Latest news with #Jalil
Scroll.in
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
‘Basti and Durbar': This fiction anthology paints a comprehensive picture of Delhi and its people
Edited by Rakhshanda Jalil, 'an unapologetic Delhiite', Basti & Durbar: Delhi-New Delhi is a collection of 32 stories about the city. Through stories from five different languages – those written originally in English as well as those translated into English from Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Malayalam – and featuring a generous number of excerpts from novels, Basti & Durbar is an anthology that gives its readers a fairly comprehensive picture of the city and its inhabitants, capturing the spirit of Delhi/New Delhi through the ages. Jalil has included voices from different eras in the anthology that help the reader navigate through Delhi as it was during certain points in history, and also be a witness to those gradual waves of change that have turned the city into its present avatar. In fact, in one of the latter tales, readers even get a glimpse of Delhi as it might be in the future. In and out of Delhi Basti & Durbar opens with The City that Was, an excerpt from the Hindi novel Basharat Manzil, which is set in the late 19th and early 20th century and presents Delhi through the eyes of a character who has left it behind. The story describes the glory of a city which now remains only in the memories of its central character and his (ultimately) futile efforts to recreate his beloved city by creating a similar atmosphere in Bhopal – from chess to hookah to pigeon rearing. But then, migration is a recurring theme in many stories in the anthology. This is particularly true of migration to Delhi, be it by virtue of need, choice or chance; and the experiences of these outsiders, these immigrants who are an integral part of Delhi, are at the core of several stories. For instance, 'Amritsar to Kingsway Camp' (an excerpt from Priya Hajela's novel Ladies' Tailor) and 'The Parade' by MS Sarna depict and document the experiences of individuals who have arrived from across the border in the aftermath of the tragedy of partition. While on the surface, the situation of characters in these two stories might seem very different, in truth, they are all part of the same exodus and have faced similar traumas as thousands of their contemporaries. Then there are stories that present before their readers the plight and the condition of the economic migrants who have been driven to the city in search of better opportunities, and the way the city has the potential to swallow one whole within the span of a few minutes. This is exemplified in Bhisham Sahni's story 'Gango's Child', which shows the difficult and miserable lives of those living in those locales of the city that fall in the category of 'basti', while 'Winter of Fear' captures the atmosphere of fear that pervaded the city during the emergency years in harrowing detail, turning the city into a monster that unleashes its fury on its arbitrarily chosen victims. Echoes of the basti's narrative are also found in the extract from Mohan Rakesh's novel Andhere Band Kamre (translated as Ibadat Ali's Haveli in Qassabpura), which gives a glimpse of Ibadat Ali's haveli nine years apart with the stagnation as well as the change in the fortunes of its inhabitants. Delhi comes alive in these stories through the description of its narrow lanes, crumbling havelis, dim corners and dingy dwellings. At the same time, they also make the reader realise that the fortune of the city, including its rise and its fall, is intricately related to the making and breaking of the fortunes of its people. And this is true not just of the stories that describe the dirt and the squalor of the city, but also the Delhi of the affluent hotels, clubs and the upper- and middle-class lives. Stories set in this affluent part of Delhi make the reader a witness to things as they seem from the Durbar's corner. Stories like 'Priya', 'Diamonds are Forever', and 'Trap' are set amongst the shiny buildings, gymkhana clubs and five-star hotels and give the readers a sneak-peek into this world, while stories like 'Yes, Sir' and the tongue in cheek 'Cheng-Chui' are set in the world of the bureaucracy, the sarkari, without which no portrait of Delhi can ever be complete. A story like 'The Secret Garden' finds itself somewhere in between – it shows a completely different side of the city, one that comes alive after dark, and in a certain way becomes a great leveller as it crumbles the boundaries of the basti and the durbar, however temporarily, forcing them to merge even as power plays its role here as well. Delhi is everyone's The extract from Usha Priyamvada's Fifty-Five Pillars, Red Walls gives one the idea of the city in a different way. It doesn't necessarily take one on a Dilli ki Sair but presents another, subtler but equally powerful facet of the city – a Delhi where the life and the decisions of a grown woman are circumscribed by the red walls of the hostel where she lives. Delhi, in a story like this, becomes a symbolic prison which does its best to keep one from living the life one desires. Stories like Fifty-Five Pillars and Keki N Daruwalla's 'Daughter' feel more invested in providing readers a snapshot not of the roads of Delhi, but its psyche. A story like 'Cake', on the other hand, merges the physical and the psychological