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 about extravagant marriages in the Muslim community, the menace of dowry and ways to curb it.

Dowry has become the bane of Muslim marriages. Even Friday sermons in mosques are talking about the need to root out this social evil. But the almanac brought out by Dr Aleem Khan Falaki, president, Socio Reforms Society (SRS), seeks to drive home the message in a simple and effective way.

Masjiden alag — Shadi Khane ek

Namaz key tareeqe alag —- Shadi ke rasm-o-riwaj ek 

(Different mosques but the wedding hall is the same

Different ways to pray but wedding rituals are the same)

In a telling way the calendar points out that different sects have their own mosques but the wedding halls are the same. Their method of namaz (prayers) differs and yet the marriage rituals remain the same. Then comes the punch line: all sects appear to have ganged up against the ‘Sunnat-e-Nikah’ (Prophetic way of marriage). Boycott such un-Islamic marriages.

Each leaf of the calendar delivers a thought-provoking message in Urdu and Roman Urdu accompanied by pictures. It mocks at the charade of giving and taking ‘jehez’ in the name of ‘khushi se’ (happiness). If there is nothing wrong in accepting dowry given ‘happily’ then corruption, gambling, wine and interest should also be permissible since all these acts are done ‘khushi se’, it says.

A good number of men and women, who attended the calendar release programme here on Sunday, resolved to stay away from marriages where dowry is taken forcibly. The SRS plans to hold its next programme on ‘Saas ho to Aisi’ which celebrates women who have not made any demands during the marriages of their sons.

Mr Falaki has been leading a crusade against the dowry system for nearly 18 years. He articulates his ideas and social stances without mincing words. The scourge of dowry is posing a big challenge to the Muslim community —making marriage a near impossible task for the low income groups. 

“One should have the guts to boycott marriages where dowry is demanded and un-Islamic practices followed,” he says.

He tries to prick the conscience of the community through different means books, short films, talks and songs. The calendar is yet another arrow in his quiver to send out a wakeup call be man enough to say ‘no’ to such marriages.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated December 25,2018

 

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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 some cosmetic changes here and there.

Regular visitors know where to find Kashmiri silks, readymade garments, leather goods and toys. These stalls come up exactly at the same spot every year.
“I find nothing new. But I still go to the exhibition by force of habit,” says Irfan Khan, who has been visiting the numaish for close to two decades without fail. Come January the city sees breathlessness as the All India Industrial Exhibition gets underway.

Basically, the exhibition is intended to provide a vibrant market place for traders to do business face to face. Manufacturers from the state and across the country choose to launch their products from here.

But of late big players are dropping out with availability of other advertisement avenues like social media and audio-visual communication platforms. For the last few years, BHEL, the state irrigation department and a few major electronic companies have stopped displaying their products at the exhibition.

With the numaish attracting traders from all over the country, the Exhibition Society is concentrating more on generating revenue to support its 18 educational institutions in providing quality and affordable education.

The society rakes in over Rs 100 crore by way of ticket and revenue from the 2,500 stalls. There are roughly 24 categories of stalls dealing in various goods that do business here. Of course women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and manufacturers from the state get preference.

Has monotony and lack of novelty robbed the numaish of charm in its 79th year? The answer is ‘no’. Repetitiveness notwithstanding, people still flock to it during the 46-day long period it is held. “Most of the people come here for recreation and not to find anything new,” says Aditya Margam, former secretary, Exhibition Society.

This view is shared by many visitors. Throughout the year the city hosts different kinds of exhibitions and people get to see and buy a variety of things. But Numaish occupies a special niche and is identified with Hyderabad culture.

Many families make two to three visits to the exhibition — first to see, then to choose and finally to buy articles. Some people simply like to saunter around and enjoy the old Hindi hit songs played there. “I find the Exhibition Ground the best place to beat the stress,” says Ramesh Kumar, a senior citizen echoing the view of many others.

Some families turn the exhibition grounds into an open air picnic spot. They bring cooked food from home and eat leisurely. “Where else can you indulge in such fun?” asks Asma, a housewife.

Is there anything new this year? Yes, one can find a dust-free and greener environment. More LCD screens have been put up at strategic points to watch the goings-on. Also a brand new statue of Mahatma Gandhi in sitting posture, similar to the one in the State Assembly has been put up.

