Pukhtunwali
As anyone growing up in 90’s India, I could do the Pathan accent. The images of Kabuliwalah and Khuda Gawah in equal measure and the romance of thinking of distant peoples whose lives could not be more different than yours.
https://youtu.be/dXgiVG2P_Uc?si=wOPnjOmLxbinaj9r
Brings me to this book - another one that I think - especially given the current political climate - should be mandatory reading.
As a good book does, it has brought out in sharp relief these distant Pukhtuns, and their remarkable transformation during a critical time in their history. Bringing this remote universe much closer to home - in much the same way as the song did growing up.
In a weird way, the betrayal of the Khudai Khidmatgars by the political movements in India and Pakistan for whatever reasons should have served as a warning for all future generations against political small mindedness, parochial biases and communal hegemony. And their achievements rightfully celebrated and emulated.
An appropriate sound track for the moment then.
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