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The Other Side of the Divide: A Journey into the Heart of Pakistan
Pegged on journalist Sameer Arshad Khatlani's visit to Pakistan, this book provides insights into the country beyond what we already know about it. These include details on the impact of India's soft power, thanks to Bollywood, and the remnants of Pakistan's multireligious past, and how it frittered away advantages of impressive growth in the first three decades of its existence by embracing religious conservatism.
The book profiles extraordinary people-lawyers, poets, musicians and even a former military chief-who stood up to an oppressive state. It has historical anecdotes, like the story of an ordinary woman who became the 'muse and mistress', and often the 'brains behind the regime of a swinging general' who led Pakistan to ignominy in the 1971 war, that of a Sikh family which dared to swim against the tide to stay back in Pakistan after Partition, and a prostitute's son who uses his art to humanize commercial sex workers in defiance of a conservative society.
The book attempts to present a contemporary portrait of Pakistan-where prohibition remains only on paper and one of the biggest taxpayers is a Parsee-owned brewery-as a complicated and conflicted country suspended between tradition and modernity.
The book profiles extraordinary people-lawyers, poets, musicians and even a former military chief-who stood up to an oppressive state. It has historical anecdotes, like the story of an ordinary woman who became the 'muse and mistress', and often the 'brains behind the regime of a swinging general' who led Pakistan to ignominy in the 1971 war, that of a Sikh family which dared to swim against the tide to stay back in Pakistan after Partition, and a prostitute's son who uses his art to humanize commercial sex workers in defiance of a conservative society.
The book attempts to present a contemporary portrait of Pakistan-where prohibition remains only on paper and one of the biggest taxpayers is a Parsee-owned brewery-as a complicated and conflicted country suspended between tradition and modernity.
- GenresNonfictionPakistanTravel
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
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April 9, 2020
A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF PAKISTAN by Sameer Arshad Khatlani
A catchy title for a book that talks about Indian and Pakistan. And why not should it be, there is always a lot to talk about whenever such topics are discussed or talked upon.
With roots in the history, from the separation of Twins to the last day. Let me tell you about what the book holds for you, Welcome to the review of this "Distinctive story"
The book opens with a smooth one way narrative of the author, as if speaking to you. The narration style is a good fit for the story. The first chapter named "Separated Twins", Author presenting the weather sketch with his words and weaving the plot along with an introduction to those leaders who were the part of major Historical events. The separation. Telling you about the word "Twins" might be too unusual as you might have already guessed what the Twins mean.
The audacity with which the author presents the information is something that I admire THE MOST when it comes to the things that I liked about this book. Like this statement "Golwalkar considered them ‘the real enemy’ and‘despoilers’. He wanted Muslims to stay in the country wholly subordinated to the Hindu nation, claiming nothing, not even citizen’s rights" there are several others which are a part of history. It might prove as informative to some while thought-provoking or else. Undoubtedly the partition was one of those events that will make the listener tremble, the hardship faced the turmoil at the social level and personal level, the disturbance, still resonates somewhere, and is visible in the movies, authors and works related to the event.
The book. brimming with dates and events proves itself to be informative. But as we proceed it might sometime seem a more kind history book, not so gripping. Well, I guess with the intense content that it is sharing it is doing well with the presentation. If there were layers of stories that envelope the accounts then it would have been more engaging as well as gripping.
The story of India and Pakistan is not enough if the term KASHMIR does not comes in, a conflict from ages. The content and the perspective is from a different perspective but not from the birds-eye view, (egalitarian or unswayed specifically). The content that the book holds, what it speaks, is referenced from different books and information resources. There is nothing much distinctive in it though but I observe a hint of influence with the flow of content. Still, it holds a very clear focus on what it needs to present.
One thing that I observed and admire is the balance in the composition of the content. Ranging from the beauty of relation, the culture, lands and startling intense events the spectrum holds the vividness of gloom and shine.
