A Hundred Journeys, Stories Of My Fatherland

A hundred journeys, stories of my fatherland is a book through which a father shared his inner most feelings and some quintessential experiences and advices to his beloved son. In fact, the father hopes that his son will understand and follow them in his life through thick and thin. An honest and ok kinda book.

In South Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, you will find that the relationship between a father and his son is such that there is love, admiration and respect. But, at the same time there exists a hesitation between the two to share each other’s feelings freely with each other, isn’t it.

In fact, the same case existed with the author of this book. And he filled that void through his words in the form of this book. That’s why he said this. I write because I need you to know what I cannot say.

So, let’s see what, A hundred journeys tells us about the thoughts of that man!

What is A Hundred Journeys by Omar Zafarullah?

A hundred journeys by Omar Zafarullah is a memoir which is written with honest thoughts. And he wrote this memoir for his son Hyder.

A hundred journeys, Omar Zafarullah

In fact, through his memoir, the author introduced his son to the history of their forefathers; his own experiences of life, his views on Islam, and most importantly, about Pakistan, and what kind of Pakistan he wants to see for himself and for posterity.

Never forget Maaji-

She never went to school. But, she ensured that her children received a sound education. In fact, her husband died at a young age. Even this didn’t deter her from giving up on life. Being a Muslim woman she never adorned the purdah or the Hijab. Although, people had said unnecessary things about her. But, she carried on with her work. She tilled the land, watered it, and made sure that her children gets enough nourishment to survive.

This woman with an iron will was Maaji, the great-grandmother of the author. And the latter said clearly to his son that never forget Maaji. The woman who ensured that her family survived at any cost.

The past is as important as the present-

Omar Zafarullah’s forefathers came from Indian’s Punjab to Pakistan’s Punjab. And they settled in a nondescript village by the name of Gojra. In fact, the author said that they are Jats. And he didn’t hesitate in telling us that his forefathers were Hindus and later they became Sikhs and finally they converted to Islam.

He told his son, Hyder to use his mind before coming to any conclusions. Especially, the propaganda that the state feeds into the minds of young children through biased education and selective teaching of history.

The author also told his son about the two-nation theory of Pakistan. And how this theory was dismantled in 1971, when The Bengalis of East Pakistan fought for their independence and got their country, Bangladesh.

And most importantly, Omar Zafarullah couldn’t hide his love and admiration for the city of Lahore. And he mentioned why he loved this city so much.

Why you should read this book-

Although, this memoir is concisely written, and it’s written for his son, Hyder. But, you can go for this book for these reasons-

* A honest views of a man from Pakistan

* Easy to read

I also wanna say to readers that if you get this book at a good discount only then go for this.

I hope you like this, Thanks for reading. Jai Hind.

Let me conclude with these lines,

It is always good to listen in order to understand!

 

My Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) 

You can also order your copy of the book from here- A hundred journeys book.