Premchand ke Phate Joote

Rhituparna was thrilled to read Harishankar Parsai‘s satirical essay “Premchand ke Phate Joote,” which was inspired by a photograph of Munshi Premchand’s tattered shoes. She sheares how this insightful piece critiques societal pretentiousness, contrasting the authenticity and integrity symbolized by Premchand’s worn-out footwear with the obsession with appearances prevalent in society.

I recently came across a photograph that sparked my interest in reading Harishankar Parsai’s essay “Premchand ke Phate Joote.” This essay, inspired by the image of Munshi Premchand’s tattered, worn-out shoes, is a brilliant piece of satire that critiques the facade and showmanship prevalent in society.

Harishankar Parsai uses the humble image of Premchand’s dilapidated shoes, with a toe peeping out, as a symbol of authenticity and integrity in stark contrast to the pretentiousness of the world around him. The essay’s brilliance lies in Parsai’s ability to weave sarcasm and wit into a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

A Society Obsessed with Appearances

Parsai addresses Munshi Premchand directly in the essay, highlighting the stark contrast between Premchand’s unassuming appearance and the societal norm of ostentation. He points out how people rent clothes, caps, perfumes, cars, and various other items to create an illusion of prosperity. Even at weddings, those who can scarcely afford such luxuries prefer to rent them to maintain an appearance of affluence. In this world of pretense, Premchand stands out for his indifference to material appearances.

The Unpretentious Munshi Premchand

Premchand arrived to have his photo taken, fully aware that his image, including his tattered shoes and improperly draped dhoti, would be preserved for posterity. When asked to smile by the photographer, Premchand did so with a carefree attitude, as if mocking the elaborate charade required to depict happiness and success in a photograph.

The True Measure of Hardship

Parsai contrasts his own experience with Premchand’s. He describes how walking in worn-out shoes causes his feet to hurt and bleed, yet he ensures that the upper part of his shoes, visible to the world, remains pristine. This effort to maintain a facade of propriety, despite the pain, reflects the societal compulsion to appear successful and untroubled.

In contrast, Premchand’s shoes have perfectly intact soles, indicating he felt no discomfort in showing the world his visibly torn shoes. Parsai suggests that the upper part of Premchand’s shoes is torn because he has metaphorically kicked against the obstacles and challenges in his path. Premchand’s exposed toe symbolizes his unwavering adherence to his principles, regardless of the hardships he faced.

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A Satirical Critique

Through this essay, Harishankar Parsai criticizes a society obsessed with appearances while celebrating the simplicity, ethics, and principles embodied by Premchand. The torn shoes become a powerful metaphor for the honesty and integrity that are often sacrificed in the pursuit of superficial success.

Conclusion

“Premchand ke Phate Joote” is a masterful blend of satire and social commentary. Harishankar Parsai’s clever use of humor and irony to critique societal pretentiousness while celebrating the authenticity of Munshi Premchand makes this essay a captivating read. It reminds us of the value of staying true to our principles, even in a world that often prioritizes appearances over substance.

Hindi literature, with its depth and richness, continues to be a treasure trove of such thought-provoking works. This essay, in particular, stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of literature in addressing timeless social issues. Loved it!