The almanac brought out by Dr Aleem Khan Falaki Hyderabad: It is more than just a list of dates and events. It shakes your conscience and jolts you out of your complacency. This is one calendar whose leaves you wouldn’t like to tear off every month. Every page sends out a strong message...

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A file photo of the crowd during Numaish, 2018.  It is the one place where you can go with eyes shut and yet find what you want. No prizes for guessing. Even a dimwit will say it is the numaish. The annual consumer fair springs no surprises. It remains the same year after year except for...

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The year-end revelry, rather madness, is about to begin. Where to let the hair down and whom to shake a leg with. The year-end revelry, rather madness, is about to begin. Where to let the hair down and whom to shake a leg with. This is the biggest question worrying the well-heeled. One wants to get immersed in the frenzy and wish away the blues. Big hotels are already arranging programmes to ring...

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Hari Om is a bureaucrat who also impresses with his crooning skills Think of a bureaucrat and what comes to mind is a serious, person. But Hari Om begs to differ. He sports a relaxed and sociable look. And if you observe keenly you may even catch him crooning under his breath. He is not the...

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If published, Amir Rizvi’s work would be the largest set of lexicons When this monumental work sees the light of the day, Urdu readers will have the largest ever set of lexicons — six dictionaries spread over nearly 4000 pages are awaiting publication. Only, Syed Jafar Amir Rizvi doesn’t have...

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Gulzar’s recital of his new nazm was a trip down memory lane. When was the last time you curled up in bed with a book in hand? May be a decade ago or more. Or is it once-upon-a-time, to use the cliché? Times have certainly changed and so have reading habits. Blame it on technology, one can’t have...

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The Siddis of A.C. Guard practise in preparation for playing at a political rally, in Hyderabad on Thursday. (DC) An ethnic group of African descent is hot favourite among parties for election campaigns. The drums thud faster. The slow tom-tom changes to a resonant pitch. Then the rhythmic...

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No bogus voting, impersonation is a sin, Muslims told.  To vote or not to vote the Hamletian dilemma persists for some. As the five yearly date with democracy draws near election authorities are pulling out all stops to motivate people to exercise their franchise. For a change ulemas too...

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Urdu poetry is now richer by a new genre, Triveni. The credit goes to filmmaker and lyricist Gulzar.     A poetic unit of three verses, Triveni packs a punch in the last line by turning around the meaning expressed in the first two verses.     Gulzar, who has mastered the art...

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The place remains chaotic, loud and as frenzied as ever. The place remains chaotic, loud and as frenzied as ever. But there is a pleasant change now. You can breathe easily and appreciate your favourite monument without the fear of being knocked down. Tourists visiting Charminar are now whistling their relief. They can have a leisurely dekho of the historic edifice. For years Hyderabad’s most...

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Saeed Shaheedi, poet of 'Barq-o-Aashiyan', excelled in all genres of poetry. A tribute to the prolific writer There is no dearth of poets in Hyderabad. But, he remains a cut above the rest. You can rock to his romantic ghazals and also sob to his soulful dirges. That’s Saeed Shaheedi for you....

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Iqbal Academy brings to light unpublished works of Allama Iqbal Die-hard fans of Allama Iqbal, one of the greatest of Urdu poets, can now look forward to reading his little known and yet unpublished verses. The Iqbal Academy, Hyderabad, has planned to bring out this 200-page book titled Baqiyat-e-Iqbal...

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Helping Hand Foundation in the city says it will take care of them Next time you come across someone in distress just dial 7893191193 or 8790679505. A dishevelled man scavenging for food at a dustbin. An emaciated woman lying on the pavement - uncared and untended. These are everyday...

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Muztar Majaz was not only a ‘shayar’, critic and translator but also an authority on the bard Allama Iqbal The recent death of Muztar Majaz has robbed Hyderabad and the Urdu world of a great poet, critic and translator. In fact he was the last word on the Urdu bard Allama Iqbal, and was known...

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The Hyderabad State surrendered meekly to the Indian military on September 13, 1948 without a single shot being fired The Hyderabad State surrendered meekly to the Indian military on September 13, 1948 without a single shot being fired. This was largely due to the betrayal of El Edroos, the Commander-in-Chief...

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For Haj pilgrims shopping, after religious ritual is a way of life Shopping bugs don't spare anyone. Not even pilgrims on a consecrated journey. As a form of 'me time', shopping provides the much needed relaxation and escape from stress and strain of Haj.  After spiritual renewal, pilgrims...

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