‘Khushwant Singh Literary Festival promoted closer ties between India and Pakistan’
UK events offer diversity of views with Eastern Eye as media partner
By Rahul SinghMay 04, 2024
KHUSHWANT SINGH was my father. One of the best-known writers of the post-Partition generation (Train to Pakistan, A History of the Sikhs, Delhi, a Novel), he was also an editor (Illustrated Weekly ofIndia), and the most widely read Indian columnist.
His weekly column, With Malice Towards One and All, came out unerringly in different languages for half a century and made him a household name. The Illustrated Weekly reached stratospheric levels, with a then unheard-of circulation of 450,000 a week under his editorship.
But it is his close connection with Pakistan that I shall write about. He was born in the village of Hadali in today’s Pakistan, 280 km from Lahore. After graduating from Delhi’s prestigious St Stephen’s College, he did his bar-at-law from King’s College, London University.
When communal riots broke out in Lahore just before Partition, he was a practising lawyer. Thinking the trouble would soon be over, he bundled my infant sister, my mother and me into a car and sent us to stay with his father in Delhi. We never returned.
The Partition of the subcontinent took place, amid an unprecedented bloodbath, in which Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs butchered each other.
India’s former foreign minister Salman Khurshid, Pakistani journalist Asif Noorani, Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and Pakistani historian Fakir Aijazuddin at a KSLF panel in Kasauli
My father’s closest friend was Manzur Qadir, also a lawyer (he would go on to become Pakistan’s foreign minister under president Ayub Khan) who occupied his Lahore house, to prevent it from being looted by the rioters. This bond of friendship continued, symbolising my father’s wish for closer India-Pakistan ties and more people-to-people contact, despite the bitterness of Partition.
This was part of the inspiration behind us starting the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival (KSLF) in Kasauli, a small military cantonment town in the Himalayas, where there is a family home and where my father did much of his writing.
In 2012, while my father was still alive (he died two years later), with the encouragement of the then Brigade Commander Anant Narayanan (he went on to become lieutenant general) we started the KSLF.
It was the only – and remains so – lit fest named after a personality, dedicated to the values, concerns and passions of Khushwant Singh. Among them were his concern for the preservation of the pristine Himalayan environment around Kasauli, promoting the education of the girl child, the importance of humour in Indian life and maintaining a secular outlook.
But prominent among them was his desire to bring India and Pakistan closer together. To further that, we invited leading writers and intellectuals from Pakistan to Kasauli.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s daughter Salima Hashmi, Meridien Hotels chairman Mrs Charanjit Singh and Aparna Ananth, who started KSLF along with her husband Brigadier Ananth Narayan
They included writer, politician and lawyer Aitiaz Ahsan, Salima Hashmi (daughter of famed poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz), art historian Fakir Syed Aijazuddin and his wife Shahnaz, columnists Asif Noorani and Jugnu Mohsin, Poonam Ayub and Madeeha Gauhar.
They were transported by car from the India-Pakistan Wagah border through Punjab to the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, a journey they found moving and unforgettable. Their sessions at the KSLF were packed, much of the audience consisting of young Indian military officers. The Pakistani writers returned to their country, as ambassadors for India, more appreciative of the Indian point of view, while the Indian audience, got a better understanding of how Pakistanis felt about India on several issues. This was true, people-to-people contact at its very best.
I would like to think that in a small way the KSLF was promoting closer ties between the two countries.
At another level, I recall a decade earlier, an Indian cricket team went to Pakistan to play a series of one-day matches. Islamabad relaxed its visa rules, and thousands of Indians crossed the border to Pakistan to watch the matches. I was one of them – at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The Pakistani taxi driver refused to take the fare from me, after realising I was Indian. At the packed Gaddafi stadium, unbelievably, many of the Pakistanis cheered for the Indian team. The spectacle reduced me to tears.
Here was a new generation, I felt, uncluttered by the baggage of the past, ready to begin a fresh chapter with their Indian counterparts. Sadly, it was not to be.