A new stage with lawns has also been developed for holding cultural programmes.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated December 23,2018

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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 in the New Year. Some call it a new chapter, some a new beginning. But is it really so? The year never ends or begins—life just goes on. Will it be any different in 2019? You are living in a fool’s paradise if you say ‘yes’. Simply celebrating the New Year won’t change the shape of things to come. The elusive window of well-being will not open just because a new year has dawned.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. Nothing changes unless one brings positive changes in oneself. But the things most of us do as the New Year approaches are appalling. Elaborate parties are planned, venues chosen and menus selected. Some are busy jotting down New Year resolutions. It’s a ritual one wants to go through and get done with. At the stroke of midnight, a big cheer goes up, bottles are uncorked and the effervescent liquid gushes out. Next morning one gets up bleary eyed with a slight hangover only to find out that things have not changed a wee bit. 

This, however, doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t celebrate. But this can be done in a meaningful way. Why not resolve to be nice with everyone? Charity should begin at home. So let the first beneficiary of your good behaviour be your parents, wife and children. Go for an image makeover and give a big surprise to your colleagues by sharing their work. Why not resolve to shed that extra weight and feed the poor? For a change let’s put off airs and be fair with everyone. These acts look small but they have a lasting impact and liven up people around us. Don’t get fooled by the calendar. There are as many days in a year as you make use of.


The other day a friend of mine jolted me out of complacency when he explained how people are going bonkers in the one-upmanship race. New years or birthdays, he says, are not occasions to celebrate but time to take stock and do mid-course correction. Every time we tear off a leaf from a calendar, we are tearing off a month from our lives, a fact few are conscious of. And none knows how many years are left in our kitty. There is no way we can change the past but we can certainly make a fresh start and change the ending.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The New Indian Express

Dated December 21,2018

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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 archetypal IAS officer we have come to recognise. Hari Om wears many hats — writer, poet, musician and singer — and is making waves with his ghazal albums. What started as a mere hobby has now turned into a obsession. So much so that today his melodious voice has become his identity.“Singing has given me greater satisfaction than becoming an IAS officer,” admits Hari Om who is secretary, General Administration Department in Uttar Pradesh government.

Though endowed with a dulcet voice, and singing right from his student days Hari Om began singing publicly only in 2015, taking everyone by surprise. Ever since, he has been flooded with requests to sing. The other day he readily obliged a small group of admirers at the Media Plus auditorium here in Hyderabad.

Main tere pyar ka mara hua hoon, Sikandar hoon magar hara hua hoon... he sang. An unabashed fan of Mohd Rafi and ghazal maestro, Mehdi Hasan, he is gradually developing his own style of singing. Initially his civil servant colleagues thought his interest in singing was a passing phase. But when he cut three albums they knew his singing is no flash in the pan. “Everyone knows that I am singing and there is no objection from the government,” says Hari Om.

Fascinated by Hindi literature, he did his doctoral thesis on the novels of feminist writer, Krishna Sobti. He also developed a liking for the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and released his first album Intisaab to mark the poet’s birth centenary celebrations in 2011. There’s been no looking back after that and two more albums followed quickly — Roshni ke Pankh (Wings of light) and Rang ka Darya (River of Colours).

Hari Om has also published his short stories under the title Amreeka, Meri Jaan and his Hindi poems Khwabon ki Hansi .

Having worked as Collector of 11 districts in UP, he has seen life at close quarters. And all this is reflected in his writings. “There is lot more in me waiting to come out,” he says and recites the verse:

Aankhon mein samaye huye manzar ki tarha hoon

Main boond hoon aansu ka, samandar ki tarha hoon


The literary streak in him has broadened his vision and perspective of life. “Now I take greater care in dealing with people’s issues,” says the young civil servant who was in Hyderabad on an official visit as election observer. On the insistence of his admirers he has agreed to give a performance at the NTR auditorium in Telugu University on Wednesday evening.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated December 12,2018

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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 the wherewithal to publish them.

A nuclear scientist by profession and a linguistic buff by passion, Amir has slogged for ten years to write the dictionaries on subjects which are totally new to Urdu language. Having accomplished the task, he is desperately looking for a sponsor to publish his works. His talks with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in this connection have remained unfruitful.

Lexicography runs in his genes. His grandfather, Syed Tasaduqh Hussain Rizvi, authored the Loghat-e-Kishwari , way back in 1886; that still remains a popular reference point in Urdu. But what triggered Amir’s interest is Gossamer Years’ the tenth century classic of a Japanese writer, presented by his daughter. So impressed was he with the book that he wanted to translate it in Urdu. But when he sat down to translate he couldn’t get appropriate words in Urdu. “It was then that I decided to compile a comprehensive dictionary,” says Amir who served in the Department of Energy, US.

