Ek Dhanga ki Atmkatha: A Humorous, Satirical example of Garhwali Fiction

(Review of story collection ‘Ek Dhanga ki Atmkatha’ by Bhagwati Prasad Joshi)

                                    Bhishma Kukreti

[Notes on satire and humor in fictions; satire and humor in Garhwali fictions; satire and humor in Uttarakhandi fictions; satire and humor in Mid Himalayan fictions; satire and humor in Himalayan fictions; satire and humor in North Indian fictions; satire and humor in Indian fictions; satire and humor in SAARC Countries fictions; satire and humor in South Asian fictions; satire and humor in Asian fictions]

     Most of the stories by Bhagwati Prasad Joshi are (mild) humorous and satirical stories. Bhagwati Prasad is an expert in creating situation or telling the situation that readers smile.

          A Dhanga (old bull) tells his life story to the writer. Once upon a time the bull was a strong calf and talented calf having great dreams for life. The young calf enjoys his youth and spends time in politicking. The situation made him rebellion.  Everybody in the Patti (area) came to know about his talent and his rebellion activities. Even the tiger leader of the respect his talent and comes for autograph. The bull says,” Today, I don’t have time”

         The story is an example of best uses of suspense, word play, humor, satire, imagination, depiction of nature, storytelling style, dramatization of a simple situation and transforming the folk song story into modern fiction in Garhwali fiction.

           Story telling style and humorous dialogues are the memorable points of the fiction ‘Ek Dhanga ki Atmkatha’ by Joshi.

Reference-

Dr. Anil Dabral, 2007, Garhwali Gady Parampara

Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti, 3/7/2012

Notes on satire and humor in fictions; satire and humor in Garhwali fictions; satire and humor in Uttarakhandi fictions; satire and humor in Mid Himalayan fictions; satire and humor in Himalayan fictions; satire and humor in North Indian fictions; satire and humor in Indian fictions; satire and humor in SAARC Countries fictions; satire and humor in South Asian fictions; satire and humor in Asian fictions to be continued….