहे ....

मगर वे पहले ऐसे नहीं थे ..जब बटवारे के बाद वे भारत आये तो दिल्ली के मशहूर उर्दू -रिसालों जैसे चिलमन का उन्होंने संपादन किया ...एक मशहूर पाकेट बुक्स सीरीज के लिए जासूसी उपन्यास श्रृखला नागिन उन्ही के दिमाग की उपज थी....उनके पिता स्कूल मास्टर थे मगर फिर भी उनकी औपचारिक शिक्षा दसवीं के आगे नहीं बढ़ पायी -हाँ विज्ञान में अपनी रूचि का श्रेय वे शिक्षकों को ही देते थे ...बड़े स्वाध्यायी थे..पश्चिम में विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी की प्रगति से खुद को पूरा वाकिफ रखते थे और कहानी के जरिये उसे अपने पाठकों तक पहुँचाने का जिम्मा उन्होंने लिया था ...उनका पहला वैज्ञानिक गल्प उपन्यास आधी जिन्दगी १९५५ में प्रकाशित हुआ.ब्लॉगर उन्मुक्त जी बताते हैं कि इस उपन्यास का रोबोट आजिमोव के रोबोटिक्स सिद्धांतों का अनुपालन करता है . उनकी अनेक वैज्ञानिक कहानियां लगभग उसी वक्त ला -शरीक में छपीं ...जहां तक जासूसी कहानियों का सवाल है वे इब्ने सफी बी ऐ के बराबर दीखते हैं जो उर्दू साहित्य का एक दूसरा चमकता सितारा था ...आर्थिक तंगी के चलते असर को समझौते करने पड़े और उन्होंने प्रोफ़ेसर दिवाकर और डॉ. रमन के छद्म नाम से दिल्ली के एक पाकेट बुक्स प्रकाशक के लिए विज्ञान गल्प -उपन्यास लिखे जो बहुत मशहूर हुए ...अपने कालेज के दिनों में हम अक्सर यही कयास लगाते रहते कि आखिर प्रोफ़ेसर दिवाकर और डॉ .रमन कौन हैं ...

उर्दू एकेडमी के अख्तर उल वासे मानते हैं कि प्रकाशकों के प्रलोभनों ने इस अजीम रचनाकार से उसकी मौलिकता छीन ली ...वे घटिया व्यावसायिक कुचक्र में ऐसे फंसे कि निकल नहीं सके ...उर्दू साप्ताहिक नयी दुनिया की सम्पादक वसीम राशिद द्वारा एक अख़बार को दिए बयान के मुताबिक़ उर्दू साहित्य के अनेक लेखकों की तरह वे भी गरीबी और गुरवत के शिकार बन गए और प्रकाशकों के छोटे मोटे प्रलोभनों के फेर में आ गए ...उर्दू अकादमी द्वारा उन्हें महज ५ हजार रूपये मिलते थे जो अब उनके परिवार का खर्चा चलाने के लिए मदद को आगे आयी है .उनकी माली हालत को देख अनेक संगठनों ने प्रयास तो किये मगर उनका कोई ठोस नतीजा न निकल सका -अपने देश में प्रतिभाओं के प्रति व्यवस्था की यह बेरुखी चिंतित करती है .

दक्षिण भारत के मशहूर नायक रजनीकांत के प्रमुख रोल के साथ बनी फिल्म एंधिरन (रोबोट ) को देख वे कह पड़े थे कि अरे यह तो उनकी ही लिखे उपन्यास मशीनों की बगावत (1953 ) की ही अनुकृति लगती है ....उनके एक मित्र ने जब इसके लिए दावा ठोकने की बात कही तो वे मुस्करा के टाल गए ..असर के जाने से भारत के विज्ञान उपन्यासकारों का एक और स्तम्भ ढह गया है ..उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि ......

Innovative SF and Mythology Mix to communicate S&T to Indian Masses

2010-12-03T21:33:00.000-08:00

Innovative SF and Mythology Mix to communicate S&T to Indian Masses

Arvind Mishra

Secretary, Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association

16, Cotton Mill Colony, Chowkaghat, Varanasi -221002

Uttar Pradesh, India

drarvind3@gmail.com

Manoj Mishra

Senior Faculty, VBS Purvanchal University ,Jaunpur

Uttar Pradesh, India

manjulmanoj1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

With the help of improvised cultural tableaux by judiciously blending sf and mythology during festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra we successfully tried to attract illiterate Indian masses in order to communicate S &T perspectives and developments. Some model tableaux were as follows:

A. Tableau showing concept of Cloning: With the help of a mythological story popularly knows as ‘Raktbeej and Mahishasurmardini ’(Demon vis a vis a Hindu goddess Durga ) and sf extrapolations on cloning we explained the process and implications of the emerging technology to illiterate people .

B. Tableau of Biotechnology: The science fictional biotech tree akin to mythological 'wishing tree' (Kalpvriksh) demonstrated the hidden potentials of biotechnology.

C. Tableau depicting water harvesting technology: Traditional techniques of rain water harvesting and its necessity as narrated in Hindu myths notably the efforts of sage Bhagirath to bring the river of gods i.e. river Ganges on earth.

D. Tsunami Tableau : Awareness and preservation of natural mangroves is the key to safety from killer waves was demonstrated with the help of many catastrophe models as described in sf stories and myth of Lord of death i.e. Yamraj.

It was established that Sf stories with a judicious mix/blend of Indian myths could be effectively used through attractive tableaux to communicate science and technology to illiterate masses that do not have access to modern means of communication. A similar approach could be replicated in other parts of the globe.

Keywords: Improvised tableau/tableaux, S&T communication, science fiction and mythology.

Introduction

India currently has the largest illiterate population of any nation on earth. Approximately 35% of world's illiterate population is Indian and based on historic patterns of literacy growth across the world, India may account for a majority of the world's illiterates by 2020.This is also the major group of people who do not have access to many modern means of knowledge communication .This poses a great challenge as how to communicate S&T effectively to these people.

Cultural tableaux are prominent crowd attractors during festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra in India. Thousands and thousands of people throng to behold the glimpses of cultural India depicted through these tableaux. Our endeavor culminated in making beautiful and impressive tableaux which incorporated judicious blending of both cultural elements and science to easily attract lay people and then to spread the message of science spontaneously during these festivals .While science is purely an objective exercise, science communication entails the subjective /cultural perspectives also. So unless some cultural angle is not employed the mass communication of science in India shall remain largely less effective especially to illiterate people.

Impressed by imaginative and prophetic/visionary elements of Indian mythology with which even an ordinary uneducated Indian citizen is very familiar, we devised an experimental design combining mythology and sf in order to effectively communicate S&T among illiterate masses. By carefully amalgamating myth with certain breakthroughs and future possibilities in the field of biotechnology and other scientific disciplines as narrated in many sf stories we made attractive tableaux to lure the public and then inculcate amongst them the temper and wisdom of science .

Methodology

Improvised tableaux were made on themes like cloning, trans-genetic crops, water harvesting technologies, tsunami etc with the help of professional and skilled artisans and were exhibited in Puja Mandap(earmarked places for tableaux exhibition) during the festival seasons . A feedback response was obtained from the people who visited these tableaux in order to ascertain the utility and importance of this innovative endeavor for popularization of science in eastern belt of U.P. Feedback forms drafted with aim to an easy comprehension by target groups contained 10 objective type questions covering a broad range of issues related to science communication. The analyses of feed-back response were done.

Results and Discussion

Science fiction as we know today is all about strange new ideas and imagery, i.e. the same elements which also characterize mythological stories. It's for this reason that SF/F buffs are usually tempted to draw analogies between science fiction and mythology. Both science fiction and mythological imaginations at times, anticipate scientific and technological developments. It is in the very nature of sf that it usually deals with the non-existent social set ups, technology and gadgetry, etc. making the genre quite analogous to myths since the latter is also known for its depictions/descriptions of imaginary things and people.

Indian mythology as contained in Hindu scriptures abounds in imaginative ideas and human values. Carl Sagan was very impressed and inspired by these sources of ancient knowledge. He once appealed sf writers to delve deep into Indian mythology to get original sf theme ideas.

Quite interestingly there are extrapolations, imaginative themes, and descriptions of gadgets often in contemporary sf and in Indian mythology alike. For example, Puspak Viman--a special kind of aero plane which possesses a vacant seat for any last minute VIP entrant! (Remember Rendezvous With Rama by Clarke?) Sudarshan Chakra (a kind of revolving disc) and arrows used by Lord Krishna to kill enemies returned back to them just after hitting the target (the same concept as in guided missiles!). In Maya Yuddhaa (some kind of virtual war) as described in the epic Ramayan while no real damage is done all enemy soldiers get frightened and surrender owing to horrible virtual projections and imagery of all sorts! Trishanku--a celestial body which is said to have been projected into space by an ancient sage Vishwamitra. An imaginative leap of our ancestors which indicates that the sky could be conquered by man one day! This legend in Indian mythology that Trisanku is hanging in the sky between the heaven and the Earth, though regarded as incredible, has fascinated one and all since time immemorial. Now we all know about the Lagrangian points which are the five positions in an orbital configuration where a small object affected only by gravity can theoretically be stationary relative to two larger objects (such as a satellite with respect to the Earth and Moon). In 1945, Arthur Clarke also wrote in an article published in Wireless World that placing three geostationary satellites (Compare Trisanku!) above the equator would revolutionize global telecommunication. A mythological idea that objects can be made to appear stationary above the Earth found a place in science fiction. In 1964 the first Trisanku (!), Syncom, with the generic scientific name geostationary satellite/geosynchronous satellite was placed above a fixed longitude on the equator, which explicitly justified the power of prophetic vision inherent in Indian mythology.

