#inspired by urdu poet rumi

[think-through-pen]

Dear Diary,

I am not yet ready to read some Urdu, Persian and Arabic poets. They incite in me an ocean that cannot be calmed by a splashing current of lava, or colossal icebergs blocking the way. I write even after the paper has run out of pages, spilling on the table to the ground as I fumble around—gasp to find English words to just describe how I felt. I am so incompetent. I run out of tears but my heart still sobs.

This is why I prefer to read Urdu, so I can write a refined English poem which is, maybe, equivalent to one line of an Urdu poem.

Yours Wounded,

M

Taglist: @most-ment @jordynhaiku @hauntedandwholesome @distilledmelancholies @vixen1012 @sunlovemoon @sweetwarmcookies16 @a-moonlit-poet

[theparentz]

Unveiling Modern Urdu Baby Names with Parentz

The world of Urdu baby names is a tapestry woven with rich cultural threads and a vibrant history. In recent times, this tapestry has embraced the hues of modernity, giving rise to a delightful blend of traditional essence and contemporary flair. This essay explores the landscape of modern Urdu baby names, highlighting how Parentz empowers parents to navigate this beautiful journey.

Beyond Timeless Classics:

While names like Ali, Fatima, and Aisha remain cherished choices, parents today seek unique options that reflect their individuality. This leads to:

Creative Twists on Classics: Traditional names are given modern spellings or combined with other names, like Rayyan Ali or Aaliyah Fatima.

Nature-Inspired Names: Urdu's love for nature flourishes in names like Gul (flower), Noori (light), and Barq (lightning).

Literary and Artistic Influences: Characters from Urdu literature and renowned artists inspire names like Laila (from Majnun Laila), Picasso (the artist), or Rumi (the poet).

Embracing Global Trends:

The world is shrinking, and Urdu names reflect this. We see:

International Names with Urdu Touches: Liam becomes Liyam, Sarah becomes Saarah, and Olivia becomes Oliva, retaining the essence of both cultures.

Fusion Names: Blending Urdu and foreign names creates unique options like Zara Alexander or Ibrahim Noah.

Meaningful & Auspicious Choices:

The core of Urdu naming traditions lies in meaning and auspiciousness. Modern parents still:

Choose Names with Positive Meanings: Noor (light), Hikmah (wisdom), and Safa (purity) are popular choices.

Seek guidance from religious scholars or elders to ensure the name aligns with their values and beliefs.

Choosing the Right Name:

Ultimately, the Modern Urdu baby names is the one that resonates with you and your family. Consider your cultural heritage, family traditions, and the aspirations you hold for your child. With Parentz by your side, you can embark on a beautiful journey through the world of modern Urdu names, and find the one that will forever be etched in your child's identity.

Remember, Parentz is a tool to enhance your experience, not a replacement for your intuition and connection with your child. Choose a name that feels right in your heart, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that each modern Urdu baby name carries within it.

[indiatourguide]

Top Travel Destinations in Lucknow

You have jumped at the right blog, in this particular blog I will talk about the Top Travel Destinations in Lucknow but before starting out I will give a brief explanation about the City of Lucknow and then I will jump into the Top Places to Travel in Lucknow.

Lucknow the City of Nawabs

Lucknow is the capital city of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and architectural splendor. Here are some key aspects of Lucknow.

1. Historical Significance: Lucknow has a deep historical significance and has been an important center of cultural, political, and artistic activities in Northern India for centuries.

2. Nawabi Culture: It is often referred to as the “City of Nawabs” due to its association with the Nawabs of Awadh, who were prominent rulers in the region during the Mughal era and later as independent rulers.

3. Architectural Marvels: The city is known for its magnificent Mughal and Awadhi architecture, with notable structures like Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and many more.

4. Cuisine: Lucknow is renowned for its delectable Awadhi cuisine, which includes dishes like kebabs, biryanis, and various types of sweets like the famous “Tunday Kababi” and “Lucknawi paan.”

5. Chikan Embroidery: The city is famous for its traditional hand embroidery known as “chikan.” It is a delicate and intricate form of embroidery that is widely practiced and sought after in the fashion industry.

