भूली बिसरी याद : लेखक कमलेश चौहान कॉपी राईट कमलेश चौहान 2009

वोह कश्मीर की वादिया, वोह ठंडी हवाए
वोह झील के मंजर वोह महकती फिजाए

सदियों तक तेरी मीठी याद की गुलामी करती रही
तेरी यादो नै बांध के रखा, संगदिल; मै उलझी रही

ना जाने कॉलेज के एक बगीचे मै खामोश खड़ी थी
तू जाते जाते रुका तेरी चेहरे पर मस्त ख़ुशी सी थी

मेरी जुल्फों को कभी मैकदा और काली घटा कहा था
मेरी झुकी नज़रो से मे ना जाने तू क्या खोज रहा था

मै़ने तुमसे नज़ारे भी ना मिलायी बस बुत बनी खड़ी रही
तुम मेरे पास आये लेकिन अपनी जुबा ना खोली थी

बरसते भीगते मौसम मे आज भी धुवा उठता है
तरसती आँखों मे आज भी एक नज़ारा बसता है

सदियों तक तेरी याद के सहारे बैठी रही
निगाह दूर तक तेरी राह आज भी देखती रही

भूली बिसरी यादो में तेरी परछाईया कभी उभर आती है
वक़त की धुल से यादो की राहो से साँझ साँस लेती है
All the rights are reserved with Author Kamlesh Chauhan


कॉपी राईट कमलेश चौहान २००९ प्रति जी की हिंदी महीने के लिये

Elite Award

The Elite Awards 2009 was a huge success.



The Elite Awards is a critically acclaimed red carpet event, attended by the who's who of Bollywood & Hollywood. The Elite Awards continues to honor those in the arts & entertainment industry that have shown exceptional achievement.


2009 Award Honorees


Lifetime Achievement 2009: Bollywood Legend Vinod Khanna
Cheetah Girls Singer/Actress: Kiely Williams
Hollywood Actress & Model: Lisa Ray
Bollywood Producer/Director: Harry Baweja
Hollywood Producer: Brad Listermann
Punjabi Actress: Kimi Verma
Hollywood Actor: Marco Khan
Novelist: Kamlesh Chauhan
Celebrity Trainer: Rehan Jalali


FROM THE PRODUCER


"I am proud to produce The Elite Awards and to have the great opportunity to honor those that have inspired us to do our best!"

- Jinnder Chohaan, Executive Producer






Bollywood Actor Rahul Khanna and Executive Producer Jinnder Chohaan at The Elite Awards 2009

कश्मीर मेरी जनम भूमि की पुकार: लेखक : कमलेश चौहान (सल्ली) कॉपीराइट 2009

कश्मीर मेरी जनम भूमि की पुकार

लेखक : कमलेश चौहान २००९

ओह ! आसमान वाले, ओह! दुखियों के रखवाले
तेरा है भारत तू भारत का,महाभारत रचाने वाले

तेरी मोजुदगी में हर कश्मीरी भारती रोता रहा
तू जानकर भी इस कदर खामोश देखता रहा

तुने देखी हिन्दू माँ की लावारिस लाशे
तुने सुनी हजारो लाचार पुत्रो की आंहे

दरिंदो ने हिन्दू माँ की कोख को झिंझोर दिया
नवी नवेली दुल्हनों का सिंदूर मांग से पोछ दिया

आयो सरसवती इस धरती पे , जनम ले फिर नन्दलाल
महक उठे फिर गुलसता, चहक उठे फिर डाल डाल

एह मेरे पियारे वतन,फिर तेरी याद लौट आई
दिल से उठी एक चीख , आख़ मेरी भर आई

कहीं भी हो चाहे मेरा वजूद ,कही भी हो मेरा बसेरा
दिल से जुदा न होगा भारत का मुकुट है कश्मीर मेरा


Nothing should be taken away or manipulated from this poem. All right are reserved with Kamlesh Chauhan. 2009

