This episode features a collection of poems written by middle school children that explores what makes them Indian. The poems encourage us to think about nationality and belonging, and how these are intertwined with everyday experiences. Can there be a sense of belonging that is ever expansive, that grows and swells to embrace more and more, that does not exclude but always includes? The episode features a response to the poems by poet, writer and editor, Sushil Shukla.
About the Guest
Sushil Shukla is a writer and a poet, and heads the publishing house Ektara that brings out children’s books and magazines. He is the editor of the Hindi children’s magazines, Pluto and Cycle. Some of his award-winning books include:
Bhai Tu Aisi Kavita Kyun Karta Hai
Ek Batey Baarah
Feriwale
Tiffin Dost
Yeh Saara Ujala Suraj Ka
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CREDITS
The Hum Hindustani Poetry Podcast is a production of The Magic Key Centre for the Arts and Childhood.
Conceived, Written, and Hosted by
Samina Mishra
Poems read by
Aanvi, Arudra, Danyal, Haniya, Ishanvi, Labina, Lakshmi, Kashvi, Kyra, Rohan, Ronish, Samaa, Sarah, Sediqa, Ulfa
Children reading the poems mentored by
Anannya Tripathyi
Studio recordings
Amartya Ghosh, Quarter Note Studios
Music
Shireen Ghosh
Vocals
Ishaan Chintamani
Artwork
Alia Sinha
Additional Research
Rhea Kuthoore
Co-Writer
S Gautham
Hindi Translation
Tazeen Ali
Voice for Sushil Shukla's para dub
Neel Sengupta
Produced by
Vaaka Media
Acknowledgements
Anannya Tripathyi
Gaurav Chintamani
Priya Mathews
Shikha Sen
Simurgh Centre
TESF India
All the children who participated in the Hum Hindustani workshops and wrote the poems
Support for this podcast comes from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
The Hum Hindustani research project is part of TESF India.