6. Cultural Festivals: Lucknow is a hub for various cultural events and festivals. The city celebrates festivals like Diwali, Eid, Holi, and others with great fervor and enthusiasm.

7. Literary Heritage: Lucknow has a rich literary tradition and has been home to many renowned poets, writers, and scholars. It has contributed significantly to Urdu literature.

8. Language: Hindi and Urdu are the primary languages spoken in Lucknow, but English is also widely understood and used, especially in educational and professional settings.

9. Education and Institutions: The city is known for its educational institutions, including the University of Lucknow, King George’s Medical University, and various engineering and management colleges.

10. Economic Hub: Lucknow is an economic hub for the region, with a diverse economy that includes industries like manufacturing, handicrafts, and the service sector.

Best Destinations to Travel in Lucknow

1. Bara Imambara: This grand architectural marvel was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 18th century. It houses the central hall, which is one of the largest arched constructions without any support beams. The Bhool Bhulaiya (maze) and Asfi Mosque are also part of this complex.

2. Chota Imambara: Also known as the Hussainabad Imambara, it is another splendid piece of architecture commissioned by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah. It is known for its intricate decorations and chandeliers.

3. Rumi Darwaza: Often referred to as the Turkish Gate, the Rumi Darwaza is an iconic gateway that stands as a testament to Lucknow’s architectural heritage. It is inspired by the ancient Sublime Porte in Istanbul, Turkey.

4. Lucknow Residency: This complex served as the residence for the British Resident General who represented the British East India Company. It played a significant role in the events of the First War of Indian Independence in 1857.

5. Hazratganj: This bustling market area is a shopping haven for both locals and tourists. It offers a wide range of shops, boutiques, eateries, and street vendors selling traditional Lucknawi chikan (hand-embroidered) garments and other items.

6. British Residency: A witness to the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this complex now stands in ruins, serving as a somber reminder of that historic event. It is surrounded by lush gardens and is a peaceful place to explore.

7. Janeshwar Mishra Park: One of the largest parks in Asia, this sprawling green space offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features walking tracks, water bodies, play areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

8. Dilkusha Kothi: Built by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan, this historic structure is a blend of European and Mughal architectural styles. It offers a panoramic view of the city from its terrace.

9. Ambedkar Memorial Park: Located in Gomti Nagar, this park is a tribute to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. It features grand architecture, lush gardens, and reflective ponds.

10. Jama Masjid: This mosque is an excellent example of Mughal architecture and is a significant place of worship for the local Muslim community.

11. State Museum: This museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and archaeological finds, showcasing the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.

#traveldestinationsinlucknow

[articleverse]

Sadaloog: Unravel the Beauty of Poetry and Ghazals Online

The allure of poetry and ghazals remains timeless. The internet has provided a platform for enthusiasts to explore and indulge in the beauty of these art forms like never before. Sadaloog: Unravel the Beauty of Poetry and Ghazals Online offers a journey into the world of lyrical masterpieces and emotional expressions. This article delves deep into the subject, comprehensively understanding the history, significance, and various online resources available to poetry and ghazal lovers worldwide.

The Magic of Poetry: An Enchanting Prelude

Poetry has an unparalleled charm that weaves emotions, thoughts, and ideas into a captivating tapestry of words. Literature lovers have always cherished the profound impact of poems in their lives. From classical verses to contemporary pieces, poetry continues to inspire, heal, and provoke introspection. It's an art form that transcends boundaries, cultures, and time.

Ghazals: The Soulful Expressions of Love

Ghazals, a unique form of poetic expression, have a deep-rooted history in the Middle East and South Asia. These soul-stirring verses are renowned for their themes of love, pain, and longing. With their distinct rhyme schemes and poignant imagery, ghazals hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the beauty of sad yet romantic prose.

A Journey Through History: Evolution of Poetry and Ghazals

The evolution of poetry and ghazals can be traced back through centuries. From the ancient oral traditions to the written works of renowned poets like Rumi, Shakespeare, Mirza Ghalib, and Pablo Neruda, each era has contributed to the richness and diversity of these art forms. Exploring the historical context allows us to appreciate the significance of poetry and ghazals in shaping cultures and societies.

