Q - What is TokShoq, and when was it launched?
A - My name is Mamoon Mubashir, and TokShoq is my website/blog. I also have a Youtube channel with same name. TokSoq features Urdu Hindi Shayari (Ghazal, Nazm Qita, Sher etc containing 2 line poetry couplets). Poetry is more fun when it is recited (vs read) as has been the centuries-old poetic tradition in the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. Videos also have English translations (captions).
TokShoq also features opinion articles/blogs penned by me (Mamoon Mubashir).
The Youtube channel was launched in April 2020. I had been meaning to do this for some time, however could not find do it. In March 2020, the Novel Corona Virus pandemic set off and caused great distress. As a resident of New York, I was looking for something positive in the midst of the peak of the 1st wave. I started recording the first video (Kuzagar - Potmaker) which represents desire for a happy and positive life. With that, it took off and I have been releasing more videos afterward.
Q - Why do you include English translations with the poetry?
A - Translating literature is a crude process as words, sentences can have various meanings/perspectives and different readers can interpret and construe differently. I try to translate simple meaning (not literal though), which is meant for non-native speakers as well as the "desi" friends whose understanding of Urdu is not very good (especially those living overseas).
