Unbearable Lightness of Being

     Milen Kundera

          I have already read a novel by Milen Kundra.  He has changed the spelling of his name to Milen Kundera, which sounds like a Punjabi name.  The novel was written in 1984 or before.  

          IT is a story of an individual going through relationships, women , Nation, Nazi occupation then, Russian invasion into Czechoslovakia.  The title says it all.  An individual has to reconcile to the fact of his being weightless in the ocean of historical experiences. 

          At a personal level, his desires, love, his wife, son etc causes him to think that in fact he is not in full control of his life or incidents in his life.  His idiosyncrasies affect others as their own peculiarities affect him endlessly.  Oppression by the State is another unbearable reality. 

          The second world war, soviet invasion etc define his existence.  Later the state is occupied by Russian forces.  All activities are under the guidance of Soviet Masters.  The protagonist could not predict or understand as to how and why historical events occur. Not only he, but also the state i.e. Czechoslovakia, is powerless to chose its destiny.  Big powers decide the fate of his nation and unforeseen circumstances, passions, individuals and their choices decide the fate of his life.  In front great churning called contemporary events, he is unable to survive with honour.  A medical doctor, he is directed to give in writing an apology for his anti people activities. As he refuses to do this, his licence to practice is cancelled and he works as Glass Window Cleaner in the city under the supervision of the State authorities.  His wife leaves him, his second wife has other priorities.  He has so many priorities.  Nothing matches his desire or expectation.  He floats like a paper boat in a turbulent river. 

          His personal life is ruined.  He changes cities, goes on exile to another country and then returns to his country only to take the job of cleaning the glass windows.  His family life is affected.  His son from an earlier marriage is used to threaten him into submission.  HE refuses to surrender and pays the price.  He has affairs with many women but loves only a very few. Finally none of them comes to his rescue though each of them knew that he is a normal good guy.

Thus this novel which speaks about the past life in a authoritarian state, is a prophecy for the countries which take the path of authoritarian rule for whatever reason.  This affects everybody.  The existential trauma the Doctor experiences also depicts an advanced society where only individual matters and even this freedom does not guarantee happiness to anyone who is sensible.  Those who have aggressive, bullying nature can and will survive.  Others will understand that they are no heavy weights and they live like domesticated animals. That is is the ‘Unbearable Lightness of Being’.  This is what we in India could not even imagine.  How would be the world where individual gets ultimate freedom in personal front but is controlled in all political, social and cultural spheres.  

A tragedy of future where you have the power to suffer alone or join the chorus of total submission to the State.  But this  novel gives us the picture that we would not like to see.  It is so original and individualistic.  We in India still survive on the values of the tribal affinities.  We may not understand the agony Milen Kundera's protagonist now.  It lies in our future. IT is so relevant in India of today which in my opinion fast moving towards this tragedy.