The Digital Age of Poetry: Online Platforms and Communities

With the advent of the internet, poetry enthusiasts found a new realm to connect and share their literary creations. Online platforms dedicated to poetry and ghazals have emerged, fostering a vibrant community of writers and readers. Websites, forums, and social media groups provide a nurturing environment for budding poets to showcase their talent and receive constructive feedback from fellow enthusiasts.

Exploring Sadaloog: A Treasure Trove of Poetic Gems

Among many online platforms, Sadaloog is a dedicated hub for poetry and ghazals. This digital oasis curates exquisite verses from diverse cultures and languages. Whether you seek classical poetry or modern compositions, Sadaloog has something for every connoisseur of literary art.

Unveiling the Features: What Sadaloog Offers to Poetry Lovers

Vast Collection of Poems and Ghazals: Sadaloog boasts an extensive library of poems and ghazals spanning various genres and emotions. From sonnets to free verse and love ballads to elegies, you'll find myriad compositions that resonate with your soul.

Multilingual Diversity: Language is no barrier on Sadaloog, as it showcases poetry in multiple languages. Discover the beauty of verses in English, Urdu, Hindi, Persian, Spanish, and many more, each reflecting the cultural nuances of its origin.

Interactive Writing Platform: Sadaloog encourages aspiring poets to express themselves freely. The platform provides tools to create and publish poems, inviting constructive feedback and fostering a supportive writing community.

Audio and Video Performances: Experience the power of spoken word through audio and video performances of renowned poets and emerging talents. Sadaloog brings poetry to life with passionate recitations and soulful renditions.

Curated Themes and Collections: Delve into thematic collections of poetry curated by experts. From nature-inspired verses to philosophical musings, Sadaloog offers a curated journey of emotions.

Connect with Poets Worldwide: Embrace the opportunity to connect with poets from around the globe. Exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and find kindred spirits who share your passion for poetic expressions.

Sadaloog: A Digital Haven for Ghazal Aficionados

Ghazals from Legendary Poets: Sadaloog celebrates the works of legendary ghazal maestros, preserving their contributions for future generations. Immerse yourself in the magical verses of Mir Taqi Mir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and other revered poets.

Contemporary Ghazals: Discover the evolution of ghazals through contemporary renditions. Sadaloog showcases modern ghazals that blend traditional themes with contemporary sensibilities.

Transliterations and Translations: For those seeking to explore ghazals beyond their native language, Sadaloog provides transliterations and translations, bridging the linguistic gap and allowing a broader appreciation of this poetic form.

Learning Resources for Aspiring Ghazal Writers: Aspiring ghazal writers can find valuable resources, tips, and tutorials on Sadaloog. Unravel the complexities of composing ghazals and refine your skills with expert guidance.

Ghazal Concerts and Events: Stay updated with the latest ghazal concerts and events happening worldwide. Sadaloog connects you with live performances and virtual gatherings celebrating the magic of ghazals.

[kaurwrites]

The poetess sister,,, which one are your favorite books (Punjabi/English/Urdu),,, also your favorite Writer/Poet,,, if you wish to tell about this ...!! 🙂

My favorite book is actually milk & honey by Rupi Kaur. It inspired me to start writing and put my feelings out. Harman Kaur also has the best type of quotes.

Besides that my biggest inspiration is Rumi. When i read the poetry that Rumi has written or the work he has put up, it inspires me so much and it motivates me.

[thesufidotcom]

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[marcusssanderson]

70 Rumi Quotes on Life, Love and Strength That Will Inspire You

Our latest collection of inspirational Rumi quotes and sayings that will make you see the bright side of life.

Rumi quotes are well known for being wise, thought-provoking and powerful. Let these inspirational quotes and motivational quotes help you realize all the power and beauty you have inside you.

Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet who’s had a massive influence on Muslim writing and culture. He has a huge following around the world and is actually one of the best selling poets in the USA. His works have been translated to many different languages,  including Spanish, Turkish, German, Russian, Urdu, Arabic, French and Italian.

Brad Gooch, who wrote a biography of Rumi, describes him as “a poet of joy and of love”.

Rumi’s work continues to resonate today. In his honor, below is our collection of inspirational, wise, and powerful Rumi quotes and Rumi sayings, collected from a variety of sources over the years.

Rumi quotes about the journey of life

1.) “Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” – Rumi

2.) “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” – Rumi

Jalaluddin Rumi quotes on life, time, and the universe

3.) “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” – Rumi

4.) “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.” – Rumi

5.) “Would you become a pilgrim on the road of love? The first condition is that you make yourself humble as dust and ashes.” – Rumi

6.) “There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground; there are a thousand ways to go home again.” – Rumi

7.) “This place is a dream. Only a sleeper considers it real. Then death comes like dawn, and you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief.” – Rumi

Rumi quotes from his poems about our place in the universe

8.) “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean, in a drop.” – Rumi

9.) “‎Dancing is not just getting up painlessly, like a leaf blown on the wind; dancing is when you tear your heart out and rise out of your body to hang suspended between the worlds.” – Rumi

10.) “Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” – Rumi

11.) “Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I’ll be mad.” – Rumi

12.) “Why do you stay in prison, when the door is so wide open?” – Rumi

13.) “The Prophets accept all agony and trust it. For the water has never feared the fire.” – Rumi

Rumi quotes on love and connection

14.) “Your depression is connected to your insolence and refusal to praise.” – Rumi

15.) “If the foot of the trees were not tied to earth, they would be pursuing me. For I have blossomed so much, I am the envy of the gardens.” – Rumi

16.) “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes around in another form.” – Rumi

17.) “I am so close, I may look distant. So completely mixed with you, I may look separate. So out in the open, I appear hidden. So silent, because I am constantly talking with you.” – Rumi

18.) “Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” – Rumi

Rumi quotes on life and self love

19.) “Don’t wait any longer. Dive in the ocean, Leave and let the sea be you.” – Rumi

20.) “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi

21.) “Love so needs to love that it will endure almost anything, even abuse, just to flicker for a moment. But the sky’s mouth is kind, its song will never hurt you, for I sing those words.” – Rumi

Rumi quotes on trust

22.) “May these vows and this marriage be blessed.” – Rumi

23.) “There’s a field somewhere beyond all doubt and wrong doing. I’ll meet you there.” – Rumi

24.) “The minute I heard my first love story,

I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was.

Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.

What you seek is seeking you.” – Rumi

25.) “Ignore those that make you fearful and sad, that degrade you back towards disease and death.” – Rumi

26.) “Be certain that in the religion of Love there are no believers and unbelievers. LOVE embraces all.” ― Rumi

Rumi quotes on dreams and life

27.) “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” – Rumi

28.) “make your last journey from this strange world soar for the heights where there is no more separation of you and your home

God has created your wings not to be dormant as long as you are alive you must try more and more to use your wings to show you’re alive” ― Rumi

29.) “In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.” – Rumi

Inspirational quotes by Rumi to help you see the bright side of life

30.) “Silence is the language of god, all else is poor translation.” – Rumi

31.) “Peaceful is the one who’s not concerned with having more or less. Unbound by name and fame, he is free from sorrow from the world and mostly from himself.” – Rumi

32.) “Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot. Seek the path that demands your whole being.” – Rumi

Quotes by Rumi about life and love

33.) “Travel brings power and love back into your life.” – Rumi

34.) “I am filled with you. Skin, blood, bone, brain, and soul. There’s no room for lack of trust, or trust. Nothing in this existence but that existence.” – Rumi

35.) “A pen went scribbling along. When it tried to write love, it broke.” ― Rumi

36.) “Be empty of worrying. Think of who created thought! – Rumi

37.) “What? Are you still pretending you are separate from the Beloved?” – Rumi

38.) “It is certain that an atom of goodness on the path of faith is never lost.” – Rumi