Pakistani columnists Poonam Ayub and Madeeha Gauhar at KSLF
Relations between the two countries deteriorated, the visa regime on both sides tightened up, and people-to-people contacts dried up.
We were told we could no longer invite Pakistanis to Kasauli. A letter to the late Indian cabinet minister Sushma Swaraj, got no response.
But, let me add a note of hope. Fakir Aijazuddin, a long-time admirer of my father, who met him in his Delhi home only a few days before he passed away, asked if he could take back some of my father’s ashes to Pakistan. They were handed over to him when he attended the Kasauli KSLF. He took them to Hadali, and on the wall of the school where my father had once studied, he placed them behind a marble plaque. The plaque read: “A Sikh, a scholar, and a son of Hadali, Punjab. This is where my roots are. I have nourished them with tears of nostalgia.” At the ceremony of the installation of the plaque, Muhammad Hayat, former headmaster of the government high school, said, “The son has returned to his soil after 99 years.”
Khushwant’s son Rahul Singh with writer Marina Wheeler
If not Kasauli, then why not the neutral venue of London, where we could also invite Pakistanis, and where my father had studied? Which is how King’s College, London, became the venue of the KSLF, five years ago (followed by SOAS, where it will take place on June 1 and 2 this year). And why only London? With some help from the British Arts Council, and Dr Yusuf Hamied (Yuku), an alumni of Christ’s College, Cambridge, and friend of Khushwant Singh, Christ’s College has also become a venue of the KSLF on June 5.
It’s been a long, arduous, sometimes frustrating, but eventually satisfying and rewarding journey for the KSLF. Getting diverse people, even antagonists, together, arguing and exchanging viewpoints, that is the way forward.
Rahul Singh, a graduate in history honours from King’s College, Cambridge, has been editor of the Reader’s Digest, Indian Express, and Khaleej Times. He lives in Mumbai, Delhi and Kasauli.
Eastern Eye is the media partner of KSLF, which will be held in the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, London on June 1-2, and at Christ’s College, Cambridge, on June 5. Speakers include Akshat Rathi, Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi, Corinne Fowler, Fakir Aijazuddin, Harinder Singh, Imtiaz Dharker, Keshava Guha, Louise Tillin, Lynne Jones, Marina Wheeler, Shirin Wheeler, Moin Mir, Nadia Kabir Barb, Noreen Masud, Paul Waters, Pinky Lilani, Rachel Dwyer, Robert Seatter, SY Quraishi, Lord Simon McDonald, Som Batabyal, Subhadra Das and Tahmima Anam. Register at https://kslitfestlondon.com
A physician assistant (PA) internship isn't just another step in your education; it's a pivotal moment that can define your future in medicine. This is where you can seamlessly connect classroom theory with real-world practice, sharpen your clinical expertise, and develop your professional identity.
But to truly make the most of this experience, simply showing up isn't enough. Here's how to approach your internship with purpose and intention.
Set Clear Learning Goals Early
Before beginning your PA internship, think about what you hope to gain. Are you aiming to enhance your diagnostic reasoning? Is it to strengthen your communication with patients? Or perhaps become more comfortable with documentation? Defining these goals ahead of time allows you to focus your efforts.
It also helps to share these objectives with your supervisor right away. Don't assume they'll know what you need or want to learn. By aligning your personal goals with the internship's structure and your physician assistant program's curriculum, you can set the stage for a more focused and meaningful experience.
If you're looking to broaden your perspective, explore the PA internship offered by international programs or academic partners abroad. These experiences introduce you to new clinical environments, deepen your understanding of global healthcare challenges, and strengthen your cultural awareness.
Be Proactive, Not Passive
An internship is not the time to take a back seat. So, volunteer to present patients, assist with documentation, or observe procedures. Ask if you can participate in areas that support your learning goals, too.
Taking initiative signals that you're invested in your development. Whether it's offering to help with charting or expressing interest in a particular case, each step forward deepens your clinical experience and prepares you to work confidently alongside experienced healthcare professionals.
Learn From Every Team Member
Some of the most valuable lessons from your internship program won't come from physicians alone. Nurses, medical students, technicians, and administrative staff each bring unique perspectives that deepen your understanding of patient care and clinical operations.
