Kulsoomified

Tag: books

  • Voices of the Bhakti Movement: Poems that Still Resonate

    As mid-April blossoms into Pohela Boishakh, Baisakhi, and Ambedkar Jayanti, we witness not just seasonal or cultural shifts—but spiritual reminders. These dates mark beginnings, harvests, revolutions of identity, and the dignity of selfhood. What better moment to revisit the deeply personal and profoundly political verses of the Bhakti Movement?

    The Bhakti saints spoke in simple tongues, but their words had the weight of mountains. They shattered caste walls, defied societal norms, and chose poetry as their protest and prayer.

    These poems weren’t written for scholars. They were written for people like us—soulful, weary, hopeful. And yes, they still speak.

    1. Mirabai – The Lover Devotee of Krishna

    Picture Source : Wikipedia

    Poem:
    “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi,
    Jaake sir mor mukut, mero pati soi.”

    Meaning:
    “My only beloved is Giridhar Gopal (Krishna), I belong to none else.
    The one who wears the peacock feather crown—that alone is my husband.”

    Why it resonates today:

    Mirabai’s defiance of patriarchal norms mirrors the journeys of modern women choosing self-love over societal pressure, or standing by partners and dreams that the world may not approve of. Her devotion is echoed in every woman choosing authenticity over conformity. In interfaith relationships, LGBTQ+ love, and bold artistic self-expression—Mira still sings.

    2. Kabir – The Weaver of Eternal Truths

    Picture Source: artofit.org

    Poem:
    “Bura jo dekhan main chala, bura na milya koi,
    Jo man khoja aapna, mujhse bura na koi.”

    Meaning:
    “I went out to find evil in others, but found none.
    When I looked within myself, I realized none was worse than me.”

    Why it resonates today:

    In a digital age full of cancel culture, online outrage, and blaming others for everything—from politics to personal woes—Kabir reminds us to turn inward. This poem is a guide to emotional maturity and self-awareness. It’s a timeless push toward introspection over judgment.

    3. Tukaram – The Farmer Mystic

    Picture Source: Pinterest

    Poem:
    “Pandharicha mahatva kon jane re,
    Techi jane jyancha bhaktichya bhare.”

    Meaning:
    “Who truly knows the greatness of Pandharpur?
    Only those drenched in the flood of devotion.”

    Why it resonates today:

    Tukaram’s poetry connects deeply with today’s grassroots voices, farmers’ protests, and simple folk whose faith is their survival. His verses still sing in every rural home where belief and struggle live side by side. In a world that often ignores the rural, the underpaid, and the overlooked—Tukaram remains a voice of dignity.

    4. Andal – The Divine Girl of Tamil Bhakti

    Picture Source : Wikipedia

    Poem (from Tiruppavai):
    “Margazhi thingal madhi niraindha nannalal
    Neerada podhuvir, podhumino!”

    Meaning:
    “This is the auspicious month of Margazhi, lit with moonlight.
    Come, let us bathe and celebrate together!”

    Why it resonates today:

    Andal’s poetry feels like a call to collective feminine joy. In today’s world of sisterhood circles, girlhood revivals, women’s retreats, and sacred feminine movements, her invitation to spiritually bathe together is an ancient version of modern self-care, sisterhood, and divine femininity.

    5. Ravidas – The Voice of Equality

    Picture Source : Indian Postal Stamp, Wikipedia

    Poem:
    “Begampura sheher ka naam, dukh andohu nahi jisme dham.”

    Meaning:
    “The name of the city is Begampura—
    A city with no sorrow or suffering.”

    Why it resonates today:

    This verse is an anthem for every activist, every oppressed voice, and every dreamer of justice. It resonates during Ambedkar Jayanti when India remembers the long fight for equality. Ravidas’s “Begampura” is today’s utopia—where caste, class, and gender don’t define opportunity. It lives in protests, in policy demands, and in people who still believe a better world is possible.

    So, Why Now?

    Because we are once again in a time where:

    • Love is politicized.
    • Faith is divided.
    • Women are questioning roles.
    • The marginalized are rising.
    • And amidst the noise, the soul still longs for truth and tenderness.

    These verses are not just relics—they are resonances.
    They live in:

    • A girl posting poetry on Instagram about heartbreak and the cosmos.
    • A Dalit student topping civil services.
    • A farmer holding onto faith during floods.

