Voice of Literature (آوای ادبیات)

Friends, This episode is in English. Therefore, if you are a non-Dari/Farsi speaker then this show is also for you. In fact, I did this in English specifically for this reason, so our non-Afghan friends who are not familiar with the language can also tune in and hear the stories. It has been quite a difficult week for me. Like so many people I've watched Afghanistan fall to the forces of darkness...

When is one ready to get married? It used to be when we'd hit certain financial milestones, but under influence of Romantic philosophy, this seemed to be like calculating. Therefore, the focus shifted to emotions. The sign of a good union was feeling the right way. In this episode I discuss and claim this ideology of Romantic love to be a perfect recipe for disaster and dissolution of marriages. I...

Ep10. Why do we lie? (چرا دروغ می گوییم؟) What is a lie? What is a 'white' lie? Honestly may be the best policy but it seems like dishonesty is part of what makes us human. The history of mankind is strewn with crafty liars. People have been spinning lies and deceptions gain unjust rewards. Some are politicians who lie to come to power or cling to it. Remember president Clinton lying to the Americ...

Ep9. Ghazal: A Brief History (غزل: تاریخچه مختصر) Ghazal in Arabic and Persian refers to a small, graceful, swift antelope with long ringed horns. The beautiful, melting eyes of the antelope are compared to the eyes of a beautiful woman. There is something mystical, magical and tragic about the Ghazal. The Ghazal as a genre is derived from the Arabic qasidah (ode). It originates in 'taghazzul', th...

Ep8. On Coming Out (بيرون آمدن از خفا) In this episode I am discussing Pride, LGBT community, the differences between homosexuality and pedophilia and the story of Aarezo who was stoned to death in her village because of her sexual orientation and her love for Aabeda. Jaad-e Maiwand stands with the LGBT community. I hope to see, perhaps in my own life-time, Pride celebrations across Afghanistan, f...

Ep7. On Animal Liberation (آزادی حیوانات) In this episode I discuss animal rights and industrial farming and how vegetarianism and veganism can help us put an end to animal cruelty. Farm animals have suffered for eons. I believe we can do better. In fact, we should do better. Humans can be a force for good in the world. My fellow Afghans need to realise that they do have a choice. Eating animal fl...

Ep6. "What Will People Say": The Killer of All Dreams (مردم چه خواهند گفت ؟؟) In this episode I am discussing the philosophy 'What Will People Say', a phrase that has killed millions of dreams. Qudos and Qudsia have kindly accepted to volunteer for this episode. I am forever thankful for their sacrifices. I hope you enjoy the show :) Please do not forget to like the show and share it with friends...

Ep5. The Tragedy of the Middle East: Israeli-Palestinian conflict (تراژدی خاورمیانه) In this episode I am discussing the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Be assured, I am not claiming to have solved this never-ending tragedy. However, I am hoping to have succeeded in eliminating some of the lies and deceptions about this complicated issue. Truth is never black and white. It is always something...

Ep4. In conversation with Socrates about freedom of expression (آزادی بیان) In this week's episode I will be discussing the principal of freedom of expression with one of my favourite philosophers, namely Socrates. Join me as we explore his teachings and wisdom on this important topic. He gave his life for what he believed to be true. Are we courageous enough to do the same and defend the one free...

Ep2. Rat No. 34 (موش شماره 34) In this episode I am going to discuss addiction, especially behavioural addictions and obsessions that are controlling our lives. If you can’t stop checking, clicking, surfing, and liking, chances are you too are addicted to your phone, social media and other technologies that are consuming endless hours of our lives. In this episode I will take a deep dive into our...

Ep3. The meaning of life in the age of Covid (معنای زندگی در عصر کووید) In this week's episode, we shall discuss the work of a great psychologist, philosopher, a great humanist and a holocaust survivor and see how his insights can help us find meaning in a world that is not the same world anymore. This is a thinker who has profoundly and deeply influenced me and my general outlook on life. I am of...

Ep1. Introducing Jaad-e Maiwand (معرفی جاده میوند) In this episode I am going to try to introduce Jaad-e Maiwand and explain the ideas, reasons and goals and intentions behind the podcast.