aspects of the city beautifully in its descriptions of the city as well the impact it has on people in describing how the metropolis works on you, making you less sensitive and more thick skinned the longer you spend time here, looking at and dreaming of the affluence that seems ever elusive. Another aspect which makes this anthology appealing is that readers get to read these stories narrated from multiple points of view. The narrators here include, but are not limited to, a bored wife in the gymkhana club looking to gossip; a man displaced from his hometown, struggling to cross the road; a writer-bureaucrat; a tangawallah; a student from Shillong; a man who has visions of the past and future; and a woman who is the centre of attention for having 'travelled: to Delhi. All these narrators present the many sides of the same city, a city with personalities as varied as its inhabitants, a city that gives a different welcome to different people. Power is closely associated with the very idea of Delhi and power, the lack of it, and the tussle over it become key themes in many stories in both overt and covert ways. Basti & Durbar is wide in scope and covers a large span of time, giving glimpses of Dilli and Delhi both. These are the stories of the dilliwallahs as well as the Delhiites, and then everyone else in between and on the margins. There are stories of those who have left Delhi and miss it, those who love it, those who have been forced to it, those who are trying hard to survive it, and those who are on the verge of giving up. Delhi comes alive in the pages of the anthology not (just) through the descriptions or name-dropping places that are quintessentially Delhi, but through the tiny – sometimes minuscule – day-to-day actions and interactions as well as those life-altering moments that happen in the city and take one completely by surprise. At the same time, these stories allow their reader a peek into the various layers that have gone into the making of both Delhi and New Delhi. These might be layers of time that have deposited one over the other with the progression of history, or these might be cohabitating layers – both squalid and splendid. Basti & Durbar makes space for a large number of authors, including contemporary authors and genres of writing such as speculative fiction. As is bound to happen in any anthology, one might find certain stories more appealing than others. Overall, though, Basti & Durbar is a collectible. It's an admirable anthology of stories of and about the city which takes its readers on a tour of the city's nooks and corners both hidden and exposed, shining and dirty, in an unapologetic fashion.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Chance for peninsula-based coalitions to prove
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Sohan Das Text Size: Jalil said voters wanted to know if no hoppers like PAS and MIC would be rewarded with GLC posts or Nominated Assembly seats just for being fringe parties of federal coalitions. LABUAN: Peninsula-based coalitions should seize the golden opportunity to contest the imminent state election solo and test their strength and acceptance in the State. 'There should be no fear losing or even losing their deposits if they are confident of support as they often claim. 'Based on reports there is likely to be no clear majority winner and such being the case the coalition or party that wins even a handful of seats have the chance to be a partner in the new state government... so why worry?' said activist Haji Abdul Jalil Ghani. He was responding to reports that Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional have reached an agreement without Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) even though the Sabah unity government comprises all three. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Have special panel to tackle twin issues
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 By: Sohan Das Text Size: Jalil, a retiree from the oil and gas sector from Papar, said having a special panel will assist State Works Minister Datuk Seri Shahelmey Yahya under whose portfolio these issues that can make or break GRS chances in the coming PRN17. LABUAN: The GRS State Government should consider a 'special panel' to overcome road and water woes, and a new approach to tackle legacy issues. Activist Haji Abdul Jalil Ghani said even Labuan residents can see that the GRS government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had done well and scored good marks in boosting State revenue as well achieving recognition for a number of rights under the MA63. 'But the negative condition of Sabah roads and the non-ending water crisis despite millions of ringgit already spent could cloud the State's achievements in many other areas as it approaches the State election,' he said. Jalil, a retiree from the oil and gas sector from Papar, said having a special panel will assist State Works Minister Datuk Seri Shahelmey Yahya under whose portfolio these issues that can make or break GRS chances in the coming PRN17. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Arab News
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Kurds in Iraq and Syria celebrate the Nowruz festival of spring at a time of new political horizons
