Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My Top 10 Reasons why literature matters

By Abul Bashor Ansari.

Memories: Wonderful words can create moments in time that will stay with you forever, and this includes lifelong connections to whatever inspired those thoughts. I am 92 now, but still remember how my dearest mother inspired me to write poetry as a 14-year old. That one poem was the beginning of a beautiful journey.


Treasures: Writing down a simple thought, poem, novel or something else is like creating a precious treasure because it is a part of you. Whether it is for yourself or others to enjoy, whatever comes from your inner-self is priceless, and never forget that. So don’t be afraid to express yourself. My most treasured piece of writing is that very first poem I wrote at the age of 14 in front of my local mosque built by my dearest father, sitting under the shade of a nearby tree.

Connections: Whether you are writing or reading, literature enables us to form human connections, and that is important. The greatest gift writing gave me is that it allowed me to reach out to the masses. This subsequently enabled me to gain the trust of people, enter politics and make a positive difference in their lives.

Knowledge: They say knowledge is power, and for me most of that enlightenment is gained through the written word. I have gained knowledge from reading, but have

also been lucky enough to pass on what I learned. Even today I am still learning. I remember doing another degree from Middlesex University, when I was 75. So learning does not stop. I wish that one day all children have the opportunity to get an education and

that they are given the power that comes with that.

Message: If you want to communicate a certain message, then it is easy to do through the written word. Today the younger generation are so blessed because of all the platforms they have to communicate to others, including through social media and the internet.

If you have a platform to communicate a positive message, do it.

Heroes: Literature has created some of the greatest heroes across the centuries, who have helped shape our world. Everyone has the power to pick up a pen, or in the modern day a computer, and become a hero. I have many literary heroes from around the world, but will mention the late great Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah, who was a legendary Bengali

journalist, politician and activist.

Inspiration: The written word will inspire you in so many ways, including expanding horizons. Growing up, reading about the world pushed me to come to London in the late 1950s and inspired me to open the door for hundreds of rural Bangladeshis to come to

UK for a better life. That first generation educated their children, who then did the same for their children. So inspiring one person can lead to a chain reaction that helps so many others.

History: Literature helps us to document history, which is important for society. We must not forget where we came from and we can only really move forward by learning lessons from the past. Great thinkers from the past have left us all so many wonderful written

works, which connect, teach and inspire us.

Hope: There is always hope, even through the most challenging situations. Reading about those who overcame struggle, a simple poem or the written word of someone who makes you look at the world in a different way will awaken hope. With hope comes inner power and a better tomorrow.

Timeless: Writing is timeless and will remain long after we are all gone. I have been fortunate enough to publish books and write thousands of poems. I have been blessed to have inspired others and so many have done the same for me. My hope that is in this fast-moving world of technology, future generations will remain connected to the written

word in some way.

  • Abul Bashor Ansari is a London-based writer, poet, thinker and humanitarian.

More For You

10 Indian shows set to take over the world in 2025

The must-watch TV shows everyone is talking about right now

Netflix

10 Indian shows set to take over the world in 2025

Lights, camera, global domination! Move over, Hollywood because Indian TV is here to conquer the global stage! With riveting plots, magnetic performances, and storytelling that resonates across cultures, Indian series have gone from local treasures to global obsessions. Whether it’s a high-octane crime thriller, a heartwarming romance, or a royal drama packed with intrigue, these shows are set to take over screens worldwide. If you’re looking for binge-worthy brilliance, here are the 10 most anticipated Indian language TV series generating global buzz in 2025.

1. Delhi Crime: Season 3
Shefali Shah reprises her role as the formidable DIG Vartika Chaturvedi in this Emmy-winning crime saga. This season delves into a sinister human trafficking network, with Huma Qureshi joining the stellar cast. Gritty, unfiltered, and deeply compelling, the intensity is dialled up to eleven. Streaming on Netflix, this gritty series is crime storytelling at its absolute finest.


