RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)

As conflict and war escalate in many parts of the world, the number of refugees continues to rise—and so do polarising views on migration. In response, we bring you Rivers of Resilience, a powerful new series exploring migrant lives, art, and advocacy as part of Season 4 of RawPods.In this episode, we meet Asma Rashed, who fled the war in Syria, found refuge in Jordan, and eventually resettled in France. While in Jordan, Asma launched a grassroots reading and education initiative for girls, driven by hope and determination amidst displacement.This episode focuses on the beginning of her journey—why she left Syria, and her immediate experience as a refugee in Jordan. Asma's story is one of courage, resilience, and resistance, and we’ll continue our conversation with her in future episodes.#RiversOfResilience #BelongingInMotion #migrationshavestories #multilingual #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #arabic #refugee #anticolonial #community #belonging #support #stories #power #courage #freedom #resilience #literature #reading #letsread #grassroots

Experience the rich tradition of Urdu Sufi poetry in this special episode as we bid goodbye to Ramadan and celebrate Eid. Featuring a journey through Urdu Sufi poetry and timeless works of renowned Urdu Sufi poets, presented by Rafey Zuberi and select verses from Rumi shared by other event guests including Sara Zamir and Talhah, hosted by Muniba. Learn about the history of Sufi poetry, its connection to mysticism and faith, and its enduring influence. Perfect for poetry lovers, spiritual seekers, and those looking to reflect. ✨ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms. RawPods Season 4, Episode 2www.rawanee.com

In this special Ramadan episode of community reflection, we explore the profound themes of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation - both as Divine attributes and as human experiences. The reflections are guided by an understanding of Allah’s names that speak to these traits (as based on Al Ghazali’s work) and based on other texts. Through discussion and reflection, we consider how an understanding of these traits shape our spiritual growth and personal journeys. Tune in to listen, reflect, and find inspiration in this sacred season.Main Contributors: Muniba Mahmud & Saira Farooq,Joined by: Laiba Khan & guestsRawPods Season 4 | Episode 1Connect with us across our channels:Website: Rawanee.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/Rawanee.CreativesFacebook: www.facebook.com/Rawanee.CreativesFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/#reflections #creativethought #ramadan #ghazali #divine#literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

Hammad Rind and Nadir Feroz Khan represent Pakistan and Rawanee as they recite their multilingual work at Poetry Night, at the Poetry Cafe in Feb 2024. The recitations include poetry in languages spoken in Pakistan. Intro Music: Sohni Dharti instrumental by Leo Twins RawPods Season 3 | Episode 5 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #multilingual #independence day #14thaugust #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry 

“Poems from Munir Niazi, Siddiq Kalim and Adeen Taji as shared by their relatives” Spoken to & recited by Akbar Khan (Munir Niazi), Natasha Qureshi (Siddiq Kalim) & Mariam Magsi (Adeen Taji) RawPods Season 3 | Episode 4 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #preservation #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

“Spiritual and reflective poetry to celebrate Arafah Day & Eid ul Adha” Written & recited by Laiba Khan, Muniba Mahmud, Talhah Mohammed RawPods Season 3 | Episode 3

“Poetry that speaks to decolonization” An extract from an event we held at SOAS, university of London in May 2023 - with poetry written and recited by Shaheryar Mirza and Qudsia Akhtar. RawPods Season 3 | Episode 2

“To myself: Conversations Through Time”, is the first episode of Season 3 of RawPods. This episode includes excerpts from a Mehfil we hosted in October 2022. The reciting poets include Laiba Khan, Muniba M, Nadir Feroz Khan (NFK), Rafey Zuberi, Shaheryar Mirza.In season 3 we will move toward more thematic creative expression, as has been our growing focus.RawPods Season 3 | Episode 1Connect with us across our channels:Website: Rawanee.comInstagram: @Rawanee.CreativesFacebook: @RawaneeCreativeTwitter: /RawaneeCreativeFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/#literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

That 14th August should be a time to reflect is possibly the least controversial stance toward it. Here, we hear thoughts that should help us challenge & re examine our perceptions of identity, our attitude toward language and ideas This episode is the first part of a recording of an event we hosted in May 2023 in partnership with SOAS, University of London. It includes conversation on the decolonisation of thought & identity and speaks to the Pakistani context. Speakers: Professor Salman Sayyid Dr Farah Nazir Host: Muniba Mahmud If you enjoy the podcast, please engage with it on our podcast & social media channels, and share it with others who may appreciate it :) Look us up on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (@rawanee.creatives) and X (Rawaneecreative) #pakistan76independenceday #pakistan #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram

This episode is a recording of a Mehfil we hosted on 09th July 2023, which included participation of other Poetry Society stanzas (North Cumbria & Roundel) alongside that of Rawanee’s own members. Participants joined from across 4 countries & 7 cities. The prompt was “Darkness, Light or a combination of both…” RawPods Season 2 | Episode 6 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