    Endnote: Bhakti is not Blind

    Bhakti is not about superstition or subservience. It is about devotion as power.
    It is about surrender—not to oppression, but to truth, love, and purpose.

    This Pohela Boishakh, Baisakhi, and Ambedkar Jayanti, let us not only light lamps and wear new clothes—
    Let us light a fire of poetry inside.
    Let us listen to voices that refused to stay quiet, even centuries ago.

    Because maybe, in the quiet of your heart,
    Mirabai still weeps.
    Kabir still questions.
    Ravidas still dreams.
    Andal still sings.
    And you, dear reader, still feel.

    Thank you for reading!

  • The Curious Caterpillar Clara

    The Curious Caterpillar Clara

    Once upon a time in the green jungle, there lived a little caterpillar named Clara. This little caterpillar is so curious; she likes discovering a lot of goods. She’d crawl over leaves, wiggle through the field, or indeed climb trees just to give herself another view.

    One day, while wandering, Clara chanced upon a group of colorful butterflies that sounded to play about. They fluttered gaily in the air and sparkled under the sun with their bodies. She watched in complete astonishment and told herself that she wanted to be as enough and free as they were. There she stood for hours, imagining herself having wings and flying truly grandly over in the treetops.

    That evening, Clara was back home describing the dreams to her ma.” Mum, will I one day become a butterfly?” she asked.

    Her ma smiled vocally.” Clara, you are destined to do great things. Every creature in the timber has its special trip. Yours will come to light in good time. For now, keep discovering and enjoying the sheer pleasure of being yourself.”

    And so, the little girl Clara was inspired by the words of her ma. She began to produce. From fallen leaves, outgrowths, and petals, she made colors on the timber bottom. Trees, by her, were painted with slush and berries. The timber became a living gallery. All the brutes came to see the view.

    And Clara slowly started to change. The spirit that raised her appetite to explore and produce bloomed, so did the excitement to enjoy this lift. It was one morning, and she was truly sleepy, and over there on one of the coziest leaves, Clara long napped. When she rose, she was different — light, strong, and ever complete.

    She had come a beautiful butterfly. Her wings held colours of the rainbow – all colours, tones, tinctures, tones and tinctures of all the art that she did in the timber. flopping her bodies, she soared into the sky. Feeling it blow beneath her bodies for the truly first time in her life, she rose grandly above the treetops, just the way she always conceited
    it to be.

    Moral of the Story: Embrace your creativity and be your own true-self. Everyone grows at their own pace, and people shine when its their time to shine. All your dreams can just come true, you just need to be patient.

    ©Copyright Note: The images in the story are created by the author of the blog. Using the images without permission will be considered illegal.

    Feel free to comment below and give your suggestions, views and reviews.

    Thank You for Reading!

    Leave a comment

  • Gift

    Hello to the people reading this, today I have a gift for you all. The gift of hope, the gift of magic, the gift of love and the gift of words. All of us have always heard people say that books are our best friend, but why do they say so? They do it because, at the times of grief, uncertainty and self-doubt, there is nothing better than a few words that can provide you hope, faith and strength. So today I have brought my 10 all-time favourite lines for you. This is my gift for you. For supporting my blog my work and showering your love upon me. Thank you.

    10 All-Time Favourite Lines

    • “ I can do this…I can start over. I can save my own life and I’m never going to be alone as long as I have stars to wish upon and people to still love.” – Jennifer Elisabeth
    • “ I want to be magic. I want to touch the heart of the world and make it smile. I want to be a friend of elves and live in a tree. Or under a hill. I want to marry a moonbeam and hear the stars sing. I don’t want to pretend at magic anymore. I want to be magic.” – Charles De Lint
    • “ Believe something and the Universe is on it’s way to being changed. Because you’ve changed, by believing. Once you’ve changed, other things start to follow.” – Diane Duane
    • “ Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.” – Lady Gaga
    • “ Not knowing you can’t do something, is sometimes all it takes to do it.” – Ally Carter
    • “ Don’t worry if people think you’re crazy. You are crazy. You have that kind of intoxicating insanity that lets other people dream outside of the lines and become who they’re destined to be.” – Jennifer Elisabeth
    • “ Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classic, good, and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.” – William Faulkner
    • “ The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” – Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie
    • “ Home is the people inside your heart, not the place where you all sleep.” – A.M.Hudson
    • “ Be that strong girl that everyone knew would make it through the worst, be that fearless girl, the one who would dare to do anything, be that independent girl who didn’t need a man; be that girl who never backed down.” – Taylor Swift

