Balbir Parwana’s novel ‘Rauleyan Vele’ (‘In the Time of Unrest’) chronicles the lasting impact of the 1947 Partition of Punjab through the journey of a documentary filmmaker and researcher, Gurpreet. He seeks to understand the “roots of Partition” beyond official narratives. He aims to uncover the deeply human aspects of this historical tragedy for his YouTube channel, ‘Jarran Di Talash’ (‘Search for Roots’). Gurpreet travels across the region, collecting firsthand, oral testimonies. Forgotten historical details are unraveled by elders who lived through the tumultuous time of dislocation, destruction, and death. With broader historical reflections, the novel weaves together individual stories of characters Abida, her father Bashir Muhammad, Biker Singh and Harnam Singh Bajwa. It creates a rich tapestry of human tragedy, fragmented communities, and psychological scars.
The narrative is fresh. It engages the reader with a profound question: why did people suddenly become enemies? Vivid descriptions examine the transformation of the Punjabi landscape and question the meaning of progress amidst historical loss.
The inner struggle of characters around their identity and belonging are compelling. For them Partition is not a political event of the past; it is ongoing, shaping contemporary human relations, both locally within Punjab and in the diaspora. Their yearning to see and feel the soil of their ancestral homes contributes to an immersive reading experience. ‘Rauleyan Vele’ is a noteworthy literary contribution in a globalized world grappling with similar issues of migration, displacement, and communal divisions.
