A peaceful world with harmony

In a world where violence resides,

Let a call for peace arise.

Non-violence, a virtue true,

Not just for animals, but for humans too.

 

Why does man kill his fellow kin,

For selfish gain, or his wicked design?

Greed, envy, lust for power and wealth,

Causing wars, in succession of stealth.

 

No wars are fought among the beasts,

Yet humans clash, their hatred unleashed.

Is it avarice that drives us astray?

Or hollow fame we desperately portray?

 

Religions preach love, not enmity's strife,

Starting with humans, extending to all life.

But alas, humans wage wars, blinded by zeal,

Straying from their teachings, lost in the ordeal.

 

Divisions arise, fueled by religious claims,

As hatred engulfs, consuming like flames.

Forgetting the essence of what they're taught,

Humanity's unity, so easily forgot.

 

Violence in the name of religion, how vile,

A despicable act that makes hearts defile.

Develop disdain for violence against our own,

For every human life, let compassion be sown.

 

Charity begins at home, they say,

Condemn violence, make it sway.

Let's stop the harm we inflict on our kind,

And only then, non-violence we will find.

 

Jainism's embrace goes beyond human strife,

To the world of vegetation, sustaining life.

A reverence for all, from tiny leaf to towering tree,

Respecting the unity we all share, so free.

 

In the realm of peace, Jainism shines,

A concept of non-violence, truly divine.

Subtle and profound, its teachings impart,

Extending compassion to every beating heart.

 

In harmony with nature, Jains find their way,

Practicing non-violence each and every day.

With gentle steps, they tread upon this Earth,

Preserving its beauty, realizing its worth.

 

Jainism preaches non-violence serene,

But does it extend to the human scene?

Why don't Jains rise against human plight?

Protest against violence with all their might?

 

Hinduism teaches non-violence profound,

In words, deeds, and thoughts, let it resound.

Let this noble principle guide our ways,

In real life, let its brilliance blaze.

 

Islam, the word of peace it proclaims,

Above all else, let harmony reign.

No violence, no conflicts to unfurl,

In unity, let humanity unfurl.

 

For we are the progeny of Adam and Eve,

Together we stand, let's truly believe.

Fighting amongst ourselves, what a shame,

Let love and understanding be our flame.

 

Let's return to the core of faith's embrace,

Love for fellow humans, in every case.

Once we rekindle this flame within,

Compassion will extend to all, from end to end.

 

In a realm where violence takes no flight,

Let's embrace the beauty, bathe in its light.

Hand in hand, let’s strive to make it so,

A peaceful world for all, let harmony flow.

Dr Intaj Malek

A Goat’s inner cry

In the stillness of the moonlit night, A goat's inner cry takes flight, "Why do you slaughter me," it pleads, "In the name of God, fulfilling cruel deeds?"

Does God truly demand my flesh and blood, Is His divine purpose misunderstood? Why was I created, born for the kill, Is He ruthless, lacking mercy and goodwill?

The grand design of creation, so vast, Was not crafted for slaughter to be amassed, Perhaps Abraham, the prophet, had a dream, Where God asked for his dearest, supreme.

In that dream, did God yearn to taste, Not all mankind, but Abraham's embrace? Did Abraham fail to grasp the true core, Sacrificing his son, peace to restore?

Yet God, in His kindness, intervened, Replacing Ishmael with a lamb, it seemed, For all Abrahams now, across the Earth's plains, Worldly beings, their worldly gains.

They neither sacrifice their beloved kin, Nor does God replace them with goats, therein. Oh, I, a poor speechless animal, I plea, Have mercy on me, see my tears, hear my cry.

Do not silence my voice, let it soar high, As the knife draws near, don't turn a blind eye, In this moment of torment, my heart does ache, I beg you, release me from this cruel fate.

For in the realm of existence, all I desire, Is compassion and kindness to quench my fire, Let not my life be taken, a tragic affair, Grant me mercy, the burden we both share.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Rathyatra

In the realm of divinity's grace, A journey begins, at a steady pace, Rathyatra, a voyage of love's embrace, Guided by Lord Krishna, his celestial chase.

To supervise his progeny, he embarks, Blessings bestowed, as his chariot arcs, A spiritual odyssey, where tranquility sparks, Within the depths of souls, lighting inner parks.

Prosperity blooms in its hallowed wake, As barriers crumble, unity takes, No caste, no creed, no religion to break, All humans gather, a celebration to make.

Hindus and Muslims, Shikhs and Christians, Join hands together, their faith interwoven, A symphony of devotion, their hearts unison, Rathyatra's glory, their spirits are chosen.

May this sacred Yatra forever be, A symbol of love, and unity we see, Progress and prosperity, a destiny decree, Lord Krishna, Balram, Shubhadra, decree.

