Daak Weekly: The Essence of Human Experience
After years of immersion in the world of literature and art at Daak — seven and a half, to be precise — we find ourselves faced with a simple truth. From stories to poems, songs to folklore, and art to philosophy, it appears that all who have sought truth through creative expression ultimately arrive at the same conclusion: love is the essence of human experience. Amidst the allure of fame, riches, and beauty, love remains the worthiest pursuit, even if it sounds simplistic. So, as we close out this year, we bring you two of our favourite pieces that remind us of love's significance, especially when it challenges us.
Nature and evolution have programmed us to pay close attention to things that strike us as different. While it empowered our ancestors who had to defend their turf from unknown predators, in modern life, this ability is perhaps no longer a gift. Often, it embroils us in meaningless “us versus them” disputes based on markers like skin colour, attire and social customs. What if we woke up one day and found these differences dissolving? What if we found our hearts full of love for those that we perceive to be different from us? Kunwar Narayan imagines this beautiful utopia in his humourous poem “Ek Ajeeb Si Mushkil” (A Strange Problem).
Closer to home, we often find it more challenging to love our own kin than perfect strangers. With the heavy baggage of years that familial relationships carry, it is often our own parents or siblings we find the hardest to forgive. Perhaps the most profound influencers in childhood, siblings especially can be a source of great joy or distress; they can be a dependable source of companionship and security, but also of envy and conflict. This layered kinship is captured beautifully in Premchand’s short story, “Bade Bhai Sahab” (My Elder Brother).
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we hope that you choose love in all its forms: compassion, courage, trust, forgiveness and gratitude. A very happy new year to you and your loved ones!
Love,
Team Daak
Fill your new year with the beauty of poetry and get this soul-expanding Poetry Calendar - a perfect desk companion that offers daily inspiration. The best part? It can be used year on year! Also, explore our full range of gifts on the Daak Shop. Thank you