The work and efforts for the book are significant and makes it worthy to be read. It is a great amalgamation of content and opinions, but to read it being unswayed is important. It is not about someone being right or wrong but if influenced by the thought it goes beyond the concept of right and wrong. The story and content scratch the events to bring specific points up.
A catchy title for a book that talks about Indian and Pakistan. And why not should it be, there is always a lot to talk about whenever such topics are discussed or talked upon.
With roots in the history, from the separation of Twins to the last day. Let me tell you about what the book holds for you, Welcome to the review of this "Distinctive story"
The book opens with a smooth one way narrative of the author, as if speaking to you. The narration style is a good fit for the story. The first chapter named "Separated Twins", Author presenting the weather sketch with his words and weaving the plot along with an introduction to those leaders who were the part of major Historical events. The separation. Telling you about the word "Twins" might be too unusual as you might have already guessed what the Twins mean.
The audacity with which the author presents the information is something that I admire THE MOST when it comes to the things that I liked about this book. Like this statement "Golwalkar considered them ‘the real enemy’ and‘despoilers’. He wanted Muslims to stay in the country wholly subordinated to the Hindu nation, claiming nothing, not even citizen’s rights" there are several others which are a part of history. It might prove as informative to some while thought-provoking or else. Undoubtedly the partition was one of those events that will make the listener tremble, the hardship faced the turmoil at the social level and personal level, the disturbance, still resonates somewhere, and is visible in the movies, authors and works related to the event.
The book. brimming with dates and events proves itself to be informative. But as we proceed it might sometime seem a more kind history book, not so gripping. Well, I guess with the intense content that it is sharing it is doing well with the presentation. If there were layers of stories that envelope the accounts then it would have been more engaging as well as gripping.
The story of India and Pakistan is not enough if the term KASHMIR does not comes in, a conflict from ages. The content and the perspective is from a different perspective but not from the birds-eye view, (egalitarian or unswayed specifically). The content that the book holds, what it speaks, is referenced from different books and information resources. There is nothing much distinctive in it though but I observe a hint of influence with the flow of content. Still, it holds a very clear focus on what it needs to present.
One thing that I observed and admire is the balance in the composition of the content. Ranging from the beauty of relation, the culture, lands and startling intense events the spectrum holds the vividness of gloom and shine.
The work and efforts for the book are significant and makes it worthy to be read. It is a great amalgamation of content and opinions, but to read it being unswayed is important. It is not about someone being right or wrong but if influenced by the thought it goes beyond the concept of right and wrong. The story and content scratch the events to bring specific points up.
April 20, 2020
Book Title: The Other Side of the Divide
Author: Sameer Arshad Khatani
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ‘ The Other Side of the Divide – The Journey Into the Heart of Pakistan ‘ is very emotional, intriguing and special.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a beautiful art with bright colors, flowers, and leaves. The title and the image set a compulsive mood to read the book.
About the author:
Sameer Arshad Khatlani is a journalist with Hindustan Times. He was a senior assistant editor with the Indian Express until June 2018. Born and raised in Kashmir, Khatlani began his career with the now-defunct Bengaluru-based Vijay Times in 2005 as its national-affairs correspondent. He joined the Times of India in 2007. Over the next nine years, he was part of the newspaper’s national and international news-gathering team. Khatlani has reported from Iraq and Pakistan and covered elections and national disasters. He has a master’s degree in history from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and is a fellow with the Hawaii-based American East-West Center, which was established by the United States Congress in 1960 to promote better relations with Asian and Pacific countries.
