Source book
یادوں کا جشن
Jump to a reading
Introduction
Introduction
Today's reading is from the Introduction to the book…
Chapter 1 — Lineage, Education & Early Life
1st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Reading from 1st Chapter where he talks about his lineage and some events from Baba Guru Nanak Devji's life.
2nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Continuing on his family lineage, he talks about Baba Sahib Singh ji Bedi and Sir Baba Khem Singh ji Bedi
3rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his father and brothers.
4th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his education at Montgomery Primary School, Mission High School Rawalpindi and then along with his brother at Chief's College, Lahore. He also talks about Iftekhar Ali Khan Pataudi (cricketer) and Syed Md Jafar (hockey player) who were also alumni of Chief's College.
5th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his classmates and teachers at Chief's College, Lahore.
6th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his stint at Government College, Lahore, his preparation for ICS and a chance meeting with a person who later became the Prime Minister of Pakistan
7th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about his Zamindari days - the routine there, his (honorary) medical practice, the power of belief and the difference between Noora Kushti and Kanta Kushti!
8th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's session we get to know more about the family's Shikaar (hunting) expeditions and some prominent personalities of Sahiwal - Divan Sb, Mahant Sb, Miyan Noor Ahmed Khan and Miyan Md Khuda Yaar Khan Maneka.
9th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Md Usman Khan, Miyan Chiragh Deen, Sardar Hukm Singh, Sardar Maahla Singh. He concludes the session on Zamindari with a mention of his pets - the Elephant Benazir, his White horse and his array of Hawks used for hunting.
Judicial Postings
10th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about why and how he took up his job, the departure, taking up Charge as Judge and a humorous incident in the court.
11th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today, he talks about a case where he was deceived by a Police Officer and how he witnessed 3 hangings at the Gallows.
12th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about his appointment at Rohtak, hanging of a true lover and his hunting interests in Rohtak.
13th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's today's reading he talks about his appointment in Jalandhar and the cancer scare!
14th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about some friends in Jalandhar and his transfer to Multan.
15th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his transfer to Kangra (Dharamsala), some unique aspects of that region as well as contesting a wrong allegation made against him by some officials.
16th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about why and how he got transferred to Jehlum and the high regard the people there had for his family even as he visited divisions on official duty.
17th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about mobilizing loans for the government during the 2nd World War, mitigating a possible communal flare and an interesting challenge during his farewell dinner at Jehlum.
18th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his second stint in Rohtak including a gory accident, a misunderstanding with the DC, a land case issue and some dear friends.
Delhi — War Front, Partition & Jashn-e-Jamhuriyat
19th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, He talks about his appointment in Delhi to the War Front Office and how he made inroads into the cultural heart of the city. He also talks about being made Magistrate to handle a sensitive religious procession that had resulted in communal violence in the previous year. He started working for communal amity and dreamt for everyone in India to adopt 'Insaniyat' as their dominant faith.
20th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about some of his poet friends in Delhi - Akhtar Sherani, Nakhshab and his jilting lover, Shakil Badayuni and Nakhshab's foray into films and Sabir Dehlvi's fondness for food and drink.
21st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about poet Haider Dehlvi and antics of his office's van driver Nawab Khushke. He also talks about his younger brother's medical emergency which almost turned fatal.
22nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about Zareef Dehlvi and Syed Md Jafri, one Warsi Sb and the National War Front Week organized by his department.
23rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about his role as PR Head in the Rationing Department, office politics, his transfer to Dharamsala as ADM and the case of the guns in Lahore!
24th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about an earth-quaking hike in the Dhauladhar hills, the first peg of the Mahant and the start of communal violence during India's partition.
25th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's recording covers the poignant chapter of India's partition and the mindless violence. He talks about maintaining peace in Kangra and helping people reach refugee camps. He is suddenly transferred (by personal intervention of Pandit Nehru) to Delhi as City Magistrate and asked to control the communal violence there. He asks Sardar Patel to give him a free hand and is able to control the violence with a fine mix of strategy, authority and action.
26th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about the challenges of bringing Delhi back to normal after partition and includes a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.
27th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about starting the Jashn e Jamhuriyat (celebration of India's Republic) and Pandit Nehru's support for it. This eventually became the 26th January Parade and cultural exhibition that we see today.
