The Neym Beyl is one of the most important readable books which is a collection of short stories originally written by Naguib Mahfouz an Egyptian Noble Prize winner writer in literature and translated by Sharaf Shad, a well-known (Baloch writer) from Urdu, English into Balochi language.

            Besides, the book Neym Beyl contains about 12 short stories as Neym Beyl (Half a day), Juthai (separation), The Shadow (Syahag), Peer zal e juthai (separation of an old lady), and other readable works that explain about different topics and ideas and it was published in 2021 by Balochi Academy.

            The stories have been translated into Balochi very well and grab the attention of the readers interestingly when they engross themselves to read them. Sharaf Shad has such amazing art and craft of translation that how to translate the short stories from one language to another appeals to every reader.

            It is said that translation plays a significant role in communication which leaves a connection among the languages as well. Apart from that, the stories relate to various aspects as social issues, discrimination, social justice, political issue, social conflict, and the past situation of Egypt when the people faced it. Moreover, the writing expression and diction of the writer is simple and clear as well.

            Most importantly, the writer has highlighted the upper and lower class situations that how the destitute person suffering from various troubles. The Juthai, (separation) an interesting short story that describes the social discrimination among the people. Jalal Afbandi, he is the father of 6 children two are reading at college, two are reading at high school, one is reading at Primary school and the last one does the housework. Jalal himself is a clerk his salary is about 2000 thousand. But always thinks about his son's school fees. He can't afford it and is disappointed by his political leaders and unable to solve the financial problems as well as disappointed in the courts of the country to demand justice.

            Due to poverty, he goes to Hamid Shamil, the Minister of Education to request that his salary is not adequate and give scholarships for his sons who are reading at college to continue their educational process and could not pay their fees. Apart from that, he also reminds Hamid Shamil about his school time they were classmates Hamid also becomes happy When meets him once again.

            The Minister of Education encourages him that don't worry and Jalal Afbandi gives his application to him in which he explained his matter.

            On the other hand, they are the same age but Hamid Shamil looks young because his life is pleasant whereas Jalal Afbandi's outlook is full of sadness, and depression and his life is going toward downfall.

            Once again Jalal Afbandi thinks about his school life where he was always a winner at sports and got many awards due to his good performance where he spent his childhood enjoying with his friends but now they are disconnected. He thought about Hamid Shamil that how he became the Minister of education and he himself became a clerk. Because of poverty, Jalal Afbandi could not continue his education but Hamid took admission to Law College. He got his law degree and moved to France for further study. His father was the Minister of law.

            In addition, Jalal Afbandi always thinks about his family members, past situation as well as later becoming a clerk after. Jalal thinks that life does not stay one way. Sometimes it leads us to happiness and sometimes it turns into sadness. Someone is restless due to hunger and someone is rich.

            In the end, he leaves overthinking about poverty and says that we must not think too much about others because it pushes us into depression and people will be deprived of happiness.

            He thinks about the Minister who once advised him that be hopeful. It is not a big matter he solves the matter. Similarly, the short stories of Naguib Mahfouz highlight the social issues of the new world where the people are suffering from them as well as high-class and lower-class families.

            The book is too important for literary aspirants and shows the method of translation as well. The translator needs to be appreciated and his work needs to be glance. In other words, The Neym Beyl is an important to the book that plays a wonderful contribution to the translation the avid readers ones who read it.

 

By: Nawaz Nigwari

Turbat Kech