Letter from a prisoner - Lost in translation

Last semester, I chose linguistics as a filler subject towards my degree. I found the course very interesting as it made me see language in a whole new light. It also made me reflect on my language journey. It is rather ironic that in a world where communication is easier than ever, so much is misunderstood and misinterpreted. This is exacerbated by me being a prisoner as I naturally have limited contact with the real world. I have not managed to keep abreast of the vocabulary that has become part and parcel of daily lingo.

For a bit of context, keep in mind that I came to prison before the advent of smart phones and the social media boom (I assume this is how grandparents must feel when conversing with kids). The world has certainly changed dramatically during the years in which I have been isolated from it. Uber, Snapchat, filters, Samsung Pay, apps in general and the like are concepts which are difficult to comprehend. This was very apparent at a recent visit to the doctor. I felt that the doctor was being rather rude by busying herself on her phone whilst discussing my health. I felt like a complete idiot when it transpired that she was busy perusing my blood test results from her phone and not updating her status! How the world has changed!

As much as I will be lost in translation upon release, I was just as lost when I entered the prison system. Prisoners have their own lingo which is a mixture of languages, cultures and groups such as gangs.

Here are some of the English or made up words that are part of the prison vocabulary (and mine too!):

“Kalkop” – a quarter loaf of unsliced bread

“cement” – breakfast porridge

“dish” – having to serve one’s entire sentence without being released on parole, due to some serious transgression inside prison

“box” – the prison measure for marijuana, equivalent to little more than a pinch of tobacco

“balloon” – condoms

“ten” – the prison measure for loose tobacco

“diya-diya” – makeshift curtains made from sheets or towels which are draped over the sides of ones bed to give a modicum of privacy

“quatier”- prison issued shoes, more or less like children's school lace-ups

“gas” – electricity

“dye” – any condiment used to make a hot beverage

“pipi”- the male socket at the end of a cellular phone charger

“Six. Nine.” – Urination

“Cheque” – Newspaper that is used to roll a cigarette or joint

“waste” – toilet paper

“scooter” – a rag for cleaning the floor

“wind” – airtime

“scoop” – any plastic container that can hold liquid

As can be seen, many of the words are ordinary English words but used with very different meanings. I will need to revert to the dictionary definitions before I end up  buying my niece a rag instead of a “scooter” or am shocked if she asks for “balloons” or “cheque!”

Days of our lives

                                                                                   comedy.uk.com

Heard a horrific story today of a young Indian woman who got married to the love of her life. A year after marriage she had an ectopic pregnancy and had to be hospitalized. Naturally it was a traumatic experience for her and it only got worse when her in laws told her she must go back to her mother's house as she cant give them a grand child.She is supposedly bad luck. What kind of a sick mentality is this and what kind of a spineless husband did this poor woman marry? He needs to be given a good solid trashing in my opinion. 

A few weeks ago there was a patient of ours who was complaining about the shoddy slow service he received from a teller at a bank he frequents. Today the same teller coincidentally visited the pharmacy. When i heard this individuals life story i was very sad, in fact almost in tears. The teller in question had 2 strokes at the age of 17. The strokes were triggered due to the extreme stress and strain of writing matric exams. After the stroke, the person was unable to walk let alone speak.They underwent lots of therapy sessions to improve speech and regain movement. It took years before the person was able to lead a normal life again. Well,almost normal as the mobility of this individual is still a bit sluggish.Sometimes we quick to judge and mock other people without knowing the persons life story. DON'T DO THAT. A person like this needs to be encouraged all the time. Make a disabled or a physically handicapped person a part of society. Don't shun these people. Don't laugh at them. Don't mock at them. Only they know what they go through on a daily basis. People like this need to be treated with extra care, compassion and encouragement..They are a constant reminder to us at how grateful and thankful we should be if God Almighty has blessed us with good health.

On a more lighter side... If you really wanna know how pathetic the state of education is in this country. Well allow me to shock you. A few weeks ago had a patient who works in the corporate world who came to me wanting medication for abdominal pain. As there is a stomach bug going around, i naturally took out medication related to gastric flu. The patient picks up one of the bottles of medication and then says, ' oops i don't have a tummy issue. I don't have pain in my tummy." So then i said, "Can you show me where exactly are you experiencing pain dear?" The patient pointed towards the lower back and buttock area...Yip a corporate driving a big flashy car......