Let their message resound, like a gentle breeze, The world is one family, bound by peace, Rathyatra's essence, let it never cease, As we travel together, our bonds won't cease.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Amena’s odyssey

Once in a realm of love and dreams, there lived a family with a tale as enchanting as a melody. Within the heart of a serene village, their abode stood, radiating warmth and solace. This extraordinary family consisted of a father, eight children, and a nurturing mother. Two precious souls had departed from their embrace, leaving six vibrant beings who soared to unimaginable heights in society, knowledge, and prosperity. Amongst them were five ethereal daughters and a son, each with their own unique spirit.

Amongst this constellation of siblings, Amena, the eldest daughter, bloomed like a rare flower since her earliest days. Her spirit exuded both strength and wisdom, casting an ethereal glow upon their humble dwelling. With their father often immersed in distant horse business, Amena naturally assumed the mantle of leadership. Her heart overflowed with kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her cherished family.

In the realm of responsibility, Amena stood tall, shouldering burdens that seemed insurmountable. Undeterred by their circumstances, her dreams danced like stars within her heart. Together with her four sisters, she unveiled a cottage industry, weaving threads of love into garments and garments of hope. A vision for a poultry farm took root, breathing life into aspirations that nourished not only her kin but also the lives of neighboring souls.

Although their father's sporadic monetary support arrived like gentle whispers of hope, it was Amena's courageous spirit and unquenchable thirst for adventure that truly fueled their survival. As time danced upon the stage of existence, her sisters found solace in matrimony, and Amena orchestrated each joyous celebration, adorning their unions with love and grace.

Subsequently, Amena's journey led her, alongside her mother and younger brother, to a vibrant city bustling with life's symphony. In this urban tapestry, she became the guiding light that illuminated her brother's path, leading him through the corridors of education. From school to high school, and finally to college, she painted a canvas of possibility with her unwavering support. And lo and behold, destiny rewarded her brother with a prestigious role as a super class one officer in the Government.

Yet, amidst the tapestry of her triumphs, shadows of jealousy loomed over Amena's ancestral horizon. Her paternal relatives, once adorned with wealth and land, had seen their fortunes fade under the watchful eye of change. Their hearts begrudged Amena's journey, and taunting whispers of lost aristocracy sought to taint her spirit. Unfettered by their envy, Amena's gaze remained steady, for her love was boundlessly dedicated to her kin, not confined to the retrieval of bygone titles.

Her existence, rooted in humility and reverence, touched the lives of all she encountered. Amena never closed the doors of her home, extending her embrace beyond kin to embrace neighbors and wanderers alike. With a warm smile upon her lips, she would graciously offer directions or a refreshing glass of water to weary souls in need.

As the years wove their tapestry of time, Amena's story unfolded with delicate grace. She became a guiding star for her brother's daughter, Falak, whose name embraced the boundless sky. In the golden embrace of her twilight years, whether amidst biting winter cold, scorching summer heat, or torrential rains, Amena accompanied Falak to school. Outside the halls of learning, she patiently waited until the bell marked the end of each day. As the school bus filled with laughter and whispers of youthful dreams, Amena embarked on her own journey, following her niece's path in a private rickshaw. This pilgrimage of love continued until Falak completed her secondary school examinations, a testament to Amena's unwavering devotion to her family.

Amena's love knew no bounds, transcending the realms of kinship. Her heart, an open sanctuary, welcomed all who sought solace or guidance. Strangers became friends under her watchful gaze, as she listened to their stories and offered gentle words of wisdom. If someone happened to inquire about another's whereabouts, Amena would respond with her signature warm smile, providing directions with grace and extending her courtesy by offering a refreshing glass of water.

As the years gracefully painted the tapestry of her life, Amena's heart overflowed with contentment. She had fulfilled her duties with unwavering dedication and had witnessed the blossoming of her family's dreams. Her parents, embraced by her unwavering love, found eternal peace in the lap of their beloved daughter.

And when the time came for Amena to merge with the infinite, she did so with a heart full of joy. Surrounded by the loving presence of her two sisters and Falak, her journey reached its serene culmination. Her legacy of selflessness, generosity, and boundless love resonated within the hearts of all who knew her.

In the embrace of her final moments, Amena's spirit whispered its final lullaby to her family, bidding them farewell while reassuring them that her love would forever reside in their souls. She had lived a life adorned with the melodies of sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love.

And so, the tale of Amena, the epitome of a daughter's love and devotion, found its place in the annals of cherished memories. Her story serves as a gentle reminder that amidst life's trials and tribulations, it is the strength of love that lights the way, that family extends beyond lineage, and that a humble heart can touch lives, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The legacy of Amena, a beacon of love and selflessness, will forever illuminate the path for generations to come.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Amena- A selfless soul

In realms of knowledge I now proudly stand,

An exceptionally savant soul, I've grown.

