Passing By Kanpur: Ganges And Greenery But No Gazelles

The Great Ganges at Kanpur

I couldn't believe my eyes. The sight was breathtaking: Azure, green and the blue all around even as the train was approaching Kanpur.

I had passed the dusty town innumerable times, have even been to the place on a couple of occasions but it had never looked so enchanting.

The monsoon had turned the City beautiful. The sight of the Great Ganges was indescribable. For years I saw the Ganga in the form of a narrow stream here.


But this year as one passed Unnao and then read the famous signboards 'Ganga ki Chhammak nali-1 & 2', to enter the city, the overcast sky and the greenery around amazed me. The town suddenly appeared charming. Great cities are formed by great rivers.

And the magical effect was of the Ganga this year. I could now realise why this city attracted people for generations, both during the later Mughal's rule, the British India and even thereafter. It was only in late 80s that the downfall of Kanpur began.

On the walls, as usual there were advertisements of Hakeems promising cure for 'Gupt Rog' [sexual deficiencies], which one finds more in UP. I am familiar with the City to an extent but I don't have fond memories of the place.

On the banks of the Ganga

In my childhood, I have been to Civil Lines and some other localities. It is the place known for the famous Urdu daily Siasat Jadid and has been the hometown of poets like Fana Nizami Kanpuri, Nushoor Wahidi and the inimitable Gopal Das 'Neeraj'.

Not surprisingly, the powerful Congress politician Sri Prakash Jaiswal's name is visible everywhere as the train goes across the City. He is described as MP, Cabinet member and a crusader.

Phone numbers were also painted along side his name. One of them seemed to be minister's contact number.

The City which was once poised to be the fifth metropolitan city of the country, suddenly lost the race in development, I think, in the period 1987-1989. In the 1990s, it witnessed communal riots as a result of which the economy got a further setback.

Once it was common for citizens to mention this commercial capital of Uttar Pradesh (UP) as the Manchester of North India. Kanpur was famous for trade, textile industries & tanneries. Kanpur couldn't recover thereafter.

The city [then spelt as Cawnpore] that played a major role in the first freedom movement [mutiny] in 1857 is today known for more for pan-masala production. During the 1857 revolt, Nana Sahab and Azeemullah had made Kanpur, the centre of their activity.

Of course, it has IIT and some other institutions  [and of course comedian Raju Srivastava belongs to the place]. Two towns that are so close rarely develop into big cities but Lucknow and Kanpur are an exception just like Lahore and Amritsar were in the pre-independence era.

Photo of a boatman taken from the train on bridge

Now Lucknow is growing faster and may eclipse Kanpur in the next decade or so in terms of population.

However, as far as civic infrastructure and development are concerned, these two big cities of yesteryear have remained far behind, compared to other middle sized Indian cities.

The dust & smoke and the power-cuts [electricity] along with the density of population is what even the local residents complain of, these days.

One positive aspect is that the dacoits who operated from Kanpur Dehat  until a few years back, are almost extinct now. But urban gangsters have replace them in urban area and law-and-order remains another issue here.

But yes, Kanpur, remains a quintessential town of North Indian that has a distinct culture of its own and a different street humour. I remember having seen the performances of fakirs, alm-seekers and vendors. Heard Ram-kathas and 'Naats' in the most amazing voice from people who board the train at outer Kanpur and get a few coins from passengers in return.

The train passes Govindpuri where I see scores of working women [termed up-downers, as they shuttle from Lucknow to Kanpur for job daily] waiting at the station and trying to save themselves from the rain. Alas, I couldn't see any gazelle-eyed* beauty.

The 24 compartment Pushpak Express suddenly picks up speed and the town is gone in a flash. One remembers the words of Kanpur's legendary Hindi poet Gopal Das Neeraj, 'Karwaan guzar gayaa, Ghubaar dekhte rahe'.

The Shahar went past but there was no 'Ghubaar'. It was just mist and rain, as far as one could see from the train's window. For now, Khuda Hafiz Kanpur. But I'll be back soon to explore the alleys of this unique town.


