"Delhi's Muslim Culture is Dying" – Interview with Sadia Dehlvi
I really don’t know why Muslim areas in the city are so filthy and neglected. Is it because they are poor? I wish they would clean and maintain the areas around the dargahs, specially Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Chiragh Dilli and Bakhtiar Kaki in Mehrauli. These shrines are of such historical and spiritual relevance. People from all over the world come to seek blessings there. They must wonder why we Indians can’t look after them.
The Delhi Walli
Delhi is smoggy, overcrowded and difficult. Your refuges in the city?
My refuge is my home at Nizamuddin East and given half a chance I would not move from here. In winters, I love going with a book to the Lodhi Garden or to the Humayun’s tomb. Another beloved hangout place is the India International Centre.
Things you dislike about Delhi?
Speeding kids in fancy cars. Honking drivers. Road rage. Malls. Excessive display of wealth, especially at weddings. Hoardings. Garbage dumps. Peeing on roadsides. Clothes drying out on house fronts. Dal Makhani and Paneer Tikka. Obese men hanging out on colony streets in banyans. Auto wallas refusing to go in the direction you need to go. Pollution. Crime. Corrupt politicians. The list can go on and on…
I understand you also conduct heritage walks in the city.
Yes, I have been taking groups of foreigners around the old city, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah complex, Mehrauli and Humayuns tomb complex. One can never be tired of the wondrous monuments and stories that Delhi has to offer. It’s my city and I am in love with it.
Thanks for Talking to The Delhi Walla, Ms. Dehlvi.
Dilli ke na they kuche auraq e musavvir they
Jo shakl nazar aayi tasveer nazar aayi
[Delhi's bylanes were like paintings,
Whichever way you looked, it was a beautiful visual.]
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