Too good to be true!

Blogs

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April 25, 2024

A golden heart that is too good to be true!

Heba Hendawi

Once again, she knocked my door with a heavy heart and wet eyes. “It’s me and my voluntarily deeds again,” she said to me as soon as she saw my face. I know I have a friend who is always misunderstood for his kindness and self-denial. Looking at her, I realized that she was troubled and the trigger was from within herself. We spoke a lot before about her built in traits that people did not appreciate but rather manipulated for their own good.

She started telling me the whole story: I saw one device that I needed for a long time but was reluctant to buy because of its costly price on sale in one of the reputable sell and buy Facebook groups. The owner was asking a good price for a single-use item. It was really in a very good condition as the photos showed and I decided to buy it. I sent a message to the owner that I was interested and I am ready for pick up. It was a Thursday. Keep this in your mind for later reference. The lady on the other side, said that she was at work and it is an hour drive from her home while I live just beside where she works. She had to take a leave, drive back home to get the device then go back to work. Provided that the next following days were a weekend and no work so she would not be in the area.

As usual, I automatically put myself in her shoes and saw the hassle in leaving and driving two hours to go back and return. I just told her that I am not in a hurry and no need for all that trouble. I could wait for your next visit to the area on Sunday when she is back to her work. She was to bring the device with her. We agreed on that and everything was fine. She asked me to send her a message on Saturday to remind her and agree on the pickup location. I was happy and excited as I wanted this device for many times and was always reluctant to buy it new let alone used. To my surprise, that very day was full of advertisements for the same appliance. I ignored them all of course.

On Saturday, as per agreement, I contacted her to arrange all the details. I was shocked when she replied that she sold the device and she blocked me in cold blood! I started blaming myself as usual. My kindness was misunderstood for being a non-serious buyer. Was I wrong in not insisting that she brought it right away? Why did I care to make things easier for her by waiting for her next trip to work? Why do I care about people’s comfort more than I do to myself?! If I insisted on instant delivery, I would have had the bargain done. Who cares if she had to drive two hours to pick it up and bring it to me? She was the one who offered to sell and she had to take the hassle! Why did I care about a stranger that I didn’t know! Why didn’t she even tell me? Am I not even worth a message?

Read: Playing the joker card!

I listened to my friend fuming with anger. This is not the first time and it definitely won’t be the last time for her. She has this built in deep care for others. She always puts herself in any one’s shoes and acts accordingly. She wanted to save the seller the trouble so she was misunderstood for not being serious and the woman sold to someone else without even bothering to apologize or tell her. She cared about a stranger and the stranger did not even care to tell her that she declined the bargain and gave her a chance to look elsewhere.

I was before two extremely opposite attitudes; one that cared about others more than her own self and another who just thought of her own benefit and profit; one that respected her word and promise and another who broke her word with a stranger without any remorse. These two examples of people exist around us everywhere. The first suffers because of her kind heartedness and care and loses opportunities in life and is always at the back of the line while the other is self-centered and opportunistic no matter what it costs. Pit hole after another she does not learn and does not help but act according to her naturally driven characteristics. She acts with an open heart and self-denial. She assumes goodness in return and gives endlessly. She faces depression and disappointment. A golden heart that is too good to be true!

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine Abu Dhabi

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Maharaja Dahir – Resurgence of Sindh – Part-XI

Books & Authors

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April 24, 2024

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Maharaja Dahir – Resurgence of Sindh – Part-XI

The English translation of a novel ‘Maharaja Dahir’ authored by Kolkata-based renowned novelist Debasree Chakraborti in Bengali language. The novel has been translated by Rajesh Giri

Time – 2021 Place – Syria

Abu Talib has gone, two days have passed since Dr. Iqbal met him. By this time Iqbal himself also disappeared. Today early morning two guys of Chadda sir dropped him in front of that Raqqa book store. From there he returned to his flat on foot. Coming back to the flat he discovers that Abu Talib has not returned, because the flat remains as it is as he left this. The fridge is stocked with biryani and various items of meat. Abu may have known that he would be late to return, so he arranged food for three to four days in the fridge, so that Dr. Iqbal doesn’t have any problem. Returning to the flat, Iqbal slept for all day long, then woke up at around 3 in the afternoon, feeling famished. He somehow sat up in drowsiness, and heated biryani and meat. The sound of the microwave along with the ticking of the wall clock seemed to usher in a mystery. There is no one else in this flat except him. He felt as if a torrent of the past was trying to rush out through the heart of the present moment.

Iqbal’s brain doesn’t work right when he is hungry, he does many things in his subconscious mind, maybe the demands of the mind and brain fuel him to do all these things at this time.