[*Neeraj. Haven't you ever heard him reciting his poetry. Check it on Youtube then]

[Gazelle, Gazelle-eyed or Ghizaal is an expression used for beautiful women in poetry]

Ganesha photo on Muslim couple's wedding invitation card: Communal Harmony Project-17

If a Muslim family gets a marriage invitation card published in Hindi, it may seem uncommon but not rare. However, Gulzar's marriage invitation card exactly looked like a Hindu family's wedding card.

It not only had a design featuring Lord Ganesha but the language and the use of Sanskrit terms made it look distinct. That was the reason this card raised eyebrows.

Many people lauded the spirit while some didn't approve of the change. The marriage occurred sometime back in Mandsaur, which is situated in Western Madhya Pradesh on the border of Rajasthan.

Gulzar, a labourer, was married to Najma Bi. When he was asked by media persons, he said that he got his card printed in Hindi because most of his friends were Hindu and he wanted to send a message of communal harmony.

Gulzar's father Ismail said that he had no objection to his son's plan to invite his friends as per their culture and traditions. The terms like 'aamantran', 'chiranjivi' and 'mangal parinay' and other ceremonies were also in accordance with the local Hindu customs.

It is no rule but generally Indian Muslims [except in Kerala & some other states) get marriage invitation cards printed in Urdu. The upper middle class and the middle class Muslims often gets the cards printed in both English and Urdu.

Though I have seen some wedding cards in Hindi also [particularly in recent years in North India] anguage remains Urdu though the script is 'devnagari'.

While Hindus overwhelming go to mazaars and dargahs of Sufi saints, several Muslim youths also participate in Hindu events and help organising the programmes during Ganeshotsava and Holi-Diwali celebrations, which reflects the communal harmony in Indian society.

Now see and read about a Hindu family's wedding invitation card in URDU at this LINK.

[Harmony exists all around us but is often ignored. Instead, stories of hate, discord and communalism get spread easily.

There are a million examples in our daily lives across India but they don't get promoted, hence, news of hate and discord gets heard more. Let's change it, now. This is a small attempt to change it through Communal Harmony Project]

For reading similar reports on this blog, Click the link HERE and also find out more about Communal Harmony Project

#communalharmony #communalharmonyproject #india

'Terror' convicts temed as 'servants': Is section of media soft on right-wing groups!

This strangely worded report published in the English newspaper, is a blatant example of double standards in reporting cases pertaining to terrorism and extremism.

Recently, court held two Sanatan Sanstha members guilty of bomb blasts. While many cases involving Hindu and Muslim radicals are currently being tried in different courts, in this case the court gave a verdict and convicted them.

Still, newspapers didn't give much importance to the news. Most papers tried to hush it up or reported it in a manner that the word 'terror' was not mentioned. Particularly, Mumbai-based English newspaper DNA's reports surprised me the most.

I am simply writing my observations here:

1. When police claim arresting a person for terror links, he is often pronounced terrorist even before trial. But on Monday, two Sanatan Sanstha members who were arrested by Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) were convicted by a court. Most newspapers didn't term them terrorist even after conviction. I agree that for the arrest or conviction of some members, an entire organisation shouldn't be branded but this is the first time when those convicted of blasts have not been called terrorists.

2. When I read English daily DNA, I was even more surprised. Its reports doesn't call them militant, radical or extremist. The report terms them as 'sevaks', yes sevaks [that means servants] of Sanatan Sanstha. Whose servants! They were not even volunteers as in that case paper could have labelled them 'swayamsevaks' or even activist. Clearly, the newspaper seems to be so soft on the group.

Or it is to avoid showing affinity to RSS [that generally has swayamsevaks], it terms them as simply 'servants' [sewaks]. There is no need to target or defame the Sanata Sanstha, an organisation which is quite candid and accepted that they were its members and said that the group had nothing to do with the handiwork of the duo. But paper, instead of writing activist, member or volunteer, uses the term 'servant'. Can there be such a mistake or use of the word erroneously at the desk or it was done after thinking over it.

3. A day after conviction, the journalists would have tried to do story about these persons, their backgrounds or why some members of an organisation would go astray. But instead of that, DNA printed a long story that threw light on the group for its wonderful social work.

Hmm. Why should someone be negative all the time and hound everybody! This article was published when the conviction was made but  the next day the court had to deliver the quantum of judgment. One may appreciate that paper has no prejudices against any group.

