Facing the Sky
The traces she clearly knows,
I may stumble upon by chance.
They need to be covered again,
Most feared—this is a kind of respect.
The wounds she hasn’t fully recognized,
Unintentionally seen by me,
Must remain exposed,
Not feared—this is a kind of impulse.
The purpose is the cycle,
The cycle is the purpose,
I follow the latter more faithfully.
As long as the stars don’t fall,
Let loneliness marry the eyes.
Pinecones’ Scent
moss-soft steps
the cushioned amber
carpets of forest floor
spiked split shells
a child’s palms cradle
polished conkers
a sharp gust
plucks the last leaf
the lake’s face ripples
I have got two brothers,
One is dark, one is light.
They are two different worlds,
And I must live with both of them.
I have got two brothers,
One is angry, one is happy.
One urges me to help and share,
The other tells me not to give.
I have got two brothers,
One is satisfied, one is greedy.
The selfish one wants me to murder,
The selfless one wants me to nurture.
When living in such a dilemma, I always have to be awake.
If I tread the dark path, I might lose my way to heaven.
And I spend every day,
Every month, and every year,
Just choosing and following-
Either sunny or rainy.
There is only one of me,
And I must choose between them.
Two brothers, and still
I’m torn between hating and loving.
Don’t think it’s easy
To live on Earth and be wise.
People have two brothers-
Always either dark or light.
…
Sarvinoz Giyosova, freshman in “Languages Faculty”.
No need to worry
In my crescendo of joy travelling Switzerland
East and west coasts of United States of America
Surreal terrains of Norway, voyage in Baltic Sea
Fabulous Finland and many other countries
I captured all marvelous moments this world can offer
Why this glittering fountain does not sustain forever?
The culprit is an inherent fear that is overwhelming
Reminds me after every enjoyment, “This is evanescent”
Soon dark clouds of gloom cover me blind me
I shall have to leave all whatever good I may have
Death will come sooner or later
Disconnect me cruelly from all achievements.
I find it unbecoming of a god incarnation or prophet
To die in diseases, murdered or drowned
After attaining trance and enlightenment,
They are unable to die with dignity
Choosing calm and peaceful departure from here
Hopelessly in the same way as the common people.
Advaita philosophy declares every human is free
Ignorance like ‘a lion cub in a flock of sheep’
We think ourselves different from the Self
Due to the dirt that blurs our vision,
In reality, we are parts that form Paramatma
No power can undo this truth.
The accomplishments of material life
Is like the pleasure of swallowing a sweet
There is no need to rush for these
If one wants name and fame
Nothing wrong in it
One must remain determined to go for extinction.
2
Soaked in love
It is so difficult to reach
To the bottom of her heart
Looks so deceptive
Angry face
Shouting to the top of voice
As though
Will swallow me
At that very moment.
Curtain falls
The next scene-
I Get up in the morning
Working on my desk
Writing poems is
My every day habit,
She comes to me silently
With a plateful of fresh fruits.
So beautiful a face she has
Crossed sixty-six years
Suddenly clouds cover
The eternal painter inserts defect,
Eager to remove the faults
She becomes pale
Nothing is working
I run from pillar to post.
Deep in her mind
She stores nectar
Outer layers camouflage
I cannot catch her,
When my love soaks
She appears to be as pearl
Garlands me with a necklace
Purely made out of her soul.
3
Reversal of a polluted river
Yamuna at Delhi
Is turned into
A sewage open
Drain full of froth
The river is vomiting
Like a bedridden patient
Infected by the
Human virus
Who dumps garbage
Organic wastes
Nobody dares
To touch its water.
A new government
Has come to power
After twenty-seven years
Of exile as the opposition
The river is being cleaned
Gigantic machines are at work
Day and night
On war footing
River cruises are plying
Passengers enjoy breeze onboard
The banks are beautified
Flowers are smiling in the gardens.
4
Heart melting
Love is floating in the air
Like bubbles filled with colors
Used in celebrating Holi in India
Rich or poor everybody enjoys it
Emotions run high between lovers
Young or old nobody is left behind.
An old man with grey hair and beard
Is sitting with some vegetables
By the side of a road
For some money to meet hunger
Love comes flying to him
In the form of a young police officer.
He tells him to give all those
Spinach, coriander leaves
For which the old man charges him
Only fifty rupees
The young man’s heart melts
Gives him three hundred fifty instead.
The old man who is hungry for food
But not at all for undue money
Refuses to take so much
The young officer calls himself his son
Requests him not to deprive of serving
Tears roll down the cheeks.
5
Gruesome government
I deposited my gratuity money in a bank
Retired life, interest from it was important
Suddenly the bank stopped all transactions
The virus of financial scandal engulfed it.
The government intervened to make payment
To ninety-five percent customers
Who were vote bank
I was left in the lurch.
My fault was I had a large sum of money there
It was blocked for many years without interest
Paying back a paltry amount in initial years thereafter
Keeping the large amounts for payment in final years.
I planned for a tour abroad
Paid the tour operator through the nose
Due to sudden sickness cancelled it
The government did not return GST I paid.