ये चाँद आज फिर निकला है यु सज धज के
मुहबत का जिक्र हो शायद हाथो की लकीरों मे

याद दिलाता है मुझे एक अनजान राही की
याद दिलाता है उन मुहबत भरी बातो की

टूट कर चाहा इक रात दिल ने एक बेगाने को
कबूल कर लिया था उसकी रस भरी बातो को


वोह पास हो कर भी दूर है मुझ से
दूर होकर भी कितने करीब है दिल के

उनको देखने के लिये ये नैन कितने प्यासे थे
उनको देखने की चाह मे हम दूर तक गए थे

डूब जाते है चश्मे नाज़ मे उनका कहना था
जिंदगी कर दी हमारे नाम उनका ये दावा था

आज चाँद फिर निकला बन ठन कर
चांदनी का नूर छलका हो यु ज़मीं पर

याद आयी नाखुदा आज फिर शब्-ए-गम की
मदभरी,मदहोश,रिश्ता-ए-उल्फ़ते,शबे दराज की

नैनो मे खो गए थे नैन कुछ ऐसे उस रात
छु लिया यूँ करीब हो कर खुल गया हर राज़
२

आज पूरण माशी का चाँद फिर निकला
सवाल करता है आपसे आज दिल मेरा
मेरे चाँद

तोड़ कर खिलोनो की तरह यह दिल
किसके सहारे छोड़ देते हो यह दिल

अगर वायदे निभा नहीं सकते थे तुम
जिंदगी का सफ़र न कर सकते थे तुम

कियों आवाज दी इस मासूम दिल को
कियों कर दस्तक देते हो इस दिल को

मत खेलो इस दिल से मेरे हजूर
मत छीनो मेरी आँखों का नूर

हमारा तो पहला पहला प्यार है
आँखों मे तुम्हारा ही खुमार है

हर रोज तुम्हारा ही इंतजार है
दिन रात दिल रोये जार जार है

या तो हमें सफ़र मे साथ लेलो
या फिर अपनी तरह
हमें भी खुद को भुलाना सीखा दो
जीना सिखा दो मरना सिखा दो

अभी तो ज़िन्दगी एक इल्जाम है
बिन तुम्हारे सुनी दुनिया
हमारा तो संसार ही बेजार है

all rights reserved with Kamlesh Chauhan none of the lines and words are allowed to manipulate and changed. Thanks

If we want to play Key Role Globally: Written By Kamlesh Chauhan copyright@2009

If we want to play Key Role Globally

Written By: Kamlesh Chauhan
CopyRight @Kamlesh Chauhan2009

It looks good when we hear or read about India development or advancement in the space. India has and will stay on the top of the world if India doesn’t ignore the growth of home grown terrorists, spies in our country and educate our imminent generation about the culture, beliefs, race and religion of each states of India.

We still have the same old History Text books in our schools. We still have Old roads to drive the cars. We Still have no good Toilet and Sewer and good draining system. Streets are full of stray dogs and Dirts. There are Mosquitos, Flies, Ants and rats are running around outside the temples.Ignorance and Illitracy still run high in Villages.Crime is still High in the Trains. We still have beggars on the road. Do we ever try to find out who is making these young kids a beggar? When we see Slum Dog Millionaire we all cried why some foreign producer exposing us and our countries dirt’s but we are so lazy to take special interest in such shameful acts of those we are making money by cutting the hands or taking out the eyes of our poor innocent kids,?

We do grumble about corruption not only in the Police Department in fact in every department of Indian Systems But what we do to control the hunger of these corrupt humans. Do we really find out what make a constable to take bribe? Did we ever try to find out it could be higher authority that ordered him or made him to look for bribery to his use?

We all know Pakistan ( ISI) Promote Jihad against India and Hindus. We all know China wants to take control over Kashmir, Archula Pardesh and almost everywhere in our country. What we did to stop those voracious nations? Are we ready to have full fledged war with China? Why can’t we stop doing business with China? Who is China who asks us who should visit archula Pardesh or not? What we did? Are we that weak not to speak openly against China? We don’t need to show our muscle but we need to take stand now or never.

Bengla Desh asked for our helped to help them to get Indepedence from Pakistan. What Bengla Desh doing in return? Spying on Us? Killing our Soldiers? Helping China and Pakistan to infilterate Terrorists in our Country? Why we are closing our eyes on these security issues? If we want to the Major role in the World, if we want to be secular or peace loving nation we have to learn how to defend and protect ourselves. We need to close the Borders. We need other Indians to shifts and buy lands on those states where Pakistan, Bengla Desh and China infiltrating terrorisms. There should be law against those who teased our citizens by waving Pakistan Flags in our lands. Are Maoists stronger than Our Indian Law and Army? Why we are not able to defeat them the Way Sri Lanka did with their insurgents?