It was showed for the first time that science fiction can effectively teach science to lay people who do not have access to other forms of communicative broadcasts. Peggy Kolm has referred to this innovative approach in Biology in Science Fiction and also mentioned that in the U.S. there seem to be some teachers who are using science fiction books and movies - both with good science and with bad science - to teach basic scientific concepts.

In our study sample about 70% audiences were from villages and 20% were from slums of town/city surroundings and remaining 10% from small settlements who thronged to see the S & T tableaux erected/shown during the festivals. Tableau shows in question were significant in disseminating S & T knowledge intended for the target audience and were also useful in dispelling many orthodox beliefs as was evident by the replies recorded. Majority, i.e. over 90% viewers replied that they were having many misconceptions before observing these tableaux. 70% of the target viewers were of the opinion that the tableaux were most effective form of science communication for them. Only 20% had access to broadcast media i.e. Radio, T.V., cables etc. Majority opined that folk/cultural/traditional and public relation and interpersonal contacts were more effective for them to comprehend S&T related issues.

When audience were asked that whether they were convinced to help spread further the spirit of science, their responses were affirmative and they told that were fully convinced to spread the scientific knowledge in society after seeing these tableaux. When they were asked which scientific subject was more useful in their opinion 60% told it was biological/ medical Science, 15% were in favour of agricultural sciences and equivalent number of participants voted in favour of environmental sciences. Other remaining groups constituting 5% each opined that Earth/Physical Sciences and general sciences were more useful to them.

Acknowledgements

Authors express their grateful indebtedness to National council for science and technology communication ( NCSTC) for providing financial assistance to Shri Dwarikadhish Lok Sanskriti Avem Vanaspatiki Vikas Sansthan to conduct the aforesaid activities under the project entitled ‘science communication through cultural media’.

References

1. Peggy Kolm ,Using Science Fiction to Teach Science in India, http://sciencefictionbiology.blogspot.com/2007/06/using-science-fiction-to-teach-science.html , 2007

2. Patairiya Manoj ,Balancing between facts and fantasies ,Indian Journal of Science Communication ,Vol .7 (1) ,January –June 2008

3. "India has the largest number of illiterates in the world", Rediff, 2007-11-21, http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/nov/20illi.htm, retrieved 2009-11-27.

4. "India has a third of world's illiterates", Times of India, 2004-11-09, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-has-a-third-of-worlds-illiterates/articleshow/916814.cms, retrieved 2009-09-20.

5. Mishra Arvind, SF Signal Mind Meld, What is going on right now in the international sf/f scene that anglophone readers might be missing out on? http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2009/07/mind-meld-guide-to-international-sff-part-ii, 2009

Paper for consideration in 11th PCST

Innovative Science Fiction for S&T Communication-A Parallel Discussion Session in 11th PCST

2010-10-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

Yes ,this is the topic for a parallel session in forthcoming 11th PCST to be held in India and I have been given the responsibility of moderating the discussion.The idea of innovative science fiction sprang from some experiments in which illiterate people which did not have access to prevalent forms of media were successfully lured to tableaux of sf and mythology mix themes put in festivals .Indian psyche is very much familiar to imagery of mythological stories. Science fiction as we know incorporates many elements similar to imagery's of mythological stories.Ursula K. Le Guin once quipped that sf is contemporary mythology.The abstract of the paper which is accepted for the presentation and extrapolations of similar approaches to employ sf in popularization of science is pasted below-

Innovative SF and Mythology Mix to communicate S&T to Indian Masses

B. Tableau of Biotechnology: The science fictional biotech tree akin to mythological 'wishing tree' (Kalpvriksh) demonstrated the hidden potentials of biotechnology.

Anyone interested could participate in discussion by registering him/herself for the conference .The deadline for registration is 31st inst. i.e. October,2010.

ज़ाकिर अली 'रजनीश' की विज्ञान कथा 'निर्णय'

2010-09-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

क्या समाज में लड़की का जन्म लेना ही अपराध है? क्या लड़की पैदा होने के लिए सिर्फ स्त्री ही जिम्मेदार है? और क्या लड़की के जन्म को नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है? इन्हीं सवालों से जूझती एक सामाजिक विज्ञान कथा।

'निर्णय'

‘‘देखिए जरीना जी, आप एक बार फिर इस वैक्सीन (एक्स क्रोमोसोम डिजेनेरेटिंग फैक्टर आफ ह्यूमन) के बारे में सोचिए।’’ प्रभाकरन ने स्वयं पर गम्भीरता का नकाब डालते हुए कहा, ‘‘क्योंकि यह आपकी वर्षों की मेहनत और महती आकांक्षाओं का प्रश्न है। .......और फिर क्या जवाब देंगी आप अपनी उस बहन को, जिसे मरने के बाद भी शान्ति नहीं मिल सकी है। क्या आप यह चाहेंगी कि आपकी शेष बहनें भी....?’’

जरीना की वर्षों पुरानी दुखती रग पर हाथ रख दिया था प्रभाकरन ने। जरीना को लगा जैसे किसी ने गर्म लोहे की सलाख उसके दिल के आर-पार कर दी हो। पर बजाय घबराने के उसके शरीर में दृढ़ता आ गयी। उसका चेहरा चट्टान की तरह सख्त हो गया और आंखें इलेक्ट्रिक हीटर की दहक उठीं।

कांप सा गया प्रभाकरन। उसे अपनी गल्ती का एहसास हो आया। उसने सोचा कि अगर अब मैंने एक शब्द भी कहा, तो काम बनने की जगह बिगड़ ही जाएगा। अपने थुलथुल पेट के दाईं ओर सरक गयी टाई को ठीक करते हुए वह चुपचाप खड़ा हो गया और हिम्मत बटोर कर धीरे से बोला, ‘‘अच्छा, तो अब मुझे आज्ञा दीजिए। कल फिर मैं आपकी सेवा में उपस्थित होऊंगा। और आशा करता हूं कि तब तक आप वैक्सीन से सम्बंधित कोई ठोस निर्णय, जो व्यवहारिकता के धरातल पर खरा उतरता हो, ले चुकी होंगी।’’

कहने के साथ ही प्रभाकरन ने अभिवादन किया और नोटों से भरे ब्रीफकेस को वहीं पर छोड़कर कमरे से बाहर निकल गया। साथ ही छोड़ गया वह एक हाहाकारी तूफान, जिसमें से होकर जरीना को बाहर निकलना था और लेना था उसे एक ऐतिहासिक निर्णय, जो किसी महान क्रान्ति के संवहन का गौरव प्राप्त करने वाला था।

काफी देर तक जरीना उसी प्रकार बैठी रही। एकदम मूर्तिवत। यदि पलकों का उठना-गिरना बंद हो जाता, तो शायद यह पहचानना भी मुश्‍किल हो जाता कि वह किसी मूर्तिकार का परिश्रम है अथवा शुक्राणु और अण्डाणु के महामिलन का क्रान्तिकारी सुफल?

विचारों की सरिता में उठने वाले चक्रवातों ने कुछ ऐसी स्थिति उत्पन्न कर दी कि जरीना किसी निष्कर्ष तक पहुंचने में स्वयं को अस्मर्थ महसूस करने लगी। बिच्छू के जहर से बचने के लिए उसने अन्जाने में ही सांप को भी उत्तेजित कर दिया था। और अब उन दोनों के बीच वह निरूपाय सी खड़ी थी। आखिर जाए तो किधर? बस यही एक प्रष्न था, जिसका हल उसे खोजना था।

मध्यम वर्गीय परिवार में जन्मी जरीना को अपने मां-बाप की पहली सन्तान होने का गौरव प्राप्त था। जरीना के जन्म से भले ही उसके मां-बाप के अरमान पूरे न हो पाए हों, पर उसकी नानी की खुशी का पारावार न रहा। उसकी छट्ठी के दिन ही उन्होंने अपनी लाखों की दौलत जरीना के नाम कर दी। उन्हें तो जैसे जरीना के जन्म का ही इन्तजार था। तभी तो अपनी जायदाद के बोझ से मुक्त होते ही उन्होंने इस दुनिया से अपना बोझ भी कम कर दिया। लेकिन जरीना पर इससे कोई विशेष फर्क न पड़ा, सिवाए इसके कि वह नानी की गोद में खेलने के सुख से महरूम रह गयी थी।

अपनी वंश परम्परा बनाए रखने और कम से कम एक पुत्र का पिता कहलाने की चाह में फंसे जरीना के पिता हाकिम प्रतिवर्ष एक सन्तान को दावत देते रहे। लेकिन आश्चर्य कि उनके घर जन्म लेने वाली प्रत्येक सन्तान लड़की ही होती। प्रकृति के इस क्रूरतम (?) मजाक को हाकिम सहन न कर सके और उनका स्वभाव दिन-प्रतिदिन चिड़चिड़ा होता चला गया।

इसके बावजूद उन्होंने आशा का दामन नहीं छोड़ा। यह सोचकर कि शायद अगली बार उनकी मुराद पूरी हो जाए। पीरों-फकीरों की दुआएं काम कर ही जाएं। सो वे दांव पर दांव लगाते गये। लेकिन परिणाम वही ढ़ाक के तीन पात। और अन्त में एक दिन अपनी आठवीं पुत्री को जन्म देते समय जरीना की मां संसार को अलविदा कह गयीं।

