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 stirring up many emotions. Do listen...

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 religion may be. Do listen..

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 within and with the society...Do listen ‎

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 bravely- issues which remain burning even today. Do listen..

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 and wherefores of her choices, her vexation also touch a chord. Do listen..

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 century. Do listen...

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, in their early years or even now. Do not miss this gently told, powerful tale of a city and its denizens...

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 enjoyable. Do tune in...

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 'sandookchis', little learners petrified of their strict teachers and their colourful threats. Do tune in..

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 at how little things have changed. Do listen..

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 Bargad" penned by Manzoor Ehtesham Saheb- Bhopal's very own master storyteller. Do tune in....

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 chapter..

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 pilgrimage. Do tune in..

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 finally, Gangotri cradling Gomukh, from where Bhagirathi descends to give salvation, to become one with the ocean, blessing this land of ours as she traverses down. Words are not adequate to describe the feelings which reading this chapter brings out- raw and sublime. Do not miss listening to it...

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...

From Gangotri , a few brave team members have embarked upon a challenging Trek to Gokmukh. They are accompanied by the amazing Swami Sunderanandji ! Shri. Vishnu Prabhakar ji has tried to match the majesty of nature with his beautiful penmanship. A Journey like no other . Do tune in ...

We read the 15th Chapter of 'Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar today, where he meets Brahmachari Sunderanand- who went on to become one of the greatest 'warriors' fighting to save Gangotri and Ganga, who spent most of his life in the pristine but harsh climes of Gangotri, who scaled more than two dozen mighty Himalayan peaks, who captured the beauty of that region in more than a lakh photographs, who made it his mission to educate the world about the perils the ecosystem was going through- call him 'The Sadhu who clicks', The Clicking Swami' or any other name, it is indeed a coincidence that we get to know him through Prabhakarji's writing today and watch his prophesy come true. Do tune in...

And our pilgrimage of sorts, which pays homage to Hindi language, to the majestic Himalayas and its priceless forests and forest-dwellers comes to fruition today as we reach Gangotri, from where the mighty Ganga emerges in the 14th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke naihar mein' penned by Shri Vishnu Prabhakarji. The chapter is as diverse in its myriad subplots as India- regaling us with beautiful description of these pristine Himalayan hills, the intriguing and at times perplexing fellow travellers, the mythology, the geology and so much more. Do tune in and enjoy..

In the 13th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein', Shri Vishnu Prabhakar has created enchanting visuals of (now very popular trekking base) Harsil, liberally stirred in mythical tales and interesting anecdotes in the mix. The language, the alliteration, the adventure itself, together make a wonderful listen. Do not miss it...

We walk along with Shri Vishnu Prabhakar Ji, enchanted by the tall Deodars, velvety meadows, silvery waterfalls, and absolutely enamoured with our encounters with fellow pilgrims, mendicants, and local folk. As we read the 12th chapter of "Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein," do tune in...

As we move higher and further away from the lower reaches and closer to Gangotri, the penmanship of Shri Vishnu Prabhakar becomes equally evocative and lyrical and philosophical. The 11th chapter of "Jamna Ganga Ke Naihar Mein" is an absolute winner- be it the description of the stunning vistas, or the metaphors, or the interactions. We simply loved reading this part. Do tune in...

In the 10th chapter of "Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein'", Shri Vishnu Prabhakarji regales us with a vivid description of Uttar kashi replete with mythical tales, it's rich history and so much more, in addition to his observations and takes on the local milieu and culture. Not to be missed this one. Do tune in...

And today we embark on the quest for Ganga Maiyya's birthplace as we begin the 9th chapter of ' Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' written by the celebrated writer Shri Vishnu Prabhakar Ji. The trek through breathtakingly beautiful vistas of the higher Himalayan reaches, the almost poetic description, interesting encounters- all make the journey truly Divine. So tune in..

And the pilgrims are on their way to Gangotri as we read the 8th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji. Once again, the very relatable and heart warming encounters with the locals, the co-travellers, and with the glorious but challenging terrain - all put together and enhanced with beautiful usage of phrases and language, peppered with the wisdom and very honest views by the writer, make the reading journey truly fascinating and enriching. Do tune in...

We reach a major milestone today in Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji's 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' and our 'Manasik yatra' of Yamunotri today as we reach Yamunotri Dham. The beautiful description of the vistas, the exquisite language and lyrical description of Yamuna in her birthplace, the regaling mythical lore- everything in Chapter 7 is sure to enthrall one. Do tune in...

And we continue our arduous but uplifting sojourn to Yamuna's birthplace as we enjoy reading the 6th chapter of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar Ji. Do join us in our journey through beautiful villages and simple folk of the Himalayas...