About the book:
Pegged on journalist Sameer Arshad Khatlani’s visit to Pakistan, this book provides insights into the country beyond what we already know about it. These include details on the impact of India’s soft power, thanks to Bollywood, and the remnants of Pakistan’s multireligious past, and how it frittered away advantages of impressive growth in the first three decades of its existence by embracing religious conservatism. The book profiles extraordinary people-lawyers, poets, musicians and, even a former military chief-who stood up to an oppressive state. It has historical anecdotes, like the story of an ordinary woman who became the ‘muse and mistress’, and often the ‘brains behind the regime of a swinging general’ who led Pakistan to ignominy in the 1971 war, that of a Sikh family which dared to swim against the tide to stay back in Pakistan after Partition, and a prostitute’s son who uses his art to humanize commercial sex workers in defiance of a conservative society. The book attempts to present a contemporary portrait of Pakistan-where prohibition remains only on paper and one of the biggest taxpayers is a Parsee-owned brewery-as a complicated and conflicted country suspended between tradition and modernity.
My review:
It was during the year 1996 Pepsi Sharjah Cup, India vs Pakistan match which ignited the 13-year-old teenager in me woke with a feminine feeling when Saqlian Mushtaq, Pakistani bowler was bowling. Since that moment I have created a huge crush on him. But, there was a Catch-22 situation that whenever there was a cricket match between Indian and Pakistan, there was a different mood in the house and inside me and never ever got a chance to express my attraction towards Saqqi. It was later during my young adulthood I could sense and understand why is this ill-feeling towards the country and the team is developed. It was then I got to read a book on partition in 1947. Since that day, I always had in my mind what must be in the minds of the people who follow religions other than Islam in Pakistan. Again, I had no good soul in my fraternity who would explain to me.
It was in 2013, a Telugu movie named Sahasam, based on the Hinjala Devi Temple, in Pakistan took over my mind again. The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peetas in Hindusim. When I have come to know that the temple is in Pakistan, it blew my mind off. I cursed myself for being so dumb and thus my reading about temples, Hinduism and lives of people who chose Pakistan after the partition has begun. I have followed many videos, white papers and, books based on this topic but never came across a perfectly articulated book.
Every once in a while, it is not so surprising that we come across certain books that have the power to surprise or shock us. But this book that started on a different node has completely changed the tangent of thinking once I reached the end of the book. This book not only gave me so much information but also made me emotional. Each of the stories inside the book is so heartening to read that the readers inside travels along with the author and his beautiful narration. The hard truths and bitter things we usually hear from some of the media houses, people, articles and etc medium all stand obsolete once the intent of the book gets into our minds. It’s all the same on the other side of the line. The author has fantastically explained his journey from the moment he applied a Visa to Lahore until he wrote this book. It’s a feast to the readers who always look for an adventurous yet soulful read that will insatiate the thirst to read a ‘ Good Book ‘.
This is definitely and highly recommended book and during these times of lockdown, it a must-read to understand that everyone, at last, is made up of flesh and bones and are called humans no matter whatever the situations were, are and will be. Thank you so much Author Sameer for making my reading hobby worthy and meaningful.
What I like:
1. The misinterpretations that usually build up in one’s mind about Pakistan as a country and that it that hates Indians are presented very nicely.
2. Many unknown facts that date back to times before 1947 are described interestingly.
3. The fact that there is an unknown side inside the lives of the people of Pakistan is coherently illustrated.
4. The real stories that the Author has picked up and explained in the book are things that everyone might have once thought at least for a second.
5. It is always a trivial situation where the thought of people who chose to live on the other side of partitioned land are named with unwanted names
6. Though many people since decades have written books on Indian, Pakistan before and after partition, this book for some reason has a profound effect due to the facts mentioned.
What I didn’t like:
There is absolutely nothing to dislike.
Narration:
Some books create a fictional world with the fictional characters of the book. Some books take the readers into a virtually created real world that holds great history, unknown facts and, known absurd theories. This is one of such books that took me into an illusion with reality, that is quite contradicting. This credit in a positive way goes to the author who has narrated unknown facts and aspects most interestingly.
Language & Grammar:
An impeccable language with rich vocabulary is found in the book. The flawless English language creates an extra pole of interest while reading and here the author has done exactly the same. His experience reflects in the language used in the book.