Keep ReadingShow less
The Asian superhero boom: How 2025 is expanding the superhero universe

Asian superheroes are taking center stage in global cinema, redefining representation and breaking barriers

The Asian superhero boom: How 2025 is expanding the superhero universe

Superheroes are evolving, and 2025 is proving to be a defining year for Asian heroes in global entertainment. With Ne Zha 2 dominating the box office and Marvel Zombies bringing fresh representation to the MCU, the Asian superwave isn’t just a fleeting trend but a movement reshaping the genre itself. These films and shows prove that superheroes can emerge from any culture and still connect with global audiences, breaking the long-held Western monopoly on the superhero narrative.

For years, Asian characters in Hollywood were either relegated to sidekick roles or even reduced to outdated stereotypes. But today, with Asian-led superhero films and series gaining international recognition, diverse heroes are no longer just an afterthought instead they’re at the forefront of the genre.

Keep ReadingShow less
Himesh Reshammiya’s £5.2M album that beat AR Rahman, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonu Nigam
And, Badass Ravi Kumar
And, Badass Ravi Kumar

Himesh Reshammiya’s £5.2M album that beat AR Rahman, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonu Nigam

This is the story of an album that stands above the rest, that sold a staggering 5.5 crore copies, and of a record that remains untouched for nearly two decades.

The Indian music industry witnessed an era of booming album sales in the 1990s and early 2000s, fuelled by film soundtracks and the rising popularity of Indipop. As music labels flourished, selling a million copies became common, and a few even touched the elusive 10-million mark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeet Adani marries Diva Shah, Adani family pledges £950M for social causes

Jeet Adani and Diva Jaimin Shah tie the knot in an intimate ceremony

Instagram/Gautam Adani

Jeet Adani marries Diva Shah, Adani family pledges £950M for social causes

Jeet Adani, the younger son of billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, married Diva Jaimin Shah, daughter of diamond merchant Jaimin Shah, in an intimate wedding ceremony in Ahmedabad. The event, held at the Adani township, Shantigram, followed traditional Jain and Gujarati customs and was attended by close family members and loved ones. The wedding festivities began at 2 PM, with rituals conducted in a serene and traditional manner.

Despite the family’s prominence, the wedding was intentionally kept low-key, with no political figures or celebrities in attendance. Gautam Adani, who shared glimpses of the ceremony on social media, expressed gratitude and sought blessings for the newlyweds. "It was a small and extremely private function, so we could not invite all well-wishers even if we wanted to. I sincerely seek love and blessings for my daughter Diva and Jeet," he posted.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jennifer Aniston and Selena Gomez recreate iconic 'Friends' scene at glamorous galantine's bash

Jennifer Aniston and Selena Gomez share a fun Galentine’s night, recreating an iconic Friends moment that sent the internet into a frenzy.

Instagram/lolavie

Jennifer Aniston and Selena Gomez recreate iconic 'Friends' scene at glamorous galantine's bash

Hollywood stars Jennifer Aniston and Selena Gomez recently turned heads with their star-studded Galentine’s bash, blending glamour, nostalgia, and a whole lot of girl power. The duo, who share a close bond both personally and professionally, hosted the event to celebrate their beauty brands, LolaVie and Rare Beauty.

The highlight of the evening? The internet went into a frenzy when the duo recreated an iconic Friends scene, paying tribute to the sitcom that made Aniston a household name. A viral video showed them lip-syncing to Rachel and Joey’s famous “Do you know something?” exchange, originally performed by Aniston and Matt LeBlanc. Fans couldn’t get enough, with many calling it the “collab of the century.”


The night was filled with heartwarming moments, from their matching all-black outfits to their playful photo booth sessions. Aniston took to Instagram to share glimpses from the evening, captioning it, “Had a nice early Galentine’s with my girls.”

Selena Gomez, who has often referred to Aniston as a mentor, shared how the Friends star has been a constant source of support and advice. “She’s always been there for me,” Selena said, talking about the importance of having strong female friendships in her life. Aniston, in turn, praised Gomez, calling their bond a “sister-mother” relationship where they uplift and guide each other.

Beyond the celebrations, reports suggest that Aniston is also helping Selena plan her wedding to music producer Benny Blanco. The guest list is rumoured to include A-listers like Taylor Swift and Meryl Streep, making it one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year.

From their heartfelt moments to a Friends throwback that broke the internet, Jennifer Aniston and Selena Gomez’s Galentine’s night was a perfect mix of nostalgia, friendship, and lots of glam.

Keep ReadingShow less