We all need to think hard and don’t let repeat the history over and over again. We need to educate every child of our country about Patriotisms and diversity of our culture, educate them about every part of India. We need to secure our borders. We need to investigate our Police and Army Officers who are on duty at the borders. We have to prepare special security officers when Pakistan, China, Bengla Desh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka infiltrates terrorists we should not be distracted from their gun fire at the borders.

We are capable of taking care of these issues. India needs to learn from USA how strongly USA reacted after 9/11 ill-fated incidents. We need to learn from Israel how strong their army is. How strongly they react when their security is threatened. We will be playing major key role only if we take care of Security Issues in our Country. There are so many non-profit education organization shouting about their education agenda, what are they doing? Did they able to educate youth of today what is Kashmir? Where is Kashmir? Who founded Kashmir? Pakistan –Occupied –Kashmir. Each child of India should know Kashmir is Integral Part of India and Its duty of every child to protect Kashmir and every state of India. India can’t be divided anymore.

Gyan Darpan: Review of Saat Samundar Paar : Reviewed by Ratan Singh Shekhwat

लेख सूची इतिहास तकनीकी लेख विविध लेख" हिंदी उपन्यास "सात समन्दर पार" : समीक्षा Posted by Ratan Singh Shekhawat Oct 27, 2009 चंडीगढ़ के यूनिस्टार पब्लिकेशन ने "सात समन्दर पार " हिंदी उपन्यास प्रकाशित किया है जिसे लिखा है अमेरिका में रहने वाली भारतीय महिला कमलेश चौहान ने | कमलेश चौहान पंजाब साहित्य सभा द्वारा प्रेस्टीयस एन आर आई एकेडमी अवार्ड जनवरी २००९ से भी सम्मानित है |
उपन्यास अमेरिका में रहने वाले एक एनआरआई से शादी करने वाली महिला के जीवन की सच्ची घटना पर आधारित है | इस उपन्यास की मुख्य किरदार सुन्दरी नामक एक महिला है | साधारण परिवार में जन्मी सुन्दरी स्वतंत्र विचारों वाली ,बहादुर,चतुर ,वाक्पटु और सुन्दर महिला है | अपनी दो बहनों की शादी के खर्च के वित्तीय बोझ से दबे परिवार पर सुंदरी कभी बोझ नहीं बनना चाहती इसीलिए वह अपनी शादी की बजाए अपनी पढाई को प्राथमिकता देती है साथ ही गलत सामाजिक अवधारणाओं के खिलाफ आवाज उठाती है | सुन्दरी आकाश नाम के एक लड़के जिसे वह अपने सपनो का राजकुमार समझती है से बेइन्तहा प्यार करती है लेकिन उसके इस प्यार के रिश्ते को उसके घर वाले कभी स्वीकार नहीं करते और उसकी शादी एक एन आर आई से कर दी जाती है | अपने परिवार की आर्थिक व सामाजिक परिस्थितियों के चलते सुन्दरी उस एनआरआई से शादी कर लेती है और इस तरह शुरू होती है सुन्दरी की सात समंदर पार यात्रा |
सुन्दरी एक पढ़ी लिखी महिला होने के बावजूद उसे महसूस कराया जाता है कि वह विदेशी वातावरण के लायक नहीं है उसका पति उसे अहसास करता है कि वह सामाजिक तौर पर उसकी बराबरी की नहीं है और वह उसकी भावनात्मक व वास्तविक इच्छाएँ कभी पूरी नहीं करता | वह हमेशा अपनी नौकरानी की तरह आज्ञाओं का पालन करवाना चाहता है लेकिन सुन्दरी इन सबके खिलाफ आवाज उठाती है और अपना एक अलग अपने खुद के उसूलों वाला व्यक्तित्व तैयार करती है | वह विदेशी कानून की मदद से तलाक़ लेकर खुद को अपने पति से अलग कर लेती है और समाज में अपनी पहचान बनाने का संघर्ष शुरू करती है इसी संघर्ष को इस पुस्तक में उकेरा गया है | इसके अलावा इस पुस्तक में भावनात्मक विषयों को छुआ गया है | जो भारतीय महिलाऐं शादी करके पश्चिमी देशो में पंहुच हिंसा, भावनात्मक व शारीरिक शोषण का शिकार बनती है उनके अनगिनत किस्से इस पुस्तक में संजोये गए है | और शोषण का शिकार बनी महिलाओं को उपन्यास के माध्यम से उनके अधिकारों से परिचित कराना व उनकी शक्ति को बढ़ाना है |
उपन्यास में एक नारी के अरमानो व भावनाओं कोप गंभीरता से दर्शाने का प्रयत्न किया गया है | उपन्यास की किरदार सुन्दरी अपने प्यार से वंचित हो एक प्रेमरहित विवाह करती है ताकि वह अपने परिवार की वित्तीय सहायता व सामजिक प्रतिष्ठा बना सके लेकिन लेकिन इन प्रेमरहित बांहों के दलदल से निकलने के लिए वह जो संघर्ष कर एक ऐसी नारी बनती है जो समाज में अपना एक अलग निशान छोड़ती है |