My Final Verdict:
An extremely interesting book about the then days before the partition
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Inside the book: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
Author: Sameer Arshad Khatani
Format: Kindle
Book Title:
The title of the book ‘ The Other Side of the Divide – The Journey Into the Heart of Pakistan ‘ is very emotional, intriguing and special.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a beautiful art with bright colors, flowers, and leaves. The title and the image set a compulsive mood to read the book.
About the author:
Sameer Arshad Khatlani is a journalist with Hindustan Times. He was a senior assistant editor with the Indian Express until June 2018. Born and raised in Kashmir, Khatlani began his career with the now-defunct Bengaluru-based Vijay Times in 2005 as its national-affairs correspondent. He joined the Times of India in 2007. Over the next nine years, he was part of the newspaper’s national and international news-gathering team. Khatlani has reported from Iraq and Pakistan and covered elections and national disasters. He has a master’s degree in history from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi and is a fellow with the Hawaii-based American East-West Center, which was established by the United States Congress in 1960 to promote better relations with Asian and Pacific countries.
About the book:
Pegged on journalist Sameer Arshad Khatlani’s visit to Pakistan, this book provides insights into the country beyond what we already know about it. These include details on the impact of India’s soft power, thanks to Bollywood, and the remnants of Pakistan’s multireligious past, and how it frittered away advantages of impressive growth in the first three decades of its existence by embracing religious conservatism. The book profiles extraordinary people-lawyers, poets, musicians and, even a former military chief-who stood up to an oppressive state. It has historical anecdotes, like the story of an ordinary woman who became the ‘muse and mistress’, and often the ‘brains behind the regime of a swinging general’ who led Pakistan to ignominy in the 1971 war, that of a Sikh family which dared to swim against the tide to stay back in Pakistan after Partition, and a prostitute’s son who uses his art to humanize commercial sex workers in defiance of a conservative society. The book attempts to present a contemporary portrait of Pakistan-where prohibition remains only on paper and one of the biggest taxpayers is a Parsee-owned brewery-as a complicated and conflicted country suspended between tradition and modernity.
My review:
It was during the year 1996 Pepsi Sharjah Cup, India vs Pakistan match which ignited the 13-year-old teenager in me woke with a feminine feeling when Saqlian Mushtaq, Pakistani bowler was bowling. Since that moment I have created a huge crush on him. But, there was a Catch-22 situation that whenever there was a cricket match between Indian and Pakistan, there was a different mood in the house and inside me and never ever got a chance to express my attraction towards Saqqi. It was later during my young adulthood I could sense and understand why is this ill-feeling towards the country and the team is developed. It was then I got to read a book on partition in 1947. Since that day, I always had in my mind what must be in the minds of the people who follow religions other than Islam in Pakistan. Again, I had no good soul in my fraternity who would explain to me.
It was in 2013, a Telugu movie named Sahasam, based on the Hinjala Devi Temple, in Pakistan took over my mind again. The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peetas in Hindusim. When I have come to know that the temple is in Pakistan, it blew my mind off. I cursed myself for being so dumb and thus my reading about temples, Hinduism and lives of people who chose Pakistan after the partition has begun. I have followed many videos, white papers and, books based on this topic but never came across a perfectly articulated book.
Every once in a while, it is not so surprising that we come across certain books that have the power to surprise or shock us. But this book that started on a different node has completely changed the tangent of thinking once I reached the end of the book. This book not only gave me so much information but also made me emotional. Each of the stories inside the book is so heartening to read that the readers inside travels along with the author and his beautiful narration. The hard truths and bitter things we usually hear from some of the media houses, people, articles and etc medium all stand obsolete once the intent of the book gets into our minds. It’s all the same on the other side of the line. The author has fantastically explained his journey from the moment he applied a Visa to Lahore until he wrote this book. It’s a feast to the readers who always look for an adventurous yet soulful read that will insatiate the thirst to read a ‘ Good Book ‘.