After retirement in 2007 he devoted his time and energy to writing seven dictionaries - Farhang-e-Amir, Farhang-e-Mauzoee (thematic dictionary), Farhang-e-Mutaradif and Mutazad (dictionary of synonyms and antonyms), Farhang-e-Qafia (rhyming dictionary), Urdu Lugath ki Tareekh (history of Urdu lexicography) and Farhang-e-Lisaan (linguistic dictionary). Of these only Farhang-e-Amir has been published; the rest await publication.

Salient features

What is unique about Amir’s lexicons is their encyclopaedic range. They not only provide information related to language and literature but are also a treasure trove of words for students and research scholars. For instance the thematic dictionary is a thesaurus in four languages - Urdu, Persian, Arabic, English. So one can find the meaning of a word in four languages at once. With more than one lakh words, the 1100-page lexicon is structured subject-wise.

Amir has fulfilled a long-felt need for a thesaurus in Urdu with a 2000 page dictionary. “Its benefits will be known once you start using it”, he says.

The Farhang-e-Qafia is also exceptional; it could be of immense help to poets in search of appropriate rhyming words. “Such a dictionary simply doesn’t exist in Urdu”, says Shujat Ali Rashid, a Urdu writer.


Apart from this, Amir has also penned Urdu and English poetry under the title Milak-e-Shairi and Distant Song, and has authored a Hand Book of Nuclear Science and Engineering on design and construction of nuclear power plants. What worries this 80-plus writer is the fate of his lexicons. He wants them published during his lifetime. Will someone come forward to help him?

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated December 07,2018

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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 enough of the modern gadgets.

Whatever happened to bookworms? Perhaps the expression itself doesn’t hold good anymore — at least not with the generation next.

Now, we have people peering into their smartphones endlessly.

Psychologists have a new clinical name for this addiction. They call it ‘nomophobia’ (short for no mobil phone phobia). Youngsters press the panic button at the very thought of being separated from their smartphones.

“My children will rather go to bed hungry than have their mobiles snatched,” remarks a friend bringing into sharp focus the desperation among youngsters to the mobiles.

Small wonder footfalls have come down in libraries. Even diehard bibliophiles have turned to either Kindle, smart boards, tablets or e-books to slake their thirst for reading.

Thanks to digital technology who will rummage through dusty library shelves for a piece of information when you can have it at the click of a button.

Not to run the risk of becoming obsolete libraries have started embracing technology and providing online access to their database.  

All said and done the pleasure of holding physical books and reading at one’s convenience and in a posture one likes is simply inexplicable. Can a tablet emit the ethereal smell of ink that a book gives?

What about the joy of turning dog-eared pages or coming upon dried flowers in the folds of books. A click will change the screen but the taste of licking the forefinger while shuffling pages is something else.

The noted poet Gulzar, who was in the city recently, took everyone down memory lane when he recited his new nazm, Kitabein (books).

He touched a raw nerve, explaining how books now languish in almirahs waiting longingly for someone to take them out:

Kitabein jhankti hain bund almari ke sheeshon se
Badi hasrat se takti hain
Mahinon ab mulaqatein nahin hotin
(Books peer through glass doors of the bookcase
Looking longingly
For months there are no meetings now)

Books used to serve another purpose too. On the pretext of taking and giving them to the beloved, the tomes are allowed to fall — leading to blossoming of new ties:
Kitbabein maangne, girne, uthane ke bahane rishte bante the
Inka kya hoga?
Wo shayad ab nahin honge
(Relationships were build while borrowing, dropping and picking up books
What about those?
That may never happen)

These verses evoke memories of the famous encounter between the hero and heroine in the movie Mere Mehboob, when they collide in college and the books in their hands fall. This is simply unthinkable with a laptop. It would break if you let it slip.  

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated December 2,2018

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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 beat of teen-mar takes over. The cheer leaders couldn’t hold back. Some break into a slow jig and then dance with abandon. Their dark faces glistening with sweat, the drummers raise the tempo sending everyone foot-tapping. Election time is ‘marfa’ time in Hyderabad.

No party can do without the sturdy bandmasters of A.C. Guards. Interestingly, they owe allegiance to none. And they don’t care which party wins the battle of the ballot. Morning they may drum up support for a Congress candidate, afternoon for its arch rival, TRS and before the day ends play for a Majlis nominee. All that they are interested in is to make hay when the sun shines. The Siddis of A.C. Guard have their hands full as the D-day draws near.

