Shows
RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Rivers of Resilience: Asma Rashed's Journey from Syria to JordanAs 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....2025-06-191h 11RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Spiritual Poetry: A Journey Through Urdu Sufi Traditions, & verses from Rumi - a Ramadan SpecialExperience 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...2025-03-2917 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Spiritual Reflections: Mercy, Forgiveness, and Salvation - The Essence of RamadanIn 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: Muni...2025-03-1556 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Echoes of the Seerah & other spiritual poetryAn event to celebrate the life and message of the best of creation and praise the Creator, hosted in September 2024.
Includes recitations of classic and original poems in Arabic, English, Turkish & Urdu.
Attended by a diverse community with origins in and currently located in multiple locations across the world.
We loved the soulful remembrance that brought us together and pray we have many more such beautiful events InshaAllah.
Background sound: Maula ya Salli by Muhammad Al Hasayn
https://youtu.be/1mfEqSzmGno?si=9vU-17hmwCe0eNhp
Connect with us across our c...2024-09-221h 13RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Multilingual Poetry - Hammad and Nadir at Poetry Night, The Poetry CafeHammad 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
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#multilingual #independence day #14thaugust #literature #poetry #pakistan #rawanee...2024-08-1411 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Munir Niazi & Other Preservation Poetry“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
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#preservation #literature #poetry #pakistan #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performanc...2024-07-2420 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Poems of Faith“Spiritual and reflective poetry to celebrate Arafah Day & Eid ul Adha”
Written & recited by Laiba Khan, Muniba Mahmud, Talhah Mohammed
RawPods Season 3 | Episode 32024-06-1606 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Poems of Faith“Spiritual and reflective poetry to celebrate Arafah Day & Eid ul Adha”
Written & recited by Laiba Khan, Muniba Mahmud, Talhah Mohammed
RawPods Season 3 | Episode 32024-06-1606 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Decolonisation of Identity & Thought - Dr Salman Sayyid & Dr Farah Nazir @ SOAS (Conversation)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...2024-05-301h 00RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Decolonization Poetry“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 22024-05-1717 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)To myself: Conversations Through Time“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: /Rawa...2024-04-1310 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Darkness & Light - Collaborative event with other stanzas of Poetry Society (Poetry)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
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#literature #poetry #pakistan #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetrypodcast #performancepoetry #spokenwordpoetry #multilingual2024-03-291h 07
RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Voices for Humanity: Against War & Against Inequality (Poetry)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...2024-03-2910 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Appeal to HumanityThis 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.fac...2024-03-2911 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Seven Children of the Wonderland ~ Stories in Verse by Muniba Mahmud
(Poetry)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...2024-03-2911 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)The Making of a Polyglot: Conversation with Daniele Speziale ~ Raahi ItaalviSwiss-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...2023-12-0954 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Celebrating Beginnings - Ibtida: Mehfil, Feb’22 (Poetry & Conversation)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...2023-11-241h 06RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Poetry of Resilience: Mehfil, Dec’21 (Poetry & Conversation)"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same"
What is resilience, and what cultivates resilience? How does poetic expression contribute to acknowledging and strengthening resilience?
In December 2021, Rawanee's community got together to share poetry and some prose, alongside some heartwarming and meaningful conversation on the subject. We heard a lot of original poetry and some classics, and were inspired by the words, talent and thoughts of our community - words that lent strength and resilience to us.
With a special thank you to Akbar Khan for the opening recitation.
RawPods are conversations t...2023-11-2456 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Pakistan Zinda Hai (Poetry)PAKISTAN: ZINDA HAI
This is another special edition podcast put together by Rawanee’s members in light of current events. Earlier this month, many of us were saddened and disappointed at the turn of events in Pakistan, and wrote and recited poetry for the same*.
RawPods are conversations that celebrate creative ideas and expression, and are hosted by Rawanee.
*Please do note that whilst Rawanee remains committed to freedom of creative expression and thought and to providing a platform for the same, we remain an apolitical and secular setup: the views expressed here are our members’ and may not be repr...2023-09-2808 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Creative Authenticity & A Dialogical Identity with Qudsia Akhtar (Conversation & Poetry)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-colon...2023-09-2443 min
RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)To 1947 & Beyond: Pakistan's Journey (Poetry, Songs, Narration)On Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day, Rawanee’s community shares authentic reflections & heart felt poetry on the country's challenging and continuing journey
CREDITS:
Creative Planning, Hosting & Execution: Muniba Mahmud
All Songs (except Dil Dil Pakistan, including “Dil se”, “Lab Pe Aati Hai”, “Mera Inaam Pakistan”, “Itnay Baray Jeewan”): Bareena Nadeem; Produced By Surtaal Music Academy Lahore, with a special thanks to Zia Sahab for direction & management
“Indian Summer” (selected text from the work of Alex von Tunzelmann): Junaid Imtiaz
“Subh e Azadi” (Faiz), “Banam e Watan” (Mustafa Zaidi), and “Us”(written by himself): Rafey Zuberi
"O Lost City" (Recitation of a verse from a poem written by himsel...2023-08-1219 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Expressions of Love – Izhar e Ishq – اظہارِ عشق (Poetry)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
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#literature #poetry #pakistan #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #write...2023-07-0308 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)PLFL2023 - Sadia Abbas on Literary Influences in a Post Colonial WorldSadia Abbas is a Professor at Rutgers University focused on Post Colonial studies and Literature, and is also a writer of fiction. Here, we speak to her about the influences on Literature and Art in modern times, and about her published and upcoming works of fiction.
