The book is a captivating, eclectic collection of Facebook posts on the author’s timeline that defies thematic organization
Bhaskar Parichha
Short Takes I & II – Random Selections from Facebook Posts
JP Das
Ketaki Foundation
Bhubaneswar
In the age of social media, our lives are often documented in snippets and snapshots, capturing fleeting moments that reflect our thoughts, experiences, and emotions. A book that features a curated collection of Facebook posts should be engaging and enjoyable to read, offering readers a delightful blend of comicality, insight, and relatability. This two-volume book by JP Das accomplishes the objective with complete honesty.
JP Das is not only a distinguished writer who has significantly influenced the Odia literary landscape for over fifty years, but he is also a prolific creator of various literary forms. His impressive body of work includes poetry, short stories, novels, plays, essays, and whimsical children’s verses. He has been honored with prestigious accolades such as the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Saraswati Samman for his poetry, the Sarala Award for his short stories, and the Nandikar Award for his plays. Additionally, he has penned numerous books focusing on Odishan art.
Each entry in this two-set book, ranging from lighthearted stories to deep insights, offers a glimpse into Das’s vibrant literary journey. This collection acts as a series of legendary sketches, reflecting the author’s daily experiences in a manner that connects with a wide array of readers. The book defies thematic organization due to the eclectic nature of the posts on the author’s timeline, yet each one remains captivating. The element of unpredictability emphasizes the abundance of diversity.
Writes Satya Mishra – who is also a renowned short story writer – in the introduction to the book: “JP started posting on FB sometime during the early years of the last decade. Vacations of various lengths notwithstanding, he has been fairly regular in visiting FB. Hence number of his posts would run into thousands. It is a matter of conjecture whether all those posts can be contained in a couple of printed volumes, given the constraints of space and synergy.”
Facebook allows a great deal of options and flexibilities in respect of medium as well as content which are not available in print form. This is a major restrictive factor that may have reduced the variety and versatility of this collection. Moreover, texts in languages other than English would necessitate elimination, at least partially; keeping in mind the target audience.
JP’s friends and followers on FB reached the maximum permissible number some years back. The brimming cup resulted in a very wide readership. His followers include many men of letters from all sections, some of whom posted pertinent and interesting comments in response to his narratives. Some comments elicited further comments, occasionally leading to healthy debates. Those comments are not included in print although the original posts together with selected comments would have made a more interesting reading. Despite these limiting factors, what is still available is an exquisite fare.
The Facebook posts featured in this meticulously organized book, presented in various Indian languages including Odia, resemble personal expressions akin to graffiti. They encapsulate the immediate thoughts of a profoundly knowledgeable person, conveyed in a polished and dignified manner. It is highly commendable that JP allowed his insights, supported by comprehensive research and insightful analysis, to be made available and compiled without any alterations or censorship. Although some of the earlier posts may have lost a bit of their immediate relevance, they continue to be remarkably captivating.
There also exist insightful and thoroughly researched discussions on a wide array of topics that have elevated the modest Facebook texts to esteemed documents. In these writings, one can find a coexistence of scriptures and Bollywood, as well as the works of Alexander Pope alongside Faturananda, or Omar Khaiyyam with Upendra Bhanja.
No topic is considered off-limits on JP’s Facebook wall. It would indeed be a misfortune if these blogs were not gathered, allowing them to become relics in the vast expanse of Facebook. This compilation will undoubtedly serve as a genuine treasure for discerning readers, one that can be joyfully passed down to future generations.
Visual elements, such as screenshots of the original posts, accompanying images, or illustrations, further enrich the reading experience. These visuals evoke nostalgia and enhance the emotional impact of the words, making the book not just a collection of text, but a vibrant tapestry of shared moments.
Transforming Facebook posts into a printed book is a rare occurrence, even on a global scale. While there are now a few software options available to recover lost or hidden posts from specific time periods, the use of technology to enhance technology has its constraints. This compilation represents a significant effort in reverse digitization.
Concludes Mishra: “JP, an amalgamation of a wordsmith, poet, fictionist, playwright, and enthusiast has given respectability to this medium. He has emerged as a virtuoso who would certainly force every cynic to sit up and take of his diary and carefully preserved scraps have enabled him to etch a unique chronicle in digital space. These pages bear testimony to an eventful journey that is not just personal but a shared odyssey with the virtual community. This book is the tangible manifestation of that digital odyssey, the enduring embrace of a printed book.”
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
