Adil Najam
Today is Mother’s Day.
Everyday should be a day to cherish and to honor what our mothers do for us. But it is good that on one day at least we take a few minutes out to think of that which can sometime become so routine that it becomes easy to forget. So, today, and for all the times when all of us might have forgotten to say so, we say “Happy Mother’s Day” to all.
Since we have been talking about old Pakistani Ads at ATP, it is only fitting that what I have to share with you today is also an Ad; from something called ZONG. I must say that I find the narration a little over done but the sentiment (even if not the poetic craft) is not just appropriate but also moving.
But in terms of what is being discussed on ATP today, maybe the more pertinent post is the one on domestic violence against women. It is mothers who are the victims of this violence. Let their fate not be forgotten today. Or on any day.
One of the most moving song on the subject that I know of is Abrar-ul-Haq’s Maan. It never fails to move me. Mother’s day or not. Unfortunately, I did not find a good video of it on YouTube, so please listen to (and not as much watch) the video below:
But the theme of mothers as stalwarts of support and strength is not a new one. It is one that has been expressed so many times, in so many ways. As it should be. Take a listen to Hamid Ali Bela singing Maee ni meiN kinnu aakhaN.
Excellent Post Dr Najam…
All I can add is this link..:-)
Thanks Rasheed for the kind words. And also for the Ambri reminder. We actually did write about it and link o a recording of it, here (go down to right before the first video). It really is a masterpiece. As I write there this poem (which is on domestic violence, son-on-mother) is amongst the very best of Anwar Masood’s work. It is a truly powerful and amazing poem.
Thanks, Adil, for keeping us involved, entertained and refreshed with valuable memories of the past ……..
“Yaad-i Maazee Azaab Hai Yaaro
CHeen Lay Mujh Say Haafizah May-ra … “!
Your readers might “enjoy” a link to Anwar Mas’ood’s Punjabi poem “Ambri” (mother), although it might be emotionally too strong for some to handle – it makes you cry even if you’ve heard it before. His Punjabi poems including Ambri can be listened to at:
http://www.apnaorg.com/poetry/anwar/audio.html
Also pertinent would be a reference to a great book “Mayree Waalidah” (My Mother) by the late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, a great servant of Pakistan who was nicely featured earlier on ATP.
Keep up the great work and Happy Mothers’ Day to all Pakistani mothers, although I agree that for us, every day should be Mothers’ Day!
@ No one has ever forgotten his/her mother, there is
no logic in fixing a mother’s day atleast in Pakistan or
any “poor” muslim society where you don’t have to
fix a rendez-vous to visit ” old age house ” for abandoned
old folks to kiss your mother and bring flowers or gifts on
mother’s day, everyday is a mother’s day.
Wajood-e-mader-e-Insa’n, baat nehein kal ki,
Yeh to Ka’ainat hay, aur kul bhi hay Ka’ainat ki
Rafay Kashmiri
very nice sentiments and good selection of songs. I also like the second one.