Letting the food heat up, he brought Surya Devi’s diary and placed it on the table, then served the biryani from the microwave onto the plate and placed it on the table and started eating.

He enjoys to read while eating. Because these two tasks are very dear to him. While reading the diary of Surya Devi, Dr. Iqbal feels that there is some information hidden in it, which can change the history of Sindh province. On this diary, the year is written 716 AD, the place is Syria. Dr. Iqbal looked very carefully at the front of this diary, if any page was torn and left out, it would be detected, but no Surya Devi’s diary started from this page.

While reading the diary of Surya Devi, Dr. Iqbal feels that there is some information hidden in it, which can change the history of Sindh province.

If the history is true, then writing of this diary was started a year after the death of Muhammad bin Qasim. But Dahir’s two daughters were killed in Baghdad after the death of Muhammad bin Qasim, So how did Surya Devi reach Syria? If this diary is true, then the Surya Devi was not killed, she somehow moved to Syria. Iqbal composed his mind and started reading this diary again, Surya Devi wrote —

—Mother Sindhu runs through one side of our Aror, when the reddish glow of the rising sun get reflected on the bosom of Sindhu Janani, denizens of Aror begin their day with Surya Bandana. Sitting at this moment today, I feel that everything has remained same as earlier it was, I can see the course of Sindhu Mother whose heart is glowing with the radiance of the rising sun have just fallen on her, my father in white clothes, standing by the river, eyes closed, is offering flowers while chanting the mantra to his Deity. After that he slowly dipped down into the river and bathed and starts his day auspiciously. The stream of past is flowing through the core of the present. I believe in God, my father Sindhupati Maharaj Dahir is the only person who instilled this devotion and faith in religion in me.

He was the backbone of our entire family, he was the soul of our family. Such sattvic and pious man will never be born again in Sindh country. He loved to spend time with us besides running his kingdom. Every day at night father used to tell various instructive stories to his children in the south hall of palace of Aror. Each of these stories contained deep philosophical advices. He is not with us today, we never imagined that such a sattvic man would have that kind of terrible demise. He was the backbone of our family, father used to say that the entire Sindh was his family, the subjects were his children. He considers himself to be the father of all the citizens of Sindh. So right after his passing away the entire Sindhu family began to decline.

If the history is true, then writing of this diary was started a year after the death of Muhammad bin Qasim. But Dahir’s two daughters were killed in Baghdad after the death of Muhammad bin Qasim, So how did Surya Devi reach Syria? If this diary is true, then the Surya Devi was not killed, she somehow moved to Syria.

Dr. Iqbal stopped for a while, here some area of the page dotted with yellow spots, he could understand easily that the writer was sobbing while writing and the drops from her eyes fell on the writing. It seems to him that several streams of time run parallel to this writing like a river. Dr. Iqbal controlled his emotions and take a gulp of food in his mouth and started reading again.

— Once father went with us to visit Kalikadevi temple in Aror, the night before going to this temple father called us and said, tomorrow we will visit Kalikadevi, taken one of your most favorite flowers with which you will offer at the feet of the mother. To us the commandment of the father was equal to the commandment of God. We went to see the goddess with one flower each as we were told. At the time of offering the flower, father said that you now offer the flower at the feet of the goddess. We did as he told. But when Pushpanjali (flowers offering ceremony) was over, father told us a story sitting inside the cave of the Kalika mother. Father started, “Once a person said to Lord Vishnu, tell me what are the flowers by which I would worship you. In reply Vishnu said, “I want eight kinds of flowers.”

‘Ayusa Pratham Pushp-am, Pushp-am Indriya Nigraham,

Sarba-bhuta Daya Pushp-am, kshama Pushp-am Visesh-ata,

Dhyana Pushpam, Daan Pushpam, Yoga Pushpam, tatha-ibacha.

Satyam ashta-vidham pushpam, Vishnu prasidham kare’

It means give life-span (ayush). Through span the work of life can be accomplished, the second flower is the control of the senses. Control of the mind is possible when the senses are controlled. Whatever money comes to you, how much it is, with all the money you have to collect everything possible, enjoy everything possible, this idea is wrong, that’s why control over mind is necessary. You have to forgive everyone, there is no religion like forgiveness, whoever does wrong, you will not do it, if someone hurts you, and you will forgive him. Donating, meditating and yoga are the three special flowers. And the last flower is true speech. Follow the truth in life, then your victory is sure.

