Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar by Narenderpal Singh (1976)

Narenderpal Singh (1923–2003), a distinguished Punjabi novelist and former Brigadier in the Indian Army, is renowned for his bold narratives that probe the intersections of history, culture, and human existentialism. His novel Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar (Be Prepared for the Royal Visit), published in 1975 and awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1976, is a provocative work that sparked significant controversy for its candid themes. Set in the chaotic microcosm of Kennedy International Airport during a snowstorm, the novel explores the fragility of modern civilization through a diverse cast of stranded characters. This review argues that Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar is a daring and introspective work of Punjabi fiction, distinguished by its existential depth and cultural critique, though its controversial content and complex narrative may challenge some readers. Through an analysis of its thematic ambition and stylistic innovation, this review highlights Singh’s significant contribution to Indian literature.

Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar unfolds at Kennedy International Airport, where a massive snowstorm halts all travel, trapping thousands of passengers, including the protagonist, Avtar Singh, a Sikh traveler. The airport becomes a metaphorical crucible, exposing the vulnerabilities of a materialistic society as characters confront their fears, desires, and existential voids. Through Avtar’s interactions with a diverse array of stranded individuals—businessmen, immigrants, and artists—Singh weaves a tapestry of human experiences, reflecting on themes of alienation, cultural identity, and the absurdity of modern life. The novel’s title, evoking a ceremonial call to attention, ironically underscores the chaos beneath societal facades. Singh writes:

“In the airport’s sterile glow, souls wandered, lost in a storm no sky could claim.”

This line captures the novel’s exploration of inner turmoil amidst external disorder. The narrative, rich with Sikh cultural references and philosophical musings, critiques the hollow materialism of Western civilization while grappling with the personal and collective identities of its characters, culminating in a meditation on human purposelessness.

Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar is a bold literary endeavor, radiating with Singh’s ability to transform a confined setting into a profound existential allegory. His prose, blending Punjabi’s lyrical cadence with sharp philosophical insights, creates a vivid sense of place and psyche. Avtar Singh’s introspections are particularly compelling, as seen in:

“My turban marks me, yet I am unseen; the world’s gaze blinds it to my soul.”

This reflection not only highlights Avtar’s struggle with cultural identity but also critiques the superficiality of societal perceptions, a recurring motif in Singh’s work. The novel’s airport setting, likened to Sartre’s No Exit, serves as a microcosm where characters’ facades unravel, revealing universal human anxieties. Singh’s critique of materialism, rooted in Sikh values of simplicity and community, aligns with his broader oeuvre, which often explores Sikh history post-Bhai Vir Singh. The Sahitya Akademi Award recognized its “sensitive depiction of the existentialist enigma,” though the novel’s 1978 ban by the Punjab government for alleged obscenity and religious insensitivity underscores its provocative nature.

The novel’s strengths lie in its ambitious scope and cultural resonance. Singh’s ability to interweave Sikh identity with universal existential themes, as noted by the Indian Novels Collective, makes it a pioneering work in Punjabi fiction. Its controversial status, defended by literary figures like Mulk Raj Anand, highlights its role in challenging censorship and advocating for artistic freedom. The diverse cast and episodic structure allow for a kaleidoscopic exploration of human experience, making it intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

However, Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar has notable challenges. Its dense philosophical digressions and episodic narrative, as critiqued in an India Today review, may feel disjointed, lacking the cohesive arc expected of traditional novels. The explicit content and religious references, which led to its ban, may alienate conservative readers or those unfamiliar with Sikh cultural nuances. For instance, Avtar’s candid discussions of faith and desire require contextual grounding to fully appreciate. The limited availability of English translations, such as Trapped (1996), restricts its global accessibility, a common issue for Punjabi literature. Additionally, the novel’s heavy reliance on the airport metaphor can feel repetitive, occasionally overshadowing character development and narrative momentum.

Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar is a provocative cornerstone of Punjabi fiction, showcasing Narenderpal Singh’s fearless engagement with existential and cultural questions. Its philosophical depth, cultural critique, and bold narrative make it a compelling read, though its controversial themes and complex structure may require patience and contextual knowledge. This novel is essential for readers of Punjabi literature, existential fiction, and South Asian studies, offering a daring exploration of human fragility in a chaotic world. Readers are encouraged to approach it with an openness to its philosophical and cultural layers to fully appreciate its audacious vision.

Recommendation: Recommended for readers of literary fiction, Punjabi literature, and existential studies, with a note to consider its controversial elements.

Reference : Singh, N. (1975). Ba Mulahaza Hoshiar. Amritsar: Nanak Singh Pustak Mala.