An ethnic group of African descent, they are a class apart when it comes to playing the Arabi duff and marfa. Though there are other bands in town, but many make a beeline to A.C. Guards to liven up celebratory occasions like marriage. For elections too leaders turn to the Siddis to pep up their electioneering.

Donning their trade mark attire — white shirts, lungis and red-chequered scarves, the Siddis cast a spell when they roll and crash the drums. Sometimes they also use the huge dhols and tiliya (brass pot) to produce the cham-cham sound.

But playing band for elections, many say, is not remunerative. They have to accompany candidates on padyatras in hot sun —  not knowing when the programme will start and end. The most difficult part is getting the payment. 

“Once the programme is over everyone disappears and catching hold of the leaders is difficult”, says Ahmed of Saleem Arabi Marfa Party echoing the views of many others. As such many prefer the marriage parties where the band is played for a fixed time and payment is prompt, not to speak of generous tips from guests.

Impressed by their physical strength and horsemanship, the 6th Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, recruited them for his African Cavalry Guards. Later they were provided housing quarters and the area they inhabit now is also known as Siddi Risala.

There are only three main bands here, each with a group of 50 to 60 members. The Siddis are a closely knit community. But the generation next is not interested in music and dance.

“They want to study and take up decent jobs,” Afsar of KGN Arabic Duff tells this newspaper.

 

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated November 30,2018

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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 have jumped onto the bandwagon. Many mosques in the city now see the khateebs using the Friday sermon to enlighten the Muslim community on the importance of voting.

Ulemas are taking pains to explain the importance of taking part in the electoral process especially at a time when minorities are being targeted at every level. Choosing leaders of honesty and integrity is the need of the hour, they feel. “Vote is both our strength and need and staying away from elections is nothing but foolishness,” says Mufti Syed Ibrahim Husami who has authored a book on elections and importance of voting. The 130-page book, which discusses various aspects of elections in the light of the Shariah, is doing brisk business in mosques and the other bookstores. It is only once in five years that one gets the chance to play a kingmaker and throwing away this opportunity makes no sense, the Mufti says.



Everything may be fair in love and war but not in elections. The Shariah says a big ‘no’ to bogus voting, impersonation and voting by underage persons. A Muslim woman can’t masquerade as someone else’s wife and vote. These are sinful acts and prohibited in Islam. Should one vote for a Muslim candidate or a non-Muslim? What is the ruling for a woman who is in ‘iddat’ (period of waiting after the death of her spouse or after divorce). Can she go out and vote? A number of such questions are rankling in the mind of the ummah (community). Find answers to all these in the light of Quranic injunctions and prophetic sunnah (traditions) in the book — Vote aur Inteqabaat, Ahmiat o Zaroorat — answers this book.

The Mufti discourages voting on religious lines. Candidates who best serve the interest of the community should be chosen irrespective of their religion.

Making out a strong case for voting, ulemas say not doing so is ‘haram’ (forbidden) since voting is essentially a testimony in Islam. And testimony has to be given when the occasion arises. The way giving false testimony is a major sin so is voting in favour of an unworthy candidate. Vote is also a trust and returning it to the correct person is necessary. Under no circumstances it should be cast for monetary benefit or under duress to an unworthy candidate, they argue.

Religious scholars dispel the notion that politics and religion are two different things. Politics is very much part of Islam, they say and list out examples of prophets holding the reins of administration. The book discusses at length such key topics as vote under the Shariah, its importance, whom to vote, electoral process. It also cautions contestants against indulging in character assassination of their opponents and resorting to unfair practices to win.

Except for those in ‘iddat’, there is no bar on Muslim women to vote.  But getting women out to vote is a task. Traditionally they are much less inclined than men to vote. For the first time the election machinery is also making use of the women SHGs to enlighten the fair sex on the need to vote. They are particularly being deployed in the old city of Hyderabad.

