Author Archives: Raza Rumi

About Raza Rumi

A Pakistani blogger. Also writes at www.pakteahouse.wordpress.com and www.lahorenama.wordpress.com

Folklore Sans Frontiers

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Raza Rumi

Six decades have passed since rivers of blood were unleashed by the tragic events of 1947, where an unnatural division of a territory was imposed by a cabal of self-obsessed politicians of all varieties and faiths, in cahoots with their imperial masters. It will take years, perhaps decades, but the dream for a visa-less, peacefully coexistent countries of South Asia will be realized. We will wait, but not give up Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Heritage, Featured, Society | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Indo-Pak Dosti

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Raza Rumi

Following their popular leaders, Mahatma Gandhi who was killed by a Hindu fanatic due to his overtures to muslims and Mohammed Ali Jinnah who is on record as having planned to go on vacation to India and perhaps retire there as well – the people have yearned for peace and friendship. Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 1 Comment

Sufism: The Heart of Islam (New Book by Sadia Dehlvi)

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Raza Rumi

Sadia Dehlvi’s book is a timely addition to the debates on Islam, Sufism and its accessibility and reader-friendliness. Whilst exploring the core of Sufi thought, the book traces the extraordinary lives of the early Sufis including the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), their sayings, and their emphasis on the purification of the heart. Continue reading →

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Ghalib: Ode to Benaras

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Raza Rumi

It is sad that our ancestors, not in a very distant past, were much more respectful of other religions. Mirza Ghalib at his time wrote glowingly about Benaras during a visit to the Hindu holy city. Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Heritage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Beyond Borders – With Shubha Mudgal And Tina Sani

Posted on September 3, 2008 by Raza Rumi

Music is contributing towards reclaiming shared heritage of India and Pakistan. Continue reading →

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Review: Jodha Akbar

Posted on March 31, 2008 by Raza Rumi

The facile treatment of history and its interpretative variants make the film a disappointment Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

My Travels to Delhi

Posted on March 24, 2008 by Raza Rumi

Delhi’s present day chaos cannot belittle its grand past, which created a civilisation and shaped the contours of Indo-Muslim identity Continue reading →

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Journeying Into Mysticism

Posted on September 19, 2007 by Raza Rumi

Guest Post by Raza Rumi I turn my face towards the monsoon breeze and lament that I’m in Delhi for work. How will I manage the sightseeing agenda? The faint scent of champa flowers seems hauntingly familiar and I’m reminded … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Heritage, Featured, Guest Article, India | 17 Comments

The Politics of Intolerance

Posted on May 28, 2007 by Raza Rumi

Guest Post by Raza Rumi Sadia Dehlivi sent me her recently published article that raises some pointed questions. Her approach is direct and expresses unflinching support for tolerance. I thought this would be of interest to the several readers on … Continue reading →

Posted in Fanatics, Guest Article, India, Islam, Journalism, Society | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Tum bilkul hum jaisey nikley – Fahmida Riaz

Posted on April 21, 2007 by Raza Rumi

Guest Post by Raza Rumi After reading some of the recent posts and comments on the communal politics and the [ab]use of religion, I recalled an interesting article (published in the Hindustan Times November 2005) by Khushwant Singh entitled Voice … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture & Heritage, Guest Article, Hinduism, India, Islam, Politics, Society | 12 Comments