MANGALURU: ‘Train to Pakistan,’ the historical novel by Khushwant Singh published in 1956, has been silently gaining prominence in the coastal districts and other parts of the state at a time when this region has earned the communally-sensitive tag.The social media campaign with the hashtag #TrainToPakistan and #JourneyForHarmony is reaching hundreds of youth through social media. The campaign was launched by a group called ‘Kosha Odu Desha Nodu’ (KODN), which includes dozens of like-minded youth from the coast and other parts. The challenge that commenced on June 15 and will continue till July 15, is aimed at making the young generation read the English or Kannada version of ‘Train to Pakistan’ and thereby spread the message of harmony that Khushwant Singh conveyed through his book. DYFI district president Muneer Katipalla, who is also part of the KODN campaign, told TOI that more than 1,000 people have already bought the Kannada version of ‘Train To Pakistan,’ which was translated by Dr M B Ramamurthy and published by Lankesh Prakashana.“We started this campaign with two major objectives – to oppose communal polarization and to promote the reading habit among the young generation. Initially, the campaign began with ‘Chirasmarane’ of Niranjana a year ago. Following the huge response to the ‘Chirasmarane’ campaign, we decided to continue it. We are happy that the ‘Train To Pakistan’ campaign has now touched more than 1,000 peace lovers and is continuing. ‘Train To Pakistan’ is one of the few books that helps readers to understand the ground reality of partition, not only in terms of political events, but also the horrors attached to it. Looking at the current communal polarization that surrounds the politics in the state, especially in coastal districts, reading such books will create awareness on the importance of harmony,” he said.Nearly 150 copies of its Kannada version were sold at the Mangaluru office of DYFI within two weeks. Meanwhile, many have bought the book from various book stalls and through online shops, Muneer said.“The next book KODN selects for the campaign will be ‘Tamas’ by Bhisham Sahni, which also narrates the massacres during partition,” he added.A source from Navakarnataka Publications said their Kempe Gowda Road outlet alone has sold more than 200 copies of ‘Train To Pakistan’ in a month.“The campaign to read books like ‘Train To Pakistan’ that narrates the plight of Indians during partition is a meaningful idea at a time when the nation is witnessing a phase of communal polarisation,” said Mohammed Irshad, who is part of KODN.

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