RUSSIA (MALAYALAM)

RUSSIA
-M. MUKUNDAN

M.Mukundan is one of the most prolific novelists of Malayalam literature. He is most remembered in the Malayali minds for his ‘Mayyzhipuzhayude Theerangalil’. Mukundan, native of Kannur district in Kerala is settled in the National Capital Territory of New Delhi.

Russia is novella by M. Mukundan which narrates the life of Govindan. The novella shuttles between the youth, middle age and old age of the protagonist. Govindan, in his youth was very much attracted into the communist and socialist movement. During the early years of his fruitful life he had shun away all the conventions of life. He found satisfaction in an independent life free of chains laid by the relationships. In his prime age Govindan migrates from his native place, Kerala to the capital city, Delhi. There he meets Rusi who soon becomes his lone companion. Govindan is at first astonished that an Indian girl be adorned with the name of an alien country. But eventually he is very much attracted by the skin tone of the lady. Their meetings become frequent and they discuss about everything under the sun. They also make trips together into the deserts and to the forests.

Once Govindan’s friend Balakrishnan reminds that it is time for marriage and he should consider marrying Rusi. But Govindan mocks the stereotype life of a middle class Delhi Malayali, managing to get a job, save for a future day, marrying a traditional Malayali girl, buying a DDA flat and so on. He denies the proposal.

Govindan makes repute as a writer, and begins to be recognized by the people. He enjoys the fame and name. During the course of life he regrets that he was not able to be actively involved in the socialist movement. He also retorts on the paradoxical turn of his life, that he has moved away from socialism, which was once his breath.

At present, Govindan is an old man waiting at the railway platform for Rusi, who never arrives. He has decided to end the ten year long wait for her. Finally, he manages to recollect Rusi’s address but is disappointed not to find Rusi there. With the help of an old friend Rusi is traced and the duo meets.

During the course of story telling the critic often interferes. One of the points raised by the critic is on the title of the novella. Despite being haunted by traces of pessimism, the novella ends with an optimistic note, which gives the readers the strength to move on in life.