Let us join Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji today as he walks with friends to Hanuman Chatti in the Chapter 5 of the wonderful travelogue 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' and be enchanted by the majestic Himalayas- the myriad waterfalls, the verdant Cedars, the simple folk, the perilous path, the resolute co-travellers seeking a glimpse of Divinity.. Do tune in

As we read chapter 4 of the beautiful travelogue 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar Ji, we continue to be enthralled by his penmenship especially when he describes the natural beauty encountered by their group as they struggle with forest fires, avalanches, gushing river, makeshift bridges and amidst these challenges, the shining human spirit.. Do tune in

And the arduous, yet invigorating trek to Yamunotri begins today in the 3rd part of 'Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein' written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji. The journey is rich in experiences- physical, visual, emotional and philosophical. The writer has brought the trail to life through his elegant writing and exquisite language. The lyrical description of Yamuna, the usual quirks of co-travellers, the touching stories collected enroute... Do tune in..

As we read the 2nd part of "Jamna Ganga ke Naihar Mein" written by Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji, new vistas unfold before us- visual, geographic, literary, philosophic and historical. The quaint hamlets- small yet replete with history and tales of unsung heroes, the travails of wanderers amidst verdant and alluring landscape which have been inspiring and beckoning men for centuries- and so much more have been beautifully presented by Prabhakar ji in this gem of a travelogue. Do tune in...

'Charaiveti Charaiveti' is the clarion call sounded by the acclaimed writer Shri Vishnu Prabhakar ji as we read the first chapter from his travelogue ' Jamna Ganga ke Naihar mein', today in the 2nd episode of Season 8. The context, the excitement and the meticulous preparation needed for the Char Dham Yatra in mid-20th century has been beautifully narrated by Prabhakarji. So, lets become part of this spiritual Yatra which will surely also be some sort of time travel.. Do listen

On the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya when gates to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham open up to welcome pilgrims, we begin Season 8 with a homage to the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in their infant forms in the higher reaches of the Himalayas by reading the wonderful travelogue " Jamna-Ganga Ke Naihar Mein" written by the erudite and much awarded writer Shri Vishnu Prabhakar Ji. In the first episode of Season 8, we will listen to his thoughts on our beloved and sacred Himalayas. Do travel with us on this cultural adventure...

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to 'Dhabad', our hero of the satire 'Ek Gadhe Ki Aatmakatha' written by Shri Krishan Chanderji as we conclude its final part today. Through the four-legged protagonist, the author has conveyed a profound message to our society, at all levels; leaving us to introspect and decide which way to go- progress or destruction. What a thought provoking book this turned out to be- unpretentious and hard-hitting; an apt conclusion to Season 7! Do tune in..

Join our hero today in his fascinating escapade as he finds himself in a mehfil amidst eminent artists, in the 13th episode of 'Ek Gadhe Ki Aatmakatha' written by Shri Krishan Chander ji and uncover new perspectives about yet another facet of life and society. The episode, just like previous ones reveals many points to ponder upon, most of which are relevant even after decades. Do tune in...

Shri Krishan Chanderji takes a potshot at literary bodies through our hero, the 'gadha' in the 12th part of his classic satire 'Ek Gadhe Ki Atmakatha'. The observations and counter observations are so true and relevant today also... Do not miss to tune in..

A surprise and verbose judgment is delivered by our hero, the 'gadha' as he concludes his assessment as the judge of the Beauty Contest, as we present the 11th part of 'Ek Gadhe Ki Aatmakatha today. The author of the book Shri Krishan Chanderji through the protagonist expresses his strong views about the high society of those times. Do tune in..

The protagonist 'gadha' watches a bevy of beauties and unique characters attempting to boil down beauty to a few measurements! Wisecracks and wisdom both are sprinkled throughout as he jauntily trots inside the elite Willingdon club witnessing the glittering exhibition of women and more... Do listen to the 10th part of 'Ek Gadhe ki Aatmakatha' ' written by Shri Krishan Chandar ji.

In the 9th part of timeless satire 'Ek Gadhe ki Aatmakatha' written by Shri Krishan Chander ji, the protagonist meets more people of the high society club and continues to remain enthralled at the transformation his life has undergone.. In some ways he also disappoints. More surprises are thrown by the author in this part. Do tune in and enjoy..

The 8th part of the socio-political satire"Ek Gadhe Ki Aatmakatha" penned by the great Afsaana Nigaar Shri Krishan Chander ji goes on to highlight and expose the psyche of humans as a race, especially in comparison with other inhabitants of our world- the self-seeking, sycophancy-loving, superficial and destructive actions of mankind. Do tune in..

As we read the 7th part of evergreen classic "Ek Gadhe Ki Aatmakatha" written by Shri Krishan Chander ji, it is amusing to see our four legged protagonist become an overnight or rather instant darling of the then media. And how despite the attention lavished at him, the 'gadha' continues to question wisely and retains his focus on the right priorities. The witty turn of phrases, the superbly worded and not so subtle comments on our society and politics make this book truly timeless. Do listen.