My Dreams – An Autobiography – Book

My Dreams – An Autobiography – Book

One fine day, some days ago, my friend Harmesh Jassal dropped in and presented me a book of Raj Paul of the UK published and distributed recently by Malind Prakashan, an outfit managed and run by Harmesh Jassal himself. It is a small booklet - My Dreams (Autobiography) of Raj Paul comprising of 72 pages and also some colored photos of Raj Paul’s life and work over the years. Frankly

speaking there is nothing much to write about the book as such but my indulgence in community matters and my pastime of writing blogs made me sit and write about the book Raj Paul of Kartarpur (his native place in Jalandhar) who kept himself associated with the community as a staunch follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar and a devout Buddhist while earning his bread and butter with dignity in the UK. I appreciate Raj Paul’s endeavors as many of our people don’t pay much attention to the things healthy for the mind and soul.

Coming to the narration of the book, the author, Raj Paul himself has given the justification for writing the account of his life and work in the Introduction of the book. Frankly speaking, there is not much write about the book as it is but the sheer grit and dedication of Raj Paul to carry with him the lofty mission of Babasaheb Ambedkar to the UK and keep himself engaged with it for the benefit and advantage of the community motivated me to write about this. Reading the book, I noted that author is the nephew of the then known socio-economic personality of the community in Kartarpur, Tulsi Ram Paul who was duly known and recognized in Bootan Mandi, the nerve center of Dalit consciousness along with yet another, Bhana Ram (Bhana Mantri). Raj Paul has devoted the book

to the details of life and mission of Babasaheb Ambedkar and rightly so. Dalits of the Doaba region of Punjab remained ahead in migration and mobility for greener pastures. Father of the author, Bishan Dass first moved to Singapore as a spring board to land in England in 1957. Raj Paul moved to England in 1961 and spent his young formative years in schools and work places as an apprentice. He got married to one Nashatar Kaur in 1971 who moved to England with her parents as a young lass but never when to school. It gives a glimpse to the socio-cultural life of migrants from Punjab; even in England the parents did not care about the education of their children and remained busy n earning Pounds to send back home and purchase properties. Anyway, it is yet another aspect of life.  It was a matter of satisfaction for Raj Paul that in accordance with his insistence; he was permitted to marry Nashatar Kaur with Buddhist rites and ceremonies. The author engaged himself with Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Committee of Great Britain and became its General Secretary in 1976 and remained at the helm of the esteemed Committee for more than 30 years holding positions of General Secretary and President. It is not a mean achievement and should be recognized as such. Raj Paul played a pivotal role in establishing Buddha Viharas and Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorials both in England and back home in Punjab and beyond. One may easily note from the narration that Raj Paul consciously and diligently developed and nurtured the community relations with our political leadership aligned with Babasaheb Ambedkar like Babu Kanshi Ram and Kumari Mayawati and Lahori Ram Balley, Prakash Ambedkar among others including PM V.P. Singh. Yet another appreciable contribution of Raj Paul is establishment of Dr. Ambedkar Buddhist Resource Center in Hoshiarpur (Punjab) with the active support both, monetary and moral, of his associates; D.R. Jassal and Diwan Singh on the land donated by Gurdial Sandhi and his family. One another good attribute which I have noticed is that Raj Paul and associates motivated ad involved ladies, spearheaded by none else but his wife Nashatar Kaur herself, in community matters including raising of funds. Raj Kumar has, I am happy to note, he has duly recognized and appreciated the support of his wife in his efforts including adoption of girl students for their education back home in Karatarpur. In fact the book has been dedicated to his wife, Nashatar Kaur and rightly so. With this, I think Raj Paul has succeeded in fulfilling his ‘Ambition’ to follow and carry forward the caravan of Dr. Ambedkar as stated in the book. Raj Paul closes the book with an ‘Overview’ which tends to set the things in right perspective.

