Maāz Meáczhar - An intimate conversation between a Father, Son & You!

In this episode, along with our special guest Dr. Jane Strand, we talk about our serendipitous meeting and revisit a local Kashmiri story about Jana and her relationship with Robert Thorp. Based on new research, we identify a historical error and propose to rectify it.Among many other things we discuss :Cashmere Misgovernment ( Robert Thorp's famous book)Trip to Sugaen ( A village in Budgam, Kashmir)Serendipitous meeting with a blood relative of Robert Thorp in San FranciscoWounded ParadiseSpeaking Truth to PowerPeople of Principle & People of ConvenienceCritically looking at the stories/narratives we have been toldPiety & Selfless service being the highest virtuesTreaty of AmritsarBegaer ( forced, unpaid labor)Unsung HeroesFamily Trees

In this episode we talk exclusively in Kashmiri (کٲشِر) and take a peek into the 1950's & onwards scene of the social, economic, religious and political situation in the Kashmir Valley. We attempt to address the question : Why it matters to know our story or history ?Among many other things we discuss :Maaz Meaczhar and its deeper meaningsCzeke/Kote divisionsSher/Gade vs Bakre Nafl Boene ( Chinar)Goga/ Suer VaelPeace Brigade ( 29/15)How radios are imprisoned!16 Anna = 1 Rupee = 64 PaisaTypes of Kehnczha which children used to enjoy!Chanchabeel/ Gaer

In this episode we continue our conversation from the previous episode and explore other themes prevalent in the society, 1950's and onwards. We deliberate on the question: Why it matters to know our story or history ?Conversation is in  Kashmiri (کٲشِر) and among the ideas touched on:The Mufti House Hold Kashur Quran textKashur Quran AudioMeagre Economic means Jabri SchoolMidday MealIslamia SchoolBiscoe School"Those who don't thank people , don't thank God "Bate/ Musalman InteractionsHanafi FiqhBook Exchange at Habba KadalShia/SunniMyean Kath ( Autobiography of Shamla Mufti)Tange/ Naav ( Transport) Does the boat go over or under the bridge!How Australian cricket team played in " Zoon Gash"  ( Moon Light)Saze Loang / Gormoj Gor / Latkij Lot/ Kabadh

In this episode we look at the idea of doing good in the world without expecting anything in return. We explore the lives of three Unsung Heroes and their contributions to the Kashmiri people. Even Fat Tony gets to ask a question during the conversation!References:https://quran.com/99Wounded ParadiseKashmir MisgovernedThe BouquetJean-Paul SartreLe Duc ThoFat Tony ( Nassim Taleb's created character in his works)

In this episode along with our special guest, Manejah Yaqub , we explore the idea of 'Reading' and look at how it can enrich our lives.How to be a part of the grand conversation between the greatest minds that have ever lived, who discussed themes which have concerned us all along the ages. We reflect on the prose-poetry of Khalil Jibran  - On Children. References:https://quran.com/96https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/the-egalitarian-objection-to-liberal-educationhttps://poets.org/poem/children-1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Read_a_Book#

In this episode we explore the idea of diversity and Quranic notions of Spiritual equality which have implications for concrete social relations as it pertains to race or caste.We explore how diversity ought to be seen as a positive sign of God and evidence of His Creative Genius; And not let evil forces use diversity as a divisive tool to rip us apart.Full essay can be found here:https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/the-diversity-of-your-languages-and-complexionshttps://quran.com/80

In this maiden episode we talk about the idea of suffering. We look critically at the Essay "Suffering as Surrender" by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf published in Renovatio, Journal of Zaytuna College ( Spring 2020, Vol 4, No.1 ).References:https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/suffering-as-surrenderŚaĥīĥ MuslimHow wonderous is the affair of the believers: verily, all of their affair is good. And that is for no one except the believers. When they are given a blessing, they are grateful, and it [the blessing] was good for them. And if they are afflicted with anything harmful [calamities, diseases, loss of wealth], they show patience. And therefore, it was better for them.