Kulsoomified

Tag: culture

  • 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 Importance of Multilingual Education in India

    By: Kulsoom Abid

    India is a land of linguistic diversity, with over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken across the country. Given this rich multilingual heritage, education systems in India must embrace and integrate multiple languages to ensure inclusive and effective learning. Multilingual education is not just a pedagogical choice but a necessity in a country where language plays a crucial role in identity, culture, and communication.

    Understanding Multilingual Education

    Multilingual education refers to the use of two or more languages in teaching and learning processes. In India, this is often implemented through a combination of the mother tongue, regional language, Hindi, and English. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reinforced the importance of multilingualism, advocating for instruction in the mother tongue at least until Grade 5, and preferably until Grade 8.

    Benefits of Multilingual Education in India

    1. Strengthens Cognitive Development

    Children who learn in multiple languages develop stronger cognitive abilities, including better problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability. Studies show that multilingual individuals tend to have enhanced memory retention and mental flexibility.

    2. Improves Learning Outcomes

    When students are taught in their mother tongue during early education, they grasp concepts more effectively. Research indicates that children learning in their native language perform better in subjects like mathematics and science compared to those who are taught in an unfamiliar language.

    3. Preserves Cultural and Linguistic Heritage

    Multilingual education helps preserve India’s linguistic diversity by ensuring that regional and tribal languages continue to thrive. It prevents language extinction and fosters a deeper appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage.

    4. Enhances Social Inclusion

    Many students, especially from rural and tribal areas, struggle with mainstream education because they are taught in a language unfamiliar to them. Multilingual education promotes inclusivity by ensuring that children from diverse linguistic backgrounds have equal access to quality education.

    5. Increases Employment Opportunities

    In a globalized world, proficiency in multiple languages opens up better job opportunities. Knowledge of English, along with regional and foreign languages, makes individuals more competitive in national and international markets.

    6. Strengthens National Unity

    India’s linguistic diversity is often seen as a challenge, but multilingual education can turn it into an asset. Encouraging students to learn multiple Indian languages fosters mutual understanding, reduces language-based discrimination, and strengthens national unity.

    Challenges in Implementing Multilingual Education

    Despite its advantages, multilingual education in India faces several challenges:

    • Shortage of trained teachers proficient in multiple languages.
    • Lack of quality educational materials in regional and tribal languages.
    • Resistance to change, with many parents preferring English as the medium of instruction.
    • Administrative hurdles in standardizing multilingual curricula across states.

    Way Forward

    To fully harness the benefits of multilingual education, India needs:

    • More teacher training programs focusing on multilingual instruction.
    • Investment in developing textbooks and digital resources in various languages.
    • Public awareness campaigns to educate parents on the benefits of mother-tongue-based learning.
    • Policy implementation and monitoring to ensure effective execution of NEP 2020’s multilingual approach.

    Conclusion

    Multilingual education is vital for India’s future, as it enhances learning, promotes inclusivity, and preserves cultural heritage. By embracing linguistic diversity in education, India can build a more knowledgeable, united, and globally competitive society. With proper implementation and awareness, multilingual education can become a powerful tool for national development, ensuring that every child, regardless of their linguistic background, receives an equitable and enriching learning experience.

    Thank you for reading!