This episode is a response to recent events in the world - an attempt to speak to our collective kindness and humanity, to appeal for peace. Sequence: All poets are reciting their own work except in two poems: the fourth poem in the podcast has been penned by Faiz & recited by Riasath, and the final poem has been recited & penned by Daniele based on Ibn Insha’s poem. Other poets in this podcast include SS, NFK, MM RawPods Season 2 | Episode 9 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

There is a wonderland far away Of legend or truth, who can say? For in this land: There’s children on streets And grown men cry Whilst teachers plead Of help from Echo, for she has her plaints But she rolls her eyes, “I ain’t no saint” And the Ladies, they strut dolled in paint For their revelry, little does taint CREDITS Podcast written, directed and conceptualized by: Muniba Mahmud Audio Editing & Concept Execution: Laiba Karim Khan Recitations (Accompanied by Oodles of Patience): Laiba Karim Khan, Muniba Mahmud, Nadir Khan Feroz, Saba Kazmi Echo’s Laugh: Unclaimed 👀 Intro & Outro Music: Vital Signs POEMS / RECITATION SEQUENCE: “Boys don’t Cry” “Sandcastles” “A Teacher’s Plea” “Lady Narcissus Speaks” “Echo’s Plaint” “The Long Wait for Spring” “Words Have Left Me” A NOTE FROM TEAM RAWANEE: A NOTE FROM MUNIBA (TEAM RAWANEE): This is our first attempt at storytelling through poetry, an area I’ve been wanting to write to since long. Audio podcasts have been the first channel & medium for this. If you like this content please engage with it and share it, and please also share constructive feedback with us. If you’d like to be involved in future initiatives as we explore expanding art forms and channels, please reach out: muniba@rawanee.com RawPods Season 2 | Episode 3 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram #motherlandpoetry #e #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

Swiss-born Italian poet of Urdu, whose diversity goes around the globe, Daniele Speziale urf Raahi Itaalvi, is a polyglot with a track record of studying around 15 languages, as well as an aspiring poet, translator, and researcher. Daniele's Urdu and Hindi poems, written under the pen name of Rahi Italvi, are currently being published on Rekhta. He joins us for a beautiful conversation on what inspires him to learn & write in multiple languages, particularly in Urdu & to share some of the beautiful ghazals he has penned. RNZ and NFK from Rawanee’s community join the conversation to recite poetry for Daniele, and he shares poetry in response. Background Music: I Once Met an Enchantress by Humza Rehan https://open.spotify.com/track/66ZRZuDXOvVo0PEQHIBO7p?si=50a9c665a02746e1 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qb5TWaWq29kD3bw6uYI4F?si=2Cosn91CT-a46RzKoy5amQ #creativeauthenticity #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #creativecommunity #urdupoetry #southasianpoetry #literature #southasianliterature #urduliterature #creativity #podcast #polyglot #multiculture #literature #community #diversity #language #Urdu #poetry #music #bollywood #southasia

For Qudsia Akhtar, the higher self is worth pursuing. Her latest sequence of poems is rooted in the journey and the search for the many truths that may appear in various experiences such as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the myth of the Churail. The voices guide. The image of the lote tree often found in Islamic Sufi thought comes to represent the highest form of self-knowledge, which is also key to Iqbal’s Khudi, first outlined in his poetry/philosophy book ‘The Secrets of the Self’. The plurality of those ‘secrets’ suggests a multiplicity. Akhtar considers how in the post-colonial age, our selves, spirituality, and sense of unity is fractured. About the speaker Qudsia Akhtar is in the third year of her Creative Writing Ph.D. at the University of Salford exploring British-Pakistani experience. Her poetry has appeared in the Acumen, Tower Poetry Anthology, The Ofi Press, Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, and Wildness. Her work has been commissioned by the New Creatives scheme and commended in the Forward Book of Poetry 2023. Her debut collection of poems Khamoshi is out with Verve Poetry Press. She explores the concept of a dialogical self: exploring multiple selves, is intrigued by the concept of Iqbal’s sense of the higher self, and the journey of self-discovery. The voice in her poems remains questioning, critical, and intimate. She has written poems about belonging, the injustices surrounding the female experience, the sorrow of the Partition, the loss and distorting of the 1857 Rebellion in India, and quite recently, a new section that explores the myth of the Churail and womanhood. #identity #creativeauthenticity #creativerepresentation #breakingstereotypes #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #creativecommunity

Expressions of Love ❤️ - Izhar e Ishq  - اظہارِ عشق through poetry by Rawanee’s Creative Community. Contribution Credits — Poems Written & Recited by:  "Meray Udas Kamray Mein" by Osama Siddiq "Novelette" by Nadir Khan Feroz "The Lost Spark" by Rafey Zuberi “Sonnet" by Nadir Khan Feroz "Haan Shayad Wohi Ho Tum" by Munazza Ahmed "Forever Love" by Muniba Mahmud RawPods Season 2 | Episode 2 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram #lovepoetry #lovepoems #lovefebruary #expressionsoflove #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #ishq #multilingual