मां की मौत का बच्चों पर बुरा प्रभाव पड़ा। घर की सारी व्यवस्थाएं चरमरा गयीं। हाकिम ने उन्हें संभालने का प्रयत्न किया और असफल होने पर अपनी मां की शरण में जा पहुंचे। दादी ने घर में आते ही मां की कमी पूरी कर दी। धीरे-धीरे सब कुछ सामान्य होने लगा। लेकिन लाख कोशिश के बावजूद भी वे सबसे छोटी लड़की को संभाल न पाईं। मां की कमी उसे बर्दाश्त नहीं हुयी और निमोनिया के बहाने वह इस संसार के कूच कर गयी।

नानी ने अपनी वसीयत में यह व्यवस्था कर दी थी कि जब तक जरीना बालिग नहीं हो जाती, उसके पिता को जरीना के खर्च के लिए पूरा पैसा मिलता रहेगा। इस व्यवस्था का सुफल यह निकला कि अपने पिता की कोई बहुत अच्छी आर्थिक स्थिति न होने के बावजूद जरीना का लालन-पालन राज परिवार में जन्मी राजकुमारियों की तरह से हुआ। भले ही उसकी छोटी बहनें पर्याप्त मात्रा में दूध तक न पा सकीं, पर उसे कभी किसी चीज की कमी न हुयी। जब भी उसके मुंह से जो भी निकला, वह तुरन्त हाजिर हो गया।

हाकिम एक फैक्ट्री में बाबू थे। निश्चित तनख्वाह थी। आय का कोई ऊपरी श्रोत था नहीं, इसलिए धीरे-धीरे तंगई ने अपन शिकंजा कसना शुरू कर दिया। बच्चों को पढ़ाना तो दूर उनको सही ढ़ंग से खाना मिलना भी दूभर हो गया। और कोई रास्ता न देखकर हाकिम ने जरीना का नाम बोर्डिंग स्कूल में लिखवा दिया, जिससे कम से कम वह तो ढ़ंग से पढ़-लिख जाए। वैसे भी जरीना को घर में विशेष सुविधाएं मिलने की वजह से उसे अपनी बहनों से अलग रहने की आदत सी पड़ गयी थी, इसलिए हास्टल में उसे कोई विषेश परेशानी नहीं हुयी। वहां के माहौल में उसने जल्दी ही अपने आप को ऐडजेस्ट कर लिया और अपना सारा ध्यान अपनी पढ़ाई पर केन्द्रित कर दिया।

स्कूल के बाद कालेज और कालेज के बाद यूनीवर्सिटी। हाईस्कूल से लेकर एम0एस0सी0 तक की उसने सभी परीक्षाएं प्रथम श्रेणी में उत्तीर्ण कीं। जीव विज्ञान में पी0एच0डी0 का भी इरादा था उसका, पर घर वाले उस पर शादी करने के लिए दबाव डालने लगे। चूंकि शुरू से ही उसे अपनी मर्जी के मुताबिक कार्य करने की आदत सी पड़ गयी थी, इसलिए उसे यह फैसला स्वीकार्य न हो सका। बात जब काफी आगे बढ़ने लगी, तो एक दिन उसने स्पष्ट षब्दों में कह ही दिया, ‘‘शादी करना कोई बच्चों का खेल तो नहीं कि जब मां-बाप ने चाहा, डोली पर लाद दिया। जब तक मैं पी0एच0डी0 न कर लूं, शादी करना तो दूर, उसके बारे में सोच भी नहीं सकती।’’

जरीना भले ही कुछ भी हो, पर थी तो वह हाकिम की बेटी ही। और हाकिम को अपनी बेटी से ऐसी उम्मीद कतई न थी। हाकिम को लगा, जैसे किसी ने सीने पर हथौड़ा चला दिया हो। पर वे कर भी क्या सकते थे? एक के लिए वे छः-छः को बैठा कर नहीं रख सकते? सामाजिक मर्यादाओं और अपनी परिस्थितियों के दबाव में उन्होंने फैसला कर लिया कि जरीना चाहे शादी करे या न करे, वे अपनी दूसरी लड़कियों को तो निपटा ही देंगे।

हालांकि हाकिम की आर्थिक स्थिति कोई बहुत अच्छी न थी और न ही उन्होंने कोई बहुत बड़ी सम्पत्ति संजो कर रखी थी। लेकिन फिर भी किसी तरह से उन्होंने अपनी कोशिशों को अन्जाम देना षुरू कर दिया। जैसा भी हाकिम से बन पड़ा, आश्चर्यजनक ढ़ंग से उन्होंने अपनी बेटियों की जिम्मेदारी का निर्वहन किया। तीसरे साल जरीना की पी0एच0डी0 पूरी होते-होते उन्होंने अपनी छठवीं बेटी की भी नैया पार लगा दी।

जेनेटिक इंजीनियरिंग में डाक्टरेट की डिग्री प्राप्त करने के बाद जरीना को सुकून मिला। हालांकि इसके लिए उसे अपने कीमती चार वर्ष होम कर देने पड़े। फिर भी वह पारिवारिक टेंशन, सामाजिक दबाव और मन के अन्तर्द्वन्द्व को झेलकर विजय श्री का मुकुट धारण करने में कामयाब हो ही गयी।

अपनी उपलब्धियों का जखीरा एकत्रित करने के बाद जब जरीना अपने परिवार की स्थिति का जायजा लेने बैठी, तो उसका मन बड़ा खिन्न हुआ। मरजीना और तहमीना की तथाकथित रूप से उम्र ज्यादा हो जाने के कारण उनकी शादियां ऐसे व्यक्तियों से हुयी थीं, जोकि उम्र में उनसे पन्द्रह-पन्द्रह साल बड़े थे और सिर पर विधुर का ताज लगाए हुए थे।

सफीना ने तो प्रेम विवाह किया था, पर शायद ही कोई दिन ऐसा जाता हो, जब उसका पति पिटाई न करता हो। कारण वही पुराना, दहेज और सिर्फ दहेज। सकीना और शबीना की शादियां ऐसे घरों में हुयी थीं, जहां साल के बारहों महीने फाकाजनी का आलम रहता था। उनके पति चार दिन काम करते, तो सात दिन आराम। जब भूखों मरने की नौबत आ जाती, तो वे अपना होश संभालते। हां, सबसे छोटी आमिना की शादी जरूर अच्छे घर में हुयी थी। पर फिर भी उसे वह सब कुछ नहीं मिल पाया था, जिसकी वह हकदार थी।

एक दिन जरीना दोपहर के समय अपने कमरे में बैठी हुयी अखबार पढ़ रही थी। तभी उसे लगा कि मरजीना घर में मौजूद है। वह अपने कमरे से निकल कर बैठक में पहुंची, तो देखा कि वास्तव में मरजीना अपनी तीन छोटी-छोटी लड़कियों के साथ वहां उपस्थित है। उसके चेहरे के भाव बता रहे थे कि उसके साथ कोई बहुत बड़ी दुर्घटना हो चुकी है।

सलाम दुआ के बाद जैसे ही जरीना ने मरजीना के सिर पर स्नेह से हाथ फेरा, वह फफक कर रो पडी, ‘‘मैं कहीं की नहीं रही आपा। उन्होंने मुझे घर से निकाल दिया और दूसरी......’’ बाकी के शब्द उसकी सिसकियों के बीच ही कहीं गुम हो गये।

जरीना पर जैसे पहाड़ टूट पड़ा। उसने कांपते स्वरों में पूछा, ‘‘लेकिन क्यों?’’

‘‘क्योंकि मैं, मैं उनके खानदान का वारिस, एक लड़का नहीं पैदा कर सकी। मेरी कोख इस लायक नहीं हो सकी कि.....।’’

‘‘लेकिन इसमें तुम्हारा क्या कुसूर? इसके लिए तो वो जिम्मेदार है।’’ जरीना लगभग चीखी, ‘‘मैं तुम्हारे साथ यह नाइन्साफी नहीं होने दूंगी। आज ही मैं....।’’

मरजीना ने उसकी बात बीच में ही काट दी, ‘‘नहीं आपा, अब मैं वहां नहीं जा सकती। मैं इस घर के किसी कोने में पड़ी रहूंगी, पर उस दोजख में कभी नहीं जाऊंगी।’’

‘‘... ठीक है, जैसी तुम्हारी मर्जी।’’ जरीना ने भी अपने हथियार डाल दिये और अपने कमरे में लौट गयी।

काफी देर तक जरीना बैठी हुयी यह सोचती रही कि आखिर मरजीना लड़का पैदा नहीं कर सकती, तो इसमें उसका क्या दोष? सन्तान के लिंग निर्धारण की सारी जिम्मेदारी पुरूषों के शुक्राणुओं पर निर्भर करती है। यह बात तो आज सभी जानते हैं कि स्त्री में सिर्फ एक्स प्रकार के अण्डाणु (ओवा) पाए जाते हैं। लेकिन पुरूषों के शुक्राणु (स्पर्म) एक्स और वाई दो प्रकार के होते हैं।

गर्भाधान की क्रिया के दौरान जब पुरूष का एक्स शुक्राणु स्त्री के किसी अण्डाणु से निशेचन क्रिया करता है, तो लड़की पैदा होती है। लेकिन इस क्रिया में यदि वाई शुक्राणु कामयाबी का सेहरा पहनने में कामयाब हो जाए, तो पैदा होने वाली सन्तान लड़का होता है। चूंकि सामान्यतः पुरूष के एक्स शुक्राणु वाई की अपेक्षा कुछ हल्के होते हैं, इसलिए वे इस काम को सम्पन्न करने में कुछ ज्यादा सफल होते हैं। ....लेकिन रूढ़िवादिता से क्रस्त पुरूषों को यह बात समझाए तो कौन?

