Fear Mongering : perhaps we need an Alien to help us identify our mistakes and help us change

FEAR MONGERING : WE NEED AN ALIEN TO HELP US IDENTIFY OUR PROBLEMS AND CHANGE Yesterday evening I watched the Bollywood movie " PK " staring Amir Khan as PK an alien who does not belong to our " Gola " ( earth ) and Anushka Sharma as Jaggu who just completed her journalism education from Belgium and is a news reporter in Delhi . She found "PK " in the streets who dealt things in his own unique way which grabbed Jaggu"s attention .He is an Alien type human his unique sense of style , peculiar way of talking and eating pan makes him very different from others .PK asks questions which nobody had asked ever, each question initially sounds like a big joke but then it leaves question mark on one "s mind. Some one stole his remote control and now he is unable to send messages to his space ship, his quest for his remote control brings him to Delhi where he finds that " human beings ask God for help and guidance ". The movie " PK " is a statement on the most touching subject that is Religion. Producer Raj Kumar Hirani tells the different ways religion is used and demonstrates each contradiction in a humorous way. The movie makes us laugh but also makes us think. It makes us cry for the right reasons. It helps us find faults in our beliefs. It makes us think that are the "so - called religious leaders and religious fanatics" using fear mongering to scare us ? The movie is a satire which deals with perhaps the most important issue faced by humanity these days which is " propagators of religion thrive on the fear of those who flock on them". After watching this movie I thought about the people who shot Malala Yousufzai two years back just because according to them girls should not go to school . I also thought about the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram which kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls and I thought about the latest massacre the massacre of innocents students in a Peshawar School . The ability of any of these groups to attract global attention depends to on how shocking and how horrific their actions are. A school attack involving dozens of child victims sends shock waves around the world. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said "seek knowledge even if you have to go to China to find it". Prophet Mohammed ( SAW) said "Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave”. "Aisha al-Siddiqa ( PBUH) was a hadith-narrator, scholar, intellectual and jurist of great standing. She is believed to have reported 2,210 hadiths Abu Hurayra, ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Amr and Anas b. Malik (PBUH)were the only ones from amongst male hadith-narrators who had narrated more traditions than she did. This itself explains that women could not only teach women but also men . How can Islam be a religion which is anti - education when the Holy Prophet always emphasized on the importance of education . Why do these called " Muslims " kill students, they certainly are not following the teachings of Islam . Somewhat like in the movie " PK " there are people around us in the " real world "who are promoting religious bigotry . They are using scare tactics , perhaps our world also needs " an alien " who can identify the problems in our views and our beliefs and help us change !!!

DKNY RAMZAN COLLECTION

DKNY LAUNCHES RAMZAN COLLECTION Famous American label DKNY's Ramazan collection is available exclusively at their Middle East stores, and the 12 looks are simple, elegant and striking in pastel shades. DKNY’s campaign is part of a big push the label has been marketing in the Middle Eastern Markets.DKNY recently launched a Middle East website and opened several stores in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. After Chanel this will be the second biggest American brand to launch a " Ramzan Collection".

LYARI FILM FESTIVAL trying to encourage youth of Karachi If you are familiar with the demographics of the city of Karachi you would have read about the suburb of Lyari which has produced very talented boxers , it is a small fishing town . Lyari has been hard hit by sectarian violence in the last two decades . Lyari Film Festival will take place in the last two weeks of September 2014 . It is a project of Nosach Films Academy in collaboration of WDFP (Women Development Foundation Pakistan) & KYI(Karachi Youth Initiative). This festival will feature films made by young film makers from Lyari in particular and Karachi in general.

Pakistan gets it's first Pakistan Idol

PAKISTAN GETS ITS FIRST PAKISTAN IDOL ZAMAD BAIG from Mandi Bhauddin wins the coveted title , brand new car , lots of cash and a singing contract from Geo TV today ........he becomes the first Pakistan Idol . A country which is badly affected by inflation and insecurity presented an awesome oppourtunity for its youngsters to audition for a reality singing contest and it provided an oppourtunity for its people to enjoy a singing competition where they can vote for their favorite contestentant . Geo TV launched this franchise which auditioned 28 thousand contestants in 9 different cities . The first group of 86 contestants were invited to perform in Karachi where 13 were selected . Every week one was eliminated . The five month long journey reached its climax when three contestants Muhammed Shoaib from Peshawer , Zamad Baig from Mandi Bhauddin and Ali Asad from Karachi reached top three and today at the Grand Finale Zamad Baig won the title after recieving one million votes . Today " s event was a two hour long episode with mesmerizing performances by the queen of Sufi music Abida Parveen and rock star Ali Zafar. Being a Pakistani away from home I enjoyed watching our talented youngsters .........