—Hence, it seems that this kind of thinking of father brought about his downfall. If one thinks to control the present time with those Hindu philosophy written thousands of years ago, it is never possible, these principles of forgiveness, charity, and giving shelter to the helpless paved the way for his destruction. Father thought that his family would be better off if he followed these principles, so when he used to sit in Kalikadevi’s cave and meditated peacefully, he did not realize that the thoughts and philosophies of the people around him were flowing in the opposite direction. (Continues)

Click here for Part-I , Part-II, Part-III , Part-IV , Part-V , Part-VI , Part-VII, Part-VIII , Part-IX , Part-X

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Debasree Chakraborti is a renowned novel writer of Bengali language. Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, she has done Master’s in Modern History from the Kolkata University, and authored some thirty books, mostly the novels, with historical perspective and themes. Her most recent novel is ‘Maharaja Dahir’ that covers the history of Sindh from 662, the year of first attack on Sindh by the Arab armies till date.

Rajesh Giri, born in Kolkata, had his early schooling from Kolkata and then from Medinipur—a village in Bengal. He graduated from Calcutta University with Physics and Maths and Master’s from Burdwan University in 2016. Now he is associated with Adhdhyaan educational institution teaching Physics. History enthusiastic Rajesh Giri is particularly interested in the ancient civilization of India and other regions like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and North America. He loves traveling.

Building a Mud House – Poetry from Korea

Literature/Poetry

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April 24, 2024

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Building a Mud House – Poetry from Korea

Building a mud-wall house filled with heart prints. Without blueprints, I’m constructing it.

Lee, Hee Kuk, eminent poet from Korea, the Land of Morning Calm, shares his two poems

Lee, Hee Kuk is a poet, born in Seoul, South Korea. He is a pharmacist and Adjunct Professor at the College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea. He is member of the Executive Board of PEN Korean Center of PEN International. He is the president of the Ieodo Literature Association and a Vice president of the Korean Association of World Literature. He has published five poetry books and has won four literature awards.

Building a Mud House

Building a mud-wall house filled with heart prints

Without blueprints, I’m constructing it

One small room where stars can be seen

And a round living room to stay up all night with friends

A few pyeong of vegetable garden to greet the dawn

In the garden, flowers of all seasons will bloom

Welcoming guests

Cherry and grape trees, tomatoes

Ripening to the sound of chirping birds

In the liquor jar

Bubbling liquor is maturing

Watching the feast of the stars spread out

Along with the liquor glasses, we too will mature.

***

흙집을 지으며

마음지문 가득한 흙벽 집을

설계도 없이 짓고 있다

별이 보이는 작은 방 하나와

친구들과 밤새울 둥근 응접실도 두어야겠다

새벽을 가꿀 텃밭 몇 평도

텃밭에는 사계절의 꽃이 피어

손님을 반길 것이다

앵두와 포도나무 토마토

짹짹대는 새소리에 여물어가고

술 단지에는

뽀글뽀글 술이 익어가고

가득 펼쳐진 별들의 잔치를 보며

술잔과 함께 우리들도 익어갈 것이다.

***

Shedding the Garments of a Thousand Years

The sound reaching toward the sky

Hammer strikes, the tail of chisel, and the chisel strikes the stone.

The sharp eyes of the stonemason

It leads to a chisel born from fire.

Occasionally, sharp chisel, it spits out flames

Finding the veins of time

The stonemason who finds the heart and opens the hidden breath

Cooling the heat in falling drops of sweat

Piece by piece

Peeling off the time chains, firmly filled

One morning

The Bodhisattva returned after a thousand years

Awakening from the sleep of oblivion

Brightly smiling.

***

천년의 옷을 벗다

하늘을 향한 소리

망치는 정의 꼬리를 치고 정은 돌을 친다

석공의 매서운 눈은

불길을 먹고 태어난 정으로 이어지고

날카로운 정은

이따금씩 불길을 게워낸다

시간의 혈관을 찾고

심장을 찾아 숨길을 여는 저 석공

떨어지는 땀방울에 열기를 식히며

듬성듬성

단단하게 채워진 시간의 족쇄를

벗겨낸다

어느 날 아침

천년을 돌아 나온 동자승이

무념의 잠에서 깨어나

환하게 웃고 있다.

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Read: The Wind Blowing From Ieodo – A Bouquet of Poems from Jeju Island of Korea

Sweat – Poetry from Albania

Literature/Poetry

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April 24, 2024

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Your sweat, Pour, Collect, Know, Rate it, Rejoice.

Poet, Professor Fali Ndreka, born in Dibër, Albania, and settled in Italy, shares his poetry

Poet, Professor Fali Ndreka was born in Dibër, Albania. He studied at the University of Tirana and for many years he taught the subject of Albanian language and literature. At the same time, he is also a publicist. He is winner of several first prizes in poetry. He wrote a book with philosophical sentences. He is author of over 150 poems and several articles in the Albanian daily press. He is Director of Albanopuli magazine.