It is a different matter though that the state government intended to ban Sanatan Sanstha for its alleged role in Goa and Thane-Panvel-Vashi blasts. Hope the paper will continue similar non-biased approach and also write positively about other groups after their members are convicted or jailed (and highlight the social concern of other organisations).

4. Now that the persons convicted of bomb blasts and sentenced to ten years of jail terms have not been called as terrorists, will the paper maintain the same standards of journalism in future. Or will it still call any Muslim or Hindu youth who is simply rounded up, not even jailed or convicted, terrorist!

5. This is the same multi-edition English newspaper that had published Subramanian Swamy's article that put all Indian Muslims under suspicion and labelled the community as prone to extremism and terrorism and what not. The article had put onus on Indian Muslims to prove a whole lot of things. The particular piece has been widely discussed, criticised and even National Commission for Minorities took cognizance of complaints against it.

Just like the newspaper had liberty to publish it, which I support in principle, I too think I can take a little liberty and write about what's going in my mind after reading these reports. I don't know what is going through the minds of those who run this paper or decide the editorial policy.

The little an average reader and Indian citizen like me expects is that the paper should show decent standards of journalism. Either you should don't turn suspects into terrorists or don't term terrorists as 'SERVANTS'. Will servants object to the usage? Perhaps, it's a new style, which they will adhere to in future [for both Hindutva inspired groups as well as Islamist extremists]!

Sorry to say but even RSS mouthpieces Panchjanya and Organiser are [at least] consistent in their policy. On the otherhand DNA sells copies in lakhs [tens of thousands] and I wonder how many readers are mediocre and what percentage of readers are intelligent enough to figure out the unique journalism practices adopted by this great media institution. Pray for me so that my mind could become capable of understanding these issues.

Frankly, I always liked the paper and as a reader felt happy when the DNA made a space for itself in the crowded English market. In Mumbai, the paper has a large circulation now. However, such selective and biased reporting is really upsetting for a reader like me.

'Read And Buy Urdu Newspaper' campaign succeeds in Delhi: Will you subscribe an Urdu paper now?

Activists selling Urdu paper to policeman Subash Chand

It was heartening to see the recent campaign in Delhi that aimed at popularizing Urdu newspapers and urging readers to buy them.

Almost 1,500-2,000 Urdu newspapers were sold at the spot in a matter of few hours. This is a positive step as it shows activism on part of the Urdu-speaking populace.

Rather than keeping expectations from the governments, it's the job of the speakers of a language to take care of it. That Urdu lovers hit the street is definitely a welcome sign.

Daily Sahafat's Mohammad Anjum reported that the campaign was launched at the gate of Jama Masjid. The organisation members marched to Matia Mahal and adjoining areas for the 'Akhbar Faroshi Tehreek'.

Clearly, the success of this drive shows that there is no lack of readers if the newspapers have quality and content. Activists representing various fields had gathered after reciting 'fatiha' at the grave of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and began approaching traders and citizens, urging them to buy the Urdu newspapers.

The Urdu lovers were asked to support these papers and make it a habit to buy papers rather than borrow it from a neighbour or a shop owner. The activists stressed on the fact that Urdu papers' existence is vital, as they raise issues concerning Muslim population apart from creating awareness among minorities.

International Human Rights Protection Association (IHRPA) head Shameem Ahmad, Head of Department (Urdu) Dayal Singh College Dr Maula Bakhsh, editor Andaleeb daily M Mustaqeem Khan, poet Shoaib Raza Fatmi, Dr MR Qasmi, Sahafat bureau chief Dr Mumtaz Alam Rizvi, journalists representing Akhbar-e-Nau, Hamara Samaj were part of the drive.

Earlier, activists have sold Urdu papers like Azad Hind and Akhbar-e-Mashriq in similar fashion in Muslim pockets in Kolkata in the past. The fact that governments don't give enough attention to either civic issues or other problems that are written about in Urdu papers should be a cause of concern, said speakers.

The participants in the drive urged people to buy Urdu papers so that it sends a clear message to Centre and State governments that the language is alive. The fact is that over the years, Urdu journalism has made fast strides in India, particularly, since late 90s.

