Category: Delhi

​The Pied Piper was in town mesmerizing us with his lyrical rhapsody and doing what he does the best – telling stories. From advertising to films to television back to films and to writing – immensely creative and legendry Saeed Mirza – recounts his early life at the Pune film school and his journey with an enigmatic friend-to-be and friend-for-life, filmmaker Kundan Shah. It is not just the story of two buddies, two thinkers, two influencers and two amazing filmmakers but also the story of our times. From the good old times to the times that have changed forever–‘our scoundrel times’ as Saeed puts it. Vastly different from each other, yet having an incredibly strong bond, the comrades had long before seen the ​​muck of hatred that we are in today. In a strict sense this is not a book book it is a film where words transform to moving images. During the course of writing, the filmmaker that he is, Saeed was also directing the story shot-by-shot scene-by-scene. With stunning illustrations by Nachiket Patwardhan the visual narrative is a treat. A must-have among your current reads and for your library. Sweet that he is, Saeed signed a copy for Rajni and me. Thanks Saeed, thanks Tulika Books

While the FIFA World Cup fever is still on and everyone is rooting for their favourites, how about looking at the game and the very competitive spirit of football being a tool of empowerment and social enabler for our girls–girls belonging to vulnerable/underprivileged communities and those coming from deprived sections. ‘Kickstart Equality’ initiative run by CEQUIN has helped to not only enhance the confidence level of these girls but has also retained their interest in education by regularly attending school. Their participation in the game has also led them to achieve decision making & leadership qualities, better social awareness and think against the ill-practice of early marriage. The game has also made them focus on their individual health and well-being, has improved gender norms, together with having increased their mobility within the society. We at ISHTIHAAR have graphic designed the football training modules for girls developed by CEQUIN (Centre for Equity and Inclusion).

Broken heart is a metaphor for the intense emotional stress or pain one feels at experiencing great and deep longing. The concept is cross-cultural, often cited with reference to unreciprocated or lost love. (Heartbreak. Source Wikipedia). On this day longings come to a breakpoint. 13 December 2022

Godiva chocolate is named after Lady Godiva a Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who is remembered for a legend dating back to the 13th century, in which she rode naked – covered only in her long hair – through the streets of Coventry to gain a remission of the oppressive taxation that her husband, Leofric, imposed on his tenants. BTW Godiva is also honoured by engineers and is considered patron saint of engineering. In Latin the name means “Gift of God”. Trust me, eating the bars proves the name. Try the Dark one the last to gain entry to the darkest corners of heaven.

Santa has been early and doing multiple rounds this year. 

कुल दो मिनट में करना है इन्हे 

अपनी भूख का इंतज़ाम 

भूखे पेट और डर के बीच में हैं 

रेल की दो पटरियां 

नीले वर्दी वाले गार्ड का डंडा 

और कुछ गिद्ध नज़रें   

दो मिनट में लाँघने हैं इन्हें  

16 ड़िब्बे 128 खिड़कियां 

और शर्म के हज़ारों पहाड़ 

कुल दो मिनट में ढूंढ़ना है 

कलुआ वेटर, जो लेता है  

जूठन से भरी पन्नियां के बदले

तीनों की दो दो पप्पी  

हल्द्वानी स्टेशन पर 

कुल दो  मिनट ही रूकती है 

दिल्ली से आयी शताब्दी एक्सप्रेस   

तीन बहने 

दो मिनट 

एक रेल गाड़ी 

– रा 

Platform number 2 of Haldwani railway station, November 5, 2022