This episode is part of a series of podcast talks in partnership with the Pakistan Literature Festival 2023, with participants of the event.
Intro BG music: Elegy by Balmorhea https://youtu.be/IHztaOcpuQU
Connect with us across our channels:
Website: Rawanee.com
Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives
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Twitter: /RawaneeCreative
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/g...2023-07-0241 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Iskander Mirza’s Biography, with Syed Khawar Mehdi (Conversation) PLFL2023This 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
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Facebook: @RawaneeCreatives
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#literature #poetry #pakistan #rawanee #creativethinking #creativethought #creativeexpression #pakistanipoetry #pakistaniliterature #urdupoetry #urduliterature #englishpoetry #englishliterature #southasianpoetry #southasianliterature #writingcommunity #po...2023-06-1841 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Aks e Rawanee - Urdu Poetry Anthology (Poetry)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 pr...2023-05-2910 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Literary Preservation and Innovation with Professor Waqas Khwaja (Conversation)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...2023-05-2941 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Iqbal's concept of Khudi with Zafar Anjum & Rafey Zuberi (Conversation & Poetry)Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi - we have heard of it, but what does this self actualisation really comprise?
A vast and profound subject to speak to, the speakers talk about the personal and social aspects of Khudi, and how Iqbal's ideas formed. As with any other mehfil befitting to the discourse on Iqbal, the conversation is enriched by poetry, philosophy and refreshingly reflective conversation.
An episode that will be appreciated by those who love Iqbal's work and want to reflect more deeply on it, and also those who are new to it and want to develop a better und...2023-05-2942 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Messages in Iqbal’s Poetry with Rafey Zuberi, Dr Salma Siddiqui, Ayaz Wasay (Poetry & Conversation)Allama Iqbal:
What message did he have for the youth?
What lessons did he derive from nature?
What was his concept of tasawuf?
In this episode, we talk about some of the key themes in Iqbal's poetry and the message they hold for us. Podcast guests: Ayaz Wasay, Rafey Zuberi and Dr Salma Siddiqui
Sequence of conversation:
Introduction: 00:00-02:46
Iqbal's message to the youth, Rafey Zuberi: 02:47-25:12
Iqbal's poetic depiction of nature, Salma Siddiqui: 25:13-37:44
Iqbal's concept of "tasawuf", Ayaz Wasay: 37:45-47:27
Collaborative discussion on key themes in Iqbal's poetry, all guests: 47:28-01:15:43
Connect with us across our channels: Website...2023-05-291h 15RawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Pakistan Day 2022 (Poetry)This episode contains poetry themed to “International Women’s Day” and to “Pakistan Day”. It includes poetry that contains reflections on these themes*, and some classic poetry by prolific Pakistani poets that have been recited by our members.
RawPods are conversations that celebrate creative ideas and expression, and are hosted by Rawanee.
*Please do note that whilst Rawanee remains committed to freedom of creative expression and thought and to providing a platform for the same, we remain an apolitical and secular setup: the views expressed here are our members’ and may not be representative of Rawanee’s stance as a platform.
Open...2023-05-2915 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Poetry and Conversation (Mehfil, Feb’21)(Unedited episode, recorded in Feb’21)
An episode based on a Mehfil, shared in its raw form. In February 2021, Rawanee's still-young community of poetry lovers got together for a second virtual event, in which we shared poetry and conversation over a cup of chai, as we built toward a story of reflection and of strength.
RawPods are conversations that celebrate creative ideas and expression, and are hosted by Rawanee.
You can participate in our conversations by joining the Rawanee community at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176103889397810
You can also follow us here: Instagram: @Rawanee.Creatives Twitter: /RawaneeCreative2023-05-2946 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)Shaheryar Ali Mirza, on his creative expression (Conversation)(Unedited episode, recorded in Jan’21) RawPods by Rawanee focuses on creative thought and expression. Our segment focused on creative profiles has raw, light-hearted, meaningful conversations with diverse everyday creative profiles who inspire us with their hearts, heads, energy and ambition.
We learn from their creative journey and get inspired by their creative thoughts and expression.
Shaheryar Ali Mirza expresses his creativity through writing, advertising communication, branding and creative ideation in a corporate world. He even expresses it through jingles or something as personal as a song, when channeled as an art form.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with the cr...2021-12-2456 minRawPods: Creative Thought & Expression (Poetry | Literature | Thought)South Asian Poetry over Chai - Mehfil, Oct’20 (Poetry & Conversation)(Unedited episode, recorded in Oct’20)
An episode based on a Mehfil, shared in its raw form. In October 2020 when Rawanee was still a very new initiative, our team had a casual chat about the possibility of getting a few people together for a virtual poetry session, focused on "South Asian Poetry". We left a feeler out on Rawanee's social pages, got a heartwarming response and had a great time at the actual event. As we shared poetry and our thoughts on it, everyone present felt an amazing connection as we shared our love of poetry and of beautiful verses.
As th...2021-12-2436 min