The poems, essays and short stories of the ICSE (STD 8, 9 & 10) syllabus are read in the original Hindi, followed by easy to understand explanations in English. The audio format makes it ideal to listen to while traveling, exercising and studying.
Line by line explanation of Nirala's poem Bhikshuk. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com
Ramnihal remembers his meeting with Manorama and the effect she had on him. Mohan and his mental challenges are discussed. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com
We meet Ramnihal and Shyama. Ramnihal is leaving and is upset. Shyama asks him the reasons for this. Your feedback is welcome at sashint@gmail.com
Line by line explanation of Jainendra Kumar's short story. Two friends holidaying in Nainital, meet a poor boy on a bitter cold evening.
Updated and improved line by line explanation of the poem Swarg Bana Saktey Hain by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.
Updated and improved explanation of the poem Megh Aaye. The poem is read aloud and explained line by line. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com.
A delightful account of Tagore's childhood. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com.
Stanzas 4 to 7 are explained. Topics include: self-interest driven friendships, risk-management, excess wealth and importance of timing. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com
The first three stanzas are explained. Topics include lathi, kamri and gun. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com
Published in 1774, Lord Chesterfield's letter to his son contains some great financial advice that remains relevant even today. Feedback welcome at sashint@gmail.com
We learn more about the various types of competitions and what motivates the players. Feedback: sashint@gmail.com
We learn about the history of pigeons and the type of pigeons in India. We are introduced to the sport of Kabootarbaazi and the key people involved. Feedback: sashint@gmail.com
The author explains the challenges faced by his friend due the large family size. This part includes a brief explanation for my disagreement with the author's way of thinking. Feedback welcome at: sashint@gmail.com
The author introduces his essay and describes the problems faced due to an increasing population.
Lajwanti is getting ready to leave for the Teerth Yatra, when she hears her neighbor Haro crying.
Lajwanti promises the goddess that she will go on a pilgrimage (Teerth Yatra) if her son recovers from this illness.
We meet Lajwanti, the mother of Hemraj. Hemraj falls sick and Lajwanti goes to the village doctor.
The poet explains that the essence of life is to keep working relentlessly. Wins and losses, joys and sorrows all have to be taken in our stride. We should keep making progress every day and every moment.
The poet expresses his love and devotion for his country. He describes the physical features, the natural beauty and important historical characters of his country - India.
Five dohas of Kabir explained (Importance of guru, dissolving the ego, Masjid and prayers, worshiping stones & infinite virtues of God). Resources: Sunil Khilnani's BBC Podcast on Kabir: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vy50d Linda Hess of Stanford on Kabir: https://youtu.be/KAG2v9wiyNU Songs of Kabir translated by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra. Available on Amazon. http://www.kabirproject.org/ Amar Chitra Katha on Kabir. Available on Amazon.
The poet says that those people who do not consider Lord Ram worthy should be avoided like the enemy; even if these people are our most loved ones. The poet gives the example of several people who renounced their loved ones and then found joy and happiness.
The poet says that there is no one as kind as Lord Ram. Lord Ram showers his blessings on everyone who is devoted to him. Chanting the name of Lord Ram will lead to happiness.
Take a break from your studying with this fun conversation with a Boomer on all things Hindi.
Chitra becomes a well-known painter abroad. Her painting of the dead beggar and the two orphans brings her international fame. She returns to India to a grand welcome. Chitra meets Aruna at her exhibition. Aruna is accompanied by her two grown children. This puzzles Chitra.
A severe flood creates havoc. Aruna travels to flood-affected areas and volunteers. Chitra makes paintings about the flood. As Chitra is about to leave for studies abroad, she make a sketch of a dead beggar and her orphaned children.
We are introduced to the two main characters Aruna and Chitra. They are friends and roommates, but with very different worldviews. Chitra is an artist and is devoted to her art completely. Aruna believes in making the world a better place by actively engaging with it.
Take a break from your studying with this fun conversation with a Boomer on all things Hindi.
Shyaamu steals money to buy a kite. He plans to bring his dead mother back from the heavens using the kite. His theft his discovered by his father.
Shyaamu's mother has passed away. This has filled Shyaamu's heart with a deep sorrow. He spots a kite in the sky and this gives him an idea.
Take a break from your studying with this short and fun conversation with a Boomer on all things Hindi.
Captain Chashmewaala dies and the statue remains without glasses. This really upsets Haaldaar Saab.
The Paanwala informs Haaldaar Saab that Captain Chashmewaala changes the glasses on the statue. Haaldaar is moved by Captain's patriotism and civic mindedness.
We are introduced to Haaldaar Saab, the little town that he visits and the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose that has a new pair of spectacles every time Haaldaar Saab visits.
The engineer and the magistrate are corrupt men. Raseela steals 50 paise to clear the debt. Raseela's robbery is discovered and he is punished.
We meet the four main characters. The two servants Raseela and Ramzaan and their bosses, the Engineer and the District Magistrate. Raseela and Ramzaan are good friends.
Baby Krishna wants the moon to play with. He is throwing a tantrum. Mother Yashoda manages to convince him.
The first part describes how mother Yashoda is putting baby Krishna to bed.
Message from the show host Sashin T. Includes contact information for sending information.
The jackals convince the sheep that the wolves are the best choice for them. The colored jackals are also used. The wolves win the election.
The jackal takes the wolf to the gathering of the sheep. He assures the sheep that the wolf has transformed. He is now a saint and has decided to dedicate his life for the welfare of the sheep.
The jackal says he can get the wolves a majority in the elections. But the wolves must follow the jackal's plan.
We are introduced to the sheep, the wolves and the jackals. The wolves are worried about the arrival of democracy.
The Seth returns home. His wife is proud of him. They find that they have been rewarded by God for the Seth's selfless act of feeding the dying dog.
Dhanna Seth's wife offers to buy the Mahayagya. This confuses the Seth. In the end he decides not to sell his act of feeding the dog as it won't be appropriate.
Seth meets a weak and feeble dog on his way. He gives all his food to the dog.
The merchant and his wife are introduced. They used to be wealthy but are now poor. They decide to sell the "good" they have earned for performing religious ceremonies in the past.
Poem read aloud and explained. Apologies for the poor sound in some parts.
Shreekanth Singh is upset. However Lal Bihari and Anandi regret their actions. Finally a reconciliation takes place. Beni Madhav Singh appreciates the role played by Anandi in keeping the family together.
Shreekanth Singh returns home. His brother and wife give him their version of the fight. Shreekanth is angry with his uneducated younger brother and tells his father, Benimadhav, that he wants to leave the house.
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