Watch how nurses communicate with patients or how medical assistants manage fast-paced workflow. Building trust and professional rapport across the team strengthens your collaboration skills and prepares you for the teamwork essential in everyday clinical settings.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
You're expected to have questions, but it's how and when you ask them that makes the difference. Rather than asking basic facts you could look up later, focus on questions that demonstrate critical thinking and genuine engagement with patient care.
For instance, you can ask about clinical reasoning: "What factors led you to choose this treatment approach?" or "How did the patient's history influence your differential diagnosis?" These questions show you're thinking like a clinician, not just memorizing protocols. Understanding the "why" behind medical decisions will accelerate your development of clinical judgment.
Also, master the art of timing. If the clinical environment is hectic, make a quick note of your questions and ask them during a quieter moment. This approach shows respect for the workflow while ensuring you get the learning you need.
Master the Art of Charting
Effective documentation is an essential skill. It supports continuity of care, contributes to billing accuracy, and reflects your clinical understanding.
So, practice writing clear and structured notes. Focus on being concise while still capturing the full picture. Strong documentation skills will serve you well no matter where you practice in the medical field, whether in primary care, surgery, or a specialty clinic.
Embrace Feedback
Feedback from experienced medical professionals offers insights that textbooks and lectures simply can't. They have seen countless cases and can spot patterns, mistakes, and opportunities for improvement that you might miss. But remember, their critiques aren't personal attacks—they're investments in your development as a healthcare provider.
That said, learn to accept constructive feedback with maturity and openness. Listen actively without becoming defensive, ask clarifying questions when needed, and thank the person for their time and insight. Most importantly, act on what you learn. Adjust your approach, practice the suggested techniques, and follow up to show you've incorporated their guidance. This responsiveness demonstrates maturity and signals that you're serious about your professional growth, qualities that will serve you well beyond your internship.
Reflect Daily and Track Your Progress
A brief daily reflection can significantly enhance your learning. So, at the end of each day, take a few minutes to process what happened. Which cases challenged you most? When did you feel most confident in your decisions?
Whether you write in a journal or record short audio notes, making time to reflect and understand your experiences helps solidify what you've learned and build confidence in your clinical decision-making.
Balance Confidence With Humility
Confidence is important, but so is recognizing your limits. If you're unsure about something, speak up. Asking for guidance shows good judgment and a commitment to safe, effective care.
The key is to find the right balance. Know when to take initiative and when to pause and consult. This balance goes a long way in developing trust with both your team and the patients you serve.
Build Relationships That Last
An internship is a time to learn, but it's equally an opportunity to connect with people who can help shape your career. Supervisors and fellow interns you work alongside today may become your future colleagues, mentors, or professional references.
That said, maintain a respectful presence and express gratitude. Show interest in others' experiences, contribute meaningfully to team discussions, and demonstrate reliability in your responsibilities, too. People remember those who made their work easier and more enjoyable.
After your rotation ends, consider sending a thank-you note or staying in touch on professional platforms. These relationships can be invaluable as you move forward in your medical career and build your professional reputation.
Final Thoughts
A physician assistant internship is more than a box to check—it's your introduction to life as a healthcare provider. Treat it as an opportunity to grow, explore, and define your role within the broader medical field.
Stay focused, ask questions, take initiative, and reflect regularly. With a professional mindset and a commitment to learning, you'll transition smoothly from student to practicing PA and start making a real impact in your chosen healthcare setting.
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FILE PHOTO: Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the media at a vandalized metro station in Mirpur, after the anti-quota protests. (Photo by -/Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office/AFP via Getty Images)
BANGLADESH's former chief election commissioner K M Nurul Huda has been arrested on charges of manipulating elections during his tenure, police said.
Dhaka metropolitan police’s deputy commissioner Mohidul Islam said Huda was arrested in the case filed by former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against the former election commission chief and 18 others, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Election Commission officials said this was probably the first time that a former CEC has been detained over issues related to elections, the Daily Star newspaper reported.