भारतीय महिलाओं पर एक और उपन्यास लिख रही है " धोखा सात फेरों का "

Mission India Foundation: If India wants to be one of the Global Power

Mission India Foundation: If India wants to be one of the Global Power

Review from www.Flipkart.com saat samundar paar

A Lovely Journey "Saat Samundar Paar"
Review by Nita Shah
I'm really happy that I found this book to read. It was a treat to read a hindi novel made in USA! I feel everyone in India should really read it. Life in foreign land was not easy for alot of us - I don't think people in India realize what we've been through.

This book takes you on a journey about Sundari who lost her true love in India due to family beliefs...she was forced to marry a man twice her age and struggled to save her marriage.

Its a very entertaining read about pre-marital and extra-maritall affairs, as well as about marriage and divorce. Trust me when you start reading this book...you won't be able to put it down. Absolutely fantastic work!

मेरे सपने

वोह जो थे कभी मेरे अपने
वोह जो थे कभी मेरे सपने

आज वोह अपने ही तो बने बेगाने है
बिखरी धुल के कुछ भूले अफसाने है

वक़त के सितम है बेहिसाब
दुनिया के रंग है बेशुमार

कौन करे किस्सी का ऐतबार
प्यार बिकता है भरे बाज़ार

चलो अच्हा हुवा तुम हमें भूल गए
इसी बहाने हम दुनिया से जुदा हो गए

Copy right@ Kamlesh Chauhan 2009
None of the line is allowed to used, Manipulated in any form

आज रात न जा

Willing Defeat Written by Kiren(Minu)Chauhan all rights reserved with Kiren kumari Chauhan

Surrender....
I surrender...
Take me now..... while I'm weak...
God Knows when I'll be back to my old self...
Fully aware of my fears and hangs-ups...
Aware that you know my greatest fear....
Take me while I have no choice but to fall...
Do it before I force myself to get up
Get up and fight..
Fight my greatest enemy of all..
You.................

Just In ILLusion written by Kiren(Minu) Chauhan all copy right with Kiren Chauhan

spontaneity.....
One tries so hard to perfect it...
Yet the soul wants to be prepared for what it's up against..
Obstacle......
It Is Said that ones' own self places them......
Then eventually full of complaints of their mere existence....
So how does love manage to exist between these two?
May be it's all in illusion...

They say true love never dies...
Someone convince me it ever really existed......

all copy rights reserved with Kiren Kumar Chauhan 2009

वोह लम्हे :

सदियों तक तेरी मीठी याद की गुलामी करती रही
तेरी यादो नै बांध के रखा, संगदिल; में उलझी रही

ना जाने कॉलेज के एक बगीचे में खामोश खड़ी थी
तू जाते जाते रुका तेरी चेहरे पर मस्त ख़ुशी सी थी

मेरी जुल्फों को कभी मैकदा और काली घटा कहा था
मेरी झुकी नज़रो से ना जाने तू क्या खोज रहा था

मै़ने तुमसे नज़ारे भी ना मिलायी बस बुत बनी खड़ी रही
तुम मेरे पास आऐ लेकिन अपनी जुबा ना खोली थी

बरसते भीगते मौसम मे आज भी धुवा उठता है
तरसती आँखों मे आज भी एक नज़ारा बसता है

सदियों तक तेरी याद के सहारे बैठी रही
निगाह दूर तक तेरी राह सदियों देखती रही

खो गए वोह लम्हे रह गया द्शते-जुनू-परवर वहा
ना जाने तू मेरी दुनिया, ना जाने तेरी बसती है कहाँ


all rights reserved @ Kamlesh Chauhan 2009

My Unique Son written by Kamlesh Chauhan CopyRight@Kamlesh Chauhan

My Unique Son
Written By: Kamlesh Chauhan


A Fairy came to me on one beautiful night
There was dark, silent shadow around me
All of sudden I saw Brilliant blue Light

