English Literature

Diwali and Urdu in Indian Culture: A Festival of Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb

Diwali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in the heart of every Indian. This celebration transcends religious and cultural boundaries, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. As the nation comes together to celebrate this joyous occasion, the spirit of unity and cultural amalgamation, often referred to as “Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb,” becomes particularly prominent. Urdu, with its rich literary tradition, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural fabric of India, and the festival of Diwali beautifully reflects this fusion. The poetic verses provided here…

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English Literature

Ismat Chughtai: Redefining Urdu Short Stories

Ismat Chughtai: a name that resonates with courage, innovation, and unapologetic self-expression. She was not just a writer; she was a voice, a rebel, and an indomitable spirit. In a society bound by conventions, Ismat Chughtai emerged as a pioneer of modern Urdu short stories, offering a fresh perspective that challenged the norms of her time. “I have always thought of myself first as a human being and then as a woman.” In these words, Chughtai reveals her unwavering commitment to humanity. She transcended the boundaries of gender and delved…

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Curated

15 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Valentine’s day is the day to spread love. It is the day to celebrate the special someone (or someones) in your life. So, what have you decided to gift this year to express your affection? Flowers, which are priced four times their usual price for this particular day or movie date, which happens once a month anyway? This year, try something different and express your love in style with romantic English, Hindi and Urdu poetry. Here we present 15 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas which are as unique and special as your relationship.…

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Urdu Literature

The Magic Of Gulzar Poetry

Simplify the complexities of life Sampooran Singh Gulzar, popularly known as Gulzar, weaves magic with his words. To be true he doesn’t pen words, but feelings. Gulzar is known to the world as a writer, lyricist, and director. But he is a poet at heart. When you read Gulzar’s poems you will understand that Gulzar doesn’t use words in the etymological sense. He uses words like an artist uses colors in his paintings. His perspective on life is unusual. His imagination is astonishing. He has understood the complexities of human life…

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10 Rumi Quotes
Curated

Sufi Quotes Collection: Rumi

10 incredible Rumi Quotes that can transform your mind and heart The human species has gradually evolved into a technologically advanced society. Today, it is possible to connect with people globally and access any kind of information with a few simple clicks. Perhaps, a satisfactory knowledge of the world and its problems have been attained by man. But, if the scene shifts from the world as a whole to each individual, there is a different set of challenges we encounter. Humans inherently have a great sense of emotions in them as…

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Saadat Hasan Manto: Stories
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan Manto: A Portrait Through His Stories & Letters

This is the first part of our series on the life and works of Saadat Hasan Manto. Read the second part here. “For me, remembrance of things past has always been a waste of time, and what’s the point of tears? I don’t know. I’ve always been focused on today. Yesterday and tomorrow hold no interest for me. What had to happen, did, and what will happen, will” – Saadat Hasan Manto. Born in 1912 in the bread basket of British India, in the north-western state of Punjab, Saadat Hasan…

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Urdu Literature

Lihaaf By Ismat Chughtai : A Perspective

Lihaaf ( دیکھو) by Ismat Chughtai is one of the most controversial pieces in Urdu literary community. It caused enormous ripples in the community, which was once characterised (and still categorised) as one of the most conservative branches of South Asian literature. The agitation was so great that Chughtai was summoned to court with her friend Saadat Hasan Manto over their controversial pieces: Lihaaf and Buu, respectively. This article aims to provide a new, contemporary perspective on this famous work that was revolutionary for its time. About Ismat Chughtai Ismat Chughtai…

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Akhtar sheerani blog
Urdu Literature

Akhtar Sheerani: Romantic Urdu Poet – By Salman Danish Khan

  Akhtar Sheerani is considered to be one of the leading romantic poets of Urdu language. Born in Tonk, Rajasthan, his best-known collections of poetry include Akhtaristan, Nigarshat-e-Akhtar, Lala-e-toor, Tayyur-e-Aawara, Naghma-e-Haram, Subh-e bahaar and Shahnaz. Read full Poem- Ae Ishq Hume Barbaad Na Kar ऐ इश्क़ न छेड़ आ आ के हमें हम भूले हुओं को याद न कर पहले ही बहुत नाशाद हैं हम तू और हमें नाशाद न कर क़िस्मत का सितम ही कम नहीं कुछ ये ताज़ा सितम ईजाद न कर यूँ ज़ुल्म न कर बे-दाद न कर ऐ…

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Top 10 Ghalib Sher
Urdu Literature

Top 10 Mirza Ghalib Sher

Mirza Ghalib, was an eminent Urdu and Persian poet, who began composing poems at a tender age of 11. The language of his shayari is mainly Urdu but he also knew Arabic, Persian and Turkish. Here’s Top 10 Mirza Ghalib  Sher for you to rejoice: 1. Bazicha-e-atfal hai Duniya mere aage  Hota hai shab-o-roz Tamasha mere aage The world is a children’s playground before me Night and day, a new play is enacted before me 2. Aah ko chahiye ik umr asar hote tak Kaun jeetaa hai teri zulf ke…

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