Umar Altaf

1 month ago | villagesquare.in | Asma Khan |Umar Altaf |Novita Singh

Originating near the Kali temple in Calcutta in the 19th century was a simplified version of the Pattachitra scroll paintings made by the Patuas who migrated to the urban areas of Calcutta. The paintings are characterised by bold lines, and bright colours and do not have a lot of details in the background. They often portray scenes from Hindu mythology and from everyday life. These paintings were created as souvenirs for those visiting the Kali temple, and later in the entire region of Calcutta.

1 month ago | villagesquare.in | Umar Altaf

‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ The adage holds true for young boys of Gurez Valley, a remote region along the ancient Silk Route, home to the Dard Shin tribe in north Kashmir. The valley remains covered with snow and cut off from the rest of the world for nearly six months. However, this doesn’t dissuade youngsters here from indulging in what they love the most–Snow Cricket. Gurez valley, Bandipora district, Kashmir

Aug 22, 2024 | theafricanmirror.africa | Umar Altaf |Showkat Nanda

This story was originally published by The New Humanitarian. By Umar Altaf and Showkat Nanda  IN the poorly lit hallway of the RHI Hospital in Rikhawdar, a border town in western Myanmar’s Chin State, 20-year-old Chhanhim holds his bandaged head, grimacing from the pain. The only noise breaking the silence of the night is the buzz of a generator.

Aug 21, 2024 | thenewhumanitarian.org | Umar Altaf |Showkat Nanda

Republish this articleIn the poorly lit hallway of the RHI Hospital in Rikhawdar, a border town in western Myanmar’s Chin State, 20-year-old Chhanhim holds his bandaged head, grimacing from the pain. The only noise breaking the silence of the night is the buzz of a generator. Chhanhim, who – like many people in Myanmar – uses only one name, is a fighter for an ethically aligned armed group that has been battling the nation’s military junta since the February 2021 coup.

Aug 7, 2024 | meimages.com | Umar Altaf

Modi and certain political factions have weaponized these events, portraying them from a one-sided Hindu perspective, which is disheartening. The massacres, rapes, and sufferings during partition were endured by people of all backgrounds – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Dalits. Yet, today, there’s a dangerous narrative emerging that vilifies Muslims while glorifying Hindus as victims.