A dream I lived alone with Namrata Gupta Khan

“A dream I lived alone” is a beautifully written book highlighting the life story of the living legend Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab. The book is co –authored by his daughter in law Namrata Gupta Khan. As I read the book, I couldn’t help but marvel at the simplicity and the down to earth nature and character that Ustaad Sahab has displayed throughout his life whether it was towards his own family, his neighbours, his students (Hariharanji, Shaan, Sonu Nigamji, Manna Dey Sahab, Asha Bhosleji to list a few) or his acquaintances. From humble beginnings he has emerged as an iconic figure not only in India but internationally in the field of Indian classical music. Whilst many people in today’s fast paced world command respect through their wealth and riches, Ustaad Sahab commands respect through his humility and wise words of wisdom. Having had the opportunity of being in his esteemed company a month ago, I was totally overwhelmed by the piety of this majestic soul. Every word that emerged from his mouth was either a prayer or words providing guidance in an individual’s life. (May Allah grant you all a long life of good health. May Allah grant you all success. May Allah protect your marriage from the evil eye). When Ustaad Sahab met Papa, out of respect towards his guest, Ustaad sahab got up to embrace dad and asked him to sit next to him. As we chatted, he quietly asked his beloved daughter in law to serve us tea or something cold. He was quite insistent that we do have something to eat. We spent only an hour in his esteemed presence, yet we will never ever be able to forget the warmth and hospitality displayed towards all of us. As a wise man once said, “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

As a side thought, I am of the opinion that every narrow minded judgmental Muslim individual should read this book. I know for a fact that there are people out there within our community who are of the opinion that if a Muslim person is a part of the art and culture fraternity that they are going straight to hell. Who are we to judge another human being? Who are we to taunt another human being for the God given talent that they were born with? Ustaad Sahab is a very modest man, yet from what I was told, he spends the latter part of the night immersed in worship until sunrise. Whilst travelling he is consistently in the rememberance of God Almighty. His character is exemplary towards young and old. No one gives us the right to judge the affairs of another human being. The world that we reside in is indeed a beautiful place. Hence, use your eyes to see the good that exists all around you. Religion, prayer and faith should be a very personal interaction between you and God Almighty. The artist playing his harmonium or the singer engaging with his audience through his melodious voice bestowed upon him by his Creator, can in all probability be a better human being than the person tearing the prayer mat night and day but also chooses to run down his fellow human being at every given opportunity. Think about it. Live and let live!
My heartiest congratulations goes out to Namrata Gupta Khan for her sterling efforts in putting this book together. I am sure it was not an easy task considering Ustaad Sahab does not like talking much about himself or his achievements. At the end, it was definitely worth the effort. I would also like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank her once again for affording us the opportunity to meet her Papaji, Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab. This book is definitely a must read.

Go order your copy today at
👇
*Amazon* : http://bit.ly/ADreamILivedAlone

*Flipkart* : http://bit.ly/UstadGhulamMustafaKhan

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Those of you who know me personally will acknowledge that in general I am a very bright and bubbly human being. I love to sing, dance and laugh. Dad says he needs to change the pharmacy name to "The Heeee Heeee Haaaa Haaaa Pharmacy" Even in the most serious of situations I always see things in a positive light. Nothing in the world phases me. Why worry when in essence, we have no control over our lives. If you place your full trust and faith in God Almighty you will soon realize that He is undoubtedly the best of planners. For many, 2018 has been a tough, challenging year. To my facebook friends and family I ask all of you to usher in the new year feeling positive and up beat about life. Always remember that if you think your struggles are unbearable, there is always someone out there who is worse of than you. The key to success in life is gratitude. God Almighty says that if you show gratitude, He will grant you more. Start your year wanting to do good and be good in all aspects of life.Show love and kindness to everyone around you. Be tolerant of other peoples culture, faiths and religions. It will get you very far in life. A few days ago, I received an inbox message from a Muslim gentleman who asked the following question, " Why are you wearing Hindu clothing during your trip to India Did you suddenly become a Hindu in India?" I was contemplating naming and shaming this idiot of a human being on a public platform, But then I old myself, I do not wish to engage with an individual who was obviously born with a narrow minded pea sized brain. I prefer engaging with people of great knowledge and intellect. This is my new year resolution for 2019, surrounding myself with people who are positive and encouraging and of course staying away from people who are all dull and gloom. Don't let other peoples negativity or narrow minded views bring you down in life. You are your own person. You are the captain of your own ship. Only you can steer your ship through stormy waters with hard work, determination and perseverance. Be the best version of yourself with each passing year. Don't ever compete with anyone else except yourself. Throughout the year I meet hundreds of people who frequent the pharmacy. If I have hurt anyone, if I came across as being rude or abrupt or perhaps it was extremely hectic and you caught me at the wrong time, i do apologize for my shortcomings and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Happy 2019 to all my friends and family across the globe. Lots of love and God Bless!