Earlier in the day, the 77-year-old, who oversaw the elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, was assaulted by a mob outside his Uttara residence.
Uttara West police station chief Hafizur Rahman said, "We went to the scene after being informed" that a mob has surrounded Huda. We have brought him into our custody.”
Another police officer said the mob raided Huda’s residence located at Uttara area in Dhaka and dragged him out of his house before the arrival of police.
Videos circulating on social media show a group of people thrashing Huda with shoes, garlanding him with footwear, and throwing eggs at him from close proximity.
In the videos, the mob was seen abusing him with filthy language and continuing to beat him even after the police arrived at the scene.
Huda would spend the night at the police’s detective branch office and would be produced before a court for consequent legal actions, he said.
The BNP filed a case against 19 people, including Huda, for conducting general elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 under Hasina regime "without people's mandate". Hasina had won all these elections.
The assault of Huda triggered an uproar on social media, prompting chief advisor Muhammad Yunus’ interim government to issue a statement around midnight.
“The mob-created unruly situation and the physical assault on the accused has drawn the government's attention. The government urges citizens not to take the law into their hands," the statement said.
It also warned of appropriate actions against such people.
Most senior leaders of the Awami League and ministers and senior officials of the ousted regime were arrested or fled the country after the fall of the then government.
Several of these leaders, including ministers, in the past several months have come under mob attack, particularly on court premises.
Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at 32 Dhanmandi in Dhaka, which was turned into a memorial museum, was demolished by a mob using bulldozers in February this year.
(PTI)
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Bianca Censori and Kanye West walking hand in hand in New York City
Bianca Censori was spotted in NYC on 21 June wearing a sheer top and leather micro shorts.
Kanye West dressed in his usual covered-up style with a pop of blue in his shoelaces.
The couple’s appearance follows a reconciliation earlier this year after a brief split.
Censori has drawn criticism for her increasingly revealing outfits and recent distracted driving allegations.
Bianca Censori turned heads once again as she stepped out in New York City with her husband, Kanye West, wearing a sheer black top with no bra and ultra-short leather shorts. The couple were spotted walking through the city on Saturday, 21 June, continuing their string of public appearances in bold fashion choices and controversial moments.
The Australian model and Yeezy designer, known for her fashion, paired her see-through top with open black stilettos and newly styled long hair with feathered bangs, a departure from her previous slicked-back bun look. The 30-year-old’s outfit left little to the imagination, once again igniting online chatter about her fashion evolution and public persona since marrying West in December 2022.
Censori's revealing look in NYC quickly made the rounds online, fuelling both admiration and criticism. While her daring wardrobe has become a signature, this appearance came days after she was seen in an edible candy bra set on another city outing, raising fresh questions about her public image.
Her fashion choices often reference Kim Kardashian, West’s ex-wife, from beachy waves to plunging bodysuits. Social media comparisons are frequent, especially as Censori adopts a similar visual style with a more explicit edge.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori file lawsuit against celebrity dentist Dr. Thomas Connelly, alleging reckless drug administration and exploitation Youtube Screengrab
Kanye West and Bianca Censori's relationship post-split
The couple’s latest appearance comes just months after a reported breakup in February, triggered by West’s ongoing controversies, including antisemitic statements and the promotion of offensive merchandise. A source close to the situation had described that phase as “potentially unsurvivable” for their marriage.
However, by April, the pair had reconciled and resumed their public outings, including a headline-making visit to a sex shop. Since then, West has publicly embraced Censori as his “submissive partner,” even reposting fan messages that describe her as obedient and loyal to him.
Bianca Censori and Kanye West outing raises eyebrows amid rumours of relationship tension Instagram/whoopsee.it
Their relationship continues to draw attention, both for its unpredictable fashion statements and the provocative dynamic they openly embrace.
