Zen

Zen

Sunday, 23 July 2023

Speak

Speak, oh Ye speak and don’t remain dumb.

Speak now,

the time has come.

arise and speak

Speak

for the helpless women dragged out and

stripped off their clothes.


Speak

against the ruthless rulers who failed to protect the plebs.

Oh, Ye speak and keep not silence,

Oh ye arise

and raise thy voice against the tyranny on racial grounds,

Oh ye arise and speak against the genocide.


Speak, invoke thy inner being and speak.

Speak and don’t fear,

Speak for the sake of democracy, you speak.


Speak

before it comes to you.

Oh man, you speak,

Oh woman, you speak,

Speak for the poorest of the poor, you speak.


Speak

for the downtrodden and hapless, you speak,

Speak for the less privileged, you speak,

Speak for humans,

Oh man you speak,

Oh woman you speak.


Speak

against the terrible plight,

of women dragged through endless night.


Speak for truth,

Speak for justice, you speak,

Speak for Unity, you speak,

Speak for love, you speak,

Speak, thy need is there to speak.


Speak against

the senseless strife,

Speak

to bring an end of woes.


Awake now,

invoke thy soul's decree,

unleash the voice

that yearns to be free.


Fear not the path that lies ahead,

For change begins with words uttered.


Speak for democracy,

Speak for freedom's sake.


Speak 

for the poorest of the poor,

Speak for the downcast soul,

Speak for their cries of help, let them be whole,

Extend  your hand, lift them from despair,

together, humanity, we must repair.


Speak for all humans,

Speak for love and for grace,

Know not caste sex and race.

Rise, Oh  men,

Rise Oh women,

Throw away 

thy slumber and sloth,

to speak with strength.

Speak thy need is to speak. 

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Dark Ashadh’s embrace

In Ashadh's dark embrace, the rain poured down,

With sporadic showers, its rhythm found,

A dance of droplets, dancing in the night,

Brief respite from the dark, a glimpse of light.


Upon the attic's perch, a serpent coiled,

Its hiss resounded, "Drrrr...Drrrrr," it toiled,

Another voice, in harmony, replied,

"Drrrrr...Drrrr," as if in verse they vied.


The serpent spoke, "Again, the rain will pour,

No darkness now, the clouds shall weep once more,

Drrr...drrr...drrr," its warning in the air,

A prophecy of storms, a whispered dare.


But soon, the monsoon's song shall bid adieu,

The serpent's voice again breaks through the dew,

"Drrr..Drrr...." it said, with knowing tone so deep,

Foretelling of the time when rain would sleep.


In darkness and in light, the serpent's call,

In mystic verses, it reveals the fall,

Of rain and storm, a dance of nature's might,

In Ashadh's darkness, rain rained taking flight.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Friday, 14 July 2023

A Bibliophile Bond

In a realm where knowledge blooms, Where souls seek wisdom's sacred rooms, Swati and Sagar, siblings dear, Found solace in Peerzada Saheb, so clear.

Selflessly they attended, side by side, Their hearts and minds open wide, Immersed in learning's gentle embrace, Guided by Peerzada's enlightening grace.

Intaj, a soul pure and dedicated, With a love for books unabated, For thirty years, his bond was strong, With Peerzada Saheb, where memories belong.

Together they sat, a quartet of light, Conversing on books, their minds took flight, An academic journey, their souls aligned, In Peerzada's presence, knowledge enshrined.

With every page turned and story shared, Their hearts and minds forever paired, Bibliophile passions intertwined, A symphony of intellect entwined.

Oh, the tales they wove, the thoughts they sowed, In the realm where knowledge freely flowed, Each word a treasure, each page a key, Unlocking worlds, vast and free.

Now, as nostalgia whispers on gentle breeze, Their spirits united, as if time did freeze, In those cherished moments, they'll forever dwell, In the realm where their memories will always tell.