Sweat

Your sweat

Pour,

Collect,

Know,

Rate it,

Rejoice.

Wash,

Say,

Live it

Without noise

Silent,

Make it perfume

Live that.

The other’s sweat

Don’t take it off.

Respect it

Rate it,

Don’t steal it.

Prulu,

Feeling,

Adore him.

Make a mirror

To oneself,

If you want,

We are stupid

Don’t melt.

***

Book

i have a friend

You do not know,

Very wise,

To sit next to me

It’s strength,

And power.

Sheet of sheet

Letter by letter

it’s gold

E is mining.

It’s help

In every time

How long will we live?

It’s a torch

Our mind.

I dig

There every day

It’s a lantern

Enlightens the mind

And he opened his eyes.

The door window

For me it is,

It is light

Meat and cheese.

As in the past

And always,

A book of values,

Knowledge and

Horizon,

For our mind.

My book

I hold him to my breast,

They are treasures,

It’s gold.

***

Loti

A crystal tear,

On black eyelashes,

A warm tear,

A tear like gold.

Your golden tear,

In the corner of the eye,

But the light of the moon,

Like sunshine.

From the eye down,

The way to the site,

As trend line,

Violet flower.

On the lips like honey,

On the cheek like shellire,

He throws his arms around my neck.

Trend line flowers,

Both close, close,

With heart, with soul,

They blessed our lives,

God, God.

Happy every day,

Wink at us,

Like moonbeams,

Like sunshine.

I cry for love

I cry from longing,

With my life partner,

Tears of joy.

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Read: With No Sweat At All – Poetry from Albania

China’s ‘overcapacity’ a smoke screen for U.S. selfish agendas

Analysis

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April 24, 2024

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China’s ‘overcapacity’ a smoke screen for U.S. selfish agendas

The latest attempt by the United States to undermine China’s economic success story is to scream “overcapacity.”

Anthony Moretti

The latest attempt by the United States to undermine China’s economic success story is to scream “overcapacity.”

Before we discuss this flawed idea in more depth, keep in mind that earlier this year the buzzword was “decoupling.” The ridiculous thought process then went like this: Unless China played by Western economic rules, the U.S. was prepared to reduce or eliminate its reliance on certain Chinese goods. Suffice to say, while that term was designed to suggest the Americans were ready, willing and able to go it alone (or only with its political allies), the reality was decoupling made as much sense as agreeing to undergo major surgery without anesthesia.

In other words, you might think you are being tough, but you are only being dangerously short-sighted.

Decoupling was never a sound strategy. In fact, it was not possible. But once it was tossed into the trash can, a new buzzword needed to be created so that the never-ending China bashing could continue.

Enter “overcapacity.”

Summarized briefly, U.S. political leaders want global audiences to slam China for creating cutting-edge products at home that they also want to sell at the lowest possible price around the world. Before she traveled to China earlier this month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that China was undermining U.S. and European industries with such actions. In her words, “I understand these policies may be driven by domestic development objectives. But overcapacity can lead to large volumes of exports at depressed prices.”

However, once “overcapacity” is scrutinized, uncomfortable questions for the West need to be asked.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels are two examples used when the overcapacity drum is banged. In its review of EVs, the Atlantic magazine offered this conundrum faced by the White House: “Chinese electric vehicles – cheap, stylish, and high quality – should be a godsend to the Biden administration, whose two biggest priorities are reducing carbon emissions quickly enough to avert a climate catastrophe and reducing consumer prices quickly enough to avert an electoral catastrophe. Instead, the White House is going out of its way to keep Chinese EVs out of the U.S. What gives?”

The article adds that the president – in a dogfight in this re-election year – is promoting gas-guzzling, climate-damaging and more expensive cars rather than endorsing policies critical to the administration’s domestic and global agenda. Nevertheless, Americans would not rally around the president if they understood he was denying them a chance to save money and promote the environment. However, they might back him for criticizing China for “overcapacity.”

Therefore, blocking Chinese-made EVs from the U.S. market while keeping tariffs in place on other Chinese-made goods remains critical to the president’s hopes for four more years in the White House.

What exactly does that have to do with “overcapacity?” Nothing.

In fact, overcapacity becomes a smoke screen in this case to allow the White House to protect the perhaps out-of-date American automobile industry and to think about re-election.