4th youth art exhibition

My younger daughter Amber won MLK essay contest here is her essay : Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer or Visionary? Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer or Visionary? Martin Luther King Jr. was simply a man to himself, however people saw him as a hero or savior of the Civil Rights, and indeed he was but it’s his beliefs that really defined him. In 1955, King was arrested by leading a boycott in a transportation company at Alabama, which demanded non-whites to give up their seat to any whites that boarded and they would get up and move to the back of the bus, King didn’t seem this process was fair to the African-Americans who have rights as well as whites. He kept on giving speeches and protests that weren’t violent at all. He put his life in risk just to speak out his mind and try to get other victims to stand up to themselves. In 1963, King continued his work to try to encourage other African-Americans by protesting to the whites and writing speeches getting him in the headlines global. One included King’s “I have dream” speech, in Washington D.C, which touched many others deeply. One quote from this speech is, “We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.” What I understand from this piece of King’s mastery speech is that he’s saying that even if the non-whites get their rights back they as a community will always stick together and make sure that if they ever get into a situation like the civil rights movement they will never forget about their hope. King’s death was so powerful and inspiring that the congress made a law for the Civil Rights Movement. King’s awards included the Nobel Peace Prize, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, and The Congressional Gold Medal. King’s legacy will always be remembered to all, his acts spread across the Atlantic Ocean into South America which influenced the Black Consciousness Movement and Civil Rights Movement in South Africa. Albert Lutuli, one of kings inspiration, fought racial justice in South Africa, was also a African American Nobel Peace Prize winner. His family also followed King’s footsteps. Starting out with Coretta Scott King, King’s wife, the same year of King’s assassination established the “King Center” in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as both social and civil justice. King’s son Dexter King is serving his part by being the King Center chairman. Lastly, Yolanda King, King’s daughter, was both motivational speaker and founder of Higher Ground Productions, an organization specializing in diversity training. Martin Luther King Jr. inspires me because he believed in others and he knew that his words will cause people to think their minds off, and that he never gave up on them he kept on pushing them even if that meant pushing them to the extremes. He would always have faith in everyone whether their race, gender, religion or ethnicity he thought everyone was part of the solution that will forever face the earth, the symbol for hope. “The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed and a visionary has his eyes open” ~Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream

Congratulations Mrs Fernandes

Congratulations Mrs Fernandas Norma Fernandes worked as a teacher and later as Headmistress (Kindergarten/Junior Section) of the Karachi Grammar School from 1966 to 2009. In January 2006, Norma Fernandes moved to a new area of responsibility within the Karachi Grammar School, as Advisor, working with the Board, the Principal and the Internal Management Team and also giving confidential advice to parents. In 2009, she retired from the Karachi Grammar School after more than 50 years as a teacher. Mrs Fernandes recieved the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz by government of Pakistan on 23 rd march 2014 for her services to education. (It is the fourth-highest decoration given to any civilian in Pakistan ).

An open letter to defend Peshawari Chappals

An open letter to Mr Paul Smith Mr Paul Smith do you know : " Peshawari chappals or Kheris as they are called make up a small scale business that provide a living to many shoemakers who spend their days in making, stitching and fitting the shoes. This is a century old art taught from father to son then to grand son. There are many Chappal Walas and Chappal stores in Khyber Pakhtun who sell these chappals for an average 600 Rs ($6) . Bigger stores like Bata and Service sell them for approx 2000 Rs ($20) across Pakistan . Almost every Pakistani man has owned a pair of these sandals even little boys wear them with their shalwar suits to go for Friday prayers or on Eid day .It is a important corner stone of our identity and our culture. We Pakistanis take great pride in our heritage and our traditions. I am happy that you Sir Paul Smith a famous British designer has replicated the design and has introduced it in the world market for £300 .......30 times more than the cost of the same chappal bought in Khyber Pakhtun Province......BUT Sir why did you name them " Robert " it is certainly not your design it" s a Pakhtun design it's a Pakistani design . Why could you not give credit to the thousands of poor Chappal walas ........." Pakistanis all over the world are angry , a petition that was signed by 250 people was submitted to Prime Minister Cameron and Sir Paul Smith . Today in the morning the website PaulSmith.co.uk was still advertising the shoes and was still charging £300 only a sentence had been added which read: “Men’s high-shine black leather sandals with neon pink trims inspired by the Peshawari chappal.” I would label this as "modern day bullying " when a rich designer from the West can easily steal a piece of a poor third world country " s heritage .......... What next Ajrak being sold for £ 700 via a new name " Janet"!!!

