The Indian subcontinent has produced many poets, shāyars, authors, playwrights and performing artistes, all masters of their craft. But, as is usually the case in societies colonized by external powers, it is the latter’s “culture” and other achievements that overshadow the accomplishments of the subdued peoples. It is therefore not surprising that Pax Romana, Pax …
An elegy for peace
India and Pakistan have recently celebrated their respective independence anniversaries. Self-declared pundits took it upon themselves, again, to re-examine the context and outcome of the Partition in 1947. In Northern areas of either country nearly every family is able to relate personal tragedies from this period. “It was”, as Dickens had written much earlier, “…the …
"Independent" minds
The legendary philosopher-poet Mirza Ghalib was disheartened by the sad plight of his beloved “Dilli” (Delhi) as it slowly disintegrated during the last days of the Mughal empire, expedited by the ascendant power of the East India Company. His verse and letters to friends from this period reflect his angst and pain arising from the cavalier …
Have you ever seen the rain?
A light drizzle started just as I stepped out of the car and started walking to the GO train station yesterday. As I settled in and switched on my iPod, purely by chance the first track that shuffled up on my iPod was a composition in raga Megh by the legendary Ustads Nazakat Ali and Salamat …
wealthisnotmoney 