इस सवाल के जाल में जरीना कुछ ऐसी उलझी कि उसे शादी जैसे उपक्रम से ही घ्रणा हो गयी। उसने यह फैसला किया कि वह जीवन भर शादी नहीं करेगी। क्योंकि दलदल से बचने का सबसे अच्छा उपाय तो यही है कि उस ओर जाया ही न जाए।

हाकिम ने जब बेटी का फैसला सुना, तो अवाक रह गये। लेकिन अब उनमें इतनी हिम्मत न बची थी कि वे जरीना को समझाकर और तथाकथित रीतिरिवाजों का वास्ता देकर उसे शादी के लिए राजी करवा सकें। अतः इस समस्या के हल के लिए वे अपनी मां की शरण में पहुंचे। उन्हें उम्मीद थी कि शायद वे जरीना को उसके औरत होने का एहसास करा सकें और लाद सकें उस पर शादी का बोझ, जिसकी परम्परा सदियों से चली आ रही है।

लेकिन दादी भी जरीना के तर्कों के आगे टिक न सकीं। उसकी बातों को सुनकर वे एकदम सन्न रह गयीं। आजकल की लड़कियों की हिम्मत तो देखो, शादी से ही इनकार? ये कयामत के आसान नहीं तो और क्या है? लड़की का दिमाग फिर गया है। और दो उसे इतनी छूट? दिन भर घर के बाहर मंडराएगी, गैर मर्दों के साथ घूमती फिरेगी, तो और क्या होगा? अब तो इस घर की इज्जत को रब्बुलपाक ही बचाए!

बड़बड़ाते हुए दादी जैसे ही जीने से नीचे उतरने लगीं, हड़बड़ाहट में उनका पैर फिसल गया और वे धड़ाम के साथ नीचे आ गयीं। खण्डहर से जर्जर शरीर में इतनी ताब न बची थी कि वह सिर पर लगी मामूली से चोट को बर्दाश्त कर पाता। अतएव अत्यधिक खून बह जाने के नाम पर उनकी वहीं पर मौत हो गयी।

जरीना और हाकिम के बीच जो दूरी जरीना की नानी की जायदाद ने पैदा की थी, दादी की मौत ने उसे और बढ़ा दिया। हाकिम ने सीधे-सीधे जरीना को अपनी मां की मौत का जिम्मेदार मानते हुए उससे एक तरह से किनारा ही कर लिया। रहते तो वे एक छत के नीचे जरूर थे, पर बिलकुल अजनबी की तरह। न बाप को बेटी से कोई मतलब और न बेटी को बाप से कोई सरोकार।

धीरे-धीरे समय का पहिया एक वर्ष आगे खिसक गया। अचानक एक दिन सूचना मिली कि सफीना ने अपनी दो बेटियों के साथ आग लगाकर आत्महत्या कर ली है। सफीना उनकी सबसे लाडली बेटी थी। उन्हें पूरा विश्वास था कि वह ऐसा नहीं कर सकती। जरूर उसे उसकी ससुराल वालों ने जला दिया होगा। यही सोच-सोच कर वे एकदम विछिप्त हो गये।

अक्सर वे चीख पड़ते, ‘‘नहीं-नहीं, उन लोगों ने मेरी बेटी को जिंदा जला डाला। वह उनके लिए एक लड़का नहीं पैदा कर पाई न, इसलिए उन कमीनों ने मेरी बच्ची ...... सफीना को ...... जला दिया। खून कर दिया उन लोगों ने सफीना और उसकी मासूम बच्चियों का। वे खूनी हैं। मैं उन्हें जिन्दा नहीं छोडूंगा। एक-एक को फांसी दिलवाऊंगा।’’

जरीना को भी पूर विश्वास था कि सफीना और उसकी बेटियों की आग लगाकर हत्या की गयी है। उसने सफीना की ससुराल वालों के विस्द्ध अदालत में हत्या का मुकदमा दायर कर दिया। पानी की तरह पैसा बहा, अदालत के सैकड़ों चक्कर लगे, लेकिन इसके बावजूद जरीना ऐसा कोई सबूत न पेश कर सकी, जिससे साबित होता कि सफीना की ससुराल वालों ने उसकी व उसकी बेटियों की हत्या की है। और अन्ततः वही हुआ, जो होना था। सफीना की ससुराल के सभी लोग बाइज्जत बरी कर दिये गये।

इस अनचाहे दर्द से जरीना तड़प कर रह गयी। क्रोध आने लगा उसे अपनी विवशता पर। कितना सड़ गया है हमारा यह समाज, जहां कातिलों को सजा तक नहीं दिलाई जा सकती। वाकई कितना विकृत है इस दुनिया का यथार्थ?

इस सदमें ने जरीना को एकदम तोड़ दिया। खीझ कर उसने स्वयं को अपने आप में कैद कर लिया। न खाने की चिन्ता, न पीने से मतलब। रात-रात भर वह जागती रहती। जब कभी घड़ दो घड़ी के आंख लगती भी, तो उसे सपने में सफीना ही नजर आती। आग से घिरी सफीना, अपनी बच्चियों को गोद में चिपटाए, बेबस।

हमेशा की तरह आधी रात बीत जाने के बाद जब जरीना की आंखें लगीं, तो उस रोज भी सफीना वहां मौजूद थी। झुलसा हुआ चेहरा, एकदम काला, बेहद डरावना। जरीना स्तब्ध रह गयी। धीरे-धीरे चेहरे में हरकत हुयी। उसके होंठ कांपे, ‘‘जानती हो आपा, हमारा ये हाल क्यों किया गया?’’

एक क्षण के लिए जरीना जुर्म साबित हो चुके अपराधी की भांति शान्त रही। फिर धीरे-धीरे उसने अपनी शक्ति को एकत्रित किया और कांपते स्वरों में बोली, ‘‘जानती हूं, तुमसे अच्छी तरह से।’’

‘‘फिर आप कुछ करती क्यों नहीं?’’ सफीना का स्वर तेज हो गया, ‘‘इससे पहले कि यह घटना किसी और के साथ दोहरायी जाए, आपको कुछ करना ही होगा।’’

‘‘लेकिन क्या कर सकती हूं मैं ?’’

‘‘क्यों, आप तो पढ़ी-लिखी हैं। डाक्टरी पास की है आपने।’’

‘‘ ...............’’

‘‘क्या आप ऐसी कोई दवा नहीं बना सकतीं, जिससे लड़का पैदा किया जा सके ?’’

‘‘नहीं सफीना, ऐसा नहीं हो सकता। वो तो सब प्राकृतिक.........’’

‘‘क्यों नहीं हो सकता आपा? क्यों नहीं? इंसान चाहे तो क्या नहीं कर सकता? सिर्फ हौसला और लगन होनी चाहिए। .....और फिर आपको ऐसा करना ही होगा। अपनी दूसरी बहनों को दर्दनाक मौत से बचाने के लिए आपको ऐसी दवा बनानी ही हागी। नहीं तो आपकी सारी बहनें इसी तरह एक-एक करके मौत के घाट उतार दी जाएंगी और आप कुछ भी नहीं कर पाएंगी।’’

सफीना का स्वर गूंजता चला गया। और जब शोर हद से ज्यादा बढ़ गया, तो उसकी निद्रा भंग हो गयी। वह हड़बड़ा कर बिस्तर पर उठ बैठी। उसके बाद फिर उसे नींद नहीं आयी। सारी रात उसके कानों में सफीना की बातें गूंजती रहीं।

उस स्वप्न ने जरीना की सोच को एकदम बदल दिया। हमेशा गुमसुम सी रहने वाली जरीना के पास अब एक उद्देश्य था। उसे एक ऐसी दवा का निर्माण करना था, जो पुरूषों के वाई शुक्राणुओं को अधिक क्रियाशील बना सके। और अगर वह इस काम में सफल हो गयी, तो एक पुत्र के लिए अपने घरों में लड़कियों की लाइन लगा देने वाले और लड़का पैदा न होने की दषा में अपनी पत्नी के घर निकाला दे देने वाले लोग इस पाप से मुक्ति पा सकेंगे।

जेनेटिक इंजीनियरिंग में पी0एच0डी0 की डिग्री प्राप्त करने वाली जरीना ने अपना सारा ध्यान इसी पर केन्द्रित कर दिया। क्योंकि अगर इस दिशा में कुछ हो सकता था, तो उसकी सारी सम्भावनाएं जेनेटिक इंजीनियरिंग की रिकाम्बिनैन्ट पद्धति में ही निहित थीं।

लगातार दस वर्षों तक पुस्तकों और अपनी निजी प्रयोगशाला में सिर खपाने के बाद जरीना को मंजिल तक पहुंचने का सूत्र मिल ही गया। और वह सूत्र था लैम्डा फेज वाइरस। इस वाइरस की सहायता से जरीना ने एक्स क्रोमोसोम डिजेनेरेटिंग फैक्टर आफ ह्यूमन वैक्सीन तैयार की, जोकि एक प्रकार की क्लोन्ड जीन थी।