Swati and Sagar, siblings dear, Intaj, with his devotion clear, Peerzada Saheb, a guiding light, Together, they formed a tapestry bright.

In the annals of time, their bond will remain, A testament to knowledge's sweet refrain, And as their stories echo through the years, Their academic spirits forever persevere.

~ Dr Intaj Malek

Adieu Peerzada Saheb


In a kingdom where angels trod this earth,

A soul emerged, of immeasurable worth.

Peerzada Saheb, a luminary rare,

A radiant light, beyond compare.


He lived for humanity, his purpose clear,

A selfless heart, devoid of fear.

With every breath, he touched countless lives,

Guiding, inspiring, like stars in the skies.


His virtues, a symphony, harmonious and grand,

Instilling hope and courage with a gentle hand.

A philanthropist, he shared his love with grace,

Transforming lives, leaving a lasting trace.


In knowledge's garden, he was an institution,

Nurturing minds, sowing seeds of evolution.

His wisdom flowed like a sacred river,

Enlightening hearts, making spirits quiver.


Now, as we bid him a tearful adieu,

Let's honor his legacy, forever true.

A dynasty of education, he left behind,

His spirit enduring, a guiding sign.


Oh, Peerzada Saheb, our hearts weep,

But in our souls, your memory we'll keep.

For you were a presence, greater than life,

A shining star, banishing all strife.


So, let us carry forth his noble flame,

In words and deeds, his legacy proclaim.

May his love, his virtues, forever thrive,

In our hearts, in our actions, as long as we're alive.

~ Dr Intaj Malek


Thursday, 6 July 2023

Ishvar longs for quilt

Once upon a time, nestled amidst the rustic embrace of a humble village, there resided a luminary of unparalleled intellect and philanthropic ardor named Ishvar. Born into the impoverished domicile of a lowly farm labourer, this extraordinary being exhibited remarkable brilliance from the very dawn of his scholastic endeavours. Eager to transcend the limitations of his humble beginnings, Ishvar embarked upon a momentous odyssey, traversing the winds of destiny towards a sprawling metropolis teeming with possibilities.

Arriving at the city's threshold, Ishvar sought refuge in the bosom of his elder sister, Anandi, and her spouse, the querulous Shanker. Yet, concealed beneath the veil of familial bonds lay a tempestuous tempest, as Shanker's discordant disposition estranged him from Anandi's loving embrace. Exhibiting a discerning acuity, Ishvar discreetly concealed the discord that afflicted his sister's abode, ensuring that the ripples of their turmoil remained veiled from prying eyes.

Within the labyrinthine labyrinth of urban existence, Ishvar chanced upon the effulgent camaraderie of his collegiate confidant, Amrut. The tender tendrils of Amrut's affable family entwined Ishvar's heart, particularly the benevolent matriarch, Jamuna, who enfolded him within the tender folds of her maternal love. Graciously extending an invitation to join their humble abode, Jamuna's altruistic gesture provided Ishvar the sanctuary he sought, while bestowing upon him the noble mantle of mentorship for Amrut's younger siblings, Ramesh and Hitesh.

As the wheel of time rolled forth, Ishvar, with indefatigable diligence, poured his sagacity and soul into fostering the intellectual prosperity of Ramesh and Hitesh. Together, they engaged in scholarly quests, traversing the enchanting realms of cinema, gardens, and academic sanctums. Their bond burgeoned with each passing day, but it was the amity between Ishvar and Ramesh that bloomed into an indissoluble union—a connection that surpassed the mere bounds of friendship and transcended into an ethereal brotherhood.

Amidst wintry morns, cloaked in a pall of frigid desolation, Ramesh would tenderly shroud Ishvar in the warm embrace of a quilt, shielding him from nature's biting embrace before embarking upon their educational sojourns. Their communion knew no bounds, as they traversed the vast tapestry of knowledge, side by side, their minds entwined in an exquisite dance of intellectual harmony. Gratitude permeated Ishvar's being, for the benevolence bestowed upon him by Jamuna's loving embrace, prompting him to illuminate Ramesh's path, ensuring that his protégé's academic voyage was adorned with the brilliance of success.

