Charag

Dr. Bashir Badra is considered an poet of such stature, who has not only transcended into his readers' hearts and minds through the fame of his published couplets but also into the literary hall of fame of well-received poets. For his contribution to Urdu and Hindi literature, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shree in 1995. Dr. Badra has been a part of many prestigious mushayraas world over. Dr. Badra's style of poetry resonates with the common man and demystifies the world of Urdu shayari while staying true to its essence. 

Do Kadam Aur Sahi is an excellent compilation of selected poems by the renowned Urdu poet Rahat Indoori. The compiler, Sachin Chaudhary, has named the collection as ‘selected pearls of the ocean’. The magic that flows from the pen of Rahat Indauri gives a different feeling.

Naraz has many references that reflect the resenting virtue of Rahat Indori. A lyricist of films par excellence, and a master of literature in college, he is a famous poet loved by all - who also accomplishes in playing with colours and lines. Besides all these traits, he is also able to discern the inner and outer dilemmas of people against the political and social backdrop.

This book by Prakash Pandit reflects upon the life of an 18th-century Urdu poet named Meer Taqi Meer who lived in Mughal, India. Meer Taqi was one of the pioneers who gave shape to the Urdu language. A few of his important literary works are given in a separate section of the book. He was one of the principal poets of the Delhi school of Urdu ghazal, and most of his literature has been written under his nom de plume, Mir.

Dark Horse is one of the most popular novels of this decade written in Hindi. Such a live and vivid portrayal of the life of candidates preparing for the civil services examination in the Hindi medium were not focused in any other book to date. A candidate preparing for the country's highest honored examination is not only an aspirant but also has a multifaceted lifestyle and struggles in his lap. This is the story of the same struggle.

Urdu Ki Chuni Hui Kahaniyan is an anthology of some of the classic Hindi stories (afsāna) by great writers like Saadat Hassan Manto, Ismat Chughtai, Qurratulain Hyder, Rajinder Singh Bedi, and many other major writers of Hindi literature. This collection of stories varies in style and subject, but one thing that unites all the stories is the enduring quality of the finest Hindi writing, which places them among Urdu masterpieces. An enriching addition in Hindi literature, Urdu Ki Chuni Hui Kahaniyan is presented to listeners by the famous Hindi novelist Kamleshwar. 

 Talkhiyan literally means ‘bitterness’ and was written in the poet’s student days. He discovered his unique style of expression by weaving his poetry with shades of bitterness that captured the decadence of the contemporary world. His romanticism was not in praising beauty or the consuming passion of love, but in sensitively urging the reader to empathise with other challenges of the world. His heart went out to the suffering of people in war, debt, poverty, homelessness, political conflict and gender inequality.  

Four years ago, Maahi's heart was broken into so many pieces that it looked like she might never put it back together again. Yet time has healed her wounds, and she has found her true calling and even a dash of romance. But when the past comes knocking on her door, threatening to shatter a life she has carefully rebuilt, her world is turned upside down. What will Maahi do when she is torn between her head and her heart?

A scientist by profession but a poet at heart, Gauhar Raza is one of India’s leading Urdu poets of this age. He is also a social activist and a documentary filmmaker. Gauhar Raza's poetry has been known for frankness of tone and for the social concerns that they take up and treat sensitively. Khamoshi is a selection of his poetry including his famous poem Main Chahta hoon, in which he express his helplessness to write a romantic poem in the days of darkness.

Kurukshetra is a Hindi classic. It gives an extraordinary account of the Kurukshetra war mentioned in the Mahabharata. It describes in vivid details the armed confrontation that took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This bloody war lasted eighteen days. The author's own views on war are showcased in this work. He criticizes war but also admits that it is a necessary evil. It describes the demerits of war and the damage it does to mankind, through the medium of poetry.

Mirza Ghalib was an Urdu poet who is known for his unique and smooth style of writing. This book is a compilation of the events which happened throughout his life, along with few of the poems written by him. The poems in this book are an ideal listen for people who are fascinated by Urdu poetry but do not understand the nastaliq, the script in which Urdu is written.  

This book, written by Prakash Pandit, describes the events in the life of Firaq Gorakhpuri, who was an Urdu poet, writer and critic. He was one of the most noted contemporary Urdu poets from India, and he has written a number of ghazals, nazmas, rubais and stories. Many of his works are still revered for their contemporary relevance, and he was awarded Padma Bhushan in the later part of his life. The number of ghazals written by him is said to be in the hundreds, and a few selected ones are given in a separate section of the book. 

The story of Ravana and his people has been told innumerable times. This is the Hindi translation of the number one national best seller. This saga is of victory and defeat - a story that has been tainted by India's oppressed and exploited caste for 3,000 years. Unlike the Ramayana, the story of Ravana has never been told so far. But now it's time to speak for the dead and the defeated. 

Kitne Pakistan? is a 2000 Hindi novel by Kamleshwar, a noted 20th-century Hindi writer. A pioneer of the Nayi Kahani (New Story) movement of the 1950s, and later a screenwriter for Hindi cinema, Kamleshwar’s novel, employing allegory and realism, deals with a vast expanse of human history, as it follows the rise of sectarianism, nationalism, Hindutva and communalism. Kitne Pakistan? casts doubts about the true motives of the people who make decision on behalf of and for common people, who throughout history have been bearing the brunt of their decision.

The position which Allama Iqbal holds in the world of Urdu literature is equivalent to what Rabindranath Tagore means for Bengali literature. He is famous for his thought-provoking style of writing and Sufi poetry. But Iqbal stands apart from the rest of his time for the inclusion of certain unique elements in his works, like description of nature, nuances of patriotism, love for the nation and the importance of fostering religious tolerance. This book by Prakash Pandit outlines his life story and the important literary elements of his poetry.