Intense luminosity awaken my eyes
My body felt the pious seed
The God supreme gift inside

Since I prayed for your wellbeing
Soon, I realized you are heavenly


Today, I want to share and let you know
I might not be perfect mother as you know
In every respect, you are a grown man now
But never forget who you are or feel low


You are my unique son every way
I thank God for your Birth every day

You are my moon. You are my moonlight
You are my Sun, You are my Sunshine

You are my Peace, you are my courage
You are my Goal, You are my Prize

I want you to true to Yourself
Always believe in yourself

Never be afraid of Hardships
May you rise with sunlight

You deserve to know
How much mom love you


Every Child is different. Sometime we parents forget to show our love and care. Our kids need to know how special they are. They need to go on in their own life but Mother Love and Blessing reamin with them.The hardships of life can leave us tired and jaded but they will always bounce back with new vigor and parental support.

Jagriti"Author Lounge"

The Faridabad based, noted Hindi poet and novelist, Kamal Kapur was felicitated at the Cerritos residence of Kamlesh Chauhan on Sunday, October 4th. Kamal Kapur, who is on a private visit to S. California had contacted Chauhan upon hearing about the latter’s novel, “Saat Samundar Paar.”
The occasion was the charter of “The Jagriti Writers’ Lounge” under the aegis of the Jagiriti Foundation and its founder Kamlesh Chauhan. A brainchild of Harshi Gill, Dr. Deepinder Singh and Dr. Parvin Syal, the group aims to foster kinship among writers of Indian origin. TheWriters’ Lounge will have periodic meetings to provide a critical forum for exchange of ideas and the enjoyment of each others’ writings. The group also aims to publish an annual anthology of poetry, plays, short stories etc. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Syal, a published poet, playwright and screenplay writer. Other members included author, dramatist and poet Harshi Gill, poets Pum Sandhu and Dr. Deepinder Singh. Journalist J.S. Bedi, writing extensively on Punjabi military history was also in attendance. Members not present include novelist Gaytri Saggar, Minu Chauhan, Ranjun Chauhan, Malvinder and Nanni Sandhu.
The writers present read from their works and the recitals were also enjoyed by an audience comprising of Jagwinder Mann, Dimpy Gujral, Manjit Bhasin and Sulakshana Rajput.
Kapur informed this correspondent that she has a personal mission to propagate Hindi literature and that she was particularly enthused about the interest in Hindi writing in the Indian Diaspora. As the editor of Pehchan Patrika published monthly in New Delhi, she invited contributions from authors in the Southland. Kapur has also penned anthologies of poetry, namely “Zindagi kai Mod”, “Gulmohar has Uthae” and “Pal Do Pal.” Her novels include, “Katha Sangraha: Rishton kai Rang”, “Naahar Shuta Jayae”, “Ek Bheegi Saanjh” and the award winning “Chaavan.”
Those interested in the activities of the group may contact Jagritiusa@Gmail.com

Mindless Task written by Kiren (minu) Kumari Chauhan from Poems selection:Memoirs Journey

I will think twice this time.
For giving my heart away
Giving my heart to someone who don't deserve it
In return you don't have a heart.
except beating cell..
Yet dealing with the heartache.is mindless task
Not only it strip you of your defenses
It leaves you with many broken pieces
It kidnap you if you ever feeling of happiness

Laughter written by Kiren Kumari Chauhan

Laughter...
Roars from all sides..why does it sound so alien..

Oh Yes, I remember...

God was it that long ago I

remembered its existance

Why did you snatch it from me

Children running..

Running with the joy of life..

Why I was running from you..

faster and faster until it

feel safe for short

Period of time.

Oh Childhood I never knew of your ........

existance until I watched other play....

a weary soul...watching from the outside

Slowly realizing that it could never

find the key to the inside..

Written by Kiren Kumari Chauhan ( Minu) all rights are reserved with Kiren Kumari Chauhan

She is an excellent writer.