28th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he shares some interesting cases and incidents during his stint as City Magistrate in Delhi.
29th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about how political leaders used their influence in cases with him but he stood for justice. After abolition of City Magistrate position, he was transferred to Rehabilitation (of Refugees) department where he noticed widespread corruption and initiated reforms.
30th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks his role as Mela Administrator of Kurukshetra, the challenge of corruption and also prohibition(!). He is then transferred to Gurgaon as DC and how he 'worked' the system to get a water inspection certificate for an honest person without a bribe.
31st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about establishing the Central Park and Open Air Theater in Gurgaon, the innovative lottery scheme for Red Cross. He is then selected for IAS and trained in Shimla. He is then appointed as Director, Public Relations and Information based in Chandigarh. He shows how the department was political and the difficulties he faced in the simple transfer of an officer.
Sangrur, Karnal, Panchayats & Retirement
32nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about a visit to Lahaul and Spiti valley in Kangra and then his transfer to Sangrur. He talks about the lawlessness and challenges that we was about to face as he took charge as DC at Sangrur.
33rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about taking charge at Sangrur, handling the communist agitation and dealing with a local powerful politician with exemplary strictness.
34th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about Maler Kotla and some interesting events while he was DC at Sangrur.
35th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he recalls some more interesting events from Sangrur. He talks about the patriot family whose 3 sons were martyred in the China War, the rain canal movement, a chance meeting with Hakim Chokhanand and his abiding faith in the goodness of man which helped Sundar Singh come back on track.
36th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he describes moving on from Sangrur to Karnal, the initial public meeting for all staff, his take on bribery and corruption, political opposition faced by him and then his move from Karnal.
37th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about a meeting with the new Chief Minister of Punjab and then his appointment as Director, Panchayats. His proposals for Panchayat reforms were accepted and implemented. This was his last appointment before retirement.
38th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about his retirement, his attempt to get a seat for the Lok Sabha from Sangrur and then his residence in Delhi.
Chapter 2 — Boyhood
39th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we cover the short 2nd chapter recollection some memories from his boyhood. He talks about the residence and lifestyle at Montgomery, his planting a money tree, the influenza disease, and a unique snake fight.
Chapter 3 — Belief & Philosophy
40th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we start the 3rd chapter on his belief and philosophies. In today's reading, he talks about his views on religion, his early poem poem called 'Nuzool e Paighambar' and how he practiced religious equality all his life.
41st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his beliefs on respecting elders, his experience and thoughts on friendship and his philosophy of Baada Parasti.
42nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his views and experiences of 'Khidmat e Khalq' (Service to Humanity) and Rishwat (corruption).
43rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about 2 significant (and risky) topics - i) God and ii) his wife.
44th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he shares his thoughts on writing humorously / satirically, his views on 'Fauj' and 'Badi mushkil hai aadmi ka ameer hokar gareeb hona' and it's necessary corollary.
Shayari, Mushaira & Shagird
45th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his dressing style over the years and how and why he fell in love with Urdu and became a Shayar. However, it was not easy for him to be accepted as an authentic Urdu Shayar in the literary circles of Delhi.
46th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
The topic of today's reading is 'Mushaira' in which he talks about how a Mushaira is organized - the types of organizers, the types of Shayars and the types of audience. He draws a beautiful imagery of the event - fund arrangement, honorarium haggling, originality challenge, melody versus poetry etc.
47th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's chapter is on his students (shagird) where he details especially about Rana Sahri and Saahil Sahri. I have taken the privilege to add a few verses from these poets to the recording too.
Distinguished Personalities
48th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we start a section where he talks about some distinguished personalities and his interactions and relation with them. In today's reading he talks about Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad, the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir. He narrates 'behind the scene' events on how a diplomatic stalemate over a dam between Punjab and Kashmir was resolved. He also narrates how he helped get critical support for Dr Zakir Hussain's Presidential nomination.
49th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about 3 eminent personalities : 1\) Baba Kartar Singh Bedi 2\) Bhapa Kundan Lal of Moti Mahal Restaurant & 3\) Pandit Purnanand Misra
50th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading is about Pandit Harichand 'Akhtar' who is known for the famous: 'Milegi Sheikh ko Jannat… ' I have also attempted a reading of the complete Nazm at the end…
51st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading is about Josh Malihabadi' the revolutionary poet who was well connected to various politicians and officers. He recalls his grief on Josh's passing and recounts some incidents with him.
52nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
We continue the reading on 'Josh Malihabadi' and I have included one of his interviews, an early revolutionary poem and a final song, sung by Jagjit. He talks about how Josh was respected even after he moved to Pakistan in 1956 and recalls his last meeting with him in Nov 1981.
53rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about 3 personalities: 1\) General Shahnawaz Khan who led a Division of the Azad Hind Fauj of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose 2\) Aditya Narayan Jha Sb, ICS, the eminent bureaucrat who passed away while Lieutenant Governor of Delhi 3\) Hakim Zafar Sb, the renowned and very principled Hakim of Delhi
54th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's short reading, he talks about Khwaja Md Shafi, an eminent person from Delhi with whom he worked closely during his War Front Days.
55th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Dr. Zakir Hussain, the President of India. He recounts his futile attempt to meet him as Vice President and how a poem opened the doors, his elevation as President of India - including an ode to him - and his unfortunate death in state - and his poetic tribute to him.
56th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon, the Chief Minister of Punjab. He recounts his helpful nature, development mindset and the oppositions he faced. He narrates his sudden death and how Providence plays its role.
57th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Saahir Hoshyarpuri, the poet and his close friend. He recalls the 'warranted' help he gave to facilitate his marriage, his separation from the family business and how he was a 'true friend' for him in Delhi.
58th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his friends Sagar Suri an eminent businessman, and Sir Shankarlal, the owner of Delhi Cloth Mills. He narrates some interesting anecdotes from the time he spent with them and how much he cherished their friendship.
59th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about 4 personalities: i\) Sardar Inderjeet Singh, Chairman of Punjab & Sindh Bank ii\) Sir Umar Hayaat Khan Twana, Rais-e-Azam of Unified Punjab iii\) Sir Sikandar Hayaat Khan, the first Indian Governor of Punjab and then its Chief Minister, and vi\) Saidu Bhai, a great host and friend in Mumbai.
60th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Seth Makhan Lal, an astute businessman who was the king of the Silver Market in Mumbai. He shares some useful lessons from his life.
61st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Khwaja Hasan Nizami, a Sufi literary giant from the family of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. He worked closely with him for communal harmony and narrates some of his lessons for life. He also talks about Mian Gulam Muinuddin, an ICS officer who would pass his exams with least effort - and how it cost his brother 50 pounds!
62nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Shivraj Bahadur, an aficionado of Urdu poetry and a successful businessman from Delhi. He also talks about Shankar Prashad, the first Indian Chief Commissioner of Delhi and his reporting officer while he was posted in Delhi after partition.
63rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about the hospitable Sheikh Habibur Rahman of Lahore, Allama Hairat Badayuni, an eminent urdu poet from Hyderabad and Kanhaiya Lal Poswal, a young and active lawyer-politician from Haryana.
64th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Kishan Chand, the upright ICS who was also Lt Governor of Delhi, Malik Sir Firoz Khan Noon, a barrister who became the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Maulana Samiullah Qasmi, the host of Urdu poets in Urdu Bazar, Delhi, Nawab Saeed Ahmed Khan of Chataari - a respected leader from Hyderabad, and Nikhat Zafar, whom he made his second daughter, from Meerut.
65th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about his school-mate Nawab Iftekhar Ali Khan of Pataudi with whom he shared deep interest in Urdu poetry. He also talks about his pursuit and excellence in several sports and arts. Next, he shares about Nawab Gulam Muhiuddin of Nagpur, a lover of poetry, art and music whose simplicity was generously misused by others.
66th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading covers Nawab Saael Dehlvi, a senior student of Daag Dehlvi, Nawab Sir Md Hayaat Khan Noon, a close friend of his father, Vidya Shankar, an eminent ICS officer and a connoisseur of Urdu poetry and Malik Ram, the famous Urdu researcher and expert who was President of the Anjuman Taraqqi e Urdu Hind.
