It is indeed sad that there is a demand to scrap the proposal for Urdu Ghar. Urdu does not belong to any religious community, instead it’s a beautiful blend of words cherrypicked from Hindi, Persian, Arabic, etc. It is Hindustan’s well-packaged gift to the world apart from being an integral part of our lives.
Imagine the thousands of ghazals, shayaris, nazms and Hindi film songs without Urdu words. There is rising popularity for Urdu as evidenced by the massive success of Rekhta, an online platform to promote the language. The growth of Urdu can take place along with the development of other languages. Why should anyone feel threatened by a language that is the very epitome of culture? Hope wiser counsel will prevail and Urdu Ghar will be built soon.
Time To Unwind
A priest checking his phone on a quiet afternoon at Banganga Tank | Vijay Gohil FPJ
Chilling Out!
Winter or what passes off as winter is here at last. You get out of bed after lounging for an extra half an hour. Nothing like a mug of garam masala chai with kadak brun maska marke. A long walk does wonders to your health. This is when gajar ka halwa, and makki ki roti with fresh sarson da saag and a dollop of desi ghee taste great. Nanumal Bhojraj outlets have started offering two crisp makki ki rotis with a bowl of sarson da saag for just Rs 170. Other restaurants like Oye Kake, Amritsari Chulha, Great Punjab, Aroma, Punjab Grill, Pritam, Kailash Parbat, Gurukripa, Garden Court, Lamba, Ranjit da Dabha offer yummy fare ideal for this weather.
Looking Beyond Opulence
The Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) is becoming the most happening place in Mumbai. Whether it be an international music concert, dance or drama, the BKC is the place to go. The Jio Centre with its modernistic auditorium undoubtedly occupies the centre place. The number of high-end bars and restaurants is amazing.
One only wishes there were food outlets for the middle-class and poor who work in the umpteen offices in the glass buildings. Also, will some corporate take the initiative to regularly water the hundreds of saplings planted on the pavements of this business district? Many of them are withering away.
Tailpiece
A wag remarked: Hope the BJP forms the government in Maharashtra before Salman Khan ties the knot!
(Compiled by S Balakrishnan)