The themes surrounding solar panels are the same. China is believed to be a global leader in investing in solar and in creating jobs in that sector. In 2023 alone, China added more solar panels than the U.S. did in the nation’s history. According to the International Energy Agency, “China has been instrumental in bringing down costs worldwide for solar (photovoltaic technology), with multiple benefits for clean energy transitions.”

That should be applauded, right? Yes, but not in the U.S. because businesses are examining their bottom line as they evaluate solar and reaching a conclusion the White House does not want. The Financial Times recently reported that U.S.-based power companies are buying Chinese-made solar panels rather than expanding domestic production. The reason? Cost.

36af06dcb2e0429f9fd27b3c3cedabc3 — U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen walks to a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, April 7, 2024. /CFP

The White House has responded to this issue by again suggesting China has an “overcapacity” of something and wants to sell it cheap. To no one’s surprise, Washington is ready to add tariffs to such technologies. According to Reuters, the tariff request was made by a South Korean company that wants to increase its presence in the United States.

In other words, “overcapacity” is a smoke screen to alleviate the preferences of an international partner not located in China.

What Washington does not want to admit is that it is losing the EV and solar panel race. Beijing is far ahead because of its aforementioned commitment to looking not at short-term gains but at long-term objectives. The world will be a healthier place as more and more people buy EVs and incorporate green technologies, like solar, into their lives. But Washington will support those goals only if the U.S. is in the leading position in creating and selling them.

Selfish thinking is not a wise plan. It leads to ineffective decisions at home (“decoupling” is but one example) and makes global audiences see the inconsistency between saying one thing and doing another. The U.S. can do better. But the Biden administration is not prepared to do it. You might say the White House has an “undercapacity” of ideas.

Also read: Cold War or Conflict: Understanding the US-China Relations

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Courtesy: CGTN (Poste on April 23, 2024)

Earth Day 2024 Celebrated in Umerkot

Environment

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April 23, 2024

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Event under the theme ’Planet vs. Plastics’ was organized with Community-Led Solutions

Umerkot, Sindh

Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) celebrated Earth Day under the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” under the Norwegian Church Aid funded Faith in Action for Sustainable Climate Resilience project.

The event was the celebration of the community’s real contribution to protecting our planet from the scourge of plastics. The agricultural experts, agronomist, soil scientist, environment lovers, youth, women and community shared their views on contribution of local community specially women in practical solutions to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability in Umerkot and Sanghar area.

Jan Muhammad Mari, PRO Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agricultural University sub-campus, Vikram Kumar, Assistant Director Sindh Environment Protection Agency- SEPA, Umerkot, Shewa Ram Suthar, Program Manager at SPO, Saleem Chang, an agriculture expert, climate lover, and FACE member, Ms. Dheli Bai, Ms. Almas Kanbhar, President of the Women Self-Help Group in Sanghar district, Suresh Piragani, Program Manager at Sami Foundation, and others spoke at the event.

SPO setup more than ten stall to aware visitors/ participants of event through different models.

SPO and the Agriculture University sub-campus setup a stall of energy-efficient smart city technologies. Through this stall, the team sensitized attendees about how a smart city utilizes and promotes environmentally friendly practices. The team also introduced a second stall demonstrating how homemade incubators can be used to store dairy products for modern livestock farms. Visitors were sensitized to this model through practical demonstrations. SPO and the Agriculture University team introduced a modern agriculture farm for agribusiness and tourism, aiming to bring benefits to the Umerkot area. They sensitized visitors to the potential of this initiative. SPO also introduced compost, soil classification, smart irrigation, automated irrigation system, energy efficient stoves, seed bank and cultural exhibition.

SPO honored role models from the Umerkot area who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and safeguarding the Earth, aligning with this year’s Earth Day theme.

The first award was presented to Dr. Teekam Das, who established an indigenous drought-resilient center in Umerkot at his own residence. He planted various species in Umerkot to promote environmental sustainability, combat climate change, and offer support to the community. He introduced an innovative system for organic waste management, converting it into biogas at a gobar plant. Dr. Teekam Das is livestock expert but his passion as agricultural and climate lover and he dedicated his life to service and is currently serving with the FACE group as a climate advocate, providing support and guidance to the community.

The second award was given to Lal Singh Sodho. He served Umerkot in a unique way by protecting the earth through planting thousands of trees of different varieties. He belongs to the Thakur community, which has always protected the earth and saved many species of animals and living trees. He encouraged youth to plant and properly care for trees, as he always keeps trees in his car. He controlled tree cutting and degradation in the Umerkot area. He also sensitized people through social media and raised many environmentally friendly campaigns.