खुदा का पैगाम इन्सान के नाम

खुदा का पैगाम इन्सान के नाम

लेखक कमलेश चौहान
कॉपीराइट २००८ @ कमलेश चौहान

चाँद को चादनी का तौफा दिया है है उस खुदा ने
सूरज को बनाया दिन का ताज उस ईश्वर ने

इन्सान के लिये बनायीं थी मालिक ने एक ही ज़मीं
जमीं के लिये गिराई इन्सान ने अपनी ज़मीर

मसीहा भी मेरा नाम, अल्लाह भी रखा मेरा नाम
राम रहीम एक है जान, कबीर करीम का है यह पैगाम

मत काटो सर मासूमो के मेरे कश्मीर मे लाकर मेरा नाम
मेरी ही बख्शी ज़मीं पी, मासूमो का मंगाते हो बलिदान

जिहाद तो बनाया था अपने अंदर के कुफर से लड़ना
शत्रंज़ , शराब और मन की बुराईयों से ज़ंग करना

लेकिन अब मै कया कहूँ , कोई मानता नहीं मेरा इमाम
मेरे ही प्यारो ने कर दिया ,मेरा ही नाम बदनाम


यह
ख्याल मै़ने तब लिखा था जब कश्मीर मे हमारे भारती लोगो के घर उजाड़ दिये थे हमारे पडोसी भाईयो ने. दुनिया खामोश रही लेकिन जो हमारे भारती नारियो , बचो और शंतिप्रियाए आदमियों को अपने ही वतन मै जिहाद और आज़ादी के नाम पर नफरत से कतला आम किये गया , भाईयो से बहने बिशद गयी और दुसरो हिसो मे बैठे भारती चुपचाप देखते रहे. आज भी हमारी भारती सरकार विशव मे यह नहीं साबित कर पाई की हमारा भारत धरम के नाम पर अपने देश के टुकडे नहीं कर सकता. धरम यह नहीं सकता किस्सी से बैर करना.

Why Indian Leadership Take Actions Cross Border

We all hope to live peacefully with our neighbours, But India's next door nation just fired the three rockets from across the border that exploded two kilometers in-side Punjab. What it says about our so called peaceful neighbours?. Why India is not taking precaution while they know that the border incidents were mainly aimed diverting attention of Indian forces to push in-filtrators. Where are those infiltrators.? Who are they? Where did they go? Did Indian Govertments knows that?. You let your country robbed by the infiltrators.? When India's neighbours are getting out of their obesession with India. I wish there was no hate among us. Now they are coming in Punjab to disturb peace of Punjabi People who only wants to make easy life for their young kids. Its a duty of each Indian citizen to be aware of their sorroundings, their new neighbours , workers, school kids so they can watch such activities about new faces around the area. God Bless India. May God bring Peace to this planet. May God awaken humans to learn how to live together peacefully beside all different beliefs and path we chose to follow. God Bless America.

A conversation with Kamlesh Chauhan

By Dr. Parvin D. Syal
By Dr. Parvin D. Syal






“There is a perception, particularly in India, that the streets in the U.S. are paved with gold,” maintains Kamlesh Chauhan, in a recent conversation with me, “but when reality bites, the truth is rather disturbing.”
Kamlesh was talking about her novel in Hindi, “Saat Samundar Paar”, which was recently published by Unistar Publications of Chandigarh, India. The publication caused a stir in Indian literary circles for its innovative and bold approach in storytelling.

The novel grips the reader from the very first sentence which finds Sundari, the protagonist, seated in front of a mirror, studying the crags of an ageing face, searching for meaning in a life spanning decades across three continents. And through her reminiscence is told the story of different characters of different generations – in India, Britain, Canada and the U.S.

Kamlesh maintains that this is not an autobiographical novel, but is inspired by numerous encounters she had with people whose anecdotal stories and vignettes have been weaved into a saga that traverses ages and miles. Kamlesh started keeping a journal after she arrived in California as a teenage bride in the early nineteen seventies. She studied characters, she invented characters, she breathed life into these characters and then populated the stage of her tale with these characters.

In her first novel, Kamlesh Chauhan aspires to attain the heights of great story telling in the mold of Munshi Premchand , but falls short in the richness of fabric and language. However, she makes up for this deficiency, in the expression of popular thought and certainly can be placed at par with socially significant and entertaining novelists like Gulshan Nanda and Dharamveer Bharati.