A campaign vehicle with Urdu language EVM-VVPAT ( voter verifiable paper audit trail) machines is going round the congested lanes of the Old City. The SHG members go door-to-door to meet the women inmates and encourage them to exercise their franchise.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated November 27,2018

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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 of writing the Triveni, regaled the audience the other day at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu).
    What was billed a seminar turned into a mushaira with the renowned poet holding everyone spellbound with his three-liners. Right from Vice-Chancellor Aslam Parvaiz to professors and students, Gulzar’s recital swept everyone off their feet.
   A book penned by Canada-based Hyderabadi scholar Dr Syed Taqi Abidi, Gulzar ki Taqleeqi Sinf, Triveni, Tashreeh o Tajziya was released on the occasion.         
    Three-line poetry is not new to Urdu language.
    There are various forms like the musallu, the haiku, tikoni, salees and the tipai where an idea is expressed in three lines. But Triveni differs in that it’s free from the restrictions of radeef and qafia (rhyming).
    The thought expressed in the first two lines takes a new twist when the third line is read.
    For the last few years, Gulzar has been writing Trivenis on subjects as varied as love, the calamities of life, social milieu and moral values.
    The best part of Gulzar's shayeri is that one doesn't need to consult a dictionary. His poetry is simple and down to earth. What’s more, he doesn’t hesitate to borrow commonly used English
    Asked why he named his three-line verse Triveni, Gulzar said the first two verses meet like the Ganga and the Jamuna and complete a thought and an emotion. But beneath these streams runs another river, the Saraswati, which is apparently hidden. He likens the Triveni’s third line to the Saraswati which makes a world of difference.

Sample this triveni:

Samne aye mere, dekha mujhe, baat bhi ki
Muskuraye bhi purani kisi pehchan ki khatir
Kal ka akhbar tha, bas dekh liya, rakh bhi diya
(You come before me, acknowledge me, and even talk to me
Your smile reveals our long acquaintance
Like yesterday’s newspaper, read and discarded) 

   At a time when Urdu readership is dwindling, Gulzar remains its face.
In his own inimitable way, he is trying to keep the flickering flame burning. He wants the language to be made simpler for Hindi readers.
    He superbly captures the dilemma facing Urdu thus:
Badi aristocracy hai zaban main Faqeeri mein, nawabi ka maza deti hai .

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Deccan Chronicle

Dated November 25,2018

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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 popular icon was stuck in a time warp. Reaching it involved navigating obstacles and potential hazards from potholes to throngs of distracted pedestrians—not to mention automobile fumes and the swirling traffic. Every time I went there I had to literally fight for space. Not anymore. Now you can saunter around, popcorn in hand, and look at the architectural wonder raised to ward off recurring plague. Thank God the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project being implemented in fits and starts is at last showing results.

My friend from Chennai who recently visited Charminar couldn’t believe his eyes when he could move around the monument at an unhurried pace and take selfies without the fear of honking traffic. Driving through Charminar is still not easy. You have to pick your way past the street-level chaos peculiar to the old city of Hyderabad. If one can ride here, one can ride anywhere goes a popular saying.

But this doesn’t deter visitors. For tourists a visit to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to Charminar. The same is the case with the locals. Come festivals or marriage season shopping around the monument is must. A bride’s trousseau is incomplete without a visit to Laad Bazar, the famed bangle street.


Politicians have their own reasons to root for Charminar. They find it the best place to stage protests and take out rallies. That’s not all. There are many myths associated with Charminar. For rumour mongers there is nothing like the ‘Charminar ki pudi’ to set afloat idle gossip. Sometime ago, archaeologists too fell prey to it and dug up a major portion of the road from the monument in the hope of uncovering a secret tunnel connecting it to the Golconda Fort. But in the end it turned out to be nothing more than a ‘Charminar ki pudi’.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The New Indian Express

Dated November 19,2018

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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. A poet who defies definition.

A prolific writer, Saeed has left his stamp in all genres of Urdu poetry – Ghazal, Qasida (panegyric), Naath (eulogy of the Prophet), Manqabat (sufi devotional poem), Rubai (quatrain), Munajaat (supplication), Salam (salutation), Marsia (elegy) and Noha (lamentation). He carved out a special niche for himself as versifier of Ahl-e-Bait. His devotional poetry written in praise of the Prophet’s family is a big draw during the Muharram mourning sessions. Saeed is equally popular for his ghazals where he is at his best depicting the feelings of love and bereavement.