Jalaluddin Rumi quotes about love from his books and poems

39.) “Either give me more wine or leave me alone.” – Rumi

40.) “Someone who does not run toward the allure of love walks a road where nothing lives. But this dove here senses the love hawk floating above, and waits, and will not be driven or scared to safety.” – Rumi

41.) “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” – Rumi

42.) “If you are seeking, seek us with joy For we live in the kingdom of joy. Do not give your heart to anything else But to the love of those who are clear joy, Do not stray into the neighborhood of despair. For there are hopes: they are real, they exist – Do not go in the direction of darkness – I tell you: suns exist.” – Rumi

Jalaluddin Rumi quotes from his poems and books about life

43.) “Open your hands if you want to be held.” – Rumi

44.) “Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.” – Rumi

45.) “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi

46.) “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi

47.) “Let silence take you to the core of life.” – Rumi

48.) “The whole universe is contained within a single human being – you.” – Rumi

49.) “Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.” ― Rumi

50.) “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” – Rumi

Rumi quotes that will expand your mind

51.) “Grace comes to forgive and then forgive again.” – Rumi

52.) “Travel brings p

[brightsideview-blog]

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[beenasarwar]

Iranian anthropologist Shahla Haeri pays tribute to her Pakistani behen Asma. Photo: Ibrahim Rashid.

Days after Asma Jahangir passed away in Lahore, some of us, members of Asma’s tribe as I think of it, got together at Harvard to commemorate her life, impact and achievements. We had lots of flowers, and music, and chai and samosas – she loved these things and loved hosting people. The languages spoken — English, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali and Farsi — are a testament to Asma’s reach. Below, a short report about the event by a student at Emerson College, Boston, and a longer one by a Wellesley College student. Video clips of some speakers’ comments below; all video clips online on Vimeo, courtesy Rick Brotman. Cambridge Community Television will run a full video of the event next Saturday.

People influenced by Asma Jahangir gather in Cambridge to celebrate her life, by Maysoon Khan

Celebrating Asma Jahangir – by Aliza Amin

People influenced by Asma Jahangir gather in Cambridge to celebrate her life

By Maysoon Khan

On a chilly Saturday afternoon in February, students, professionals and community members crowded into an over 100-seater auditorium at the Harvard Kennedy School to celebrate the life of Asma Jahangir, a Pakistani human rights lawyer and social activist who passed away at her hometown in Lahore the previous Sunday, February 11, 2018.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Amartya Sen from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

An assortment of people who worked with and knew Jahangir personally paid tribute by sharing stories and reading poetry at an event organized by Jahangir’s friends and admirers including students.

What Asma means to me – a whiteboard series. Photos: Ibrahim Rashid

Introducing the event, Beena Sarwar, a Pakistani journalist who worked with Jahangir, said, “We were originally going to call this a memorial service, then we called it a remembrance, and then we decided to call it a celebration. We want this to be an uplifting celebration of Asma.” Sarwar first met Jahangir when she started voluntary work reporting and writing for the Human Rights Commission in Lahore in the late 1980s.

Speakers ranged from cardiologist Kashif Choudhry who flew in from Baltimore to pay his respects, to entrepreneur Mahmud Jafari, historians Ayesha Jalal and Sugata Bose, writers Sara Suleri and Homi Bhabha, to Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen, to a chaplain, lawyers, professors and newspaper editors.

Asma Jahangir was more than just a lawyer and activist. She was a fearless leader and mentor who fought for justice and democracy in a society that is heavily conservative and marred by corruption. She remained undeterred in the face of imprisonment, beatings, and death threats.

She co-founded Pakistan’s first all-women law firm in 1980, the Women’s Action Forum in 1981, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in 1987 and was also the first woman president of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Bar Association. She took up cudgels on behalf of women, laborers and other marginalized communities in Pakistan. In her role setting up institutions as well as being an activist, she was revolutionary.