    Bonus Lines

    • “ You’ve got this life and while you’ve got it, you’d better kiss like you only have one moment, try to hold someone’s hand like you will never get another chance to, look into people’s eyes like they’re the last you’ll ever see, watch someone sleeping like there’s no time left, jump if you feel like jumping, run if you feel like running, play music in your head where there is none, and eat cake like it’s the only one left in the world!” – C.JoyBell C
    • “ Believe in your heart. Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles. ” – Roy T. Bennett
    • “ And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. ” – Roald Dahl

    I hope you all liked it. Thanks once again guys and write if there are a few lines which you would like to share with us in the comments section below. Love each and every one of you reading this.

    Thank you for reading.

  • The Velveteen Rabbit

    I have been reading children books these days, it’s my “back-to-basics” method. Before the age of 12 I never really liked books so I haven’t read many which brought me here, reading stuff I should have read (10 years) before.

    I landed over a book called “The Velveteen Rabbit ”

    The Velveteen Rabbit is a British children’s book written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real through the love of his owner. The book was first published in 1922.

    Image Source: Google Books. Information Source: Wikipedia.

    and I read something I couldn’t keep myself from sharing. So in case, you haven’t read this book or you don’t have time to, I am sharing one of the most beautiful things I came across.

    Here it is.

    ‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’

    ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit.

    ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’

    ‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’

    ‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.

    – The Velveteen Rabbit

    By Margery Williams Bianco

    I’m so in love with this book and I recommend this. So if you have time or you are stressed and need a book to just relax your mind, do try this one.

    Thank you for reading.

  • The Door

    The Door

    They say close the door when someone leaves,
    “ it’s easy”, is that what you believe?
    How can you close the door,
    When you hope the person will return?
    How can you close the door,
    When you are scared you’ll lose your turn?
    The door to my heart will never be closed for you my love,
    There are wall too, the ones I wish you cloud climb above.
    Maybe I should let go of all the hopes,
    But my heart will never let me close the doors.
    Even after years of your departure,
    The door will still be wide open,
    As my heart will forever await your arrival.
    I’m waiting for you,
    Standing near the door,
    I hope you will come soon,
    At least before I’m no more.

    – ©Kulsoom Abid

    Here’s another poem by me, I hope you all will like it. Your views, reviews and suggestions are most welcomed. Feel free to comment and below.

    Thank you for reading.

  • तस्वीर

    Hello everyone, I was just wondering I never posted anything in Hindi. So here’s a poem by me in Hindi.

    तस्वीर

    बस एक तेरी तस्वीर ही है अब मेरे पास, वरना बचा क्या है?
    रिश्ता ज़िंदा है आज भी मेरे दिल में,
    वरना निभाने की वजह क्या है?
    माना नाराज़ थे हम,
    पर खफा तुम भी तो थे…
    मेरी बेरुखी की वजह तुम भी तो थे|
    “प्यार है तुमसे, लौट आओ”, कहा था हमने
    “नहीं, चले जाओ”, अलफ़ाज़ तुम्हारे ही तो थे|
    मेरे दिल में हो तुम, इसलिए इन कविताओं में हो…
    ये कवितायेँ, ये एहसास, ये प्यार ही तो है
    वरना बचा क्या है?
    एक तेरी तस्वीर से इश्क़ निभाने की
    वरना वजह क्या है?

    – ©Kulsoom Abid

    Your views are reviews are most welcomed, feel free yo comment below.

    Thank you for reading.

  • My Guilty Pleasure

    Picture by: ©Kulsoom Abid

    Hey people, I’m a book lover!

    This is the first novel I read. The only thought in my mind was, “Novels are BORING!”… But this was my Christmas gift and I love my gifts no matter what. So there I was sitting in my room, opening the first page of this nicely coloured book. (Yes, I judged the book by it’s cover! But what do you expect from a 12year old?)

    Unexpectedly I got lost in the stories. As the tales proceeded, I laughed when the author laughed, I felt sad when he did and I even shed tears when something went bad…Was I in love? Hell yes! I was in love with reading!

    I just love how books, novels, poems and stories take me to a different world. A world that I never knew even existed.

    And since than I have never stopped reading and it has become my very own guilty pleasure.

    Tell me about the first novel you read or any guilty pleasure of yours in the comments.

    Thank you for reading.

    ©K.@bid