लेकिन जब इस वैक्सीन के परिणाम सामने आए, तो जरीना कांप उठी। जिस व्यक्ति के शरीर में यह वैक्सीन एक बार पहुंच जाती, उसके शरीर के समस्त एक्स प्रकार के शुक्राणुओं को नष्ट कर देती। इसके साथ ही साथ भविष्य में भी उस व्यक्ति के शरीर में बनने वाले एक्स शुक्राणु निश्क्रिय ही रहते। यानी कि जिस व्यक्ति ने एक बार इस वैक्सीन का प्रयोग कर लिया, तो फिर वह व्यक्ति जिंदगी भर किसी लड़की का पिता नहीं बन सकता था।

खन्दक से बचने के प्रयास में अन्जाने में ही खाई का निर्माण हो चुका था। यदि यह वैक्सीन बाजार में आ जाती, तो पुत्र-मोहान्ध पुरूषों की बदौलत बिक्री के सारे रिकार्ड तोड़ डालती। चूंकि समाज में लड़कियों का पैदा होना ही आमतौर पर एक बोझ मान लिया जाता है, इसलिए कोई भी पुरूष इससे दूर न रहना चाहता और परिणाम की चिन्ता किए बिना ही वैक्सीन का उपयोग कर डालता। ऐसी दशा में समाज की बनावट में भारी उलटफेर हो जाता और उसका सारा ढ़ाँचा ताश के पत्तों की तरह बिखर जाता।

वैक्सीन के सहारे जन्मी लड़कों की खेप भले ही विशेष प्रभावों के कारण वर्णान्धता रोग से दूर रहती, पर जब वह अपनी युवावस्था में पहुंचती, तो उनके जीवन साथी की तलाष आकाश के तारे तोड़ लाने से भी दूभर प्रक्रिया बन जाती। ऐसी स्थिति में उन लोगों के घर जन्मी लड़कियां, जिन्होंने वैक्सीन का प्रयोग नहीं किया था या जिनके हिस्से नकली वैक्सीन आई थी, परमाणु बम से भी ज्यादा महत्वपूर्ण हो जातीं। शायद लड़के वाले अपनी बहू लाने के लिए उल्टे लड़की वालों को दहेज देना प्रारम्भ कर देते। तब शायद लोग पांडव स्टाइल में पांच-पांच ही नहीं बीस-बीस या पचास-पचास मिलकर एक पत्नी रखते। स्थिति यहां तक बिगड़ती कि लड़कियों का व्यापार होने लगता और उनका घर से निकलना तक मुश्‍किल हो जाता।

...और तब ऐसी भयानक स्थिति में शायद किसी वैज्ञानिक को वाई0सी0डी0एफ0एच0 वैक्सीन का निर्माण करना पड़ता, जिसको प्रयोग कर पुरूष सिर्फ लड़कियों को जन्म देते। ऐसी दशा में समाज दो ध्वंसात्मक वर्गों में बंट जाता, जिसके शैतानी पंजों से निकल पाना बिलकुल असंभव सा हो जाता।

कट्टरता कभी भी किसी भी समाज के लिए कल्याणकारी नहीं हो सकती, चाहे वह विचारों की हो या फिर वैक्सीन की। लेकिन वैक्सीन तो बन चुकी थी। और न जाने कैसे यह खबर भारत के सबसे बड़े दवा निर्माता प्रभाकरन तक जा पहुंची। प्रभाकरन एक सफल व्यवसायी के साथ-साथ एक कुशल मनोविज्ञानी भी था। जरीना का पूरा इतिहास जानने के बाद वह उससे मिलने के लिए उसके घर जा पहुंचा। अपना परिचय देने के साथ प्रभाकरन ने जरीना के उन सभी मर्म स्थलों पर चोट पहुंचानी शुरू कर दी, जिनकी वजह से वह वैक्सीन निर्माण की ओर उन्मुख हुयी थी।

..और जब लोहा पूरी तरह से गर्म हो गया, तो उसने चोट करने में देर नहीं की। आकर्षक कमीशन के प्रस्ताव के साथ पेशगी के तौर पर सौ-सौ की नोटों से भरा 21 इंची सूटकेश जरीना की खिदमत में पेश किया गया।

प्रभाकरन को विश्वास था कि जरीना को तोहफे में पेश किया गया सूटकेश वैक्सीन के सूत्र को उस तक लाने में कामयाब हो जाएगा। वह वैक्सीन वास्तव में उसके लिए कुबेर के खजाने की चाबी साबित होने वाली थी। और एक बार जहां उसे वह चाबी मिल गयी, फिर उसे भारत का सबसे बड़ा अमीर बनने से कोई नहीं रोक सकता।

दूसरे दिन जब प्रभाकरन जरीना के घर पहुंचा, तो वह प्रतीक्षारत मिली। कुर्सी पर बैठते ही प्रभाकरन मुस्कराया, ‘‘मैं समझता हूं कि आपने वैक्सीन के सम्बंध में अपना निर्णय ले लिया होगा।’’

कहने के साथ ही उसने जरीना की ओर एक चेक बढ़ाया, ‘‘ये रहे मेरी तरफ से एडवांस, मात्र बीस लाख रूपयों का चेक। बाकी के अस्सी लाख आपको कांट्रैक्ट पर साइन करने के साथ ही दे दिए जाएंगे। इसके अलावा बिक्री प्रारम्भ होने पर प्राफिट पर पच्चीस प्रतिशत कमीशन आपको हर माह मिलता रहेगा।’’

जरीना चुपचाप बैठी रही। उसके भीतर अन्तर्द्धन्द्ध छिड़ा हुआ था। एक तरफ सफीना की दर्दनाक मौत, दस साल की कड़ी मेहनत, नोटों का अम्बार, और दूसरी तरफ इंसानियत और समाज। चुनना तो उसे एक ही था। उसके एक फैसले पर समाज की गति निर्भर करने वाली था। सिर्फ एक ‘हां’ से पूरे समाज का ढ़ांचा ही बदल जाता और छिड़ जातीी एक महान क्रान्ति, जो किन्ही अर्थों में द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध से भी भयानक होती।

जरीना की स्थिति सम्मोहित व्यक्ति की सी हो गयी थी। जैसे उसकी सोचने-समझने की शक्ति ही समाप्त हो गयी हो। बस जो सामने वाला चाहे, वह होता चला जाए। मौके की नजाकत के विशेषज्ञ प्रभाकरन ने एक पतली सी मुस्कान बिखेरते हुए कांट्रैक्ट फार्म आगे कर दिया, ‘‘लीजिए जरीना जी, प्लीज आप यहां पर साइन कर दीजिए।’’

बिना किसी प्रतिवाद के जरीना ने फार्म उठा लिया। प्रभाकरन का दिल खुशी के मारे बल्लियों उछलने लगा। उसे लगा कि अब दिल्ली दूर नहीं। अब उसके पास होगी अरबों की दौलत। और वह होगा हिन्दुस्तान का सबसे बड़ा उद्योगपति।

पर तभी जरीना को अचानक न जाने क्या हुआ? देखते ही देखते उसने कान्ट्रैक्ट फार्म के चार टुकड़े कर दिए। उसका चेहरा चट्टान की तरह सख्त हो चुका था। इससे पहले कि प्रभाकरन कुछ समझ पाए, जरीना के होंठ हिले, ‘‘माफ कीजिएगा प्रभाकरन जी, चंद नोटों के लिए मैं अपने समाज की खुशियाँ नहीं बेंच सकती।’’ कहते हुए जरीना ने सूटकेश को मेज पर पटका और कमरे से बाहर निकल गयी।

...............

'इण्डिया टुडे' ने वर्ष 1996 में राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर युवा कथाकार प्रतियोगिता का आयोजन किया था, जिसमें नारीवादी चेतना पर आधारित यह विज्ञान कथा द्वितीय स्थान पर चुनी गयी थी।

An SF Event in India

2010-08-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Karthik Purushothaman is a second year student of Aerospace Engineering in the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He is coordinating a grand gala event of sf named 'solaris' along with a Science Fiction writing contest on the occasion of his institute's tech-festival, 'Shaastra 2010'.Details could be accessed on the following links provided by the IITean /SF aficionado himself.
Event has two competitions -one online and one on the spot.
http://www.shaastra.org/2010/main/events/unwind/scifi_writing

http://www.shaastra.org/2010/main/events/online_events/online_scifi

He briefed me about these events and told that the contest's spot events are due in between the 2nd and 5th of October, 2010, and the accompanying online event has a deadline of the end of September. He is in frantic search of an expert of repute for judging the On-Spot contest (which might/might not require his presence at Chennai) in addition to the Mike Resnick and Jim Kelly as established judges for Online Event . .he is very much concerned, and genuinely so to search for the ways to bring in higher participation to this event.And he has sought my help regarding it .
Please help him in his crusade to promote the genre in India .

Indian science fiction authors fret niche,hope for more readers...

2010-05-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

Please read the full story here !

