Esbaat - Ashar Najmi
Esbaat is the first Urdu magazine to publish an issue on the subject of resistance, encompassing two substantial volumes. The magazine's approach to resistance is comprehensive, encompassing a diverse range of forms and manifestations. It serves as a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo and advocating for justice and equality. The distinctive feature of these two volumes is that the subject of resistance has been analysed not only at the literary level but also at the human level, encompassing political, cultural, journalistic, feminist and intellectual resistance. Additionally, there is a practical aspect of resistance, commonly referred to as 'activism'. However, practical resistance cannot be productive unless there is intellectual resistance behind it. Without intellectual resistance, activism can be, and has been, directionless and chaotic. These two volumes on the subject of resistance have been compiled with a specific focus on the Indian context. It is widely acknowledged that the current situation in India is becoming increasingly untenable. Some commentators have even suggested that India is on the verge of adopting fascist principles, which is why it is crucial to alert the Indian public to this impending danger in a timely manner. Otherwise, they may become complacent and fail to recognize the gravity of the situation until it is too late. If we continue in this direction, the day will come when the butcher's knife will reach our necks. This special issue of 'Esbaat' was released in a timely manner and features the writings of intellectuals and writers from around the world. These include Noam Chomsky, Antonio Gramsci, Frantz Fanon, Mario Vargas Llosa, Khalid Javed, Udyan Vajpayi, Khurshid Akram, Abrar Mojeeb, Slavoj Zizek, and Pankaj Sub. Additionally, the issue includes essays by prominent figures such as Rizwan-ul-Haq, Mahmood Darwish, Jayant Parmar, Nazar Qabbani, Devi Prasad Mishr, Arundhati Roy, Subhash Gatade, Siddique Alam, Jasanta Karikata, and others. It also features references to important works by Urdu writers on this topic. It is noteworthy that, in addition to words, cartoons have also been accorded a prominent position in this publication, which is renowned globally for its architectural significance. Once again, an attempt has been made to expose fascism and tyranny from the top down in the republics. However, more importantly, the political and social scenario in India has been transformed with great boldness and audacity. All contributors have been duly acknowledged. The editor of this special issue, the renowned Urdu fiction writer Ashar Najmi, elucidates the situation in India and points out the way forward, stating: "The current situation in India can be understood like a conscious person.. It is important to recall that fascism or totalitarianism is a phenomenon that has been observed repeatedly throughout history. Those who seek to isolate themselves in general, to take the victim out of their sanctuary, must be identified and addressed. It is necessary to stop saying everything is fine and to adopt a more strategic approach. This is the first volume of resistance, but the second volume is available here.