This is definitely and highly recommended book and during these times of lockdown, it a must-read to understand that everyone, at last, is made up of flesh and bones and are called humans no matter whatever the situations were, are and will be. Thank you so much Author Sameer for making my reading hobby worthy and meaningful.
What I like:
1. The misinterpretations that usually build up in one’s mind about Pakistan as a country and that it that hates Indians are presented very nicely.
2. Many unknown facts that date back to times before 1947 are described interestingly.
3. The fact that there is an unknown side inside the lives of the people of Pakistan is coherently illustrated.
4. The real stories that the Author has picked up and explained in the book are things that everyone might have once thought at least for a second.
5. It is always a trivial situation where the thought of people who chose to live on the other side of partitioned land are named with unwanted names
6. Though many people since decades have written books on Indian, Pakistan before and after partition, this book for some reason has a profound effect due to the facts mentioned.
What I didn’t like:
There is absolutely nothing to dislike.
Narration:
Some books create a fictional world with the fictional characters of the book. Some books take the readers into a virtually created real world that holds great history, unknown facts and, known absurd theories. This is one of such books that took me into an illusion with reality, that is quite contradicting. This credit in a positive way goes to the author who has narrated unknown facts and aspects most interestingly.
Language & Grammar:
An impeccable language with rich vocabulary is found in the book. The flawless English language creates an extra pole of interest while reading and here the author has done exactly the same. His experience reflects in the language used in the book.
My Final Verdict:
An extremely interesting book about the then days before the partition
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Inside the book: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
May 3, 2020
The book “The Other Side of The Divide” is a historical fiction written by Sameer Arshad Khatlani. As one might guess from the name, this book portrays the partition story of India and Pakistan. Yeah right, partition! Caught your interest? I bet I did.
Honestly, talking about partition and the numerous associated heart rendering stories has always been painful to all of us, from either side of the border. And I believe writing about the same with all the minute facts and details must have been really challenging yet enthralling. The information catered in this plot is absolutely thought provoking. The author has beautifully penned down the turmoil that prevailed at both social as well as personal levels during the partition days and how it still resonates in certain regions on either side of the border. The narration was truly appreciable as it helped me connect with the characters of the book quite well.
Furthermore, I appreciate the author for providing an insight on such a sensitive topic, which trust me, you have never read on any book or have watched on any movie. But had it been little more, umm, what shall I say, may be 'optimistic', the reading experience would have been an amazing one. You will get to know what do I mean by 'optimistic' once you read the book. The language used in this book is sophisticated and the way the facts are presented makes this book stand out among others.
The storyline of the book is strong and influential. I liked the way the author has presented well known facts regarding different preeminent historical incidents. But digging further into the book I could sense a tinge of influence in the content. I believe if you are an opinionated reader, then this book may prove as an informative book to you.
What I liked the most about the book is that the author has wonderfully portrayed the culture, the relationships and intensifying incidents that took place in past which makes this book worth a read.
.
Honestly, talking about partition and the numerous associated heart rendering stories has always been painful to all of us, from either side of the border. And I believe writing about the same with all the minute facts and details must have been really challenging yet enthralling. The information catered in this plot is absolutely thought provoking. The author has beautifully penned down the turmoil that prevailed at both social as well as personal levels during the partition days and how it still resonates in certain regions on either side of the border. The narration was truly appreciable as it helped me connect with the characters of the book quite well.
Furthermore, I appreciate the author for providing an insight on such a sensitive topic, which trust me, you have never read on any book or have watched on any movie. But had it been little more, umm, what shall I say, may be 'optimistic', the reading experience would have been an amazing one. You will get to know what do I mean by 'optimistic' once you read the book. The language used in this book is sophisticated and the way the facts are presented makes this book stand out among others.
The storyline of the book is strong and influential. I liked the way the author has presented well known facts regarding different preeminent historical incidents. But digging further into the book I could sense a tinge of influence in the content. I believe if you are an opinionated reader, then this book may prove as an informative book to you.
