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Before my upcoming journey to the United States in summer 2001, I made one last trip to Kashmir from my hostel in Delhi University. Among other things, I had received some free advice on driving. “You should get a driver’s licence before you leave for America. You will need to drive in that country,” a…
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I wonder if the devils have encroached on my soulOr an alien force has captured my imagination – Six long years have come and gone.I recall a Kashmir afternoon When beauty flowered on spring boughs,Bending in mirth at April’s green. Purple or violet, I do not remember –An inflorescence in the well-done gardenOf the next-door neighbor…
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(Illustration by Sadaf Munshi) GAZA: A WRECKAGED CITY Amidst the rattle of the gunfire Audible from kilometers awayDark fumes of smoke cast their gloom On the sacred skies of the doomed land. The world witnesses the dance of the demons.The powers-that-be weaponize the warring state. They pound the camps and pulverize the habitation,Flattening the fences and bludgenoning…
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I am driving To the doctor’s clinicTo fix my broken armLocomotives broom the busy roadA man is walking down the streetIn sweltering heatIn his long black blazersSweating and smilingTalking to himselfOr perhaps an invisible friend —Will somebody stop and ask him:How are you doing today?Are you in pain? The streetlights have turned greenI move on —A…
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Illustration by Mir Suhail There is a need to revisit the issue of women’s rights not only in Iran but also in several other countries. Dr. Sadaf Munshi In her book Iran Awakening: One Woman’s Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Country (2007), Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian political activist, lawyer, a former judge and founder…
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Story of a Cross-Continental Collaboration during the Pandemic The spread of the coronavirus had a devastating impact on people around the world. While the damage done to various different sectors was enormous, the performing arts sector was especially hit with a strong blow. Countless cultural, academic and artistic events were cancelled globally. In the United…
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Book Review by Sadaf MunshiAuthor: C.P. SurendranPublisher: Niyogi BooksGenre: FictionYear: 2021 The book revolves around the story of Osip Balakrishnan, a young boy from Kerala’s Thrissur city, and many interconnected stories of people in Osip’s life. Narrated by the protagonist (in first person) and by the author (in third person), the book offers stories happening…
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Tonight, let me write!Let me write With the burning flames Of youthful passionUnder the silver balm Of the crescent moonAmidst the soothing fragrance Of the spring air — Tonight, let me write!Let me write Of the dark Dreadful sleepless nights,Of the days bygone And the paths forsaken,Of the one-way journeys To strange lands — Tonight, let me write!Let me writeOf the hopeful eyesAnd the…
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Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1885-1952) was a revolutionary, progressive poet of modern Kashmir who used his native language, Kashmiri, as the primary mode of expression. Following the Partition in 1947, Mehjoor played a key role in opposing the Tribal invasions through his poetic compositions inspiring people to rise against the perpetrators in defending their land. Some…
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It was a deep connection Far-reaching yet undefined I wonder what prompted it There was no history No prior contact whatsoever Nothing visibly discernible Nor physically tangible either — It tested my resilience Defeated my sense of platitude Perseverance — I cringed And I crawled Like an earthly insect A bird with broken wings Or…
SADAF MUNSHI
Linguist, Writer, Multi-disciplinary Artist
Working across various disciplines and art forms, Sadaf Munshi’s creative expressions find a niche in the magical world of word, color and music. Her inspiration comes from everyday encounters with people, objects and environment, and her motivation is a continued urge to connect with them. A documentary linguist, creative writer, poet, musican and visual artist, her expressions have different forms and varied colors.
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