With this, I take this opportunity to wish Raj Paul all the best in the years to come particular with regard to his substantive contribution to the community and the society at large. Salute to Raj Paul for his zeal in a poetic expression of Allma Iqbal: -

Hawaida  Aaj Apne Zakhm-e-Pinhan Kar Ke Chorun Ga
Lahoo Ro Ro Ke Mehfil Ko Gulistan Kar Ke Chorun Ga

I will surely exhibit all my hidden wounds today
I will surely change assembly to a garden with blood‐mixed tears

 

 

 

 

Deepening West Asia Situation – India’s Preparedness

Deepening West Asia Situation – India’s Preparedness

It is more than 75 days that war between the US, Israel and some countries of West Asia on one side and Iran on the other is going on which has resulted into deep crisis not only in the West Asian region but also the world at large. In spite of the fact, it seems, that both the barring sides are tired and exhausted but still trying to brow beat each other. The so called ‘negotiations’ to end the conflict hosted by Pakistan in cooperation with a few more stake holders has not

succeeded, as expected. Both the US and Iran have hardened their respective positions on major issues – Control and operation of Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear aspirations; inter alia. No early solution is in sight rather the situation has further deteriorated with threats and counter-threats. Due to the fact that the Strait Hormuz is the hub and nerve center of navigational flow of 80% of the energy sources not only of the volatile region but also of the world at large. Any further delay in ending the conflict, obviously, has direct bearing on the smooth flow of trade and energy supplies of oil and gas. The economies of the countries of the region are hard hit which is bound to usher the world into economic depression which also might result into recession worse than that of 1920-30s.

India is hard hit as most of its energy supplies and trade depend not only on smooth functioning of Strait of Hormuz but also peace in the West Asian region as India is a net importer of its energy supplies from the countries like; UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iran itself. Apart from this, ten million Indians are working in these countries of the West Asian region that remained a perennial source of considerable remittances to their families back home. Besides dependence on energy supplies, India’s food security is also vulnerable as India is a net importer of edible oils and fertilizers for its agricultural sector.

Accordingly, PM Narendra Modi tried to take ‘We the people of India’ into confidence and cautioned and urged them to aware of the ground realities and be ready to face the emerging difficult situation in the wake of prolonged West Asia Crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal — with specific requests spanning fuel, gold, and fertilizers, cooking oil and foreign travel— is being read by many as

a prelude to administered price hikes over the spectrum to address the economic fall out of the crisis. Obviously, GOI cannot afford to be oblivious of the ground realities and must act and set the house in order to face the deepening crisis. I am confident that the people of India would certainly rise to the situation and cooperate and support the measures taken by the GOI, as always. Lal Bahadur Shastri did something similar with food in 1965, asking Indians to voluntarily fast on Monday evenings as the country faced both a war and food crisis. People understood and stood with PM as they felt that it was a genuine approach to meet the challenges of the times. Unfortunately, that sense of concern and trust is missing, it seems. The opposition parties have raised doubts on the policies and approaches of the GOI and raised questions on the practice and perception. It has been alleged that PM Narendra Modi and his associates were more interested in politics rather than addressing the difficulties of the common man. With regard to the energy requirements, Minister Hardeep Puri has assured the people and said, "There is no shortage of any petroleum product in the country. India has 60 days of crude oil, 60 days of LNG and 45 days of LPG reserves available. Amid tensions in West Asia, to ensure uninterrupted supply, India has unprecedentedly increased its daily LPG production (from 35,000 tons to 54,000 tons)" GOI has assured that our food reserves are sufficient and comfortable to live with the crisis. But we need to be ready and prepared to meet the crisis. We need to stand united and political leadership should lead from the front with sincerity.

What should be done? I have a couple of suggestions to make as a concerned and worried citizen of India –

i)               India should leverage its unique position as a trusted partner to all stakeholders—including Iran, Israel, the Gulf nations, and the US—to foster de-escalation, promote diplomatic dialogue, and prioritize the protection of the vast Indian diaspora in the region. Key efforts involve mobilizing the Global South for peace under the aegis of BRICKS of which India holds its rotational Presidency, securing energy supplies, and navigating the crisis to prevent severe economic shocks. 

ii)             The crisis will not end immediately with the cessation of hostilities and end of war. It will take time to bring the situation to normal particularly with regard to our energy supplies as the crucial infrastructures of our suppliers in West Asia have been damaged and destroyed in the war. It will take time to make them functional. Moreover, security situation and diplomatic parameters for interaction are bound to undergo a drastic revision. We need to plan our approaches not only to address the challenges on short term basis but also for long term responses.

