PUNCHLINE  Awarding Writers and Poets   By Z.G. Muhammad More than a decade back, sitting in a newspaper office, a fellow writer Ashraf Sahil suggested the idea of instituting of the ‘private awards’ in Kashmir for literature.  Comparing the reports and writings of journalists of Kashmir, works of some writers with the literary works of Barbara Harlow, he suggested instituting of annual awards for best journalists, fiction writers, novelists and poets of the year. And for creating … Read entire article »

Nostalgia   An Iconic Mason By ZGM The past lives inside me like a sweet-smelling zephyr, as someone has said it that murmurs message of love to leaves- it smoothly re-energises my lousy nerves. That could hold for one and all. Many times, walking down the streets, lanes and by-lanes, of my birthplace the lofty buildings, marvels of our native architecture make me sing paeans for our artisans- masons and carpenters. Every piece of surviving architecture in the downtown … Read entire article »

  PUNCHLINE Taking ‘Koshur’ Literature To World   Indu Kilam is Trendsetter By Z G Muhammad     Some ten years back, I reviewed, ‘Journey into Islam, the Crisis of Globalization’ (2007) the first of series of three books written by Prof Akbar Ahmed, an American scholar seeking to establish a dialogue and understanding between the West and Islam. And to find answers for the hatred and mistrust between Muslims and the West intensified after the September 11- when twin towers … Read entire article »

  Nostalgia Subhan: Our  ‘prime minister’ gate keeper ZGM ‘The past beats inside me like a second heart’, who so ever has said it, it is true about me- may be for many others. On reading, the signboard of my alma mater, Islamia High School every time, I pass through it, memories cascade like hilltop brooks- no draconian law can put a taboo on them. There is something inherently irresistible in one’s school, which in spite of having … Read entire article »