Mainstream and Genre SF: Emergence and Trends in Hindi vis a vis Western Literature

2010-03-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Mainstream and Genre SF: Emergence and Trends in Hindi vis a vis Western Literature
Arvind Mishra
Indian Science Fiction Writers Association
16, Cotton Mill Colony

Chowkaghat ,Varanasi-221002

Email:drarvind3@gmail.com
zakirlko@gmail.com

It would be perhaps worthwhile to get familiarize with the terminologies and abbreviations used in the write-up first and then begin a focused discussion on the topic. Literary academics usually indulge in discussions pertaining to the term ‘genre’ which in fact is indicative of a group of literary works having common defining characteristics. For example .in the mystery it is crime, in science fiction it is an extrapolated technology or social system. There are many other recognized genres as well: humour, history, romance, mystery, fantasy, horror, suspense, action .etc.

Sf is either labeled science fiction purposefully by some authors or written by so called mainstream writers but seldom mentioned as sf. The term ‘genre sf is used to denote that science fiction which is either labeled as science fiction or the one which is instantly recognized by its audience as belonging to that category or both.(Clute and Nicholls,1995) . Mainstream can technically refer to anything that is not a defined genre/category. It is indicative of the tradition of realistic fiction and encompasses all serious prose fiction.

It could further be stated that a conscious author of genre sf is very well aware of working within a particular genre which contain certain habits of thought ,certain ‘conventions’ of rules of story telling. .Many different genres could also be easily identified by the fact that they have their own separate sections in the bookstores. The stuff that is under the general fiction sections of the bookstores is considered mainstream fiction. Mainstream is also used sometimes by some people as a synonym for "commercial," which is used to differentiate books like ’Discovery of India’ by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and many other well known titles. Thus when the term "mainstream,” is used it basically refers to non-genre fiction, which is the most common definition of the term. As we know there are ‘subgenres ’also within a genre and common sub-genres in science fiction are: hard science fiction (lots of science,) soft (sociological) sf (focused on social and cultural issues,) detective sf, comic sf, science fantasy, and cyberpunk (Cyborg, man –computer interface stuff) etc.

Early writings in Hindi sf appears to have been mainly a mainstream endeavour .The first sf, ‘Aaschry Vrittaant’ (A Strange Tale) was written by Ambika Datt Vyas and was published in a mainstream Hindi magazine “Peeyush Pravah’’during 1883 -1884 as a serial story. This perhaps was a trend setter to herald an entirely a new kind of fictional literature hitherto unfamiliar to mainstream Hindi literati. The trend continued with more of such literature which were no doubt inspired by the similar western stuff then in vogue in USA and UK. A famous Hindi literary popular mainstream magazine ‘Saraswati ’published a story in its part -1,no-6,issue entitled “Chandrlok ki Yatra”(A Journery to Moon ) written by Babu Keshav Prasad Singh along with a Hindi prose story which was later claimed to be the first modern prose story .of Hindi literature. The “Chandrlok ki Yatra” was of course inspired by Jules Verne’s “Voyages Extraordinaire” .Later more stories were published in ‘Saraswati ‘ prominent of these being “Aaschryjanak Ghantee’’ ( A call bell wonder ) in 1908 written by Satyadev Parivrajak But most significant contribution was made by a famous littérateur of the era named Rahul Sankrityayan who in 1924 published an sf novel entitled , “Baayisaveen Sadi ”(Twenty Second Century ) .This was an original sf in true sense most similar to today’s genre sf but was published and promoted as a mainstream Novel. Some other famous litterateurs of that period viz, Achaary Chatursen Shastree , Sampooranand wrote sf stories disguised as mainstream literature.

It is thus evident that the early sf writings in Hindi were being marketed as simply fiction without adhering to the label of sf. Interestingly they were doing it innocently as the term science fiction barely existed till 1930’s even in the countries where the genre was born. Even western writers were not aware of it .Most of the well known litterateurs of the western world did not publish their works as genre sf till 1940’s.Aldous Huxley wrote his famous sf novel ‘Brave New World’ (1932) for mainstream media and not for any genre category. It could be argued though that genre sf existed ever since Hugo Gernsback founded ‘Amazing Stories ‘ in 1926 but it was still a miniscule genre not much publicized. Genre sf came out to be a post -1937 phenomenon when John W Campbell Jr. took over the editorship of ‘Astounding Fiction’ .Onwards, genre sf undeniably became established as a new/known form of literature. Sf that existed till then was all mainstream sf like the works of even H.G.Wells and Jules Verne. H.G. Wells even coined a term –“Scientific Romance” which certainly qualified to an sf like tradition.

A paradigm shift in attitude to promote Hindi sf as a mainstream literature only seems to have emerged with the writings of Naval Bihari Mishra(NBM) and Yamunadatt Vaishnav Ashok (YVA) beginning from 1930’s .The duo repeatedly pin pointed that the stories being written by them belonged to a special genre called science fiction /fantasy. Naval Bihari Mishra while promoted sf in its contemporary original western form, Yamuna Datt Vaishnav Ashok should be credited for inculcating what should be called ‘Indianness ‘in his stories. He successfully did it with careful introduction of local locations, familiar protagonists and the plot development. But he meticulously planned and dealt with innovative sci fictional theme- contents in his stories. It was his dexterity of writing skill that he maintained both the ‘Indianness’ and scientific romance together in his stories.

A detailed account of his publications is available elsewhere. It was with the collective efforts of NBM and YVA only that genre sf emerged and soon got recognized amongst Hindi literati. After 1980’s the visibility of two distinct waves appears to be quite distinct, first being the traditional mainstream sf wave of course not labeled as sf and with its sporadic appearance from time to time and another genre sf as a regular feature of Hindi science magazines like Vigyan Pragti , Vigyan ,Vaigyanik, Garima Sindhu ,Vigyan Gnaga and Awishkar .But owing to reasons better known to its publishers Awishkar has lately discontinued the publication of genre sf. The popular Hindi magazines which published mainstream sf included Saaptaahik Hindustan ,Dharmyug ,Sarika, Navneet etc. But except Navneet the other magazines have ceased their publications long back. This has regretfully dampened the scope of mainstream sf in Hindi lately. But it’s a good omen that genre sf is now being recognized and accepted as form of serious literature though only to selected Hindi audience. Vigyan Pragati (C.S.I.R) should be credited for publishing genre sf as a regular feature till date , since the praiseworthy initiative taken by its editor Bal Phondke during 1990’s.

But genre sf is yet to win full academic acceptance amongst Indian literati especially in Hindi literature (although it is getting closer of late for reasons which give no credit to the academy).The psychology behind the attitude seems to be the dismissive nature of literary-critical rhetoric against the genre. The harsh truth being that it is very easy to try to raise oneself up by knocking others down. It’s the self-appointed conservator of literary taste, in literary criticism, who remains deliberately most critical in their attitude towards sf in general and genre sf in particular. Science fiction is still struggling to attract the attention of mainstream literati. It is still looked down with contempt and ridicule by a group of self appointed and so called great connoisseurs of Hindi literature.

There is also a growing worldwide tendency these days to insinuate sf into mainstream fiction. It makes some people a bit skeptical to think that the tendency may harm the genre sf and its purity and quality may ultimately suffer with the inception of so many well known and stated weaknesses of mainstream literature. But I feel there's a snobbery going on, that if SF is to make it into mainstream markets then it had better be of an artistically vague nature, that somehow good literature cannot come from a more "hard core" approach. In all humility I must submit that a good sf could qualify for mainstream media as it too possesses potential and capacity to allure large readership. So the demarcation/divide in sf and mainstream literature is nothing but the reflection of a kind of snobbery exhibited by so called literary pundits .The divide hopefully would vanish with more intellectual inputs in mainstream media made by ever growing numbers of sf writers in Hindi .In a personal conversation Greg Bear assured me and said. “I quite agree, Dr. Mishra. The more technically and scientifically trained people there are in India--and there are already a great many!--the more accepted science fiction will become.”( http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=553)

(Paper presented in 11th Indian Sci Fi Conference held in Aurangabad,2009.)

द बीस्ट विथ नाईन बिलियन फीट -एक समीक्षा

2010-02-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

समीक्षा
द बीस्ट विथ नाईन बिलियन फीट
( साईंस फिक्शन उपन्यास )
उपन्यासकार -अनिल मेनन
यंग जुबान प्रकाशन (२००९)
१२८ बी ,शाहपुर जाट
नई दिल्ली
मूल्य -२९५,पृष्ठ -२५९

अनिल मेनन की 'द बीस्ट विथ नईं बिलियन फीट ' एक हैरतंगेज नईं दुनिया 'की कहानी है जो २०४० में वजूद में आती है .इस दुनिया की जो दहशतनाक परिकल्पना उपन्यास में प्रस्तुत हुई है उसके मुताबिक़ वह दुनिया होगी जीन परिवर्धित /संशोधित मानवों की जो तब तक निश्चित ही नौ अरब तक का आंकड़ा छू रहे होंगे -यह उपन्यास एक विज्ञानं कथा प्रेमी को निश्चित ही आल्डुअस हक्सले की कालजयी कृति ब्रेव न्यू वर्ल्ड की याद दिलायेगी और उसी सोच के एक विस्तारित नए और आधुनिक /समकालीन संस्करण के रूप में अपना छाप पाठकों पर छोड़ेगी . जीवों को जीन में परिवर्तन से उनमें मनोवांछित तब्दीली अब हकीकत में बदल चुकी हैं -जेनेटिकली माडीफायिड आर्गेनिजम(जी एम ओ ) अब तरह तरह के रूपं रंग में हमारे जन जीवन का हिस्सा बनने लगे हैं -खाने के मेज तक उनकी पहुँच हो रही है और शायद शयन कक्ष भी उनसे जायदा दूर नहीं रह गया है .....मतलब वे अब मनुष्य की दैनंदिन जिन्दगी का हिस्सा बनते जा रहे हैं .