What I liked the most about the book is that the author has wonderfully portrayed the culture, the relationships and intensifying incidents that took place in past which makes this book worth a read.
.
July 28, 2020
I enjoyed the book, especially the chapter on the soft power India has in Pakistan. Khatlani has made the transition from being a journalist to a non fiction author quite well. The book is filled with facts about Pakistan but peppered with anecdotal experiences that he had as he traveled. It gives you the facts along with on ground stories of people who have experienced (are experiencing) the events. Mostly interesting, except for one chapter which went seriously in depth with Pakistani politics, and it was a much needed chapter for the book, except that I bore easily with politics. The book gave me what I was looking for which was knowing about Pakistan .. and Pakistanis.
May 12, 2021
Theres love on both sides if politics take a back seat. I would term this book as a secular peace of art. Theres pain agony suffering and above all love on both sides. Can get a real feel of akhand bharat (An undivided indian subcontinent), how it was and how people from all religions lived in harmony and helped each other even religiously. A masterpiece. Salute Sameer.
Read
August 3, 2021Politics divides, culture unites.
This is a book written by an Indian journalist about his visit to Pakistan. This records beautifully, the syncretic culture that runs through the two countries, the warmth in the heart of the citizens of each for the other, the common struggles facing the two countries and in the face of all of this, the sheer incongruity of the state of relations between the two countries.
It is a charming read, and is really difficult to put down once started. And after reading this one feels like saying, Kya Dilli, Kya Lahore.
This is a book written by an Indian journalist about his visit to Pakistan. This records beautifully, the syncretic culture that runs through the two countries, the warmth in the heart of the citizens of each for the other, the common struggles facing the two countries and in the face of all of this, the sheer incongruity of the state of relations between the two countries.
It is a charming read, and is really difficult to put down once started. And after reading this one feels like saying, Kya Dilli, Kya Lahore.
April 18, 2021
The end was a bit abrupt, but I loved the amount of detail in the book.
January 23, 2021
great book to know about the other side of the border. It dispels many myths and stereotypes we harbor about Pakistan. Must read. The author is objective and relatively unbiased for a muslim.
May 16, 2020
There are certain books that make a review blogger proud of being one as they are getting undeterred access on the ARCs. The Other Side of the Divide is one such book.
The book is based on the author Sameer Arshad Khatlani's visit to Pakistan. The account begins on the familial pressures the author faced while he announced his trip to Pakistan and the obstacles he had to face based on those. Further the author sketches his experiences one by one, day by day coupled with the historical basis of a different picture of Pakistan that we Indians never saw.
The historical anecdotes begin with the railways lines connecting India and Pakistan and how the commute was affected by the wars that happened in 1965 and 1971. We will be flabbergasted to know that a country like Pakistan that is portrayed in Bollywood and Hollywood movies as a country with dilapidated houses and pathetic living standards has highly qualified citizens and the motorways that are more developed than our own quadrilateral highway. Speaking of Bollywood movies, author gives a detailed account of the extend of the influence Bollywood has on Pakistanis and how the banishment of Bollywood movies post war in Pakistan has affected their own movie industry. Author has backed up the information with the detailed account about the gross collection of Indian movies in comparison with Pakistani movies.
The connect between citizens of Amritsar and Lahore is unbelievable. It leaves us wonder if we are the proverbial frog in the well. The memories of people about their ancestors and the cross country visits to their relatives, portrayed in a movie will be brushed off as exaggeration for we are conditioned to believe that Pakistanis are a bunch of barbarians whose only intention is to finish India. To contradict this popular notion, author has reinforced the integrity of a group of Pakistanis with the examples of top officials who admit that 1965 war was a failure for Pakistan.
