Fear and fairness in ‘The Labyrinth’ by Gourahari Das
Gourahari Das’ book appears to be a straightforward tale of a husband and wife living in two different cities in Orissa, each encountering unusual situations that cause apprehension for their safety and that of their families. However, beneath this simple narrative lies a profound exploration of the psychology of fear experienced by ordinary citizens striving to lead routine lives.
Draupadi, living in Bhubaneswar, is married to Debadutta, a forest official posted in the jungles of Sundergarh. They have a son, Pintu, who attends school and lives with his mother. This is an ordinary family with modest aspirations, content with working diligently to secure a comfortable lifestyle.
One day, as Draupadi is taking her son to school, she witnesses a horrifying scene: three hoodlums brutally knifing a young man. Instinctively, she shouts at them to stop. The kingpin’s menacing glare sends chills down her spine. Later, when she learns that the young man has succumbed to his injuries, she is gripped with terror. She fears that the murderers will track down her family and inflict unimaginable harm.
Simultaneously, Debadutta faces a dire threat from Digal, a ruthless mafioso whose trucks loaded with illegal wooden logs have been seized on Debadutta’s orders. Digal threatens him with severe harm if he does not comply with his demands. Protected by senior forest officers and local politicians, Digal sees Debadutta as the sole obstacle in his path. Debadutta is gripped by panic, not only because of Digal’s formidable influence but also the safety of his family.
Das delves deeply into the corrosive nature of fear, vividly illustrating how it erodes confidence, ignites doubts and cripples one’s ability to reason, love and experience joy. Instead, fear festers, breeding anger and guilt. Both Draupadi and Debadutta, gripped by their own terrors, choose not to approach the authorities. They fear the very system meant to protect them, feeling abandoned, betrayed.
Das notes, “Debadutta knew he was not brave. No government employee can be brave.” Through their eyes, Das paints a picture of an ineffective and corrupt system that leaves the vulnerable to fend for themselves.
A desperate Draupadi turns to astrologers and swamis, seeking solace anywhere but from the police. This choice underscores her profound sense of helplessness and mistrust.
Translated with precision by Manoranjan Mishra, ‘The Labyrinth’ explores the intricate workings of a mind consumed by dread, creating its own traps and treacherous pathways. The central message is clear: true peace can only be achieved by confronting these fears and taking righteous action to find the way out. In the end, Draupadi and Debadutta, guided by their conscience, face their fears and take the right actions. This quiet victory leads them to inner peace.
— The reviewer is a freelance contributor
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