अगर यह सिलसिला निर्बाध चलता रहा तो वह दिन दूर नहीं जब डाली सरीखे पशु -पक्षी ही नहीं मनचाहे गुणों अवगुणों वाले मनुष्यों के जीन संवर्धित रूपों के निर्माण को भी हरी झंडी मिल जायेगी -अनिल मेनन जो एक जाने माने विज्ञान कथाकार हैं इसी मुद्दे को अपने इस पहले उपन्यास की थीम बनाते हैं .उपन्यास की लोकेशन भारत के पुणे शहर से लेकर उत्तरी ध्रुव से करीब ढाई हजार किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्वीडेन में बसाये जा रहे एक नए शहर नुर्थ (न्यू अर्थ ) तक फैली हुई है -वह क्षेत्र हिमाच्छादित है और उपन्यास का एक प्रमुख पात्र आडी (आदि) जो मनुष्य के जीनीकरण का आरम्भ है (अतः आदि! ) कथा के अंत तक भी उपन्यास के आकर्षण /विकर्षण का केंद्र बिंदु बना रहता है .वहीं वह एक भयंकर दुस्वप्न देखता है -जैसे कोई नौ अरब आँखों ,ह्रदय और पैरों वाला राक्षस (जीन संवर्धित दानवता! ) बढा चला आ रहा है उसकी ओर और एक महिला पात्र विस्पला उसे विनष्ट करने को आगे बढ रही है -यह दृश्य -प्रतीति देवी दुर्गा द्वारा महिषासुर मर्दन के भारतीय मिथक सा है जिसे उपन्यासकार ने जानबूझकर या अनजाने ही चित्रित कर दिया है .शायद इसलिए कि वह भी एक हिन्दू मनसा भारतीय है जिसके अवचेतन पर भारतीय मिथकों का प्रभाव है ही ....याद है मेरी शेली के 'फ्रैकेंनस्टीन' में भी डॉ. फ्रैंन्केंस्टीन का प्रयाण स्थल एक ऐसा ही बर्फीला लैंडस्केप रहता है जहां उपन्यास का केन्द्रीय दानव पात्र वहां प्रगट होता है ?क्या आदि के स्वप्न के भयंकर और भयावने दानव का भी समान बर्फीले लैंडस्केप में प्रगट होना रचनाकार के एक दूसरे अवचेतन के लिपि बद्ध होते जाने का संयोग मात्र ही तो नहीं है ?

उपन्यास पात्र बहुल है -पढ़ते वक्त कभी कभी थोड़ी खीझ भी होती है और आश्चर्य भी कि इतने पात्रों के चरित्र -चित्रण का निर्वाह उपन्यासकार कैसे कर पायेगा -मगर कहानी के अग्रसर होने पर सहज ही पात्र कम होने लगते हैं .सिवान भाऊ मुख्य चरित्रों में से हैं जो जीन संवर्धन प्रयोगों को 'मुक्त सोर्स' बनाए रखने के हिमायती हैं और सक्रिय राजनीति में उतर आते हैं -राजनीतिक विद्वेष के शिकार होते हैं मगर फिर अपनी मनमाफिक पार्टी के पुनः सत्ता में आने पर प्रतिष्ठित हो जाते हैं -उनकी धुर विरोधी महिला पात्र विस्पला जो "शुद्ध जीन " अभियान की जनक है वह जीन संवर्धित सामानों को उपभोक्ताओं तक पहुँचाने में व्यावसायिक हितों को भी देखती है -वह एक दूसरे प्रोजेक्ट पर भी काम करती है जिसमें मनुष्य की प्रतिरक्षा प्रंणाली को उद्वेलित कर उसकी उम्र बढ़ने की प्रक्रिया पर विराम लगाने की जुगत है .और इस स्वप्न को चरितार्थ करने के लिए वह सिवान भाऊ को जिम्मा देती हैं मगर सिवान भाऊ इस परियोजना से हाँथ खींच लेते हैं क्योकि उन्हें ऐसा आभास हो जाता है कि इससे मनुष्य की बौद्धिकता ,उसके संज्ञात्मक शक्ति,भावनाओं पर बुरा प्रभाव पड़ सकता है .आदि ,सिवान भाऊ का एक ऐसा ही हतभाग्य पुत्र है जिस पर उनके द्वारा गर्भावस्था के दौरान प्रयोग परीक्षण किया गया था -सिवान भाऊ इस तरह एक तरह से ग्लानी बोध से ग्रस्त हैं और इस तथ्य का खुलासा होने पर आदि भी अपने पिता के प्रति विद्रोह कर उनके धुर विरोधी विस्पला का दामन थाम लेता है .

जी हाँ ,पात्रों की तो भरमार है -आदि, तारा भाई -बहन ,रिया और फ्रैंसिस विस्पला के कोखज नहीं केवल अंडज और जेनेटिकली माडीफायिड पुत्र -पुत्री ,सिवान भाऊ का चहेता पुलिस अधिकारी प्रणय ,सिवान की पत्नी उषा ,संस्कृत अध्यापक अय्यर जी,सिवान की बहन सीता तथा और भी ढेर सारे गौण और मुखर पात्र - ये सब उपन्यास में आते रहते हैं और कथानक आगे सरकता रहता है कभी मंथर तो ज्यादातर तीव्र गति से .....लेकिन जिस कुशलता और सिद्धहस्तस्ता से उपन्यासकार ने इन ढेर सारे पात्रों को कथानक में बुना है वह काबिले तारीफ़ है .

साईंस फिक्शन की पृष्ठभूमि पाठकों के लिए काफी अनचीन्ही होती है क्योकि वह मौजूदा दुनियां से ताल्लुक नही रखती है -इस उपन्यास में भी उपन्यास के विभिन्न लैंडस्केप, लोकेशन और समूची पृष्ठभूमि को तैयार करने में उपन्यासकार का घोर परिश्रम दिखता है -अजनबी दुनिया के अजनबी लोग ,अजनबी वस्तुएं ,बोलते बतियाते स्मार्ट घर ,पुष्पक विमान सरीखा अनुभूतियों से युक्त यान लिंक्स,बुद्धिमान खिलौने -जैसे एक जी एम तोता जो उपन्यास की मुख्यधारा का पात्र बन जाता है ,विष वृक्ष जिसके दंश हाथी तक मार डालने में सक्षम हैं -लाहू द्वीप तक जाने के लिए होलोग्राफिक इमेज प्रक्षेपण तकनीक ,वहां की जी एम शार्कें -यह सब एक आश्चर्यलोक की सैर से कम नहीं है -आज भी कहाँ हैं वजूद में ऐसी दुनिया?

उपन्यास के बहुल पात्र और उसकी वैश्विक भाषा (यह कहने भर को अंगरेजी का उपन्यास है ) -संस्कृत ,जर्मन ,स्वीडिश ,हिन्दी .और हाँ कथा माध्यम के रूप में मौजूद अंगरेजी इस उपन्यास में समेकित होकर 'अनेकता में एकता' का ही मानों भारतीय उद्घोष करते हों मगर वस्तुतः एक वैश्विक साहित्य का प्रतिमान /मानदंड भी प्रस्तुत करते हैं .कथानक बच्चों के मिलने जुलने और उनके कोमल अनुभव संसार से आरम्भ होकर विस्तार पाता है -जो शायद लेखक के बचपन के ही अवचेतन के तमाम पृष्ठों का ही खुलते जाने जैसा लगता है - संवाद शैली ही कथा प्रवाह का मुख्य शिल्प है .

सचमुच एक बेजोड़ कृति

Just Arrived :The Beast with Nine Billion Feet

2010-02-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

Just Received

The Beast with Nine Billion Feet
Anil Menon

260 pp pbk

ISBN 9788189884390
Publisher:Zubaan Books
The book is just received,not read but the very title and a bird eye view evoke some eerie feelings as if it is in tradition of the fables depicting mythological characters like 'Sahstrbaahu' -the one having thousands hands.It has to be seen how the learned author has blended the myth and sf in his debut sf novel.

Full review later.
P.S.
The book is also available at TheStorez.com

अवतार :मिथक और भविष्य की प्रौद्योगिकी का संगम!

2009-12-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

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 !

समीक्षा के लिए यहाँ और यहाँ भी देख सकते हैं !

लेखक , निर्देशक : जेम्स कैमरॉन

कलाकार : सैम वर्दिगगटन, सिगोनी वीवर

समयावधि : 162 मिनट

विधा : विज्ञान फंतासी

ट्वनटीयेथ सेंचुरी फाक्स प्रस्तुति

Eleventh Annual National Conference on Science Fiction in Indian Literature:A Report

2009-11-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

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 21^st 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 2^nd 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 Mumbai University 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 20^th century witnessed the evolution of SF through Hindi magazines such as ‘Saraswati’ , Paraag and Dharmyug. The 21^st 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 21^st 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 18^th 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 14^th 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 15^th 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 Marathwara University 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.

विज्ञान कथा के इतिहास का वह चिर स्मरणीय वार्तालाप ....

2009-10-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

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 !

Science Fiction in Indian Literature -An Anouncement!

2009-10-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

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 on 14-15th November 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

मैंने भी देखी डिस्ट्रिक्ट ९ ( विज्ञान फंतासी फिल्म समीक्षा )

2009-09-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

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 !

