Kuldeep Nayyar: The Journalist who symbolised Truth!

Veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayyar sahab passed away last night at a Delhi hospital. He was 95. A Journalist who fought for freedom of expression and never hesitated in showing the mirror to the unscrupulous politicians. A journalist who was jailed during Emergency and resisted crumbs from the establishment all his life. 

I read his autobiography 'Beyond the Lines' with great interest. Born in Sialkot, he wrote a heartwarming account of Partition. He wrote about an unverified incident when Jinnah broke down during an aerial survey. When he saw the qatl-e-aam on the border post partition, he exclaimed with a sigh, "Yeh maine kya kar diya." 

Kuldeep sahab was critical of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and he was critical of Modi. He knew about Emergency better than most. Advani had famously said during Emergency, "Media was asked to bend, they crawled." Kuldeep sahab didn't bend, forget crawling. He stood erect  with pride till his last days.

 Rest in peace Sir!

What makes Gulzar sahab a Legend!

I've had the good fortune of interacting quite closely with Gulzar sahab as the D Day approached for Abba to be awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award on September 18, 2011. Gulzar sahab edited the anthology 'Shahryar Suno' which was a collection of Ghazals and Nazmz of Abba. These Ghazals and Nazmz were selected by Gulzar sahab. It was launched by Mr Amitabh Bachchan after he handed over the momentous trophy to Abba. 

I used to interact with Gulzar sahab quite often on phone in those days as Abba was unwell and I was the contact point for their communication. What appealed to me the most was Gulzar sahabs passion. Someone who had achieved so much in life and was still so enthusiastic about editing anthology of a great Poet. I think it's this passion that has resulted in his longevity both in years as well as a relevant creative person. 

I have interviewed Gulzar sahab two times and the best way to define him is 'Intoxicating'. He's addictive. And the child like eagerness to be a student is very inspiring!

Happy Birthday Gulzar sahab. May you keep playing Tennis and may you continue inspiring!

Qurbani: The true and practical essence of humanity

I've been writing on the day of Eid Ul Zuha for the last two years that why it's important to make some changes, to help the poor instead of merely gorging on delicious feasts. This time I am writing this well in advance. I shall be donating a sum of money to help the poor and needy Muslims instead of the traditional qurbani of the goat. And I urge people to do the same. Just imagine the amount of money that can be generated if they-who-can-afford decide to donate the money in helping the poor Muslims. Clothes, books for children's education, food, basic commodities etc. The Savaab will surely be there. And most importantly you know that you've done something concrete that Allah will approve of. 

There are so many practises that we follow just out of societal pressures, to please others and may be to prove that we have loads of money. Anyone who understands the true meaning of Qurbani would approve the step to part ways with something that's dear to you. And that includes pride, ego and a false sense of self importance. Ammi Najma Mahmood always says that it's the idea of Qurbani that's far more important than sacrificing the animal.

Followers of any religion, sect or caste must update themselves. It's our responsibility that we help others and to ensure that through our actions, our religion must get acceptance Dil se. 

Debate and discussion is welcome but any sort of badtameezi won't be tolerated.