My Reflections

                                          Much water has flown down the Ganges since the famous tryst with destiny speech of our first PM at midnight stroke 14-15 August 1947 to the chanting of Jai Shri Ram by current PM at recent Dussehra celebration. As is the nature of evolution, aspirations and inspirations of nation do change. New icons replace old ones. In fact, old and long ignored icons are finding rightful place in modern India. The language to express the aspiration of modern and youthful nation has also changed. There is fast emergence of new lexicon for modern India. Traditionally, we in India have been celebrating "unity in diversity". There appears to be change in long cherished ethos. Uniformity is buzzword emanating out of corridors of power. The idea is attractive and catchy. We are suddenly obsessed with uniform civil code.  The debate, however, is f...

Master Samiuddin was a frail old man who read old urdu newspapers - sangam to beat the cruelty of old age boredom. These old newspapers were moth eaten and yellowish in color. The newspaper was as faded as Master’s skin due to old age. He passed forlorn and lonely day with occasional visit of some guests. Master Samiuddin would read the newspaper articles and recite his poems to the visiting guests. While speaking on his favorite topic, urdu language and its beauty, his eyes would shine as the burning wick of kerosene lamp shines in dark nights. It is said that guests frequented less to avoid this torture. Master Samiuddin was a retired primary school teacher who stressed upon diction of language more than language itself. Master would lament that young generation is no more learning Urdu language. The degeneration and apathy towards his beloved language saddened him gravely. His own son Farooq, spent two full years reading elementary Urdu book to gain perfection of pronunciat...