Exploring Identity and Belonging in Alka Saraogi’s Novel ‘Register Me As Kulbhushan’

Alka Saraogi’s latest Hindi novel, ‘Kulbhushan ka Naam Darj Keejiye’, which has been translated into English as ‘Register Me As Kulbhushan’ by John Vater, delves deep into the complex layers of identity and belonging in the backdrop of India’s tumultuous history. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the quest for self-understanding through the life of its central character, Malli.

Malli’s journey begins with her mother, Amala, a Hindu woman who finds herself in a precarious situation after her relationship with her Muslim neighbor, Ali, ends in heartbreak, leaving her pregnant. In a twist of fate, Shyama, a washerman characterized by his dark complexion and scars, steps in to marry Amala. Shyama becomes a loving father to Malli, despite not being her biological parent. This conundrum of fatherhood raises an essential question: what truly defines our identity? Although Malli is of mixed heritage, she grows up perceiving Shyama as her father, complicating her understanding of love and family.

The narrative takes a fascinating turn as it explores Shyama’s own origins. Raised by a lower-caste couple who were not his biological parents, Shyama’s identity is further complicated by his unknown lineage. His backstory adds depth to the theme of belonging, reflecting how societal structures often dictate personal identities in India. When tragedy strikes, Malli’s life takes another turn as she encounters Kulbhushan, also known as Gopal Chandra Das, who embodies a complex relationship with identity and names.

Kulbhushan, a Marwari originally from Rajasthan, has made his home in the East Bengal town of Kushtia. His character serves as a mirror to the struggles faced by those who navigate multiple identities in a diverse nation. The novel vividly illustrates how names carry weight and meaning, shaping perceptions and interactions within society. As Malli learns about her own identity through her relationships with Shyama and Kulbhushan, readers are invited to reflect on the broader question of how personal and cultural histories intertwine.

The narrative of ‘Register Me As Kulbhushan’ is not just a tale of individual struggles but also a commentary on the larger socio-political landscape of India. It challenges readers to ponder the fluidity of identity, the impact of heritage, and the resilience of the human spirit in adapting to changing circumstances. Through Malli’s life, Saraogi crafts a poignant exploration of what it means to belong in a world defined by complex identities and relationships.

Source: scroll.in