This episode is part of a series of podcast talks in partnership with the Pakistan Literature Festival 2023, with participants of the event. This episode is a conversation with Syed Khawer Mirza, ahead of the upcoming book launch of a work he has edited: the biography of Iskander Mirza Background music: "Remembrance" by Balmorhea https://youtu.be/C-wu2VcYNCA RawPods Season 2 | Episode 5 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

Aks e Rawanee is an Urdu Poetry anthology produced by Rawanee in collaboration with the Stephen Spender Trust, UK. This podcast contains select recitations of poetry penned by some of the anthology’s contributing poets. To read the book online or to order a printed copy, please visit our website: Rawanee.com The Stephen Spender Trust is an initiative to celebrate multilingualism and literary translation. The book has been produced as a translation prompt for its annual Poetry Translation prize that runs annually every summer. This anthology contains original poetry penned by our members, as well as poetry submitted for preservation by family members of the late poets. Included this episode: 1. “Meray Udass Kamray Mein”, written & recited by Osama Sidiqi 2. “Orphan City / Yateem Shehar”, written & recited by Rafey Zuberi 3. “Us Simt Mujh Ko Yar Ne Jane Naheen Diya”, written by Munir Niazi, recited by Akbar Khan 4. “Muskara Raha Hoon Mein”, written by Nadir Feroz Khan, rendition by Hamid Yahya RawPods Season 2 | Episode 4 Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual

Preserving our literary heritage & encouraging innovation and new creative output. How should we be approaching this? As a platform that works toward promoting creative thought and expression, these questions have come to occupy us of late. Luckily, we had the opportunity to hear the informed views of Dr. Waqas Khwaja, whose brilliance and accomplishments have us awestruck. Guest speaker: Dr. Waqas Khwaja  is the Ellen Douglass Leyburn Professor of English at Agnes Scott College where he teaches courses in Postcolonial literature, 18th &  19th-century British literature, and Creative Writing. He obtained his Ph.D. from Emory University, specializing in Victorian fiction. He has published four collections of poetry and a literary travelogue. In addition to three edited anthologies of Pakistani literature, he has served on projects as an editor for translations and other literary projects. His poems and translations have appeared in US, South Asian, European, African, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern publications, literary journals, and anthologies. Moderator and Host: Muniba Mahmud - Team Rawanee Connect with us across our channels: Website: Rawanee.com   Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810/ #literature #poetry #pakistan  #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #writersofinstragram #waqaskhwaja

First published: Mar’22, republished: Oct’23; This episode is a special edition of poetry, "Voices for Humanity" put together under the sad backdrop of war, in March’22. As the world reels from news of the past week, we have put out a call for voices to express support for humanitarianism - to promote peace, and to promote equality.  The poems that we have received from members highlight the sadness and tragedy of war, and also of an inequitable attitude to war that some regions of the world face, and have been written with the intention of increasing awareness and understanding  to promote peace and equality - for everyone in the world.  Updated note, Oct’23: 1.5 years back, our community shared poetry in a podcast episode- Voices for Humanity, against war and against an inequitable attitude to war. Sadly, this is again relevant in a different context & we have re-published this episode. We stand for everyone’s right to peace. Poems and recitations by: Rafey Zuberi: “War Flows Out From the Eyes”  Abid Siddiqi: “Afghani Kid to his Ukrainian Friend”  Shaheryar Ali Mirza: “Blue eyes, blonde hair” Nadir Feroz Khan: “Do I?” Muniba Mahmud: “Of war”, “We heard you say all lives matter”, “All of Humanity”  RawPods are conversations that celebrate creative ideas and expression, and are hosted by Rawanee. For the full text of these poems, please refer to our social media channels: Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative

In February 2022, Rawanee's members got together for another poetry recitation event as part of our "Mehfil with Rawanee" series. Our first session at the start of the year and at what we hope is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, was themed to "Beginnings"; called "Ibtida" in Urdu. Fittingly, we started the session with Iqbal's famous lines capturing his thoughts on "ibtida" and "inteha" (extent), and our members' recitations reflection an array of poetry reflecting on beginnings and beyond.. Tune in for recitations of poetry by Rafey Zuberi, Abid Siddiqi, Nadir Khan Feroz, Shaheryar Ali Mirza, Beenish Hussain and Muniba Mahmud  RawPods are conversations that celebrate creative ideas and expression, and are hosted by Rawanee. You can participate in our conversations by joining our Rawanee community at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810 or by dropping us a message through our website: www.rawanee.com You can also follow us here: YouTube, Spotify: Rawanee Creatives Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Twitter:/RawaneeCreative YouTube