Kashmiri Women by B Prabha and Priye, Main Hoon Ek Paheli Bhi by Mahadevi Verma
This week in Daak:
1. Kashmiri Women by B Prabha
2. Priye, Main Hoon Ek Paheli Bhi by Mahadevi Verma
3. Introducing Our New Thing of Beauty
1. Kashmiri Women by B Prabha, Sotheby’s
We loved B Prabha’s little trick in naming this poem — you may come to it expecting a visual ethnography of the women of Kashmir; instead, you will find the warmth and intimacy of female friendship! This obscure little picture is by no means counted amongst Prabha’s most famous creations or even characteristic of her typical style (graceful, grieving women). In fact, it is quite reminiscent of illustrations one finds in children’s books. But to us, it is one of her most cherished works as it captures the essence of sisterly affection and comfort. Send this to a woman after your own heart this Women’s Day!
2. Priye, Main Hoon Ek Paheli Bhi by Mahadevi Verma
jitna madhu, jitna madhur haas
jitna mad teri chitvan mein
jitna krandan, jitna vishaad
jitna vish jag ke spandan me
pi pi main chir dukh-pyas bani
sukh-sarita ki rangoli bhi!
mere pratiromon se avirat,
jharte hain nirjhar aur aag;
karti virakti aasakti pyar,
mere shwason me jaag jaag;
priye main seema ki godpali
par hoon aseem se kheli bhi!
//
However much nectar, however much sweet laughter,
However much intoxication in your glance
However much weeping, however much sadness
However much poison in the trembling of the universe
Drinking it all, I have an ancient thirst for sadness,
But also the merriment of the river of joy.
Ceaselessly, from all pores of my being,
Flows the torrent and the fire.
I love detachment and desire
Awakening in my breath.
Dear one, I was cradled in the lap of limitation,
But I have also played with the limitless.Mahadevi Verma’s poem captures the essential contrasts of womanhood – toughness and softness, sweetness mingled with sadness, laughter juxtaposed with ferocity and above all, a boundless ambition. She not only bares the source of both, her strength and weakness, her joy and sorrow, the very core of her womanhood, but also gives us a life manifesto – of defying limitations and aiming for the limitless.
3. Introducing Our New Thing of Beauty
You probably know by now that we’re partial to flowers and so, to mark the arrival of Spring, we’re thrilled to launch the Daak Floral Trays that combine traditional woodwork with delicate illustrations of flowers found in the subcontinent. Light up your meals, snacks or teatime with these colourful trays.