Though humble origins marked my own land,

My parents, wise, a noble path had shown.

My sisters, dear, they shaped my destiny,

Their guidance and support, a boundless boon.

Like pillars strong, they stood beside me,

And paved the way beneath the gentle moon.

Among them, Amena, the eldest and grand,

A colossus within our family's embrace.

For us, she lived and died, a noble strand,

Her name, a tribute to Prophet Muhammad's grace.

My father, horseman bold and a farmer too,

His hands on reins and soil, a master's sway.

My mother, humble, gracious, and true,

Her love and care would brighten any day.

Within our midst, I was the only son,

With sisters, elder, nurturing like a dove.

Amena, a mother to all, as one,

Her selfless love, a blessing from above.

Now, as I stand, a scholar wise and bright,

I owe my journey to their tender care.

Their wisdom and devotion brought me light,

A beacon strong, leading me everywhere.

So let this song be an ode to them,

My parents, sisters, and Amena so dear.

In gratitude, my heart shall ever remain

For their love and support, forever dear.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

A Nation’s Woe

To whom have we bestowed the nation's reins,

And watched as all we cherished turned to ash?

He stood before us, making grand proclaims,

But hollow promises flowed from him like trash.

In whose hands have we placed our country's fate?

His words, deceitful, painted a false scene,

A web of lies spun out in public view.

He sowed discord, dividing what was keen,

Tearing apart the unity we knew.

In whose hands have we placed our country's fate?

The economy, once strong, now lies in ruins,

Jobs vanished like a wisp in summer's haze.

The hopes of youths, like withered petals strewn,

Lay crushed beneath the weight of his malaise.

In whose hands have we placed our country's fate?

Religious harmony, once our greatest pride,

Now shattered, broken, by his reckless hand.

The secular fabric, torn and cast aside,

Revealing wounds that scar our sacred land.

In whose hands have we placed our country's fate?

In darkness, we must find the strength to rise,

To reclaim our voice, our spirit, and might.

Together, let us heal and harmonize,

And steer our nation towards a brighter light.

In whose hands have we placed our country's fate?

                  

 ~ Dr Intaj Malek

Ode to a Philanthropic Academician

Peerzada Sir, a legend of education, His works, a marvel of great innovation, A luminary, shining bright and bold, Whose legacy shall forever be told.

In learning's field, a towering figure is he, His wisdom vast, like an endless sea, A beacon of hope, a light in the night, A true scholar, whose knowledge shines bright.

Intaj, his student, his admirer true, Forever grateful for the knowledge imbued, Peerzada Sir, a name of great renown, Whose impact shall forever astound.

His contributions to education inspire, Setting standards, that forever shall transpire, His name, a symbol of intellectual might, Whose legacy, a beacon of guiding light.

For me, a debt that can never be repaid, But spreading his knowledge, it shall be conveyed, Peerzada Sir, a life of great esteem, A true scholar, a luminary's dream.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

એસેમ્બલિંગ અને ગેધરિંગ

ગેધરિંગ અને એસેમ્બલિંગની 

અવઢવ વચ્ચે

હું બધું ગેધરિંગ કરી રહ્યો છું

એસેમ્બલિંગ કરી રહ્યો છું

વિખરાયેલા ખોવાયેલા સંબંધોનું સોલ્ડરિંગ કરી રહ્યો છું

દૂર દૂર વેરાયેલાં દેખાય છે 

લાગણીના સપાટ ખેતરો,

તેને ઝાંઝવાના ઝરણાઓથી 

સિંચન કરી રહ્યો છું.

                                                

હમણાં જ ચાંદો ઊગશે 

એની રાહ જોતાં જોતાં, 

દરિયે ડૂબતા સૂરજનાં કિરણોને 

મારી બાથમાં ભીડી રહ્યો છું. 

મારું જ આયખું ખોળી રહ્યો છું

મારા આ એસેમ્બલિંગ કલેકટિંગની વચ્ચે.

                      ~ ઈન્તાજ મલેક

Faruk's Passport Predicament

Faruk was a resident of a small town known for his euphoric and sometimes idiotic nature. Despite his occasional bouts of foolishness, he was considered quite clever. Holding a Master of Arts degree in Gujarati literature, Faruk was a talented writer in his native language. He had a knack for jumping into deep philosophical discussions, often delving into topics that left others scratching their heads. However, when it came to practical matters like commerce and understanding legal procedures, Faruk was a simpleton. One day, Faruk approached his friend, the protagonist of our story, with an unusual request. He needed assistance with applying for a passport. Knowing Faruk's quirks, the protagonist agreed to help him navigate the process. They completed the online application and paid the necessary fees.