As the pendulum of time swung inexorably forward, the bountiful seeds Ishvar had sown began to yield a bountiful harvest. Ramesh found himself ensconced in the warm embrace of gainful employment, while Ishvar ascended the echelons of the government, assuming the mantle of a superlative officer. Alas, the currents of fate, with their ceaseless ebb and flow, gently nudged the once-inseparable duo onto divergent paths, as they ventured forth into the labyrinth of their own personal and professional pursuits. Marriage adorned the lives of both Ishvar and Ramesh, as they bid farewell to the familiar contours of their erstwhile existences.

In the twilight of their lives, echoes of the past beckoned both Ishvar and Ramesh towards the hallowed realm of jurisprudence. Retiring from their previous vocations, they embarked upon the noble vocation of legal practice, embracing the intricacies of the law with fervor and sagacity. Yet, as the years waned and the weight of time bore upon their shoulders, a subtle transformation occurred—a melange of wistfulness and longing pervaded their once-intertwined destinies.

Although occasional encounters punctuated their journeys, the tapestry of their connection had been woven with threads now faded, the vibrant hues of camaraderie dulled by the passage of time. Ishvar, with a heart burdened by doubt, wondered if the cherished memories they had forged together had been erased from Ramesh's consciousness, lost amidst the shifting sands of bygone years. The symphony of their shared experiences played upon Ishvar's mind, harmonizing with the rhythm of nostalgia, while a lingering question haunted his thoughts—had Ramesh, in his inexorable march through life, forgotten the sacred bonds they had once forged?

And yet, amidst the quietude of their individual lives, they found solace in the fragments of their shared history—those precious moments etched upon the canvas of their souls. Ishvar, a custodian of recollections, held tightly to every embrace, every whispered secret, and every selfless act of kindness that had been their sustenance during days long past. He reveled in the embers of their companionship, cherishing the warmth it still radiated within his heart.

Though the ebbs and flows of existence had propelled them onto separate paths, their lives continued to flourish, serenaded by the sweet melodies of contentment. The specter of their bygone camaraderie lingered in the ether, a whispered memory that colored the tapestry of their twilight years. Ishvar, with unwavering fidelity, carried the torch of remembrance, while Ramesh, perhaps enveloped in the haze of life's relentless tides, traversed a different realm of recollection.

As their separate narratives unfolded, woven with the threads of fulfillment and joy, Ishvar and Ramesh found solace in the realization that their destinies, though distinct, had been indelibly shaped by the shared moments that had defined them. Each of them, in their own way, continued to honor the legacy of their intertwined past, albeit through the veiled reminiscences that accompanied their solitary musings.

Thus, in the annals of their lives, the flickering ember of their once-incandescent bond persevered—a silent testimony to the power of kinship, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Ishvar, forever the guardian of their memories, walked the corridors of his existence with a heart steeped in gratitude, content in the knowledge that their lives, though lived separately, had been forever touched by the magic they had woven together.

And so, they lived, two souls united in their shared past, navigating the currents of existence separately, but forever connected by the echoes of a friendship that had blossomed amidst the symphony of their youthful dreams. For Ishvar, the chapters of their story remained etched upon his consciousness, an indelible manuscript inscribed with ink that refused to fade. As for Ramesh, the secrets of his heart remained shrouded in the enigmatic depths of his own existence, an enigma that Ishvar would forever ponder, questioning whether the quilt that had once adorned their camaraderie still lay folded within the recesses of Ramesh's memory.

~ Dr Intaj Malek



Friday, 30 June 2023

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


Wednesday, 28 June 2023

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

Wednesday, 21 June 2023

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




Sunday, 18 June 2023

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