Picture of the Day: Aaj ke gham ke naam

Owais Mughal

(A man’s destiny is much higher than humanity.
He can be short in height but should not be short on courage)

This photograph in Dawn (December 13, 2006) shows a homeless man on Karachi roads. The poor guy has wrapped himself in a cloth banner of a political party to save himself from winter temperatures.

I tried to read the urdu message on the banner. To me it seems like the words ‘huqooq ke-khilaf‘ (against the rights) are written on the banner. The dawn caption says that old man is put on the streets by his irresponsible children and is left to fend for himself by seeking alms.

kia hai qed mujhay os jagah pe zalim ne
jahaaN se saaf mera ghar dikhai deta hai

(I’ve been imprisoned at such a place,
that I can see from here my home clearly)

I was just touched by this photo and wanted to share with our readership. Imagine spending a winter night out in just 2 layers of clothing. lag pata jaaye ga! (You’ll know the reality).

chal ae hawa-e-zamistaaN, chal aur zor se chal
tu sard-mohri-e-ehbaab se ziyada nahiN

(O cold breeze, blow even stronger
You are not cooler than my cold acquaintances)