The third award was given to Institute AZRC and Azizullah Shah, Director of AZRC Umerkot, for their services and commitment to arid agriculture and its beautiful growth and development. In the arid regions of Umerkot and Tharparkar, they introduced many varieties of drought-resistant crops, introduced 23 types of date palms in the desert, utilized grafting and drip systems for water supply to plants’ roots, and served Umerkot by making the arid region lush green.

The fourth award was given to Dr. Jan Muhammad Mari, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University sub-campus Umerkot, for his services in protecting the earth and encouraging rural youth, especially from Umerkot, to play their own part in climate change.

Students presented three tableaus to ensure maximum participant comprehension of the value of the earth and the importance of avoiding plastic bags.

The event was attended by 150 participants from various segments of the community, including women, youth, students, stakeholders, NGOs, INGOs, UN representatives, CSOs, institutes, academia, and environmental enthusiasts from the Umerkot area. (PR)

Read: Umerkot City of Sindh becomes Epitome of Interfaith Harmony

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Canada….. A Shock Story

Short Story

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April 23, 2024

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The story of a poor father of a girl, who is suggested by a man to offer his daughter to a godman, as it would be like sending a son to Canada, who never returns

Dr. Jernail S. Anand

Gita’s parents were worried. She was growing up. And the major cause for worry was that she was beautiful. Ramakant, her father, often asked himself: The girl is growing up. She has to be married off. Marry her off to any person means a lot of dowry, loans from banks, and friends, and then, there is always the fear of maltreatment by the in-laws.

Marrying a daughter off is not easy for a poor household. Ramakant was not unaware how the daughters of the poor are abducted by the powerful landlords, and raped and then, hung on trees. He had also heard stories what happened to such girls, who were later consigned to fire. And when their fathers tried to seek justice, they too were killed in accidents.

Being the father of a young beautiful girl was no less a horror, if not altogether a curse. Many young boys were already making rounds of their house. A maternal aunt had come with a marriage proposal. Five lakhs in dowry. It was a modest demand. But, Ramakant, who lived from hand to mouth, could not afford it.

The girl was growing up. There was every fear of her going astray. Or running away with some man. It might bring a bad name to the family. He had two more daughters. In all his relations, not one was coming forward with a marriage proposal for the young girl who was educated and well bred.

He used to visit a godman. Thousands of people were there to seek his blessings. He often saw some young ladies escorting the godman. They were always full of smiles. One day, he came across Guranditta, another business man from a nearby town. They were taking lunch at the paid ‘langar’. Guranditta was all praise for the holy man. His daughter Simi was already among the chosen girls who were in attendance with the godman.

Why don’t you offer your daughter to the ashram? She will spend her life happily here. Here, she can find a match also. There is no question of dowry. Both of them can serve in the ashram and lead a happy life. Guranditta painted a rosy picture of the life in the ashram. It impressed Ramakant. He could see light at the end of the tunnel.

Once you give away your daughter, Ramakant Ji, you will not have to look back. You will get enough benedictions in return.

Why don’t you offer your daughter to the ashram? She will spend her life happily here. Here, she can find a match also. There is no question of dowry. Both of them can serve in the ashram and lead a happy life.

What have you got? Ramakant was interested to know the benefits of such a proposition.

They have given me enough money to start my own business. Now, we are having good time. The girl is living in a good environment, always in the company of the godly people, singing hymns and praying to gods. What more you want?

Ramakant was not easy to surrender. Won’t you marry her off?

Guranditta said: Why marry? They are to live here like celibates. Forget about dowry and any other problem young girls are facing. It is all godly atmosphere here. Pure and divine.

But Ramakant was not convinced. Celibate? It irked him. Why to force the girl to remain unmarried throughout her life? Isn’t it injustice, a crime? But Guranditta made his mental complexes easy by telling him that his daughter is here for the last five years. And they have not faced a single problem.

These places are not all that sacred, Ramakant had his own fears. Because he had heard the cases of many godmen who were in jails for moral crimes.

Ramakant was on the verge of deciding against sending his daughter to the ashram, when Guranditta shot an arrow, which silenced Ramakant’s doubts.

Look, Ramakant, I decided to let my daughter stay here forever because, otherwise, I would have to find out a match for her. They demand dowry, you know. We are poor people. Cannot afford rich dowry. Then, women create so many problems in the families. Tell me who is happy? I don’t want to say it, Ramakant, but I have offered my daughter to godman. Here she is better off than in any other poor household. And, when I offered her to the ashram, and signed the papers, I was given enough to run my own business. I can give education to my other daughters. For me, it is like sending a son to Canada, who does not return to you.

