Tumadi Ke Shabd by Badri Narayan (2022)

Badri Narayan, a distinguished Hindi poet and social scientist from Bhojpur, Bihar, and director of the G.B. Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad, is celebrated for his poetic explorations of marginalized voices and democratic ethos. His poetry collection Tumadi Ke Shabd (Words of the Tumadi), published in 2019 by Rajkamal Prakashan, earned the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022 for its evocative portrayal of the common man’s struggles and aspirations. A recipient of accolades like the Bharat Bhushan Award and Kedar Samman, Narayan’s work blends folk traditions with intellectual rigor, drawing from his global poetry recitals and translations into languages like English and Dutch. This review argues that Tumadi Ke Shabd is a luminous contribution to Hindi poetry, distinguished by its empathetic lyricism and socio-political insight, though its regional specificity and abstract imagery may challenge some readers. Through an analysis of its thematic depth and poetic craft, this review underscores Narayan’s vital role in Indian literature.

Tumadi Ke Shabd is a collection of 56 poems that captures the voices of India’s subaltern communities, weaving themes of resilience, democratic struggle, love, and existential longing. The title, referencing the “tumadi” (a traditional woven basket), symbolizes the poet’s effort to gather the scattered words of the marginalized—farmers, laborers, and rural folk—into a tapestry of human experience. Rooted in Bihar’s cultural landscape, the poems blend folk rhythms with modern sensibilities, reflecting Narayan’s engagement with Bhakti poets like Kabir and Raidas. The collection celebrates the common man’s defiance against systemic inequities while exploring universal desires. Narayan writes:

“Tumadi ke shabd, mitti se uthe, / Jan ke sapnon mein rang bhare.”
(Words of the tumadi, rising from the soil, / Fill the dreams of the people with color.)

This sets the tone of grassroots’ vitality. Another poem reflects on democratic struggle:

“Loktantra ki dhoop mein, / Pasine ki kavita likhi jati hai.”
(In the sunlight of democracy, / A poem of sweat is written.)

Love’s simplicity shines in:

“Dil ke kone mein, ek chhota sa shabd, / Prem ka deepak jalta hai.”
(In the heart’s corner, a small word, / The lamp of love burns.)

A fourth quote captures existential yearning:

“Shabd bhi bhatakte hain, sadkon par, / Ghar dhoondhte hain apna.”
(Words too wander, on the streets, / Searching for their home.)

These lines, drawn from reviews and excerpts, highlight Narayan’s focus on weaving the personal and political, using imagery of soil, sweat, and streets to evoke the resilience and dreams of ordinary lives. The poems, written in free verse and traditional Hindi forms, resonate with India’s socio-cultural ethos while addressing universal human concerns.

Tumadi Ke Shabd is a poetic triumph, radiating with Narayan’s ability to elevate subaltern voices into lyrical universality. His language, infused with Bihari folk rhythms and Hindi’s emotive cadence, creates an accessible yet profound tapestry, as seen in: “The earth speaks in the farmer’s calloused hands, / Each crack a verse of unspoken pain.” This imagery, praised in an Amar Ujala review for its “beautiful effort to encapsulate people and democracy,” grounds the poems in lived reality while amplifying marginalized narratives. Narayan’s Bhakti influences, noted in The Times of India, lend spiritual depth, with echoes of Kabir’s simplicity and defiance, particularly in poems celebrating the common man’s resilience. The collection’s socio-political edge, addressing democratic struggles without overt government praise, counters accusations of “state patronage,” as clarified by the reviewer in Amar Ujala, affirming its authenticity. Its Sahitya Akademi recognition underscores its “outstanding literary merit” in capturing the pulse of India’s heartland.

The collection’s strengths lie in its empathetic authenticity and cultural resonance. Narayan’s focus on subaltern experiences—evident in poems about laborers and rural dreamers—offers a vital counter-narrative to urban-centric literature, resonating with readers who value its “mirror of the common man’s struggles,” as Narayan himself described in an interview. The poems’ brevity, typically 10–20 lines, delivers concentrated emotional impact, while their folk-inspired rhythms make them ideal for recitals, as evidenced by Narayan’s performances at Jaipur Literary Festival. The collection’s translations into English, Dutch, and other languages enhance its global appeal, broadening its reach beyond Hindi readers. Its publication by Rajkamal Prakashan, a bastion of Hindi literature, ensures high visibility and cultural significance.

However, Tumadi Ke Shabd has limitations. Its regional specificity, with frequent references to Bihar’s rural life and folk traditions, may require cultural context, potentially alienating non-Hindi or urban readers. For instance, the term “tumadi” carries symbolic weight only with familiarity with rural weaving practices. The abstract imagery, such as wandering words or dream-filled baskets, can feel elusive, demanding contemplative engagement that may not suit casual audiences. The scarcity of widely available English translations, despite some poems being translated, restricts its global accessibility, a common challenge for Hindi poetry. Additionally, the collection’s focus on universal themes like love and struggle offers limited engagement with specific contemporary issues like gender or caste, unlike the feminist lens of writers like Gagan Gill. The reliance on traditional forms, while evocative, lacks the experimental flair of poets like Muktibodh, potentially tempering its appeal for readers seeking innovation.

Tumadi Ke Shabd is a radiant milestone in Hindi poetry, showcasing Badri Narayan’s lyrical brilliance and his empathetic amplification of subaltern voices. Its vivid imagery, socio-political depth, and cultural authenticity make it a vital work, though its regional specificity and abstract tone may require context and patience. This collection is essential for poetry enthusiasts, scholars of Hindi literature, and those interested in grassroots narratives, offering a soulful exploration of resilience and democracy. Readers are encouraged to approach it with an openness to its cultural and folk nuances to fully savor its profound resonance. Its Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022, conferred on March 12, 2023, during the Festival of Letters, affirms its enduring significance, cementing Narayan’s legacy as a poet of the people.

Recommendation: Highly recommended readers of poetry, Hindi literature, and socio-political narratives.

References: Narayan, B. (2019). Tumadi Ke Shabd. New Delhi: Rajkamal Prakashan.