Elizabeth Stanton (1815-1902) an American abolitionist and campaigner for woman suffrage in her co-written book with Susan B. Anthony and Matilda Gage "History of Woman Suffrage" commenting on the dreadful exploitation of womenfolk, writes "The prolonged slavery of women is the darkest page in human history."
At a first glance it seems that it is just a simple sentence. If one goes into the deep of this sentence one will feel a world of meaning and plight which has been concealed in it. The barbaric and slavery attitude of man with woman is the shameful part of human history. That is the reason a chain of anger and great annoyance are travelling parallel age by age against the male domination along with their cruelty and inequality.
In spite of this undeniable cruelty of male against female we can see some good examples of those people who have been defending, in all ages, the right of women. Though they are few in number but they supported and fought for women's rights of freedom, equal status, higher education, participation in social activities, even involvement in politics.
Urdu poets, writers and intellectuals world over have also given special attention to this effect. They underlined the necessities of peace, equality and love between men and women. They stressed this not upon Pakistanis, but also among the males and females of whole South Asia as well as whole world to achieve meaningful peace, progress and prosperity for the entire humankind in the real sense.
The author of the book "Khak Main Suratain" is among those who are minimum in number but have maximum courage to depict the truth. He has admitted the exploitation of females and has given the honest account of this ugly tendency, which has been continued in every age.
Fiza Aazmi is a bi-lingual writer. He has written 11 books in English and seven in Urdu. His first poetic anthology had come out under the title of "Jo Dil Pay Guzerti Hai". This book consists of ghazals and different kinds of poetry. Five years later his second book "Teri Shabahat Kay Dairay Main" came out. It is a collection of ghazals only. "Kursi Nama-e-Pakistan" is his third book, which has been published twice.
Its first edition was printed in 1998 and second in 2002. "Kursi Nama-e-Pakistan" has been written satirically and deals with politics of Pakistan with reference to greed of power and corruption in Pakistan. Aazmi's fourth book is "Marsia-e-Marg-e-Zamir" pinpoints the shortcomings and weaknesses of men and women focusing their conscience, belief, manner, ideology and hypocrisy. "Kursi Nama-e-Pakistan" and "Marsia-e-Marg-e-Zamir" are also written in long poetic form.
The author's four books written in English, such as "Kashmir, an unparalleled curfew", "Ancient law", "diplomatic persuaders" and "New role of mass media" may especially be referred to as these books are not only marvellous in style but also thought provoking in content. These have a taste of history too. His all the 11 books in English have been enlisted in the Library of Congress of US.
Like many other poets and writers, Fiza Aazmi in his book under review has given special attention to the grievances of women.
The book "Khak Main Suratain" may be said to be a timely production as the incidents like Mukhtaran Maee, Zainab Sonia Naz and Meraj are occurring regularly and being discussed by all concerned. Moreover, Rural Women's Day is also being held in this month. NGOs are highlighting the rights of women and their empowerment. The issue of the Protection of Women Rights Bill, which created disputes between government and opposition is also going to be submitted in National Assembly of Pakistan.
This long poem is divided into fourteen parts such as Husn-e-Kainat, Ramooz-e-Aafrinish, Fasad-e-Basheriat, Hawwa Ka Gunah, Raqs-e-Bismil, Urooj-e-Aadmiat, Sarab-e-Maghrib, Mager Aay Ahle Eman, Uqoobat Khana-e-Tahzeeb-e-Hazir, Fard-e-Jurm, Faisla, Aik Khab, Banam-e-Aadil-e-Ber Haq and Sada Ye Arsh Say Aai.
The long poetry of this book is created in a famous Urdu poetic genre "Mosaddas." "Mosaddas" means six. The poem, which is written in bunches (Bunds) containing six lines in each "Mosaddas." The author has dedicated the book to his beloved mother. Renowned penmen such as Dr Wazir Agha, Dr Abul Khair Kashfi, Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Professor Fatah Mohammed Malik, Dr Anwer Sadeed, Justice Majida Rizvi and Syed Murteza Moosavi have given their expert views on the creative efforts of Fiza Azmi which have also been included in "Khak Main Suratain."
He recounted the all oppressive occurrences with reference to the context of past as well as present time. The author has come up as a strong defender and true champion of women and their rights. His heart is bleeding for the pains and plights of this exploited and suppressed cross. His poetic narration, in this book, is not only forceful but to a great extent also sorrowful.
"Khak Main Suratain" not only has political, cultural, historical and religious aspects in its folds, but it has also plenty of literary and aesthetic values. It is, really, a well-decorated poetic effort. Most of the verses depict that the style of expression of the poet is attractive and impressive with a slight use of satire and wit. Fiza Aazmi's command on language, in view of well adoption of phrases, idioms and symbols are praiseworthy.