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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Saadat Hasan: The man behind Manto
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan: The Man behind Manto

Here Manto lies buried—and buried in his breast are all the secrets of the art of storytelling – Saadat Hasan Manto. This is the second part of our series on the life and works of Saadat Hasan Manto. You can read the first part here. Saadat Hasan Manto, the greatest short story writer of India and Pakistan, has always fascinated Urdu literature lovers. Some say his ability to depict the reality of society with ease was what captivated the reader, others believe it was the way he challenged and changed…

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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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Manto and Ismat Chughtai
Urdu Literature

Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai: A Tale of Friendship

  Any celebration of friendship would become bootless without the mention of the unrivaled friendship between Saadat Hassan Manto and Ismat Chughtai.  Ismat was always encouraging of Manto’s work and Manto often teasingly took a jibe at Ismat as any friend would.  Their friendship demonstrates a unique diversion from the strong competition that is usually present between two contemporary writers. They strived together through the grave and unfortunate criticism attracted by their realistic short stories. Manto and Ismat’s relationship of friendship was so apparent that once a gentleman from Hyderabad wrote…

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