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The
false moderates
By Fawad Ali Shah
KARACHI: There is a minority in every society that, in order to
protect its backward mentality and backward thoughts, wears the mask
of enlightened moderation and intellectualism.
No, these are not my thoughts. Rather, this is what Vijay Tendulkar,
a famous Indian drama writer tells in his drama, ‘Shantha! Court
Chaloo Ahai’ (Khamosh! Yeh Adalat hai). The play, written in India
keeping the scenario of 1960 in mind, holds true even today. Though
it would have never been possible for common people to read the
drama in printed form, but thanks to the National Academy of
Performing Arts, the play is being staged at the Karachi Arts
Council Auditorium.
The drama starts with a group of social workers visit a small town
to stage a drama as a part of their long term plan to stage theaters
across the rural areas of the county in order to promote the idea of
enlightened moderation. The team, comprising of teachers, an
intellectual, a common man and a lawyer as well as two youngsters,
reach the destined village well before time. The play is scheduled
at night and in order to pass the time, they all get together and
start discussing different things. Suddenly, they come up with an
idea of staging a drama ahead of its time in order to pass the time.
Beenaray, a teacher by profession, and her colleagues are supposed
to be the accused. From this point on, the actual story starts. As
the case proceeds, Beenaray feels that her colleagues have taken the
drama seriously. The opponent lawyer charges her of adultery. He
tells the judge that Beenaray had an affair with Kashikar and is
pregnant. When the case comes to the stage of evidence, all the
people go against Beearay. A youngster claims that he himself has
seen Beenaray going with Kashikar.
The case no longer remains a drama rather it gets grave. It is
revealed that Beenaray has no intentions of abortions and wants to
bring the child up. Her decision is considered to be disgusting by
the administration of the school where she teaches and they setup an
inquiry tribunal to inquire the case. Even the intellectual does not
remain silent and condemns her.
She asks whether having a child out of wedlock and bringing it into
the world is a crime. They all answer in affirmative, having the
same opinion. The drama throws light on the mental status of the
‘so-called’ enlightened moderates and intellectuals, who, according
to Vijay Shankar, guide people towards a particular ideology but are
hesitant to following the rules.
“Look at how the group of social workers who are out to spread
enlightened moderation through dramas, turn an imaginary situation
into a real one and then blame one of their colleagues,” says Rahat
Kazmi and the same holds good everywhere. ‘Khamosh Yeh Adalat hai,’
is feast for the eyes and minds
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