If you are someone who believes that Pakistan is acountry that promote only Muslims, you are being fooled. Danish Kumar, Pakistan's first Hindu Army officer is just one example of how Hindus were not denied chances to come up in ranks. Group Captain Cecil Choudhry's(a catholic) rise in ranks and later fall after Zia-ul-Haq came to power is worth adaptation into a thriller. Amit Barua, the hindu journalist from India being tailed is a deviation from this reality though. Simultaneously we can see the author's adventurous foray into the probited area (no-man's land) and thereby his Visa Rule Violation but how he luckily went past it. The Valmiki Temple is Lahore is an unknown factor for me like thousand other factors.
A syncretic culture in Pakistan is something we could never imagine but this book changes everything. What mentioned in the review are just miniscule parts of what we learn. The book provides us a plethora of information. The way we look at Pakistan will change forever. If in furure, I am asked about the best books I have read, this will definitely make the list.
The book is based on the author Sameer Arshad Khatlani's visit to Pakistan. The account begins on the familial pressures the author faced while he announced his trip to Pakistan and the obstacles he had to face based on those. Further the author sketches his experiences one by one, day by day coupled with the historical basis of a different picture of Pakistan that we Indians never saw.
The historical anecdotes begin with the railways lines connecting India and Pakistan and how the commute was affected by the wars that happened in 1965 and 1971. We will be flabbergasted to know that a country like Pakistan that is portrayed in Bollywood and Hollywood movies as a country with dilapidated houses and pathetic living standards has highly qualified citizens and the motorways that are more developed than our own quadrilateral highway. Speaking of Bollywood movies, author gives a detailed account of the extend of the influence Bollywood has on Pakistanis and how the banishment of Bollywood movies post war in Pakistan has affected their own movie industry. Author has backed up the information with the detailed account about the gross collection of Indian movies in comparison with Pakistani movies.
The connect between citizens of Amritsar and Lahore is unbelievable. It leaves us wonder if we are the proverbial frog in the well. The memories of people about their ancestors and the cross country visits to their relatives, portrayed in a movie will be brushed off as exaggeration for we are conditioned to believe that Pakistanis are a bunch of barbarians whose only intention is to finish India. To contradict this popular notion, author has reinforced the integrity of a group of Pakistanis with the examples of top officials who admit that 1965 war was a failure for Pakistan.
If you are someone who believes that Pakistan is acountry that promote only Muslims, you are being fooled. Danish Kumar, Pakistan's first Hindu Army officer is just one example of how Hindus were not denied chances to come up in ranks. Group Captain Cecil Choudhry's(a catholic) rise in ranks and later fall after Zia-ul-Haq came to power is worth adaptation into a thriller. Amit Barua, the hindu journalist from India being tailed is a deviation from this reality though. Simultaneously we can see the author's adventurous foray into the probited area (no-man's land) and thereby his Visa Rule Violation but how he luckily went past it. The Valmiki Temple is Lahore is an unknown factor for me like thousand other factors.
A syncretic culture in Pakistan is something we could never imagine but this book changes everything. What mentioned in the review are just miniscule parts of what we learn. The book provides us a plethora of information. The way we look at Pakistan will change forever. If in furure, I am asked about the best books I have read, this will definitely make the list.
September 20, 2020
Book Title: The Other Side of the Divide: A Journey into the Heart of Pakistan
Author: Sameer Arshad Khatlani (Presently works with Hindustan Times)
Lahore fascinates every Dilli wallah. Especially those who have grown up listening to Partition tales by their grandparents. I am no different.
When I picked up Sameer Arshad Khatlani’s “The Other Side of the Divide: A Journey into the Heart of Pakistan” I just wanted to travel. To be exported in the lanes of Androon Lahore and soak up the generosity the people have to offer. But what I found was so much more. The book is a magnificent attempt to look at Lahore of present while not letting the cobwebs of the Partition be completely forgotten.
Khatlani’s writing is easy yet different. Once you read a couple of pages, you’ll start getting a better hang of what is he trying to present. The book is divided into 10 chapters that takes its course from the anticipation of the visit, the families apprehensions to how Lahore has blossomed yet has identifiable places to Delhi.