Asked about what inspired her to write, Kamlesh said, “I was passing through Heathrow Airport in London when I saw a Punjabi lady, wearing a pink traditional dress, performing janitorial duties. I was taken aback by this seemingly incongruous event and approached the lady and discovered that, in fact, she had a master’s degree from India but finding no recognition for her education in Britain she had to accept any job that was offered her.” Kamlesh appreciated the dignity of labor displayed by the lady but she began thinking; what were the expectations of this individual before she left India; what was promised to her before she left India; what hardships did she have to face?

“Saat Samundar Paar” explores these rhetorical situations.

Sundari, born in a middle class family, is witness to the financial difficulties her family encounters to marry off her sisters. The social structure is such that parents are totally burdened by responsibility and debt. She rebels against society’s norms and chooses education over marriage as she does not want to add to the burdens of her family. Independent in thought, bold in demeanor, enlightened in intellect and blessed with beauty, Sundari nourishes dreams of a life with her prince charming, Aakash, whom she meets surreptitiously. Sundari’s parents, however, do not approve of this and marry her off to an NRI from the U.S., Inder, who has falsely projected himself as a business tycoon. Thus begins her journey across the seven seas.

Though Sundari is an educated woman, she is made to feel inadequate in her new environment – not only by a possessive husband but by a society that shuns a new immigrant. Her husband uses the suppression of her desires as a tool to demonstrate his own perceived superiority. He deprives her of material and emotional needs because he wants her to be subservient to his commands. But Sundari is not a slave. She rebels and becomes a woman of substance, in her own right.

Against this background Kamlesh tackles important social issues. First and foremost is the perception in India that any foreign country is better than India. Middle class families are lured into sending their daughters overseas dreaming that a golden life awaits the chosen few. In many instances, the husbands are not what they have projected.
“It is fashionable,” Kamlesh stated, “ to demonize men in film and the print media. Just as it is fashion to paint India as a poor and ignorant country. I have tried to stay away from this stereo-type.”

“Meaning?” I am cynical. I am familiar with the male hating works of film makers like Deepa Mehta.

“Women have taken advantage of their situation as well. For instance, the novel relates the story of a woman who marries an NRI only so that she could sponsor the rest of her family to join her in the States. And then, there is the story of Sheela, in England, married to Anup. In this instance, Anup is the victim of Sheela’s domineering attitude and her manipulation of the system whereby her husband loses his reputation, his dignity, his business and his children. In short, he is totally ruined.”

It has to be granted that Kamlesh has been objective in her novel. There are issues which have been commented on, emotionally yet clinically. Domestic violence is of great significance.

“There are countless instances of physical and emotional abuse. Truth is that mostly it is women who are brought to the Western countries after marriage and subjected to violence. They are exploited because of their economic dependence on their husbands, and because they are not aware of services and facilities affordable to them. Through the medium of the novel, I am attempting to increase awareness and thus enrich and empower women.”

Kamlesh has been bold in exploring the desire for affection that women harbor. Neglected in marriage, cast aside as inferior, but very human in their needs they latch onto any emotional succor that comes their way. They are not immune to the permissive nature of society, and Kamlesh tackles subjects of pre-marital and extra-marital sex in a sympathetic manner.

“There is a basic difference between India and the west. Children born here mature at a faster rate. They are exposed to a lot in the media and take certain social mores to be the norm. When, and if, these children of the west are placed in an Indian context, there is bound to be misunderstanding and confusion. Eventually there are adjustment problems, and many times it is very easy to slip down the slippery slopes of ethical behavior.”

“Surely, you are not suggesting that everyone in the west is amoral, if not immoral?” I protest.

“On the contrary,” Kamlesh elucidates, “children in the west are naïve. They have not learnt the Chanakya like machinations of Indians. There is a lot of demonstrative drama in India -- empty show without substance, and a lot of NRIs fall for this false veneer.”

The novel is not a racy account, jumping from one bedroom to another. It is not an exploitation of situations, designed to titillate. It is a very serious effort at exploring a woman’s desires and emotions. Sundari is deprived of true love. She is devastated by a loveless marriage. She finds happiness in the arms of another and all this while she rises above the murky waters that would pull her down into a morass of insignificance. She becomes a woman of substance and leaves her mark on society.

In addition to penning the novel, Kamlesh writes poetry and is appreciated for her unconventional substance and style. Her audience awaits her next novel, “ Saat Pheron se Dhokha.”