During my Graduate examination there was a question “Why is adolescence called the period of Sturm und Drang (storm and stress)?” I remember that me─not being far removed from that wonderfully excruciating age range, kept on writing how Psychologist Stanley Hall had observed these particular years—exultant feeling of individualism and emotional sensitivity without any resolution, and yet suffering from a sense of loss and guilt over having past by that very beautiful childhood which was keeping one secure, but now! In fact, a literary movement has been so earmarked for such unique features of misfit and rebellion with high reactionary outbursts—that had made Goethe possible!
Nonetheless Adeeba’s writings reflect the same sensitivity toward an 'eternal search for meaning' of human existence. Adeeba being very young—an early teen, a bright and hopeful girl with irrepressible positivity, may not have had this inclination toward practice thinking and soul searching. She could very well be happy-go-lucky, wondering in the Alice’s land of Brand Endorsements and Markets. But her upbringing in Kashmir makes her position fatally unique, if not Viktor Frankl! Her deep thoughts will surprise us at it’s fathom.
Thanks to Adeeba Riyaz for publishing her work with us. And thanks to Suman Dalui who wonderfully translated the vulnerable-strength of the former in Adamya Lekhonee.
Publisher's note
from Swarna Jana