SOCIAL BONDS WIL LOOSEN AND FRAGMENTATION WILL BEGIN TO DOMINATE: ANAYAS

SOCIAL BONDS WIL LOOSEN AND FRAGMENTATION WILL BEGIN TO DOMINATE: ANAYAS

4-MAY-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------In light of the immense affection received from literature enthusiasts regarding the ongoing literary columns published by RKTV NEWS, we previously featured and published all the works contained in the debut poetry collection, *Yatra-Tatra* (Here and There)—originally published in 1998—by the renowned author, poet, satirist, critic, and translator Dr. Krishna Dayal Singh (a retired postal department official). Readers have conveyed significant praise for this initiative directly to the author. RKTV NEWS will now proceed to publish, on a daily basis, the plays and stories collected in the author's second work—a collection of plays and short stories titled *Anayas* (Spontaneously)—which was also originally published in 1998. The author has granted his consent for this publication.

In the following text, author Dr. Krishna Dayal Singh presents his thoughts in writing regarding his collection of plays and stories, *Anayas*, thereby conveying the sentiments and spirit underlying his creative work.

Even after 51 years of independence, its sweet fruits—having fallen from the palm tree—seem to have gotten stuck on the date palm tree instead. The people standing on the ground below simply gaze upward with unblinking eyes. Those who possess capital appear intent on raising the height of their palatial mansions to match that of the date palm itself, seemingly poised to snatch those fruits and lock them away within their own private vaults. There are also those who, by adopting corrupt methods, are bent upon pushing the helpless masses into the abyss. Due to social and economic disparities, the nation's progress appears to be stalling rather than advancing toward development. Obstructionism, flag-waving, and—now—even the wielding of sticks (*dandebazi*) have begun to emerge as the new synonyms for capital, labor, and terror. If this trend continues unchecked, social bonds will inevitably loosen, and fragmentation will begin to dominate. It is high time we sat down together and collectively charted a path forward. It must be our firm resolve to curb corrupt practices while simultaneously fostering brotherhood; to prioritize production over consumption; to ensure that the scales of capital and labor remain in perfect balance; and to ensure that the nation continues its ceaseless march along the path of progress. It remains to be seen just how much can be accomplished through the medium of *Anayas*.

The present volume marks my second literary work. My first publication—a poetry anthology titled *Yatra-Tatra*—had already made mention of this collection of plays and short stories, *Anayas*. With the exception of the play *Netagiri*, all three works included here have already been staged. Admittedly, the play *Netagiri* is better suited for reading than for performance. During my tenure in the postal service, I briefly served as a lecturer at a postal training center, where I instructed trainees in the principles of *Netagiri* (Leadership); consequently, this play was written with that specific context in mind. I am confident, however, that it holds utility and relevance beyond that specific setting.

I am deeply indebted to Ms. Lalita Mishra (Arrah) and Mr. D.R. Dey (Darbhanga), whose assistance made the staging of these plays possible. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Prof. Shyam Sharma, Principal of the College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, for his invaluable help in conceptualizing and designing the book's cover—a design that encapsulates the very essence of the work within. My greatest debt of gratitude, however, lies with the Rajendra Sahitya Parishad, Patna—and specifically with its General Secretary, Mr. Balbhadra Kalyan—whose gracious guidance enabled the meticulous refinement and correction of linguistic errors within the text. He has consistently treated me with the affection and care one would accord to a younger brother. I am profoundly indebted to the entire "Postal Family," within whose nurturing embrace I was given the opportunity to grow and find my true voice. I cannot conclude without making special mention of Mr. R.V. Singh, Divisional Secretary of the All India Administrative Postal Employees Union (Bihar), with whom I engaged in a daily exchange and vigorous debate of ideas. Above all, I am deeply grateful to my readers. I humbly seek their forgiveness for any linguistic or editorial errors that may remain in the text.

Acknowledging that "You—the readers—are my everything," I once again humbly dedicate this, my second literary work—*Anayas*—to you. I also earnestly request that you share your thoughts and sentiments with me.