This episode features a collection of poems written by middle school children that explores what makes them Indian. The poems encourage us to think about nationality and belonging, and how these are intertwined with everyday experiences. Can there be a sense of belonging that is ever expansive, that grows and swells to embrace more and more, that does not exclude but always includes? The episode features a response to the poems by poet, writer and editor, Sushil Shukla.

About the Guest
Sushil Shukla is a writer and a poet, and heads the publishing house Ektara that brings out children’s books and magazines. He is the editor of the Hindi children’s magazines, Pluto and Cycle. Some of his award-winning books include:
Bhai Tu Aisi Kavita Kyun Karta Hai
Ek Batey Baarah
Feriwale
Tiffin Dost
Yeh Saara Ujala Suraj Ka

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@themagickeycentre
or visit our website
hum-hindustani.in

CREDITS
The Hum Hindustani Poetry Podcast is a production of The Magic Key Centre for the Arts and Childhood.

Conceived, Written, and Hosted by
Samina Mishra

Poems read by
Aanvi, Arudra, Danyal, Haniya, Ishanvi, Labina, Lakshmi, Kashvi, Kyra, Rohan, Ronish, Samaa, Sarah, Sediqa, Ulfa

Children reading the poems mentored by
Anannya Tripathyi

Studio recordings
Amartya Ghosh, Quarter Note Studios

Music
Shireen Ghosh

Vocals
Ishaan Chintamani

Artwork
Alia Sinha

Additional Research
Rhea Kuthoore

Co-Writer
S Gautham

Hindi Translation
Tazeen Ali

Voice for Sushil Shukla's para dub
Neel Sengupta

Produced by
Vaaka Media

Acknowledgements
Anannya Tripathyi
Gaurav Chintamani
Priya Mathews
Shikha Sen
Simurgh Centre
TESF India
All the children who participated in the Hum Hindustani workshops and wrote the poems

Support for this podcast comes from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
The Hum Hindustani research project is part of TESF India.