Hindi writer Premchand on audio now

Works of literature giant Premchand are now available in the audio format.

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) Works of Hindi literature giant Munshi Premchand, who continues to touch the lives of

thousands with his simple storylines and use of colloquial language, are now being made available in the audio format. A collection of Premchand`s famous short stories has been made into an audio book in three volumes. The collection `Munshi Premchand ki Kahaniyan` comprises nine CDs and with every volume, a printed version of the stories is also included. "These audiobooks are the right way to move to attract the present generation to our traditional literature. Even I plan to make an audio book of Umrao Jaan, so that it reaches more people," says noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who was present at the launch of the audiobook in the national capital recently. Premchand known for his masterful storytelling usually set his stories in the rural backdrop and addressed the concerns of the common man. He wrote over 300 short stories, a dozen novels and two plays Some of his famous novels include `Gaban`, `Godaan`, `Sevasadan` and `Premashram`. "His works are even relevant in the modern fast paced life that we live because knowing the past is essential to move towards the future", says Alok Rai, Premchand`s grandson. Many book lovers consider reading Premchand a nice way for those living in the urban metros to connect with the real India. Teena Sharma, a student and an ardent fan of the author says,"I think the way Premchand potrays rural India can be compared to the way Thomas Hardy wrote about rural England and both are equally engrossing, " says Shammi Narang, who has lend his voice to the audiobook says, "One character of Premchand is different from another and it helps the reader to stay connected to his roots. If a person puts 10 per cent of Premchand`s readings into his life, I think he can be a better man." Shitij Verma, a student of Delhi University says," Having done my entire education in English I can relate to English language writers more than the hindi ones. Moreover it is very hard to understand the language used by Hindi writers. Listening to audiobooks is a good way I think to know about Premchand." "Munshiji presented the real India in his stories and everyone should read them because you cannot get to the future without knowing the past," Verma adds. "Audio books are a good way to read literature. "You just put the CD and enjoy," says Rai. Munshi Premchand was the pen name of Dhanpat Rai Srivastava. Bureau Report