67th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about \*Maharaja Bhupinder Singh\*, of Patiala, a powerful personality and a great patron of arts and sports. He narrates some moving incidents of his generosity and affection. Next, he talks about Mir Rasul Baksh Talpur, a Senior Minister of Sindh (Pakistan), whom he only met in 1982, yet has a special fondness for his humility, hospitality and love of shayari. Finally, he talks about the well read and scholarly Pandit Rishi Prakash who once gave a 64 mile exposition on one of Kunwar Sb's sher!
68th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about our own K L Narang 'Saqi', an accomplished businessman but a connoisseur of Urdu, a great friend and host. He also reveals how he acquired the title of 'Saqi'! Next, he talks about Colonel V R Mohan, a Padmashri and business giant who was also a great singer and friend. Thereafter, he talks about two friends from Pakistan Jamiluddin Aali and Khwaja Mushfiq who were both extremely passionate about urdu poetry and literature.
69th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about the famous IPS officer Kiran Bedi' and her success, J D Shukla, ICS who led IAS trainings and Admiral M I Arshad, the Chairman of Karachi Port Trust.
70th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about the famous Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri and brings out some aspects of his personal life and interactions. He also includes a letter written by Firaq to him a few days before his death.
71st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about Hafeez ba Haleem from Karachi who was a great host, Sardar Tegh Bahadur Singh who was close to his elder brother, Nadeem Kidwai who introduced him to the literary circles in Lucknow and Kashmiri Lal Zakir a famous author of Urdu fiction.
72nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we start a new section on some interesting personalities. He talks about Chacha Nihal Singh his distant uncle but also a great hunting and dining companion, La Belli, the Deputy Commissioner of Delhi from 1941-46 and Chaudhury Sir Chotu Ram, the foremost leader among the Jats who was a little too obsessed with helping the agriculture class.
73rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he recalls an interesting personality Purshottam Saroop Bhatnagar, a sessions judge who despite his unpolished appearance, had a heart of gold. Next, he speaks of Shahida Nikhat who apart from being a good poet and reciter, was a modernist lady never shy of standing for her rights or taking on the establishment.
74th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks of Captain Kilburn, the SSP of Delhi during his tenure and his unique mannerisms and high-handedness, Mama Pratap Singh with his authoritative stature and Bismil Shahjahanpuri, his gun-man who was also a poet but overly fanatical about his religion.
75th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks of the irrepressible Jagirdar Ek Onkar Singh who believed that most of Delhi belonged to him, the irreverent Ustad Hilal who claimed to have been made Ghalib's successor by Ghalib himself, the stone-deaf Ustad Siddiq whose voice would put a Shahnai to shame, the intellectual Professor Premchand of Hindu College and the family's traditional singer Ranga Meerasi.
76th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading he talks about Khalifa Mehr Singh, a wrestler who became a daily visitor to his home, Pandit Cheshtanand the knowledgeable scholar who used to stay as guest for years together, Hari Chand Rai from whom his father had bought a village just before partition and Md Lutfulllah Khan, the avid collector from Karachi who had a unique collection of photographs and works of 1000+ artists and performers.
Interesting Anecdotes
77th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we start a new section on 'Interesting Anecdotes' and covers a house search with Judge Sb, a dinner event where Jaffer Shareif was tested, the missing editor who invited him to a female Mushaira, the first Mushaira he presided over at AMU and his last meeting with Meena Kumari and her unique gift to him.
78th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he recalls a case of smuggling in Sangrur and how the legal and administrative system works, the case of the lady Magistrate's car accident, Chiraag tale andheraa, how the urdu letter 'kaaf' caused the transfer of an honest officer and his diet to win the body building competition at Lahore for 3 years in a row.
79th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he recalls a recovery case for the famous playback singer Md Rafi, Josh Malihabadi's sifaarish for a pistol, the day Maharaj Yadavendra Singh stole the limelight from Gina Lollobrigada in Rome and Josh Sb's self inflicted injury from shayari!
80th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he recalls a lesson in living by principles learnt from Sir Patrick Spens, an example of recognizing and appreciating people by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the curious case of the sunbathing drunkard and a how to get an un-transferrable officer transferred!
81st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's section, he talks about 2 poets who became 'Martyrs to Drink' - Naresh Kumar Shaad the promising urdu poet whose songs are still sung today and Shiv Kumar Batalvi the Punjabi poet who was the youngest recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award. Despite passing away at the age 36, Shiv is still acknowledged for enriching Punjabi Poetry immensely.
82nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he completes the section on 'Martyrs to Drink' with mention of poets like Majaz Lukhnawi, Akhtar Shirani and Nazir Khayyami.
83rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he narrates some interesting incidents including Zahid e Khushk, the route change of Ram Leela festival, friendship and following rules, a foolish friend is worse than an intelligent enemy, his simplicity and tendency to trust others - which often cost him much, and the boy who was the Gudri mein La'al.
84th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about incidents pertaining to inspection of a railway track, the letterbox analogy, saving Josh Sahab from (one of) his clandestine affairs and how quick thinking helped Baba Harbans Singh Bedi win an election by just 20 votes.
85th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about a close encounter with a snake, how having full faith in God enabled a canal in UP, Pandit Hari Chand Akhtar and the Drinks Menu, the income tax officer wife's misunderstanding, how Ameera's pride fell and how sticking to principles became the cause of Modi Nagar's existence!
86th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about the friendly beard competition at the Zamindari, lies to cover bad habits, Muft ka Maal and how a good deed at the airport saved a person's life!
87th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about a gustakhi, on the Chairman of PNB keeping his decade-old word, the claims of goodness lost at lunch, the Roshanara Club Tennis Marker, the blackmailing mistress, the 'Patwari and his ghodi' and finally La-belli and the DCM strike!
88th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, he talks about stoicism of the West, the 2 brothers who acted as strangers, Chaudhury Jacob and the funeral trolley, the ADM and the suspect, the Honorary Magistrates Bench and the Lailpur Zamindar's toothache.
89th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading is about a short section on Adabi Lateefe or literary jokes many of which were Impromptu retorts / comments made at Mushairas. He reminisces some incidents and regrets this art's deterioration over time.
Shikaar — Hunting Days
90th reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading is a section on Shikaar where he talks about some memorable incidents while hunting for tigers in earlier days. He talks of the family legacy, how a 'bait' is used and the art of hunting a tiger. The final story has mention of Benazir - the courageous elephant - which would not even hesitate to chase a tiger.
Democracy, Bharat–Pakistan & Filmi Dunya
91st reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
In today's reading, we cover 3 short chapters: 1) Hindustan aur Jamhuriyat (democracy), 2) Hindustan aur Maghrabiyat (westernisation) and 3) Bharat aur Urdu.
92nd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today's reading is from the chapter on 'Bharat aur Pakistan'. He talks about the common man's desire for peace on both sides and recalls his visits to Pakistan - the first in 1956 to Karachi where he met many (migrated) friends from Delhi … and also a secret CID Officer. The second visit was to Lahore where he went as Chief de Party of the Indian Sports Delegation and also visited Chief's College as well as the ancestral zamindari at Chak Bedi. He talks about the love, hospitality and gifts received from people there.
93rd reading from 'Yaadon ka Jashn'
Today we read the concluding part of Bharat aur Pakistan where he talks about his other visits to Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Islamabad. He also went back to Karachi after 25 years and then again after 2 months for the Josh Memorial Mushaira. He also met Gen Ziaul Haque a number of times apart from Governors and Chief Justices and of course, poets, writers and artists.
94th reading — the FINAL
Today's reading is about Filmi Dunya where he talks about his special friends Dilip Kumar, Om Prakash and Sunil & Nargis Dutt. In another short chapter, he talks about Muhammad Ali, the Dilip Kumar of Pakistan Film Industry. In the final chapter, he talks about his good fortune of having three Presidents of India - Zakir Hussain, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Giani Zail Singh for dinner at his house the evening before their taking office. And that to me, is the spirit of Kunwar Mahinder Singh Bedi…. A man who was loved by the VIPs as much as the common man… who tried to make a difference in every life he came across… who personified the ideals of love, friendship and communal amity… who conveyed through his actions … more than what he could through his rich poetry. A man who lived his life fully… A man with no enemies… A man whose life story leaves us in awe… A man whose footsteps we can only hope to walk in, and… A legacy we are lucky to inherit!
Bonus Track
93rd reading — supplementary
An additional segment accompanying the 93rd reading on Bharat aur Pakistan.