Of Buddies , Books and Bachpan..

Things take a worrisome downward turn in the Waheed family as we discover in Chapter 16 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. Will Suhail stray away from the family, especially his father, what will happen to Rashida, how will Abbu and more so Ammi, cope with these currents of rebellion- these questions arise as the story progresses further. Do listen..

Chapters 14 & 15 of 'Sukha Bargad' touch new dimensions and reveal the intricacies and complexities of human psyche, especially that of a middle class educated Muslim girl living in a traditional household. The author Manzoor Ahtesham displays immense restraint and senstivity in these paras. The language, the metaphors, the gentle unfolding of thoughts are so light on the soul while st...

Chapter 13 of "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab reveals new equations, ups and downs as the story unfolds further. Suhail's angst and Rashida's thought provoking conversations are part of everyday lives of all of us even today. Oblivious father, worried mother, concerned sibling are a constant in an ever changing Indian middle class society, no matter what the reli...

And one by one, the leaves of the Banyan tree start drying up, dreams start dying- Rashida, the protagonist, shelves her plans to become a journalist, Ammi's desire to see Rashida married remains unfulfilled, loneliness permeates the house quietly.... Chapter 12 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham paints a very real picture of a struggling middle class family- struggling with...

While today's experience of reading Chapter 11 of 'Sukha Bargad' was almost like being a fly on the wall of any middle class educated, progressive family home, arguing among themselves, mother losing sleep over daughter's marriage and future of their son, relatives subtly and not so subtly passing comments, it also yet again brought very important issues to the fore, honestly and b...

Difficult truths, shockingly relevant even after decades are courageously discussed in Chapter 10 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab. Open and frank discussions help in clearing the air and finding solutions, however complicated the issues maybe. Besides, the perpetual divide highlighted in this part, the nuanced presentation of a daughter's thought process, the whys an...

Though Chapter 9 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzooor Ahtesham Sahab is woven around school picnic and exams and looming summers, the sub plots highlight issues which plague the society even today- concerns about daughters' marriages, burden of morality amidst middleclass, cost of leading a progressive life and so on... Do listen

Chapter 8 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab, continues to delve into human nature, bigotry, orthodoxy and examines the reasons and rationale for such beliefs. And it does so, gently, softly and without any hint of preaching or patronising. The author's personal beliefs and thoughts are mirrored in this wonderful piece we present today. Do listen...

The 7th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' raises pertinent questions about divisiveness and roles humans play in it. The author Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab in his signature honest and relatable style, fearlessly expresses perhaps his own views in this extremely relevant conversation included in today's episode. It also surprises us that how little things have changed really, even after half a centu...

Let us relive those teenage years filled with eager curiosity, innocence and a sense of wonder through the pages of Chapter 6 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab and his protagonist Rashida. The keen and sensitive observation and beautiful presentation of issues oft never raised are remarkable. Do listen

Chapter 5 of the beautiful tale of yesteryear Bhopal 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab brings alive some dark memories from forgotten pages of Bhopal's history, penned with immense sensitivity by the author. The innocent enquiry, the doubts and questions raised by the young protagonist are relevant in today's times also. Do listen..

Lets dive deep today into nostalgia and relive those long school bus journeys, those wonderful days spent with friends at school when lives were simpler and fuller. The 4th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab is definitely a walk down memory's lane- deeply touching, relatable and universally appealing. Do not miss listening to it...

We present the 3rd chapter of 'Sukha Bargad', a tale of yesteryear Bhopal told by Bhopal's Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab in the 5th episode of Season 9. The very relatable intricacies of family ties, the sweet and sour flavours of relationships, and so much more are narrated in Rashida Biya's voice. Everyone will definitely find atleast one thing or person or incident relatable to them, i...

Our discovery of old Bhopal and its people continues as we present the 4th episode of Season 9 today. The protagonist Rashida of Manzoor Ahtesham's lauded book 'Sukha Bargad' introduces us to many vividly sketched characters of her life. The nuanced description of the circumstances, the easy conversational language, the sensitive presentation of tricky issues make the book truly enjoya...

In the 3rd episode of Season 9, we embark on our beautiful discovery of Bhopal and its people through the pen of Manzoor Ahtesham Bhai's tale 'Sukha Bargad' as he brings characters and those meandering bylanes and dilapidated dwellings to life. Today, we meet 'Fafu' and travel back into that time when there were courtyards with Jamun trees, precious things stored in metal '...

In today's episode, we present the opening chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham ji with great nostalgia. The chapter gently pulls us into the lives of Suhel and Rasheeda and their 'khandan' living in the then leafy lanes of old Bhopal. The conversations, the everyday issues, the beautiful simplicity of the description leaves one calm and curious... and wondrous...

And we are back!! New year, new season, new book, new genre!! So exciting to share about the city which brought us up, the city which makes our hearts sing, the city which will always be home for us no matter where we are. Bhopal- the city of Begums, the city of Lakes and rolling hills, the city living with 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb'. Today's episode is a curtain raiser for "Sookha Ba...

With heavy hearts, we bid adieu to Yamuna-Ganga today as we conclude reading the superbly penned travelogue 'Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein' by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar. The verdant land of origin of these mighty rivers, the native people, the co-travellers, the temples, the swamis and Gurus, the happy-sad-crazy adventures kept us hooked for 25 episodes this season. Do not miss the concluding cha...

As we near the conclusion of this wonderful sojourn, in the 23rd chapter which is the penultimate of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar, multitude of trivia enriches our hearts and minds- be it towering personalities or everyday encounters or the land itself. Do listen..

As we transcend down from the pristine and majestic Gangotri region towards Uttarkashi with Shri Vishnu Prabhakar as we read the 22nd chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein', we have so many touching and thought provoking encounters with fellow travellers. As always, the alliterations, the profound observations make the reading so rich. Do tune in...

And how can we reach Gangotri and not meet fascinating "Sadhus" and learned men ! 21st chapter of 'Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri. Vishnu Prabhakar is all about such intriguing encounters. Wish we were flies on the wall during the discussions described in this episode . Do tune in ...

In the 20th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakarji, we negotiate perilous twists and turns in treacherous hilly terrain as we climb down from Gomukh. But at the same time also feast our senses on the rich Himalayan Flora and enjoy simple hospitality of learned sages. Do join us in this wonderful experience..

And we say goodbye to the divine Gaumukh as we trudge back to Chirbasa battling snowfall while Swami Sunderanandji regales us with tales of his adventures in the Himalayas. In the 19th Chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar, we witness the might of mother nature, have fascinating encounters with wise sages and feel grateful for being part of this wonderful...

So grateful for this spiritual encounter with Gomukh and Gangotri as we finally reach the majestic glacier in the 18th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein with Shri Vishnu Prabhakarji. The enchanting description of Gangotri- the sparkling chandeliers of icy deposits, the snow-capped peaks standing like sentinels, guarding purity's altar, alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers and fina...

A surreal dark and cold night spent in the bosom of Gangotri Himalayas is described by the author Shri Vishnu Prabhakar in the 17th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein'. Once again, the alliterations, the observations and the language itself together form a beautiful whole. Do not miss the music of this dark night spent by the pilgrims shivering in Chirbasa. Do tune in...