Additionally, she was a long serving UN Special Rapporteur who held several portfolios: 1998 to 2004 on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, 2004 to 2010 on freedom of religion or belief, and mostly recently on the situation of human rights in Iran, a position she assumed on 1 November 2016 and held until her death.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Shahla Haeri from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

Tufts professor Ayesha Jalal, a close friend of Jahangir, said, “You could find her at 7:30 in the morning at the bazaar buying fish. And at 10 am protesting outside the Lahore High Courts, and going to courts to fight her case, and then attending a funeral for a human rights activist, and then going home and making dinner and entertaining friends till 3 a.m.” Laughter resounded through the hall.

The auditorium reverberated with emotion, as speakers remembered Asma Jahangir through both laughter and tears. She was remembered as a ‘mentor of mentors’, as ‘Pakistan’s conscience’, and as a national icon whose courage was needed today more than ever to stand up to the tyranny in Pakistan.

“No country produces only heroes. But no country should do without heroes who can give us examples of integrity, courage, and honesty,” said Thomas W. Simons, former United States ambassador to Pakistan.

At the end, the organizers called for the young people present to continue Jahangir’s legacy, to be the next voice of optimism, and to “overcome sounds of war drums with courage.”

(ends)

Celebrating Asma Jahangir: “We will not stop. We will take her work forward”

By Aliza Amin

A memorial titled “Celebrating Asma Jahangir” at Harvard Kennedy School on 17 February 2018 was held to honor to the late lawyer and human rights activist, who passed away on 11 February 2018 in Lahore from a cardiac arrest at age 66. She will be remembered for championing the rights of marginalized communities including women and children, workers, low-income and religious minorities, and ethnic minorities for almost four decades. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and a son. Her funeral prayers at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan were attended by over 3,000 people, around half of them women.

In Cambridge MA, students, community members, writers and professionals, including many who came in from out of town, gathered to pay their last respects at the well-attended event, organized by friends and admirers of Asma Jahangir.

The event began with an introduction by Beena Sarwar, who first learnt of Asma Jahangir through the Woman’s Action Forum launched in 1981, and subsequently worked with her at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan that Jahangir started in 1987. Sarwar praised Jahangir and her ability to change and inspire the lives of so many.

“We lost someone who meant a lot to people who knew her as well as those who did not know her because she took on issues such as rule of law, due process, and the democratic political process,” said Sarwar. “We will not stop. We will take her work forward.”

Lawyer Yasser Kureshi, a doctoral candidate from Brandeis University, gave a brief summary of Jahangir’s achievements before introducing each speaker to the podium.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mahmud Jafari described Jahangir as “a small person with an indomitable will.” He shared the text of a Facebook post that had been widely shared, written by Zahra Hayat, recounting her experience attending the activist’s funeral in Lahore and how moving it was to see men and women gathered in congregation. He also recited a poem by Urdu poet Kishwar Naheed, written specifically for Jahangir.

“She had no fear of speaking truth to power,” said Shahla Haeri, an associate professor of anthropology at Boston University who had met Jahangir while conducting research in Pakistan. “A person with a good name never dies,” she stated, alluding to a couplet written by the Persian poet Sa’adi.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Yasser Latif Hamdani from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

Yasser Latif Hamdani, an advocate of the Lahore High Court and Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School, said Jahangir was one of his inspirations when he entered the field of law. He considered her to be a mother figure.

Martha Chen, who teaches Public Policy at Harvard University, recalled the time she and Jahangir first met at a conference in Sweden. They discovered that they had much in common, Chen said. Both had attended Christian schools, had a deep admiration of the Urdu language, and been active in protesting the atrocities in then East Pakistan, 1971, and had fought for the recognition of Bangladesh.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Marty Chen from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

Editor of Daily Times Pakistan Raza Rumi had worked with Jahangir while he was an intern at the Center for Advocacy and Rights and witnessed her courage firsthand when she confronted the inspector general of a police station for their inaction over a gang rape case. She continued to display such bravery, he said, as she stood against arrays of killings, missing persons, and brick kiln workers. Rumi talked about AGHS Legal Aid Cell that Jahangir founded with other young women lawyers, which continues to remain a valuable resource for minorities, women, and children.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Raza Rumi from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

“In her home country, she was a firebrand activist and a fearless lawyer. Through her work she ensured that a military dictator, however powerful, would always be regarded as a usurper. In India, she was a messenger of peace and goodwill,” said Sugata Bose, a historian at Harvard University. His mother in India had once nominated Jahangir for a Gandhi Peace Prize, which later received backlash and was disregarded.