Read: Then and Now – A Short Story

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Dr. Jernail Singh Anand is President of the International Academy of Ethics. He is author of 161 books in English poetry, fiction, non-fiction, philosophy and spirituality. The Academy of Arts and Philosophical Sciences, Bari (Italy) honored him with the prestigious position of Honorable Academic. He was awarded Charter of Morava, the great International Award in Creativity by Serbian Writers Association, Belgrade at the60th Belgrade International Writers Meeting (Oct 2023), and his name was engraved on the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. Recently, he was awarded Doctor of Philosophy [Honoris Causa] by the University of Engg and Management, Jaipur. His most phenomenal book is Lustus: The Prince of Darkness [first epic of the Mahkaal Trilogy]. [Email: anandjs55@yahoo.com]

Bibliography Link:

https://atunispoetry.com/2023/12/08/indian-author-dr-jernail-s-anand-honoured-at-the-60th-belgrade-international-meeting-of-writers/

Crime – A Poem from India

Literature/Poetry

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April 23, 2024

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Crime anytime, can happen to anyone, so open your eyes and keep ears open.

Priyanka Neogi, an eminent poetess and writer from West Bengal, India, shares her poem

Priyanka Neogi, born is 2.7.1988 at Pundibari, Coochbehar, India, is a professional librarian. She is an international poet, story writer, live telecaster, dancer, reciter and motivational speaker. She has published 7 edition book of Library and information science and written one book. Published many poem and stories of the national and international field. She is UAP Miss India 2nd runners up 2022. She is West Bengal Secretary of 50-Cricket Ball Association and Rocket ball Association, president of football federation of West Bengal. She is also Brand ambassador of All live do exist magazine of USA, Indian Ambassador of Magic Masa of Australia. She is multi-talented and international awardee. She also received outstanding global leader award from Philippines in 2021, Best Librarian award 2024 of I-KOAL 2024.

Crime

Crime anytime,

Can happen to anyone,

So open your eyes and keep ears open.

Be alert and aware, always in a hurry.

Crime happens to us in many ways.

Never understand that

Never again.

Someone protested.

No one protested.

Many people “understand crime”,

Many others commit “crimes without realizing it”.

Crime in the broadest sense,

Murder, burning, rape, robbery, extortion, acid throwing, blackmail, molestation, pawn taking and torture for money,

Laying hands on partner after marriage,

Keeping multiple personal partners at once

Etc.

Many small things too,

But falls into crime,

Such as falsely slandering someone,

Interfering with someone’s “freedom of person and speech”,

Pressuring someone into marriage,

To force something upon someone,

Mental torture,

Making fun of someone or making fun of them in front of people.

Be it boy or girl or any person,

Touching her without her permission.

Photographing him without permission,

Plagiarizing someone’s writing,

Annoying someone knowingly and so on.

Crimes committed against yourself,

Should not be allowed to grow.

“It might” be over soon,

Never think like that.

At the outset of the crime,

Efforts should be made to eradicate crime.

If you want to save your life from crime,

Some people have to leave.

But better without.

And if to save yourself,

A person or medium has to catch,

But taking that path will be the best option.

To keep life right,

Whenever a crime is seen to be taking place,

Then you have to protest.

Action must be taken.

Silence is never a protest against injustice.

To prevent crime with oneself,

Only we can

If necessary, hold the hand of the people and the administration.

Yet let us protect ourselves from crime.

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Read: The Earth’s Prayer – Poetry from West Bengal

YOSHKIN CAT MAKES FRIENDS WITH CHESHIRE

Art and Culture

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April 22, 2024

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On April 20-21, 2024, the VII International music and poetry festival “Handshake of the Republics” started

By Alexander Voronin, Russia

Photo by Sergei Zabiyakin

On April 20-21, 2024, the VII International music and poetry festival “Handshake of the Republics” started. Let us remind you that the first five festivals were held in Kazan, last year the “Handshake of the Republics” took place in Cheboksary, where it was decided to hold the next meeting of poets in Mari El.

In Yoshkar-Ola, the RR-fest broke two records at once: never before has our festival been held on such a large stage – the Palace of Culture named after the 30th anniversary of the Victory. And for the first time, poets not only from other countries, but also from different continents participated in it (in online format)! Ashraf Aboul–Yazid (Arab Republic of Egypt), Nelly Kozyreva (Republic of Belarus), Bagavutdin Samadov (Republic of Dagestan), Irina Babich (Donetsk People’s Republic) read their poems on the big screen.

Guests and participants of the festival were greeted by Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergei Kazanskov, Deputy Chairman of the State Assembly of the Republic of Mari El Natalya Kozlova and Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Russian National-Cultural Association of the Republic of Tatarstan Vyacheslav Nikiforov.