You’ll get to see Pakistan’s Bollywood obsession, liquor scenario in Pakistan (surprise awaits) and a very interesting chapter on the Defence area of Lahore that Indians aren’t allowed to visit even if they get the visa. You’ll meet the Punjabis from both sides of the border & will be informed why Shahid Afridi’s Lahore restaurant doesn’t have tasty food (Buck up Shahid bhai). And of course Kashmir.
Pick up this book if you feel the urge to travel and understand the nuances of Lahore and Pakistan that as an Indian will make you unlearn so much that has been ingrained in you about our neighbour.
Author: Sameer Arshad Khatlani (Presently works with Hindustan Times)
Lahore fascinates every Dilli wallah. Especially those who have grown up listening to Partition tales by their grandparents. I am no different.
When I picked up Sameer Arshad Khatlani’s “The Other Side of the Divide: A Journey into the Heart of Pakistan” I just wanted to travel. To be exported in the lanes of Androon Lahore and soak up the generosity the people have to offer. But what I found was so much more. The book is a magnificent attempt to look at Lahore of present while not letting the cobwebs of the Partition be completely forgotten.
Khatlani’s writing is easy yet different. Once you read a couple of pages, you’ll start getting a better hang of what is he trying to present. The book is divided into 10 chapters that takes its course from the anticipation of the visit, the families apprehensions to how Lahore has blossomed yet has identifiable places to Delhi.
You’ll get to see Pakistan’s Bollywood obsession, liquor scenario in Pakistan (surprise awaits) and a very interesting chapter on the Defence area of Lahore that Indians aren’t allowed to visit even if they get the visa. You’ll meet the Punjabis from both sides of the border & will be informed why Shahid Afridi’s Lahore restaurant doesn’t have tasty food (Buck up Shahid bhai). And of course Kashmir.
Pick up this book if you feel the urge to travel and understand the nuances of Lahore and Pakistan that as an Indian will make you unlearn so much that has been ingrained in you about our neighbour.
April 11, 2020
Sameer Arshad Khatlani writer of the book a journalist takes on a journey to Lahore from India it is a visit with first hand experience of his grand father in law Mohammed Sadiq before partition a tailor working for British India before 1947 and what he saw and what Muslim, Hindu and Sikh community faced in India and Pakistan.
The book itself is very well researched, detailed from post Partition to the present day giving details of Ideology of different parties and key persons in India who were in charge of taking decisions.
In the same way he writes about the power play and ideology of then key persons of Pakistan in detail. How power changes happened from Muhajir's to present day rulers. why there was so much unrest in Pakistan, who were the key person who were responsible of creating it and why.
His writing is unbiased and has given details of all the wars that India fought with Pakistan, why the war started and what were the reason and how it ended.
Writer has done a meticulous job of bringing together the importance of villages, towns and cities around the border of India and Pakistan what role they played how important were these places from the times of Kings and Maharaja's.
Sameer has given in detail the life style of present day Pakistani's the rich and the poor. given details about the culture of the country and even discussed common citizens role in shaping it.
The book itself is very well researched, detailed from post Partition to the present day giving details of Ideology of different parties and key persons in India who were in charge of taking decisions.
In the same way he writes about the power play and ideology of then key persons of Pakistan in detail. How power changes happened from Muhajir's to present day rulers. why there was so much unrest in Pakistan, who were the key person who were responsible of creating it and why.
His writing is unbiased and has given details of all the wars that India fought with Pakistan, why the war started and what were the reason and how it ended.
Writer has done a meticulous job of bringing together the importance of villages, towns and cities around the border of India and Pakistan what role they played how important were these places from the times of Kings and Maharaja's.
Sameer has given in detail the life style of present day Pakistani's the rich and the poor. given details about the culture of the country and even discussed common citizens role in shaping it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2020
Rate it at 4/5. A feel good book about the other side. Interesting characters that keep on coming up in different chapters make this book enjoyable.
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