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein
(The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests)

iii)          There is an immediate need to fill the trust deficit in our political leadership; both the ruling elite and the opposition. PM Narendra Modi and the others in the ruling dispensation must engage themselves with the opposition leaders with sincerity and respect and shun the temptations to put the ‘personal and political creed above that of the nation’ as warned by Babasaheb Ambedkar. If we ignore these cautions of our forefathers, we would tend to put our progress and development into ‘jeopardy’.

मस्जिद तो बना दी शब भर में ईमाँ की हरारत वालों ने

मन अपना पुराना पापी है बरसों में नमाज़ी बन न सका

इक़बाल बड़ा उपदेशक है, मन बातों में मोह लेता है
गुफ़्तार का ग़ाज़ी बन तो गया, किरदार का ग़ाज़ी बन न सका।

Chan Goryanwala – Bhula Ram: An Obituary

 

Chan Goryanwala – Bhula Ram: An Obituary

A renowned lyricist and a missionary writer, Bhula Ram, famously known as Chann Gorayanwala passed away on May 5-6, 2026 at the ripe age of 97. He was known and recognized for his sterling contribution to Punjabi poetry and song writing by the masses particularly by the Dalit communities as he was a missionary writer

against the social evils like graded inequality, caste system and all sorts of social discriminations prevalent in the country and the society at large. His passing away ends of an era in Punjabi literature, where his words once resonated across generations and cultural platforms. A son of the soil, he was born in Gorayan, a small industrial township in Jalandhar in an ordinary family. Though Chan Goryanwala was an unassuming intellectual yet he earned recognition for his exceptional command over the Punjabi language and his ability to capture human emotions through his lyrics. Chan Gorayanwala wrote more than a dozen books as reported by the Tribune. He was a State Awardee for his excellent contribution to literature and culture of not only Punjab but also throughout India and beyond.

Chan Gorayanwala was fully dedicated to the community who often highlighted themes related to the SC (Scheduled Caste) community, including pride, social issues, and cultural identity of the weaker sections of the society. He was an ardent follower of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar and such he wrote repeatedly on the mission, philosophy and legacy of these icons with a view to empower the marginalized segments of the society. But unfortunately he did not get his due recognition from the Manuwadi mindsets.

Chann Gorayanwala was a Punjabi cinema personality known for acting in films like Balbiro Bhabi and Shinda (1981), and for his work in the music departments of Laajo (1983), Putt Jattan De (1983), and Gabhroo Punjab Da (1986). He is also credited as a lyricist for Sarpanch (1982) and Nimmo (1984), as per the information accessed from the Social Media. His most popular songs include 'Chandigarh rehan waliye, assin pendu nahin dilan de marre' and "Mittran Da Challey Belna" among others.

Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanwala was the Chan (Moon) of the community in real terms. In spite of the fact that he was a well-recognized and successful personality in the literary and film realms, he remained a flag holder and spokesperson of Dalits to carry

forward the caravan of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout his life. I did not know him personally except seeing him once on the stage of Bootan Mandi’s celebrations of Guru Ravidass Jyanti some years ago. The Who’s Who of Punjabi music namely; Narinder Biba, Hans Raj Hans, Surinder Shinda, Sudesh Kumari, among others sang his spiritual and missionary songs which were fully acclaimed by the community. Some of these are –

·      Kanshi Vich Aya Shenshah by Narinder Biba

·      Pehlan Guru Ravidass Nu Dhio; Jado bhi Koi Kam Krna by Hans Raj Hans

·      Tenu Bhim Kahan Jan Rab Kahan by Sudesh Kumari

·      Mein Bhi Hai Khuralgarh Jana Mayen Meriey by Amrita Virk

The Tribune has rightly reported, “Tributes poured in from various sections of society, including writers, artists, and admirers, who remembered him as a humble personality and a guiding force in Punjabi literature. Several literary organisations and cultural bodies expressed condolences, highlighting his lifelong dedication to enriching Punjabi heritage.”