Born Mir Abid Ali, he is known by the nom de plume Saeed. During his lifetime, he figured among the show stealers. His style of rendition apart, the profundity of thought, the pungent freshness, poignancy and music in his verses cast a mesmerising spell. The effect is much the same even now as the poet himself remarked once:

Jab bhi mehfil main chidi meri ghazal

Sari mehfil ko tadapta dekha

(Whenever my ghazal is recited/ The entire assemblage is seen in spasm)

What is unique about this Shayer-e-Deccan is that he could express exquisite sentiments with beauty, ardour and pathos in short beher (meter). His lyrical power is extraordinarily versatile and renders the whole gamut of human emotions with consummate felicity. Most of his ghazals betray a nostalgic longing for the beloved. Sample these verses:

Kaise sukoon paoon tujhe dekhne ke baad

Ab kya ghazal sunaoon tujhe dekhne ke baad

Teri nigah-e-mast ne maqmoor kar diya

Kya maikadh ko jaoon tujhe dekhne ke baad          

 His ghazals are distinctive and moving. Using elegant vocabulary and metaphorical allusions, Saeed is able to express different shades of feelings while adhering to rhyme and meter. See how in this ghazal he plays on words and emotions which he alone could do.

Kis ko pane ki baat karte ho

Hosh udane ki baat karte ho

Jam khali laga ke honton ko

Ladkhadane ki baat karte ho

Known as poet of ‘Barq-o-Aashiyan’, Saeed’s shayeri is full of references to lightning and nest. He employs these metaphors superbly in different contexts to depict the ravages suffered by a hapless lover at the hands of the beloved and to cock a snook at destiny.

Barq ke liye kya kya zahmaten uthata hoon

Aashiyan ke jalte hi aashiyan banata hoon

Aashiyane ki bunyad rakh ker Saeed

Barq ka housla azmate hain hum

 It is difficult to gauge the depth of his poetry as he mastered the art of expressing difficult situations in an easy way. The agony of Karbala, the most poignant chapter in Islamic history, has a bearing on his poetry. No wonder his verses have the sensation of smouldering embers. But, they don’t scorch the readers and listeners – rather bestow the warmth of life upon them. Saeed surely is one of a kind. This is best summed up in his own words:

Ghalib nahin main phir bhi Saeed itna kahoonga

Har ek se hat kar mera andaze bayan hai

Poetry runs in his genes with his father, Mir Mehdi Ali, being a poet himself. Saeed gave a hint of his brilliance when he took part in the annual mushaira held at Nizam College as a student. Those present, including the then Prime Minister Maharaja Kishan Prasad, couldn’t miss the great poet in the making.

Mubtalaye zulf ghabrate nahin

Khelte hain khaid mein zanjeer se          

Though Saeed worked in the Excise Department, he remained a poet at heart. He was bestowed the title of said-us-shora and travelled widely addressing poetic sessions both within and outside the country. His poems were regularly broadcast from All India Radio and BBC. Perhaps, Saeed had an inkling of his fame and said it in a subtle way in this couplet:

Aankhen khul jaayengi zamane ki

Meri aankhen to bund hone do

There could be no better tribute to this master poet than publication of his complete works. Another great son of the soil, Dr Syed Taqi Abedi, deserves compliments for bringing out the Kuliyat-e-Saeed Shaheedi to mark his birth centenary celebrations held on January 23, 2018.  A collector’s issue, the 759-page tome contains all the 3,869 verses composed by him along with the views of top writers.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Telangana Today

Dated November 18,2018

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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 in India. After much deliberations, the Academy took this decision on the occasion of the poet’s 141st birth anniversary on November 9.

The poet-philosopher has a huge fan following in the Urdu world, particularly in the sub-continent. Many theories abound as to why these verses were not published during the lifetime of the poet. Some say these were early poems of Iqbal and naturally lacked the philosophical profundity of his later works. Therefore, they were not included in the published works. Some believe that Iqbal had dropped these early verses as his thinking and philosophy had changed a lot by the time his celebrated book Bang-e-Dara was published. Whatever be the reson, these early poems have the distinct stamp of Iqbal — thestyle, diction and the unique choice of words.

Though the Baqiat-e-Iqbal was published in Pakistan way back in the 1950s, it remains unavailable in India. “We will have the credit of publishing it for the first time in India,” says Ziauddin Nayyar, vice president, Iqbal Academy.

Interestingly it was in Hyderabad that the first works of Iqbal was published by Abdul Razzak in 1916. The first Youm-e-Iqbal (Iqbal day) was also celebrated in the city on January 7, 1938 and the Bazm-e-Iqbal , the first Iqbal society was set up here. Also, Hyderabad’s connection with the poet who penned the famous nazm Sare jahan se accha goes deeper. He had visited Hyderabad thrice, first in 1910. He was the guest of the then Prime Minister, Maharaja Kishan Prasad. During his brief visit Iqbal was taken to the Qutb Shahi tombs where he penned the poem Gorastan-e-Shahi mirroring the rise and fall of kingdoms.