AKRE. Iraq: Kurds in Iraq and Syria this week marked the Nowruz festival, a traditional celebration of spring and renewal, at a time when many are hoping that a new political beginning is on the horizon. Nowruz, the Farsi-language word for 'new year,' is an ancient Persian festival that is celebrated in countries including Iraq, Syria, Turkiye and Iran. It is characterized by colorful street festivals and torch-bearing processions winding their way into the mountains. For many, Thursday and Friday's Nowruz festivities symbolized not only the arrival of spring but also the spirit and aspirations of the Kurdish people, who are now facing a moment of transformation in the region. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which holds sway in much of northeastern Syria, recently signed a landmark deal with the new government in Damascus that includes a ceasefire and eventual merging of the SDF into the Syrian army. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkiye that has spilled over into conflict in Syria and northern Iraq, recently announced a ceasefire after the group's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called for its members to put down their weapons. In Iraq, calls for unity As the sun set behind the mountains of Akre in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq Thursday, more than 1,500 volunteers climbed the steep hills, carrying burning torches as their faces shimmered in the light of the flame. From a distance, their movements looked like a river of fire flowing up and down the mountain. At the top, small bonfires burned, while the sky was filled with the flashing colors of fireworks. Women wearing colorful dresses with gold and silver jewelry and men dressed in traditional outfits with wide belts and turbans danced in the streets of the town and in the hills, Kurdish flags waving above the crowds. The sound of dahol drums and zurna flutes echoed everywhere, mixed with modern Kurdish folk songs played from loudspeakers. According to Akre's directorate of tourism, some 88,000 people attended the event, including Kurds who traveled from around the region and the world. The substantial turnout came despite the fact that this year the festival coincides with Ramadan, during which many Kurds — like other Muslims — fast from sunrise to sunset daily. Among those dancing on the hill was Hozan Jalil, who traveled from Batman city in Turkiye. Jalil said he is happy about the peace process and hopeful that it will bear results, although he was also somewhat circumspect. 'I hope it won't finish with regrets and our Kurdish people will not be deceived or cheated,' he said. Jalil said Nowruz to him represents unity between Kurdish people across national boundaries. 'This year, Nowruz to me symbolizes the point of achieving freedom for all Kurdish people,' he said. For the people of Akre, Nowruz has become a tradition that connects them to Kurds and others everywhere. A local from Akre, described her pride in hosting such a celebration in her town. 'It's a great feeling that everyone from all over the world comes to Akre for this celebration because it makes Akre the capital of Nowruz for the whole world,' said Guevara Fawaz. She was walking through the town's main square with her family dressed in traditional Kurdish clothes. Like Jalil, she voiced hopes that the PKK-Turkiye talks would progress and 'achieve peace in all four parts of Kurdistan.' A changing reality in Syria Across the border in Syria, where former President Bashar Assad was unseated in a lightning rebel offensive in December, Nowruz celebrations took place openly in the streets of the capital for the first time in more than a decade since anti-government protests spiraled into a civil war in 2011. Hundreds of Kurds packed into Shamdeen Square in the Roken Al-Din neighborhood, the main Kurdish area in the Syrian capital, to light the Nowruz fire, waving Kurdish flags alongside the new, three-starred Syrian flag. In the village of Hemo, just outside the city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish flag, along with flags of Abdullah Ocalan and the SDF, waved high above the crowds as people danced in the streets. The new rulers in Damascus, Islamist former insurgents, have promised to respect minorities. A temporary constitution announced earlier this month states that 'citizens are equal before the law ... without discrimination based on race, religion, gender or lineage.' But many Kurds were unhappy that the text does not explicitly recognize Kurdish rights. Mizgeen Tahir, a well-known Kurdish singer who attended the festivities in Hemo, said, 'This year, Nowruz is different because it's the first Nowruz since the fall of the Baath regime and authority,' referring to the now-disbanded Baath party of the Assad dynasty. But Syria's Kurdish region 'is at a turning point now,' he said. 'This Nowruz, we're unsure about our situation. How will our rights be constitutionally recognized?' Media Ghanim, from Qamishli, who also joined the celebrations, said she is hopeful that after Assad's fall, 'we will keep moving forward toward freedom and have our rights guaranteed in the Syrian constitution.' 'We hope these negotiations will end with success, because we want our rights as Kurds,' she said.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kurds in Iraq and Syria celebrate the Newroz festival of spring at a time of new political horizons