A month before Faruk's scheduled appointment at the passport office, he received an appointment letter. Excited and curious, Faruk began reading the letter daily, trying to decipher its contents. However, he soon found himself drowning in confusion. Unsure about the required documents, Faruk sought advice from various sources, including agents and friends.

Unfortunately, each person provided conflicting information, leaving Faruk even more perplexed. Some suggested he bring his birth certificate, educational certificates, and address proof, while others claimed that a simple Aadhaar card and a photograph would suffice. Faruk's mind became a whirlwind of uncertainty. With the appointment day drawing nearer, Faruk's worry intensified. Determined to be prepared, he meticulously gathered copies of all his marksheets, starting from his primary school days to his Master's degree. He wanted to leave no stone unturned.

Two days prior to the appointment, Faruk decided to stay at a friend's house near the passport office. He hoped it would alleviate his anxiety and allow him to arrive promptly on the big day. The morning of the appointment arrived, and Faruk woke up with a mix of excitement and nerves. Accompanied by his friend, he eagerly headed to the passport office. However, when they reached the building, they were met with locked doors and an empty reception area. The office had yet to open.

                              (Image Courtesy: <a href="https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/white-man                                                                 -cartoon-showing- passport-vector-32331695">Vector image by VectorStock/mapichai</a>)

Faruk's anxiety reached its peak. He paced back and forth outside the office, unable to contain his excitement. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened, and Faruk rushed inside without thinking twice. But fate had a cruel twist in store for Faruk. In his haste, he slipped on the freshly polished floor, losing his balance and falling headlong. The sound of a loud thud echoed through the room as Faruk hit the ground, screaming in pain. Concerned peons quickly rushed to his aid, helping him up and realizing the severity of his injury. It was evident that Faruk had broken his leg. Without wasting any time, they called for an ambulance, and Faruk was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital. As Faruk lay in the hospital bed, his right leg encased in a cast, he couldn't help but think about his passport. Even in his current state, with a broken leg and immense pain, his worry about the passport lingered. Would he be able to obtain it despite this unexpected setback?

Meanwhile, news of Faruk's accident reached the passport officer. Touched by Faruk's dedication and unfortunate circumstances, the officer decided to take matters into their own hands. Determined to ease Faruk's worries, the officer personally rushed to the hospital.

With all the necessary documents and paperwork in hand, the passport officer sat beside Faruk's bed, ensuring every formality was completed swiftly and efficiently. Within a matter of days, the passport was issued, despite Faruk's inability to physically visit the passport office. Faruk let out a sigh of relief as he held his newly acquired passport in his hands. The document that had caused him so much anxiety and anticipation had finally arrived. However, Faruk couldn't help but feel a bittersweet emotion. "I have my passport now," Faruk said, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and disappointment. "But I've lost all my curiosity to go to the passport office and experience the process firsthand."

He couldn't deny the irony of the situation. His accident had saved him from the potential confusion and chaos he had anticipated at the passport office. The officer's prompt action and compassion had made it possible for Faruk to receive his passport without enduring the process he had been so curious about.

As Faruk lay in the hospital bed, his leg elevated and healing, he couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. It was a humbling experience that taught him the value of patience and the unpredictable nature of life. He realized that sometimes, things don't go as planned, but they may still work out in unexpected ways.

With his newly acquired passport, Faruk's dreams of exploring new horizons and experiencing different cultures were still within reach. Although he missed out on the physical journey to the passport office, his eagerness to embrace the world outside his small town remained intact. As he began his recovery, Faruk channeled his energy into his writing. Inspired by his own comical and ironic situation, he started penning a humorous story about his passport misadventure. His friends and fellow literature enthusiasts laughed along with him as he recounted the events leading up to his accident and the passport officer's visit to the hospital.

Faruk's story became widely popular, earning him recognition as a talented writer of Gujarati literature. His ability to find humor in even the most unexpected circumstances became his trademark. And though he missed out on a physical visit to the passport office, his tale brought smiles to countless faces.

In the end, Faruk learned that life has its own way of unfolding, often deviating from our expectations. It was a valuable lesson that reminded him to embrace both the highs and lows with an open heart and a sense of humor. And so, Faruk embarked on a new chapter in his life, armed with his passport, his unique perspective, and the unwavering support of his friends and readers. As he turned the page, he eagerly awaited the adventures that awaited him, ready to explore the world through his writing and his spirit of curiosity and laughter.

 ~ Dr Intaj Malek 

(Image Credit: <a href="https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/white-man-cartoon-showing-passport-vector-32331695">Vector image by VectorStock / mapichai</a>)