I published a book through a publisher
Paid them high cost of publication
Surprisingly the government charged huge GST
It was my first such book yet to earn royalty.
Sandip Saha won two awards from India, one from USA, was finalist in ‘Origami Poems Project ‘Best of Kindness Contest’, 2020 and Lengthy Poem Contest of Defenestrationism.net, April 2022, both USA, published six poetry collections, 177 poems in 59 journals in six countries- India, USA, UK, Australia, Romania and Mauritius.
Historical Monuments of Uzbekistan: Timeless Witnesses of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, located at the heart of Central Asia, is one of the world’s oldest cultural crossroads. For centuries, it served as a key hub of the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West, North and South. As merchants, scholars, travelers, and conquerors passed through its territory, they left behind not only goods and ideas but also magnificent architectural monuments. Today, Uzbekistan is home to hundreds of historical sites that reflect the rich political, spiritual, and cultural history of the region. These monuments are not merely remnants of the past; they are living witnesses to the rise and fall of great civilizations and continue to shape the national identity of the Uzbek people.
Samarkand – The Pearl of the East
Among Uzbekistan’s historical cities, Samarkand holds a special place. Often referred to as “the Pearl of the East,” Samarkand is more than 2,700 years old and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city reached its golden age during the reign of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, when it became the capital of a vast empire.
The most iconic monument of Samarkand is Registan Square, a grand ensemble of three madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilla-Kori Madrasah. These buildings demonstrate the pinnacle of Islamic architecture, with their majestic portals, intricate geometric patterns, and vibrant blue tilework. Registan was not only an architectural center but also a place of education, public gatherings, and intellectual exchange.
Another remarkable monument is the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur and his descendants. Its massive turquoise dome and elegant interior symbolize the power and ambition of the Timurid dynasty. The mausoleum later inspired the design of other famous structures, including the Taj Mahal in India.
Bukhara – A Living Museum
Bukhara is often described as an open-air museum, as it has preserved its historical layout and monuments remarkably well. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Bukhara was once a major center of Islamic theology, science, and trade.
One of the most impressive landmarks in Bukhara is the Poi-Kalyan Complex, which includes the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. The Kalyan Minaret, standing nearly 47 meters tall, was built in the 12th century and has survived numerous invasions and earthquakes. Legend says that even Genghis Khan was so impressed by its beauty that he ordered it not to be destroyed.
Another significant site is the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel that served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for centuries. Within its walls, political decisions were made, cultural life flourished, and the fate of the emirate was determined. Walking through the Ark today allows visitors to imagine the daily life of medieval rulers and scholars.
Khiva – A City Frozen in Time
Khiva, located in the Khorezm region, is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Central Asia. Its inner city, Ichan-Kala, is surrounded by massive clay walls and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many ancient cities, Khiva’s historical center remains almost entirely intact.
Among Khiva’s architectural masterpieces is the Kalta Minor Minaret, famous for its unfinished yet striking appearance, covered in blue and green tiles. The Juma Mosque, with its 218 carved wooden columns, reflects ancient construction traditions and artistic craftsmanship. Each column has a unique design, some dating back to the 10th century. Khiva’s monuments reflect the cultural identity of Khorezm, a region that made significant contributions to science, mathematics, and astronomy.
Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur, is another important historical city in Uzbekistan.
The Dorus-Saodat and Dorus-Tilovat complexes in Shakhrisabz include mausoleums and mosques associated with Timur’s family and spiritual mentors. These monuments highlight the deep connection between political authority and religious life in medieval Central Asia.
While Uzbekistan is widely known for its Islamic monuments, its territory also preserves traces of pre-Islamic civilizations. The city of Termez, located in the south of the country, was once an important center of Buddhism along the Silk Road. Archaeological sites such as Fayaz-Tepa and Kara-Tepa contain remains of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and sculptures dating back to the Kushan period. These monuments prove that Uzbekistan has long been a land of religious tolerance and cultural diversity. They enrich the historical narrative of the country and demonstrate its role in global civilization.
Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has placed great emphasis on preserving and restoring its historical monuments. Large-scale restoration projects have been carried out, and many sites have been adapted for cultural tourism. At the same time, efforts are being made to balance modernization with historical authenticity. Historical monuments today play a vital role in educating young generations, strengthening national pride, and promoting Uzbekistan on the international stage. They attract millions of tourists each year and contribute to economic development through cultural tourism. The historical monuments of Uzbekistan are far more than architectural achievements; they are symbols of human creativity, knowledge, and resilience.
From the grand squares of Samarkand to the quiet streets of Khiva, each monument tells a story of a civilization that once flourished and continues to inspire the modern world. Preserving these treasures is not only a national responsibility but also a contribution to global cultural heritage. Uzbekistan, with its timeless monuments, stands as a bridge between the past and the future, inviting humanity to learn from history and value cultural diversity.
And jasmine remains white,
no matter how treacherous the seasons may be.
Like the heart of a child is your heart,
and like your presence in my life — a secret of eternity,
planting in my heart roses that never wither,
no matter how many years pass over them.