After the launch of Roznama Sahara, the multi-edition Sahafat, Aag, new papers in Hyderabad and J&K, Urdu newspapers are now visible though they aren't reaching readers in far-flung colonies and new areas due to lack of proper distribution network.

Now the papers are attractive and also carry kids' and women's sections though there is still lack of adequate cartoon strips. Children are drawn towards papers due to cartoons and editors of the Urdu papers must realise this important aspect.


For years Urdu papers have focused on politics and neglected children. Few papers have daily cartoon strips. They must strike chord with the young generation, particularly, teenagers and kids. Besides, proper attention should be given to on-spot reporting, career guidance, sports and women's issues.

Most Urdu papers are now on the internet and this also shows the change sweeping across Urdu journalism in India. If you are a Urdu speaker, subscribe an Urdu paper. This will be your biggest service to your mother tongue. Will you do that?

[Photo courtesy Urdu daily Sahafat, Delhi]

Sindhi newspapers gasping for breath in India

Sindhi daily Hindu edited by Harish Varyani

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

I have a copy of 'Hindu', a Sindhi daily in my hands. It's after a long time that I am trying to read a Sindhi newspaper

While its famous English namesake, 'The Hindu' is one of the leading newspapers in the country, this Sindhi newspaper which also has a rich history is facing a tough challenge.

'Hindu' is a multi-edition Sindhi newspaper. It is being published from the pre-partition era and is amongst the few Sindhi papers that have survived in the 21st century.

But, most other Sindhi publications are facing an existential crisis. Sindhi is not taught as third language in schools except in some cities in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharastra.

As Sindhis aren't concentrated in any state unlike speakers of Kannada, Telugu, Punjabi or Tamil, it doesn't enjoy state patronage which other languages get. Quite similar to the problems of Urdu, but circulation of Sindhi papers has seen an unusually sharp decline in recent years.

There are half-a-dozen Sindhi newspapers published from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ajmer, the Sindhi-dominated Ulhas Nagar town, Bhopal, and a couple of other towns, there numbers are few. Despite attempts by certain individuals to exhort Sindhi youths to take interest in their mother tongue, the situation hasn't improved.

In the 80s, the movement to write Sindhi in devanagri script had gained momentum. To an extent it was understandable, as Sindhis wanted their language to survive in India. While the spoken language remains alive, the literature has suffered in process. 

Writers rue that the vocabulary is getting lost and a strange 'mixture zabaan' has emerged. In recent years, Sindhi academies, organisations and trusts have tried hard to organise Sindhi mushairas, Kavi Goshthis, Cultural events and pumped money to publish Sindhi books, but the lack of interest shown by young generation has hampered the efforts.

Editorial on political drama in Karnataka

Till early 90s, I often got to see Sindhi newspapers in a few public reading rooms and in Sindhi households. But now you won't get a copy except perhaps at the newspaper office or a Sindhi academy, except in Ulhas Nagar and two-three other pockets where few bookshops keep the papers.

When Sindhi daily, Farz, was a mass circulated daily, I often saw it. As it is quite similar to Urdu, a person who knows the Perso-Arabic script can read Sindhi, though it requires some extra effort and attention.

After the death of the Farz' publisher, Rajesh Udhwani 'Guide', his son--Ravi Anand Udhwani, told me that there were few readers now and it was getting increasingly difficult to bring out the paper.

I am not aware of the situation in Pakistan where Sindhi does seem to flourish due to state-support and concentration of Sindhi speakers in the Sindh province.

However, the situation in India, is really bad and there is little hope of a revival for the Sindhi publications. A few committed persons are still trying to run classes and promote the language. While Sindhis, a community that has a sharp trading acumen, has seen collective success and achieved prosperity, the loss of the language is something that they should ponder upon.

I still have a thick Sindhi dictionary, which was gifted to me by my neighbours when I was a kid. They also tried to teach me the basics of the language. Since then I haven't seen any newspaper or periodical of the language in a Sindhi household though I have umpteen friends of the my community.

An elderly Sindhi friend was livid when he told me about the disinterest of young generation towards learning their 'mother tongue'. It takes centuries for languages to take shape and get popular. And, then to see the decline!