The Iqbal Academy, which has a collection of 6000 books on the poet, proposesto set up a research centre and extend all facilities to scholars who intend to do doctoral theses on Iqbal. Last weekend a programme was organised at the Academy’s premises in Gulshan-e-Khaleel complex, Masab Tank to commemorate Iqbal’s birth anniversary.


The poet-philosopher has a huge fan following in the Urdu world, particularly in the sub-continent.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated November 14,2018

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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 scenes we see and yet not see. But Arvind Gagan stood transfixed when the other day he saw a man lying near the footpath at Mouzam Jahi market with deep lacerations and maggot wounds on his wrist. The middle-aged man was fully naked. 

Though in a tearing hurry, Gagan took out his mobile and called some NGOs. The Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) responded and immediately rushed its team of volunteers to help the unknown. The volunteers first offer drinking water to the man, dress his infested hand, clothe him before shifting him to the Osmania General Hospital for treatment.

Much like the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, Hyderabad is seeing the HHF coming to the rescue of the unwanted, uncared and forgotten persons. During the last six months it has tended and rescued 25 persons left abandoned on the city roads. The avowed goal of the civic body to make Hyderabad beggar free remains just a pipedream. 

One can see scores of persons, majority of whom are sick and homeless, dotting the streets. Most of them have serious mental health issues along with physical ailments. Due to prolonged abandonment many refuse treatment and want to be left alone.  “It is extremely challenging to nurse and feed them”, says Mujtaba Hasan Askari, Trustee, HHF.

As its name suggests, the HHF believes in lending a hand to those caught in medical emergencies. From palliative care to HIV/AIDS patients, providing nutritional supplements to malnourished, extending free transport to patients HHF has grown over the years by helping others grow. Now it has decided to bring love and care to the sick, the abandoned and homeless.     

“But lack of social support and shelters make long-term rehabilitation a challenge”, remarks Askari.  What makes rehabilitation efforts difficult is the tendency among the destitute to go back to where they think they are comfortable be it a pavement without a shelter. “When left alone they often run away from hospitals”, says Askari. 

The HHF has now teamed up with other NGOs to arrange for the last rites of the abandoned patients in the event of death - giving them the dignity of life. Next time you come across someone in distress just dial 7893191193 or 8790679505. Who knows you may be saving a life.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The New Indian Express

Dated October 31,2018

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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 to be authority on 'Iqbaliat'.

Majaz breathed life in mushairas and without his scholarly presence adabi mehfils will not be the same again. Even at the ripe age of 83 he could steal the limelight.

His three books of verses — Mausam-e-Sang, Ek Sukhan Aur and Tilism-e-Majaz — show what consummate skill he had as a poet. He grappled with real issues until his shayeri gradually turned philosophical and spiritual. Eloquent expressions, flights of fancy and a soaring spirit are hallmarks of his poetry. However, Majaz is best remembered for his versified Urdu translation of the Persian works of Allama Iqbal under the title - Sada-e-Dilkusha . Thanks to Majaz, Iqbal’s works Javednama, Payame Mashriq, Armaghan-e-Hijaz are now available in Urdu. He also translated select poems of Ghalib in his Naqsh Haye Rang Rang .

Majaz has addressed more than 300 'Iqbal Shinasi' sessions at Masjid-e-Aliya, Hyderabad, expounding on Iqbal’s Persian verses. His translations earned praise from the German scholar Annemarie Schimmel who has translated Iqbal's poetry in German.

Majaz excelled in ghazals, coming up with fresh radeefs and qafiyas (rhyming pattern). Also, his distinct recitation style made him a big hit with the audience.

Mala wala, bindi windi, jhoomer woomer kya?

Zevar tera chera, tujh ko zevar waver kya?

Jeevan ek chadta darya hai, doob ke karle paar

Is darya main kashti washti langar wangar kya


A graduate from Osmania University, Majaz took up government service but retained his passion for poetry. Apart from Urdu and Persian, he loved English, Hindi and Telugu literature. Much feted ,Majaz bagged the prestigious Ghalib award from Ghalib Institute, Delhi.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated October 26,2018

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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 of the Hyderabad army, who instructed the various army sector commanders to ‘avoid resistance and surrender’.