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Trisha Krishnan’s birthday post with Thalapathy Vijay and her dog renews dating rumours
• Thalapathy Vijay turned 51 on 22 June 2025 • Trisha Krishnan’s birthday post shows Vijay with her dog, Izzy • Fans speculate about a relationship as the post goes viral • Trisha’s mother’s reaction adds fuel to the dating buzz
On Thalapathy Vijay’s 51st birthday, co-star Trisha Krishnan shared a seemingly innocent photo that’s now causing quite a stir online. In the picture, Vijay is seen playing with Trisha’s dog Izzy, while she looks on, smiling warmly. The caption, “Happy Birthday bestest” with hug and evil eye emojis, has sent fans into a frenzy, reviving the long-standing rumours of a secret relationship between the two Tamil cinema stars.
Trisha’s post with Vijay and her dog ignites curiosity
While birthday wishes from fans poured in for Vijay, it was Trisha’s post that stood out. The image feels intimate, almost personal. Fans quickly noted that Izzy, the dog in the picture, was adopted by Trisha earlier this year, ruling out speculation that the photo was from an old event like The GOAT success meet. The post has now sparked fresh conversations about their alleged off-screen bond.
Online users have been quick to react. “Okay official now,” one person commented. Another wrote, “This can’t be a coincidence anymore.” Reddit threads have analysed everything from Vijay’s shirt colour to the timeline of Izzy’s adoption to connect the dots.
Trisha’s mother’s response deepens fan speculation
Adding to the chatter, Trisha’s mother, Uma Krishnan, also re-shared the post with heart emojis, confusing fans even further. Many interpreted this as silent approval, while others questioned why she would publicly endorse the photo if there wasn’t more to it.
This isn’t the first time the duo have sparked such talk. Back in 2024, Trisha posted a cosy lift selfie with Vijay on his 50th birthday, and both were later seen attending a wedding in Goa together. Despite growing curiosity, neither has commented on the rumours.
Vijay, married to Sangeetha since 1999 with two children, has always kept his personal life private. As he gears up for his final film Jana Nayagan before stepping into full-time politics, the renewed buzz around his bond with Trisha is keeping both fans and gossip columns on high alert.
PAKISTANI politicians and citizens are demanding their government withdraw its nomination of US president Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace prize, following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Pakistan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar sent a formal letter to the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Norway last Friday (20), recommending Trump for the prestigious award.
The decision has come under intense scrutiny after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites - Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz - in coordination with Israel. The strikes were aimed at damaging Iran's nuclear programme, with Trump warning of additional attacks if Iran retaliated.
Veteran politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), has called for the government to reverse its decision.
"President Trump's claim of peace has proven to be false; the proposal for the Nobel Prize should be withdrawn," Fazl told party workers in Murree on Sunday (22).
He questioned how Trump could be considered a peacemaker when he has "supported Israeli attacks on Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Iran" and has "the blood of Afghans and Palestinians on America's hands".
Former senator Mushahid Hussain wrote on social media that Pakistan's government "must now review, rescind and revoke" Trump's Nobel nomination, calling the US president a leader "who has willfully unleashed an illegal war".
Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) condemned the "unprovoked" US strikes on Iran and voiced "total support" for Iranian sovereignty. PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan called for the government to "reconsider" its decision. Public Criticism and Embarrassment
The nomination has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Pakistanis accusing their government of trying to please the US at the expense of national dignity.
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak called the decision "sycophancy" and said it was "most embarrassing to announce the nomination hours before Trump ordered to bomb Iranian nuclear sites".
Pakistan's former US ambassador Maleeha Lodhi described the move as "unfortunate" and said it did not reflect public opinion.
Political analyst Raheeq Abbasi sarcastically noted that Pakistan had nominated "the very Donald Trump whom Westerners were protesting against for war crimes" and questioned whether there was "any sense of honour or humanity" in those responsible for the decision.
The criticism has extended beyond the civilian government to Pakistan's military leadership. Some politicians suggested the decision was influenced by Trump's recent meeting with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Social media users have accused the military establishment of making decisions without public consultation, with one calling them "uncrowned kings" ready to "sell out the nation whenever they please".
Trump had campaigned as a "peacemaker" who would use his negotiating skills to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. However, both wars continue to rage five months into his presidency, and critics argue his recent actions contradict his peace-making claims.