You are a melody that never loses its glow,
no matter how tired the fingers grow,
a pulse that never fades, even in the fiercest storms,
O child of my heart.
When you draw near, words fall silent
out of reverence for your presence,
time becomes perfumed with your gentle scent,
and I feel as though I breathe another life
within your heart.
Like rain after a long thirst,
in you I find the meaning of purity
when purity is lost in this world.
You are warmth when winter betrays me,
a refuge for gentle souls when the dark winter night frightens them,
and the heart’s reassurance
when souls tremble.
Your love remains pure in my heart,
no matter how fierce the storms may be.
You are my homeland and my light
when the path is lost.
The song of my heart,
and the song of the soul when silence fails it.
In your eyes, I find both safety and wonder.
My wish, my little one —
in the warmth of your hands
I discover that time can stop
in reverence for a sincere moment.
O purer than all the verses poets have written,
secret of dew and whiteness of dawn,
you are the branch leaning over
the balconies of Damascene shanashil,
over ancient windows and doors,
O fragrance of jasmine.
Your presence with me
turns all seasons into an endless spring.
And jasmine remains white,
no matter how treacherous the seasons may be.
HEALTHY LIVESTOCK – A HEALTHY SOCIETY
When we talk about health today, we usually think of the human body, medicine, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals. However, the roots of public health are often overlooked. In reality, they begin on farms, pastures, livestock facilities, and in veterinary clinics. A healthy society is not defined solely by healthy people, but also by healthy animals, safe food, and responsible drug use. In this sense, the phrase “Healthy livestock – a healthy society” is not merely a slogan, but a vital reality.
Livestock farming is one of the fundamental economic and social pillars of any society. Meat, milk, eggs, and dietary products are integral components of everyday human nutrition. Yet we rarely reflect on the conditions under which these products are produced, the medications administered to animals, or the extent to which these processes are regulated. In fact, any issue related to animal health ultimately affects human health.
One of the most serious global challenges discussed in recent years is antibiotic resistance. This problem does not originate only in hospitals. On the contrary, one of its major sources is the uncontrolled and improper use of antibiotics in livestock farming. In some cases, antibiotics are administered not for therapeutic purposes, but to accelerate animal growth or as a preventive measure. As a result, bacteria adapt to these drugs, rendering commonly used antibiotics ineffective in humans. This poses a serious threat to public health.
Unfortunately, attitudes toward drug use remain problematic. Some livestock owners administer medications without consulting a veterinarian, relying on the belief that “this drug worked before.” In other cases, dosages are not followed correctly, and treatment courses are not completed. Most concerning is the failure to observe withdrawal periods before slaughter. Consequently, drug residues remain in meat and dairy products, which eventually reach the consumer’s table.
This is where the close interconnection between veterinary medicine and pharmacy becomes evident. While veterinarians are responsible for diagnosis and treatment, pharmacists ensure the quality, safety, and correct use of medicines. Without effective collaboration between these professionals, medications may cause more harm than benefit. Therefore, veterinary pharmacy is not merely a professional field, but a critical component of public safety.
Today, the market offers a wide range of veterinary medicines, but their quality varies significantly. The issue of counterfeit and substandard drugs is particularly alarming. Such products fail to treat animals effectively and may even worsen diseases. As a result, livestock mortality increases, productivity declines, and economic losses occur. More importantly, these drugs pose an indirect threat to human health. Thus, strict regulation of veterinary medicines is not only a professional responsibility, but a societal necessity.
The issue of healthy livestock is not limited to medication alone. It also encompasses proper husbandry, sanitation, disease prevention, and vaccination systems. Preventing disease has always been more effective and economical than treating it. However, in practice, preventive measures are often neglected, and problems are only addressed once diseases have progressed. This approach is neither economically viable nor beneficial for public health.
At the global level, the concept of “One Health” is becoming increasingly relevant. This approach views human, animal, and environmental health as a single interconnected system. Everything in nature is interrelated: when animals fall ill, humans are put at risk; when the environment is degraded, livestock become more vulnerable; and when medicines are misused, society suffers. Therefore, healthy livestock is not merely an agricultural issue, but a matter of national and global security.
Another crucial aspect is the training of specialists. Modern veterinary medicine and pharmacy require advanced knowledge, technology, and a strong sense of responsibility. However, the gap between theory and practice remains evident. Young professionals must be not only knowledgeable, but also ethical and conscientious. A single mistake can affect an entire chain—from livestock health to human well-being.
As a society, we must also recognize our responsibility. Chasing cheap products and choosing meat or dairy of questionable quality ultimately harms us. Where there is demand, supply follows. If consumers demand safe and high-quality products, producers will be compelled to meet these standards. This, in turn, encourages the production of healthy livestock.
In conclusion, building a healthy society requires more than doctors and pharmacies alone. The process begins on the farm, continues in veterinary clinics, and is reinforced through the pharmaceutical sector. Only when each link in this chain fulfills its role honestly and responsibly can we truly speak of a healthy society. Healthy livestock is not merely about animal welfare—it is a guarantee of the health of future generations.