Chanta Bhan, an interfaith chaplain originally from Lahore, talked about Dastak, the women’s shelter in Lahore set up through AGHS Legal Aid Centre that Asma Jahangir ran along with her sister Hina Jillani. Dastak remains an exemplary interfaith sanctuary, where Christian and Muslim women live together when they have nowhere else to go.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Chanta Bhan from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

“The sheer integrity of Asma’s voice as a feminist activist is more resonant and relevant today than ever,” said Homi Bhabha, an English professor at Harvard University. “Her struggle must never end because we must interiorize the struggle and make it part of our internal ethical vigilance. We struggle not only against tyranny but for truth that we cannot live without.”

Kashif Chaudhry, a cardiologist at the University of Maryland who had flown in for the event from Baltimore, praised Jahangir’s unrelenting support for religious minorities such as Ahmadi Muslims. “No words can suffice to pay tribute to Asma Jahangir,” said Chaudhry.

“One of my favorite authors, the Viennese writer Karl Kraus, was called a faithful hater of his fatherland,” said former US ambassador to Pakistan Thomas W. Simons, Jr. “And there was something of that in the way Asma felt about her country.”

He went on to speak of her heroism and integrity, concluding, “I must also share with you my first reaction to the news of her death: Pakistan, you’re on your own.”

Author Sara Suleri, Professor Emeritus of English at Yale University, paid tribute to Jahangir’s authenticity of spirit and courage by sharing anecdotes of their decades-long friendship. “She did not have to speak for women. She personified what the travails were to women around and also provided some solutions for our predicament.”

“I would hope that the sense of immediate loneliness is mitigated by this occasion,” said Suleri. “We are all learning a language that is post-Asma Jahangir, and I encourage all of us to keep practicing it.”

Historian Ayesha Jalal, another old friend of Jahangir’s, talked about how remarkable it was that she could manage politics and be a friend and a mother all at once. She reminded the audience that Jahangir was a fallible human being with worries and concerns, and that we all must do even better than her.

Celebrating Asma Jahangir-Ayesha Jalal from Rick Brotman on Vimeo.

“When the canons of Pakistani democracy are put together, this small-framed friend of mine will stand amongst the tallest of giants,” said Jalal.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen recounted some of Jahangir’s numerous achievements while she was alive, such as how she won her first case at a mere age of 18 and went on to become a leading defender of human rights in Pakistan. The two had been close friends for over two decades, and Sen described how awestruck he was by Jahangir’s clarity of mind and boundless humanity.

“The angel of humanity may have gone, but the education and training we got from her is here to stay,” Sen said. “We can have pride in having known so perfect of a human being.”

The event concluded with a poetry reading by Sughra Raza, an associate professor at Harvard Medical Center. She recited passages “Shorish-e-Barbat-o-Nai” by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a dialogue on hope by two different voices. The first voice speaks of the pain of destiny and annihilation, to which the second voice responds with hope and commitment to truth and to overthrow the sound of war drums with music.

(ends)

Asma’s tribe: a remembrance at Harvard Days after Asma Jahangir passed away in Lahore, some of us, members of Asma's tribe as I think of it, got together at Harvard to commemorate her life, impact and achievements.

[think-through-pen]

Museum Love

In a museum of vases,

I saw gold, silver and diamond.

I was so unsatisfied.

I looked for a certain article,

but I could not find.

And then, I saw

a lone, unattractive vase;

when touched can crumble.

What is so beautiful about it?

Can you blame me to love

the same old moon

every night?

This vase was used by

my beloved who died in the war.

I can still smell her scent.

I want to break it, but

I don't want to.

How bad is this attachment?

[think-through-pen]

To my Love

Seeing you heals me

but the distance kills me more

come closer, my love.

[thesufidotcom]

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