अन्तरिक्ष के लुटेरे !

2009-09-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

अन्तरिक्ष के लुटेरे

अन्तरिक्ष के लुटेरे -एक समीक्षा !

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 !

पुस्तक पठनीय और बच्चों को उपहार देने योग्य है !

सच्चाई से रूबरू होती विज्ञान फंतासी !

2009-08-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

खबर खौफनाक है ! अमेरिका ने मनुष्य के अन्वेषित जीन सीक्वेंस को पेटेंट देना शुरू कर दिया है ! 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 !

पूरी ख़बर यहाँ पर

RIP: Gene Van Troyer

2009-08-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

Gene Van Troyer 1950-2009

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 .

Defining SF -Indian Approach !

2009-05-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

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 at some 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 be derived from our own but only by making appropriate changes in the level 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 !

2009-04-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

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 )

Science Fiction and Mythology -Bridging The Gap !

2009-03-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Regards
Swapnil Bhartiya
Assistant Editor
www.efytimes.com

From: Greg Bear
Date: 04/02/2007

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...)

From: Arvind mishra
Location: Varanasi
Date: 04/03/2007

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...

From: arvind mishra
Location: Varanasi,India
Date: 04/09/2007

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

From: Greg Bear
Date: 04/10/2007

My pleasure, Arvind! Thanks for writing!

More on First National Discussion on Science Fiction !

2009-02-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

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 discussions of 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 and Indian 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 10^th 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 11^th 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, Vishnu Prasad 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 that impact 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. Fiction written 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.Heinlein has 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.

It is important to know the relationship of fantasy with SF. Somebody suggested that SF is a beautiful balance between fantasy and facts. This sounds attractive but, as will be seen soon, it is not tenable. It was also suggested that fantasy cannot be ruled out from SF because any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic ( or fantasy). This being true, it does not mean that all fantasy would become sufficiently advanced technology. It means that some fantansies may becom part of SF, but most of them cannot. It is worthwhile to note Mr.Rod Serling's thought on SF which is, "Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.” It does distinguish between SF and fantasy, an important distinction. Thus it rules out any definition of SF which is based on SF. Fantasy has its uses, but is different from SF, although the line dividing them may be thin. Speculative Fiction is obviously not SF for it does not obey the main principles of SF as explained.

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, another definition 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 weaknesses of 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.

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Benaras Document on Science Fiction -2008 (Draft)

2009-01-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Benaras Document on Science Fiction -2008 (Draft)

-Professor Sagarmal Gupta
Sobhasaria Eng. College
Siker,Rajsthan

A five day (November 10-14, 2008) National discussion entitled ‘The First Ever National Discussion: Science Fiction: Past, Present Future’ was organized in the holy city of Varanasi, India. The event was jointly sponsored by National Council for Science and Technology, Communication (NCSTC) New Delhi, Indian Science Fiction Writers’ Association (ISFWA), Faizabad, Indian Association for Science Fiction Studies (IASFS), Vellore.
The conference was convened and coordinated by Dr. Arvind Mishra, a noted Science Fiction writer and science activist himself. The conference was attended by about 100 delegates from all over India, including SF buffs, SF writers, SF readers, professors, administrators, persons from the media, puppeteers, magicians science activist and students and researchers of science communication and SF genre.

The landmark achievement of the Conference is the preparation of Benaras Document – 2008, which will go down in red letters in the annals of SF in India. This document is the brainchild of Dr. Manoj Patraiya, Director NCSTC .

Preamble
Fiction writing and reading is very popular among intellectuals.Lately India has produced Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai and Arvind Adiga, who have won the coveted and prestigious Booker Prize for their novels. Detective Fiction by Sherlock Holmes, Raymond Chandler, Earl Stanley Gardner and a host of other writers are widely read all over the world. SF, on the other hand, (though almost 150 years old in its origin) does not enjoy that much readership.
A science fiction is a fine fabric of a number of elements together interwoven in a manner so as to entertain the reader on the one hand and to arouse one’s creative imagination on the other. It can also inform us with an analytical and rational approach as also enable us to foresee futuristic perspectives. Several classical Science fiction stories prepared the ground for a number of landmark inventions. Further, it has tremendous potential to motivate, to educate and entertain the masses especially the children, science fiction can be a popular means of science communication.

But it is sad that it does not enjoy that popularity which is enjoyed by fiction in general and detective fiction in particular even in the age of science and technology. Concerted effort on the part of writers, readers critics, syllabus framers, publishers, and media personnel is required to popularize science fiction. Hence ‘The Benaras Document’.

Objective
The objective of the Document is to popularize and propagate SF amongst children, students, researchers, professors, common readers and science buffs in particular and to create science awareness and scientific temper in general.
Questions That were Addressed to
The Document addressed itself to the following questions in five sub-committees formed out of the conference delegates:
1. What is Science Fiction?
2. Is Science Fiction a part of Science Communication?
3. Should Fantasy be included in SF?
4. Is Speculative fiction a part of SF?
5. Should SF be anachronistic, synchronistic or futuristic or would be all the three?
6. What is the objective of SF?
7. Should the history of SF be included in the Document?
8. What is the scope of SF?
9. What recommendation can be made for the promotion and propagation of SF?
10. Should SF be included in the curricula?
11. What strategies be adopted for the teaching of SF?

The Draft Outline

There was a lot of disagreement about the definition and scope of Science Fiction among SF writers and SF buffs. Some writers insisted on SF being futuristic whereas some were happy with the synchronic description of Science and Technology in SF. Some writers were against including fantasy whereas others felt that fantasy helped in resolving the problems of reality. Some insisted on the inclusion of human values in SF – writing. Some discussants argued that anachronism is a disqualification in literature but there could be a place for anachronism, synchronism and futurism in SF. One critic of SF felt that SF is a literary art; structure is important and human sensitivity is also important, he argued. According to some writers, science fiction combines both literature of knowledge and literature of power. One writer of science communication went to the extent of saying that SF is a part of Science communication whereas one writer of SF vociferously refuted this supposition and said that SF and Science communication are entirely different and by writing SF, we are not popularizing SF. Arguing against the inclusion of human values, one SF writer says that the term human values is a relative term and is governed by time and place whereas SF is neutral to such human values.

Finally, all the delegates came to define SF in the following words. SF deals with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals; it often involves speculation based on current or future science or / and technology. Science Fiction combines science elements with fictional elements in such a way that the form and content are fully merged. Fantasy cannot be ruled out from SF because any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Like a literary fiction, SF has a plot, characters, and a point of view. The plot of SF is scientific in that it is based on current or future laws of science. It can make predictions about future science but need not. The plot of SF should follow Aristotle’s dictum to the effect that there can be probable impossibilities in SF but not improbable possibilities.

The scope of SF is extending. SF started as adventure stories (Vide Jule Verne’s From Earth to Moon (1865) and ‘Around the Moon’ (1870); ‘Aashcharya Vrittant’ (‘A Strange Tale by Ambika Dutt and Chandra Lok Ki Yatra, ‘Journey to the Moon’ by Kesav Prasad Singh in Hindi; in Japanese, Ukeshiro Monogartan by Yano Ruykeis) and included lunar journey, space exploration, robotics, mathematics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, surrogacy, genetic engineering, cloning and stem cells in its fold. The current SF includes cyberpunk, space opera, alternate history fiction, science satire, motion pictures and television series in its fold. In contemporary SF, there is a combination of myth with modern technology Ashok Kumar Banker reimagines The Ramayan in a SF context. This treatment of the Ramayan is parallel to CS Levi’s treatment of the New Testament in ‘The Chronicles of Namia. These examples highlight the extension of the scope of SF in the contemporary world and refers to its unlimited possibilities.
Recommendations

The following recommendations were made by the delegates to ensure the promotion and propagation of SF:

(1) It was suggested that an SF Cell be set up with a Director in a University with the financial assistance from NCSTC, New Delhi. This Cell will be entrusted with the following responsibilities among others:

(a) This cell will look after the promotion and propagation of SF and SF studies.

(b) It will award fellowships to researchers to do research on SF including Indian and regional SF.

(c) It will arrange national and international conferences on SF in which publishers too be invited among others.

(d) It will organize workshops on SF for new writers and students of science communication to train them in the art of SF.

(e) It will organize contests among SF writers at regional and national level.

(f) It will promote translation of regional and Hindi SF writing into English and vice versa.

(2) Arrangements be made to broadcast and telecast SF.

(3) Serials on SF Like ‘Star Trek’ be telecast and broadcast.

(4) Blogs and websites be created to promote SF.

(5) Boards of Secondary Education and Universities be approached to include SF in the curriculum.

(6) Effective Teaching Strategies be evolved to teach SF in the classrooms so that its readership can be increased.

The Benaras Document in its present form is just preliminary. Comments and suggestions are invited from other participants of the national discussion and general audience to make the Document more meaningful, action and result oriented.
Panelist-
Chairman-Dr.Manoj Patairiya
Modeartor-Dr.Arvind Mishra
Raporteaur-Dr.Geetha B
Presentations-
Air Vice Marshal(retd.) V.M.Tiwari
Dr.R.R.Upadhyaya
Ms.Reema Sarwal
Dr.Taralika Trivedi
Dr.Afrina Rizvi
Ms.Meenu Khare
Mr.K.Mohan
Mr.Vishnu Prasad Chaturvedi