Musical and poetic program of the festival “Handshake of the Republics”, dedicated to the 225th anniversary of A.S. Pushkin was opened by the Kazan Poetry Theater “Dialogue”, which performed Pushkin’s poem “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai”. The founder and organizer of the festival, Derzhavin Prize laureate, Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Olga Levadnaya officially stated that the “Handshake of the Republics”, which began as an interregional forum, which over the years expanded its scope to an all-Russian forum, can rightfully become international from this year – on the eve of the BRICS summit, which will be held in Kazan in the fall.

By tradition, our republic was represented by poets who had not previously performed at the festival – this is the young poetess Daria Galvas, as well as poet and translator, polyglot, Doctor of Philology Ayrat Galimzyanov. As expected, the Mari poetry team became the most representative. Particularly memorable were the performances of Alexey Veselov, who in his poem “Yoshkin the Cat” poetically brought together the symbol of the capital Mari El with its literary counterparts – the Cheshire cat from Wonderland and Pushkin’s cat scientist from Lukomorye, as well as Konstantin Shemyakin, who set it to music and performed it for the first time with a guitar romance “Prayer” based on one of the late poems by A.S. Pushkin “Desert Fathers and Immaculate Wives.”

This time the poetic landing from the Chuvash Republic pleased with the poems of Alexander Spannagel and the songs of Alexander Nikolaev. Ufa poetess Svetlana Gafurova invited “Handshake of the Republics” to Bashkortostan.

At the round table, a traditional book donation ceremony took place – festival participants donated their poetry collections and almanacs to the collections of the National Library of the Republic of Mari El named after S.G. Chavaina. The most significant donations were books and magazines published on the initiative of the Russian National Cultural Association of the Republic of Tatarstan, such as the two-volume catalog album “Russian Collections of Museums of Tatarstan”, the first volume of the biographical collection “Kazan Region – the Soul of Poets”, and the magazines “Russian Culture in Tatarstan: preservation, study, development” and “Argamak. Tatarstan”.

Read: VII Interregional Music and Poetry Festival ‘Handshake of the Republics’ will be held on April 20

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Dozens of Spanish Cities Are the Scene of Pro-Palestine Rallies

World News

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April 22, 2024

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Dozens of Spanish Cities Are the Scene of Pro-Palestine Rallies

Citizens call for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to arms trade with Israel, and the severance of diplomatic ties with the Zionist state.

Madrid

On Sunday, for the fourth time since October 2023, thousands of people once again took to the streets in nearly a hundred Spanish cities to show their support for the Palestinian people.

They are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to arms trade with Israel, support for South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice, and the severance of diplomatic and economic ties with the Zionist state.

In Madrid, thousands of people gathered shouting “Israel kills, Europe Sponsors” and “It’s not a War, It’s Genocide.” The demonstration started from Atocha and made stops at points where companies are collaborating and benefiting from this situation.

In the city of Valencia, up to 20,000 people carried out a historic mobilization that was simultaneously replicated in fourteen other cities in the Valencian Community.

“A giant human flag in support of Gaza. In Zaragoza’s Pilar Square in Spain, over 2,000 people formed a giant flag of Palestine with their bodies.”

Jorge Ramos, a member of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, said the demonstration completely filled Colon Street, led by a banner with the slogan “Stop the Genocide, End Arms Trade and Relations with Israel.”

“It’s another new mobilization like the ones that were already done in over a hundred cities on weekends in January and February. It’s historic because a demonstration like this has never been done simultaneously in so many cities and for so many months in a row,” he said.

The citizens, who concluded their protest with the reading of a manifesto, poetry, and music, urge the Spanish government to “do everything it can to end the genocide in Palestine, the worst in decades and the one that speaks worst of Europe and the United States.”

“Andalucia stands with Palestine.”

“There’s a very specific demand, the end of arms trade and the end of relations with Israel. This is crucial because history will judge us, and we are complicit in a genocide,” Ramos said, adding that another pro-Palestinian mobilization will take place in Spanish and European cities on May 18 and 19.

On Sunday, in Andalusia, hundreds of people joined the protests in thirty cities, including the eight provincial capitals. In Seville, the protesters spread dozens of children’s clothing on the ground to remember the children killed in Gaza by Israeli occupation forces.

The event, which featured banners with messages such as “NO to Genocide in Palestine. USA-Europe Accomplices,” concluded with a human chain in which these clothing items were used to unite all participants.

In Cadiz, about 400 people gathered at La Caleta beach and used the sand to simulate the presence of corpses covered with white sheets.

Read: US provides political protection to Israeli massacres, says Hamas Chief

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Courtesy: TeleSure (Posted on April 21, 2024)