With this, I pay my humble tributes to Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanala and pray for peace to the departed soul. His demise is an irreparable loss not only to the community but also to the society –

Badi Mushkil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didawar Paida

 

 

 

 

Book Launch Function hosted by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha

 

Book Launch Function hosted by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha

Punjabi Sahitya Sabha of Adampur, Adampur - a hub of learning and prosperity in Jalandhar – famous for Sat Baba Bhag Singh University, the only rural university in Punjab, Guru Ravidass International Airport (IAF base in the Doaba region) and home of several high ranking bureaucrats, high-ups in the defense forces,

educationists and home of well-to-do NRIs, is a premier literary outfit in the area who has provided a firm and functional platform to the young and old Punjabi literary enthusiasts in and around Jalandhar and also those who live  abroad for their bread and butter but their heart lives back home as sons of the soil. Courtesy and through the kind gesture of my friend, Roop Lal Roop, a renowned educationists, intellectual researcher, a poet and writer himself, I got involved in the literary and cultural activities of Punjabi Sahitya Sabha for the last many years not as an intellectual or a writer but as a student in my second innings of life. This time too, on April 26, the honours fell on me to be the Chief Guest at the book launch function hosted by the Sabha. I have ben joining them in a couple of such activities in the past to my advantage and benefit. I take this opportunity to thank Roop Lal ji and his worthy colleagues and associates at the Sabha for their magnanimity.

This time too, as usual, five books were released written by learned authors living abroad – Canada based Sukhdeep Sandhu Sukhi’s collection of Punjabi folklore (Mahia, Tappe, Bolian, Geet) reflecting the human emotions and ground realities of life – Man De Varke and four books of the UK based well acclaimed spiritual thinker pertaining to thought of Gautama the Buddha and Guru Ravidas,

Kalu Rai Suman – Mukand; Darshan Shastra, Mukand; Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Da – Pra Mano-Vigyan, Mukand; Rag Gaund – Sansar Sukh Shanti and Dhai Aksar Prem Ke. The literary papers on the books read by intellectuals and educationists, Dr. Balwinder Singh,  Prof. Malkit Jaura and Roop Lal Roop gave an over-view of these literary master pieces of Suman Sahib and Sukhi Sahiba really gave an eye view of the subject matter of the books for the layman like me and many more sitting in the quality audience of writers and poets. Sardar Ajit Singh Sunder of Adampur, a renowned pot himself living in the UK, adorned the high-table as the Special Guest at the book launch

function. After the release of the books, as usual, the second phase of the event was an impromptu Mushaira (Kavi Darbar) in which well recognized poets of the area recited their poems, both in Taranum and Kavita Path, helped us to unwind in a sober and pleasant way on the weekend. It would only be appropriate if I mention here some of the Ustad Shyars (Poets) and that of some budding ones – Ashi Ishpuri, Lalli Kartarpuri, Manoj Phagwadbi, Ashok Parmar among others as established Shyars and Sudesh Kumari and Mahesh Chander as the budding flowers of the Chaman of Sahitya.

I, a non-literary one, needed to be grounded among these highly articulate writers and poets. While thanking the hosts led by Roop Lal Roop for repeatedly inviting and honouring me on such occasions said that every time I came here was rewarding not only in learning but also making friends. Some time ago, we launched the books of Gurinder Gill of Malaysia without knowing her but later I

bumped into her at an event at JNU in New Delhi and became friends. Today, I found my fellow alumnus and a classmate at Jalandhar DAV College in 1970, Lashkari Ram, Retired Banker sitting incognito with me on the Head Table. It was a pleasure to revive association with Lashkari Ram. Taking cue from the speakers and poets, I also took the opportunity of reciting poetry of my favourites; Allama Iqbal and Charan Singh Safri. I appreciated, and rightly so,  the yeoman’s service and good job being done by Adampur Punjabi Sahitya Sabha in facilitating the literary activities in the area and serving the Ma Boli, Punjabi in the process. Two of the poets who recited their compositions at the function were kind enough to gift me, as bonus,  their books; Sukhdev Singh Gandwa -  Dharati Punjab Diye, a collection of his poems and Ashok Tandi – Gojlianwala Khu, a collection of stories. I would look forward to such more occasions as a rewarding pastime. I conclude this piece with a poetic assertion of Allma Iqbal which I recited in my brief remarks –

