Jaihoon’s interview on Radio Asia, by Suraj. Broadcasted on Nov 4th 2002
Suraj: In today’s program we introduce to you a young writer, Jaihoon, who writes poems and essays in English. Recently his book, EGOPTICS, was published by Olive Publications.
When we read through EGOPTICS, we find the entry of a young genius writer. We have already come across many write-ups about Jaihoon. Radio Asia is introducing him to the listeners.
Jaihoon: Thank you, Suraj.
Suraj: So this book EGOPTICS must be your first book. So what would you like to say about the poems and essays in the book?
Jaihoon: Like Suraj described, this is a different collection of a poems and essays. The poems are of a mystical theme. By different, I mean, it is not the traditional style of English poetry adopted in it. Many symbolisms from Urdu and Persian poetry has been widely used, for example the metaphors like Rose, Nightingale, etc.
Suraj: Why this Persian influence? Are you born and brought up here?
Jaihoon: Born in India, but brought up here.
Suraj: So you have grasped the culture of this place well.
Jaihoon: Not only that, the influence of Persian style has another reason. The influence of Mathnavi of Jalaludhin Rumi is very much evident in the poems.
Suraj: How did you develop this interest in Persian poetry?
Jaihoon: Everything started with the poetry of Allama Iqbal. He had taken Rumi as his spiritual master.
Suraj: Has anyone directed you to read such poems and compose similar ones? Any inspiration?
Jaihoon: Reading, in reality, is very less on my part. But it is through Iqbalian literature that I got closer to Rumi. The symbolisms and expressions have influenced me much.
Similarly another personality who has exerted influence on my poetry is Rabia Basri (ra) , the lady saint of Basra. Her sayings and lifestyle is also evident in the poems.
Suraj: What about the contemporary writers among the expatriates here? Have they influenced you, besides the above mentioned? Have they given any directions?
Jaihoon: Directions have been there. But not from writers or poets. It was from others involved in other fields. Like I said before, since reading is generally low on my part, I haven’t read much of others’ works. I feel rather proud of it.
The only book in Malayalam I have read is Ya Ilahi, a collection of stories by Vaikom Basheer. As for English novels, I have only finished reading God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
Suraj: So how was the influence of Arundhati Roy? Her work has many peculiarities. She has violated the traditional form of language. Any such effect?
Jaihoon: That spirit may have come in essays, but not poems. Some form of rebellious spirit… that may be attributed to the novel.
Suraj: We have heard about the dotcom. What was your objective for setting it up?
Jaihoon: Yes, Jaihoon.com . The goal was to share my little thoughts with others. In fact, it is that attempt that realized as a book today.
Suraj: How did that happen?
Jaihoon: The essays and poems you see in this book were never written for a book in mind nor for other publications. They were for the site’s visitors to read and experience.
Suraj: And how was the response for it?
Jaihoon: As for the response, the visitors themselves know. More than from Asian continent, the response was tremendous from European and American continent.
Suraj: Did you give any commercials for this?
Jaihoon: No. If those who come and like it, they send it their friends.
Suraj: What was the content in it?
Jaihoon: Basically, the spiritual degradation of today’s life. We need a blend of spiritual and materialistic aspects.
Suraj: You talked about the blend of spiritual and materialistic aspects. So such spiritual issues… was it your own perspectives in the site?
Jaihoon: Yes. But I cannot help saying that each component of it was integrated with Iqbalian philosophy.
Suraj: So Iqbal has influenced you much…
Jaihoon: Yes and it continues to do so…
Suraj: That means it was a one-man performance. Yet, how did it evoke such response?
Jaihoon: I don’t think it was because of my ability. Maybe due to the greatness of the topics discussed in it.
Suraj: How is the traffic to the site?
Jaihoon: On a daily basis, around 10,000 people make it. In September 2002, the it exceeded 500,000 hits.
Suraj: Besides these, I believe there is a section dealing with Arabian culture and heritage?
Jaihoon: Yes definitely, especially about the heritage of Sharjah.
Suraj: Getting back to EGOPTICS, why did you choose the title, EGOPTICS? Its a rare coinage.
Jaihoon: Its a combination of Ego and Optics. I had coined it around 10 years back just for fun.
Suraj: Are you referring to the rise of Ego?
Jaihoon: No. In English language, Ego has two meanings. One is the pride, arrogance etc. The second is the Self, personality etc. I imply the second one. Optics is the observations. And thus EGOPTICS is my own observations on a particular topic.
Suraj: How is the response for the book so far?
Jaihoon: The sale has only begun.
The first book was presented by Syed Basheer Ali Shihab and received by Daud Musa Pidcock, an economist from UK.
Suraj: So your profession is..
Jaihoon: A Marketing and Sales Officer at a organization of Sharjah government.
Suraj: you told about the visitors from Europe. how was their response to the poems?
Jaihoon: Before I answer that, may I say that Rumi is the most widely read poet in America today. The reason for this I fee is that.. the people over there may have many shortcomings, but the moment they realize any truth, they readily accept it. Unlike the Asians, they do do not view things with any bias.
For example, for the purpose of sale of EGOPTICS, I went to a book shop in Sharjah which is co-owned by an American lady. I was told to come back two days later for a final agreement. But they called me after 2 hours and told that she was really moved by the poems and broke into tears reading it. This is one of the most beautiful responses that I have ever got for the book. And I do not think I can expect such a response from an Asian person. We tend to make pre-judgments based on our cultural bias.
Suraj: So remaining firm on the philosophy of Iqbal and without much of reading, you have earned much name for yourself. We expect more such achievements from your side. What are your future plans in writing?
Jaihoon: For now, a collection of poems for children is finished. Next, I am working on a semi-fiction novel…
Suraj: What is the theme of the novel?
Jaihoon: There are many topics. One is the clash between the older and present generation. It talks about the Indian issues under an Arabian context. The entire settings is discussed under a mystical theme.
Suraj: Anyway, you are going to take some bold steps in the field of poetry and fiction. Especially as a Keralite, there is much to feel proud about.
So can Jaihoon recite for us a poem from the book to have an insight to the nature of your poems-
Jaihoon: Sure. This poem, ‘When nature rings aloud’, is taken from the upcoming project. It talks about my memories related to the Madrasa days in India when I was 5 or 7 years old.
… the late-goers hurried their pace
‘coz they were worried to see the Ustad’s angry face
In his hand was a cane
Strong enough to make their courage drain.
But in this system was a gain
That whatever learnt through this
Remained in their heart’s mine.
Dear One!
My memories are ringing aloud
When I recall that iron rod
Hit on the metal board
That metallic sound was a sign
Of Madrassa’s end.
And very soon…
In the home-made cover
The Mushaf was bound
From classes one to seven
Everyone began to sing in chorus as soon
As the command was given
Ten times would the Cool Breeze flow from the Children
A hundred blessings would come in return from the Heaven
Dear One!
Such is the beauty of my Watan
Seen by those that have a heart within.
Suraj: So, these are small attempts from your part. Even the name EGOPTICS stands apart. We wish you all success to reach new heights in world of literature.
Jaihoon: My sincere gratitude to Radio Asia for reaching out my ‘small attempt’ to such a vast audience. Thank you.