Much has been written about the military invasion of Hyderabad but a new book on the last Nizam throws fresh light on the subject and lays bare the treacherous role played by Edroos. “He was in league with the Indian army and surreptitiously passed on secret information about the Nizam’s army, its strength, deployment and tactics,” says MA Nayeem in his book – ‘Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf Jah VII Nizam of Hyderabad and His Contributions’.

Though the Nizam was far outnumbered in military might, his army could still have fought and resisted the Indian forces at least for sometime as a matter of prestige. But Nizam was unaware of the conspiracy hatched by Edroos and his secret orders to the Hyderabad army not to resist the Indian army”, says Nayeem.

“

The veteran historian lists out the military strength of Hyderabad at the time of Police Action and says the real fighting force was just 22,000. It had guns, three armoured regiments while one fourth of the irregular army was equipped with modern weapons and rest were armed with muzzle loaders. This apart there were 10,000 armed Arabs, 10,000 Razakars and soldiers of Paigah and jagir police. Nayeem calls the Indian invasion as ‘naked aggression’ and in ‘blatant violation’ of international law. “The military attack was euphemistically named ‘Operation Polo’ to assuage the world criticism of the unprovoked aggression,” he says.

He describes Razakars as patriots of the first order and says they were a ‘voluntary organisation’ pledged to defend Hyderabad from attack. He rubbishes the propaganda that they were gangsters guilty of all sorts of crimes. “Every country has voluntary organisations and even India has several organisations with different names,” points out Nayeem.

The 271-page book is divided into three parts. The first one deals with Nizamul Mulk Asaf Jah 1 and his successors up to Asaf Jah VI, the second part is all about Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam,  and the last part talks about his contributions to the Hyderabad state and world. Nayeem has sourced material from the State Archives where he worked. Besides he has delved into the records of the Nizam’s Peshi office at King Kothi now preserved in Chow Mohalla Palace and also the National Archives, New Delhi. He has appended in the book a scanned copy of Pundit Sunderlal Committee report on the aftermath of Police Action obtained from the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.


The book is an interesting read and blames the British for destruction of Hyderabad although the Nizam contributed several millions  to bolster the depleting British treasury during the two World Wars. The Nizam also donated a destroyer ship to the British navy named ‘HMAS Nizam’ Nayeem quotes Sir Arthur Lothian, the British Resident at Hyderabad to explain how the British let down the Nizam: “No person of British origin who knows the facts can read the dignified and royal statement of the Nizam without a feeling of shame at our tacit abandonment of Hyderabad to the pressure of every sort from India.”

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The New Indian Express

Dated October 16,2018

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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 end up with a more earthly reward - shopping. The recently concluded annual pilgrimage at Makkah saw devotees going on a shopping binge once the Haj was over.

What did they buy? From prayer beads to scarves to designer clothes and expensive jewellery - everything under the sun. Shops selling burqas and hijabs (head covering) are a big hit with women pilgrims. Buying gifts and souvenirs for kith and kin back home is a tradition. Pilgrims indulge in a spot of shopping in between performing prayers and religious rituals. While the well-heeled turn to big hypermarkets like Bin Dawood and Abraj, majority of the worshippers hit the roads where affordable goods are lined up. "It is not proper to return to your family after a month without carrying gifts", says Maria of Egypt echoing the sentiments of many others.

Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest cities in Islam, offer many things unique to Muslims which are perhaps not found anywhere. For instance the best of prayer rugs from around the world are to  be found here. The price goes from a mere 10 Saudi Riyal to 100 SR and above depending on the quality. Prayer rugs are a rage among pilgrims as they have to be distributed to family members back home along with the holy zam zam water and dates.

Retail therapy brings in mega bucks to the merchants in Makkah and Madinah. In fact traders eagerly look forward to the annual Haj to rake in the mullah. Though pilgrims can be seen purchasing all through the day, mostly while returning to their hotels from the Grand Mosque, the shopping peaks after dusk when they are through with the day's prayers.

For bibliophiles Makkah offers amazing books stores. The Darussalam publications, particularly, are lapped up by pilgrims for their rich content and quality printing. The library at the Grand Mosque is home to a variety of books on Islam and the ambience here makes reading a pleasurable experience. Located on the second floor of the masjid, It also has a digital section, audio books and rare manuscripts.

Not just shopping, pilgrims spare time to see among other things the Makkah Museum to get a peep into the cultural and historical dimension of the two grand mosques. Haj is a dream for many and one would like to cherish the experience for ever. And the best way to remember the journey of faith is to take home souvenirs.

This writer was in Makkah recently to perform Haj.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated October 15,2018

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