zindagī kuchh aur shai hai 'ilm hai kuchh aur shai

zindagī soz-e-jigar hai 'ilm hai soz-e-dimāġh

ilm meñ daulat bhī hai qudrat bhī hai lazzat bhī hai

ek mushkil hai ki haath aatā nahīñ apnā surāġh

(Tarbiat - a Nazm of Allama Iqbal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Day of Equality – Engaging the Indian Diplomacy

 

International Day of Equality – Engaging the Indian Diplomacy

I have been writing in my blogs on the subject – April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, to be declared as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. It is gratifying to note the proposal is slowly attracting support and understanding not only with the GOI but also with the international community. The birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar this year, 2026, again was celebrated at the UN in New York along with all the Indian diplomatic missions abroad. The Government of Canada honoured the Indian icon and declared
his birthday as ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality’ in Canada. I am confident that many more would follow suit in due course. I thought of engaging the Indian diplomatic machinery with the proposal and

wrote a letter to 20 senior Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners in big countries and likely stake holders considering the size of Indian diaspora in these countries with a view to solicit their understanding and support in carrying forward India’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy in line with India’s initiatives with regard to International Non-violence Day on October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and International Yoga Day on June 21, 2026. My letter of April 21, 2026 to 20 Ambassadors under intimation to EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Principal Secretary to PM, Shri P.K. Mishra may be seen below.

Text of the Letter dated April 21, 2026 to 20 Heads of Indian Diplomatic Missions

 

April 21, 2026

Your Excellency,

I am one of your retired colleagues of 1984 (YOA) now settled in Jalandhar, my home town. The birthday celebrations of Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar on April 14 by all the diplomatic missions of India have prompted me to write this to some of my colleagues in the IFS fraternity. Kindly excuse my indulgence. You may know that such structured celebrations pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times happened for the second time. It was first done in April, 2016, at the solemn occasion of 125^th birth anniversary of the icon.

You may or may not be knowing that in the run up to the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar, I made a proposal in June, 2015 to the then EAM Sushma Swaraj to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN. Since then the proposal is resting with the GOI – MEA/PMO. The Forum of SC Parliamentarians, on my submission, took the matter to PM Narendra Modi in November, 2015 in a Memorandum. I have been reminding MEA, PMO and other concerned regularly since then by way of blogs, social media and direct communications. My last blog on the subject would provide you some details of the proposal which may be excessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2026/04/babasaheb-ambedkar-declare-his-birthday.html

You must have read in the media that after many cities, provinces in the USA, Canada, the UK and many others, Canada has declared April 14 as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality this year by an proclamation in this regard. But GOI is sitting tight on the subject which is not understandable. I thought of sharing with Your Excellency with a view to solicit your kind understanding, consideration and all due support to the proposal on International Day of Equality. It will not only honour Babasaheb Ambedkar but also carry forward and strengthen India’s Soft and Cultural Diplomacy.

I am confident, my respected and dear friends, you would kindly consider and lend your due and appropriate support to my submissions. I count on you.