AKRE. Iraq (AP) — Kurds in Iraq and Syria this week marked the Newroz festival, a traditional celebration of spring and renewal, at a time when many are hoping that a new political beginning is on the horizon. Newroz, the Farsi-language word for 'new year,' is an ancient Persian festival that is celebrated in countries including Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. It is characterized by colorful street festivals and torch-bearing processions winding their way into the mountains. For many, Thursday and Friday's Newroz festivities symbolized not only the arrival of spring but also the spirit and aspirations of the Kurdish people, who are now facing a moment of transformation in the region. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which holds sway in much of northeastern Syria, recently signed a landmark deal with the new government in Damascus that includes a ceasefire and eventual merging of the SDF into the Syrian army. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency in Turkey that has spilled over into conflict in Syria and northern Iraq, recently announced a ceasefire after the group's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called for its members to put down their weapons. In Iraq, calls for unity As the sun set behind the mountains of Akre in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq Thursday, more than 1,500 volunteers climbed the steep hills, carrying burning torches as their faces shimmered in the light of the flame. From a distance, their movements looked like a river of fire flowing up and down the mountain. At the top, small bonfires burned, while the sky was filled with the flashing colors of fireworks. Women wearing colorful dresses with gold and silver jewelry and men dressed in traditional outfits with wide belts and turbans danced in the streets of the town and in the hills, Kurdish flags waving above the crowds. The sound of dahol drums and zurna flutes echoed everywhere, mixed with modern Kurdish folk songs played from loudspeakers. According to Akre's directorate of tourism, some 88,000 people attended the event, including Kurds who traveled from around the region and the world. The substantial turnout came despite the fact that this year the festival coincides with Ramadan, during which many Kurds - like other Muslims - fast from sunrise to sunset daily. Among those dancing on the hill was Hozan Jalil, who traveled from Batman city in Turkey. Jalil said he is happy about the peace process and hopeful that it will bear results, although he was also somewhat circumspect. 'I hope it won't finish with regrets and our Kurdish people will not be deceived or cheated,' he said. Jalil said Newroz to him represents unity between Kurdish people across national boundaries. 'This year, Newroz to me symbolizes the point of achieving freedom for all Kurdish people," he said. For the people of Akre, Newroz has become a tradition that connects them to Kurds and others everywhere. A local from Akre, described her pride in hosting such a celebration in her town. 'It's a great feeling that everyone from all over the world comes to Akre for this celebration because it makes Akre the capital of Newroz for the whole world," said Guevara Fawaz. She was walking through the town's main square with her family dressed in traditional Kurdish clothes. Like Jalil, she voiced hopes that the PKK-Turkey talks would progress and "achieve peace in all four parts of Kurdistan.' A changing reality in Syria Across the border in Syria, where former President Bashar Assad was unseated in a lightning rebel offensive in December, Newroz celebrations took place openly in the streets of the capital for the first time in more than a decade since anti-government protests spiraled into a civil war in 2011. Hundreds of Kurds packed into Shamdeen Square in the Roken al-Din neighborhood, the main Kurdish area in the Syrian capital, to light the Newroz fire, waving Kurdish flags alongside the new, three-starred Syrian flag. In the village of Hemo, just outside the city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish flag, along with flags of Abdullah Ocalan and the SDF, waved high above the crowds as people danced in the streets. The new rulers in Damascus, Islamist former insurgents, have promised to respect minorities. A temporary constitution announced earlier this month states that 'citizens are equal before the law ... without discrimination based on race, religion, gender or lineage.' But many Kurds were unhappy that the text does not explicitly recognize Kurdish rights. Mizgeen Tahir, a well-known Kurdish singer who attended the festivities in Hemo, said, 'This year, Newroz is different because it's the first Newroz since the fall of the Baath regime and authority," referring to the now-disbanded Baath party of the Assad dynasty. But Syria's Kurdish region 'is at a turning point now,' he said. "This Newroz, we're unsure about our situation. How will our rights be constitutionally recognized?' Media Ghanim, from Qamishli, who also joined the celebrations, said she is hopeful that after Assad's fall, "we will keep moving forward towards freedom and have our rights guaranteed in the Syrian constitution." 'We hope these negotiations will end with success, because we want our rights as Kurds,' she said. ___ Abdo reported from Hemo, Syria. Associated Press journalist Omar Sanadiki in Damascus contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