With regards,

 

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

His Excellency P. Harish,

PR of India to the UN,

New York (USA)

 

Sent Separately to –

1.   Ambassador of India to the USA

2.   Ambassador of India to Canada

3.   High Commissioner of India to the UK

4.   Ambassador of India to Germany

5.   Ambassador of India to Austria

6.   High Commissioner of India to Australia

7.   Ambassador India to Italy

8.   Ambassador of India to Sweden

9.   High Commission of India to New Zealand

10.                  Ambassador of India to Japan

11.                  Ambassador of India to Netherland

12.                  Ambassador of India to UAE

13.                  Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia

14.                  Ambassador of India to Bahrain

15.                  Ambassador India to Qatar

16.                  Ambassador of India to France

17.                  Ambassador of India to South Africa

18.                  Ambassador of India to Brazil

19.                  Ambassador of India to Nigeria

 

Copy to –

1.   EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

2.   Principal Secretary to PM, P.K. Mishra

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ambedkar Jayanti at Hoshiarpur

 

Ambedkar Jayanti at Hoshiarpur

Courtesy Prof. Balbinder Kumar of the Region Center of Punjab University, it fell on me to be the Chief Guest at the Ambedkar Jayanti Celebrations at Ambedkar Bhawan in Hoshiarpur. The solemn function was organised and hosted by Dr. Ambedkar Mission
and Welfare Society under the stewardship of Advocate Ramji Dass Badhan, a renowned personality in the legal and social circles in the region. On initial introductory interaction with the organisers and guest over hot snacks of Pakoras and Jalebis with masala tea, the customary floral tributes and vandhana (respect) to Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of India in the contemporary times were paid with devotional fervor.

The formal part of the solemn function, presided over by the Retired Civil Surgeon, Dr. Pawan Shagotra, a renowned personality in the medical and health care, started with tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar by the speakers picked at random among the quality audience comprising of who’s who in the intellectual circles of

Hoshiarpur and its periphery. They all spoke with reverence and conviction duly recognizing and appreciating the contribution of the icon, Babasaheb and termed him as one of the builders of modern India. President of Society, Advocate Ramji Dass Badhan kick started the session with his introductory remarks welcoming the Guests. Picking up the threads given by the learned speakers, I, in my brief remarks, thanked the hosts for providing me an opportunity to come and interact with the cream of the community participating in the thoughtfully event to remember, Babasaheb Ambedkar. I recalled the sterling role played by Hoshiarpur in shaping the struggle and fight of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the early 1930s (Roundtable Conferences in London) by getting recognized him as the leader of the depressed and oppressed people of India facing the opposition and objections of he Congress Party led by Mahatma Gandhi – Role of Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia under the banner and flag of Ad-dharam Mandal in sending telegrams to PM of Britain and others listing support to Dr. Ambedkar as leader of the marginalized sections of the large chunk of the Indian society (as mentioned in the recently released book of Dr. Gurmeet Kallarmajri – Gadri Baba Babu Mangu Ram Mugowalia Atey Ad-dharam (Maulik Likhtan) and son of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Yashwant Ambedkar contesting Lok Sabha elections from the Hoshiarpur constituency in the early 1960s. I also said that India, withstanding many onslaughts of times, was India because of Babasaheb Ambedkar as the Constitution of India worked as a dynamic document to ward off the dangers to the democratic edifice

so beautifully enshrined in the Constitution by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Constitution. I also took the opportunity to inform and brief the discerning audience of the proposal to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as Internationals Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN and solicited their support. It was fully acclaimed by the audience. Dr. Hardeep Singh Bhatoa very ably steered the function as Master of ceremonies and his thought provoking brief speech underlining the role and contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the emancipation and empowerment of woman folk of India, a much needed reform of the society.

The function was concluded with presenting of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s framed portrait to the desirous from the audience and a lunch of piping hot Puree-Chole. I came back to Jalandhar with a

sense of fulfillment in the process of learning as a humble Ambedkarite – the fragrance of Ambedkar was in the air; in the poetic express of Allma Iqbal –

Uthaye Kuch Waraq Lale Ne, Kuch Nargis Ne, Kuch Gul Ne
Chaman Mein Har Taraf Bikhri Huwi Hai Dastan Meri

(Some leaves were picked up by the tulip, some by the narcissus, some by the rose
My story is scattered around everywhere in the garden)

Urha Li Qumriyon Ne, Tootiyon Ne, Andleebon Ne
Chaman Walon Ne Mil Kar Loot Li Tarz-e-Faghan Meri

(The turtle‐doves, parrots, and nightingales pilfered away
The garden’s denizens jointly robbed away my plaintive way)