Longest serving US congressman

LONGEST SERVING CONGRESSMAN JOHN DINGELL WILL RETIRE AFTER THE COMPLETION OF HIS PRESENT TERM The 87-year-old Michigan Democrat Mr John Dingell was first elected in 1955, filling the House seat vacated by his late father. He will complete almost 60 years at Capitol Hill. He became the longest-serving member of Congress last year on June 7 when he surpassed the record held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Dingell is the former chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and has been a master of legislative deal-making and staunch advocate for the auto industry. Dingell has played a role in a number of major pieces of legislation, including President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul and Medicare. He jokingly says that he has served " with " not "under "11 US Presidents and has signed close to 25,000 bills in the congress as of 2011.

One story : two perspectives

ONE STORY : TWO PERSPECTIVES Palestine in and Israel out of Oscar race Some might call it a coincidence others might believe its art depicting life but fact is that both Israel and the Palestinian Authority choose the same story to make a movie on . Israeli Movie "Bethlehem " is the story, about a relationship between a Palestinian collaborator and his Israeli operator at the intelligence services. It is directed by Israeli Yuval Adler and written by Palestinian Ali Waked. It’s the kind of gritty, political drama about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that tells the story of an Israeli secret service officer and his Palestinian informant . Two strong characters who are dealing with their moral demons . Powerful portrayal of "Human feelings and loyalties" set against the backdrop of war . Omar is a Palestinian movie directed by Hani Abu -Assad , it is a dramatic love story about Omar a baker arrested and beaten by Israeli intelligence agents following the murder of an Israeli soldier. He is later forced to act as a double agent for Israeli intelligence and help an Israeli secret service agent . He is in love with Nadja but the movie is quite tragic . It is shot in the city of Nazareth, which has the largest Arab population of any city in Israel. Much of the on-location shoot for Omar, inspired by a true story Abu-Assad heard from a friend, growing up in Nazareth .

A Skier"s fairy tale journey

Pakistani Skier "s fairy tale journey to the Olympics Mohammed Karim young skier’s story is an inspiring one .........it is true that given the opportunity, training and encouragement Pakistanis are capable of competing in any international tournament .He was born and raised in a small village near Naltar in Gilgit-Baltistan, young Karim learned to ski the slopes using wooden skis made by his uncle. His talent for the sport was spotted by an official of the Ski Federation of Pakistan, which helped train him for the game and sent his name for Olympic qualifiers. He proudly carried his country "s flag at the Sochi Opening Ceremony ,2014.

Lyceum School Karachi " s team won Model UN " Best International Award"

LYCEUM SCHOOL KARACHI "S TEAM WON MODEL UNITED NATION AWARD The Lyceum School ,Karachi " s Model United Nations team won the ‘Best International School’ Award at Harvard MUN 2014 in Boston, USA. Over 3,000 delegates were present from across 36 countries at the Harvard MUN this year. The Lyceum School team is the first team from Pakistan to win this prestigious award. This group of students also won four delegates awards and two notable mentions during the competition held in Boston , MA . The Lyceum School was established in August 1987 to meet a growing demand for quality Advanced level education. It has Science , Arts and Commerce departments .

Newspaper : no more......the only source of knowledge .......

NEWSPAPERS : NOT THE ONLY SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE My earliest memories of reading newspaper is as an elementary school student early in the morning during breakfast, my parents always insisted on reading the newspaper as it is was considered the source of knowledge. We used to discuss the world happenings during the Social Studies Class at school and collected newspaper clippings of famous incidents. Now when I look at my kids they get knowledge from the internet, they read about social and political happenings in the world on the computer rather than reading it on a newspaper . “Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel”, was Mark Twain’ advice to the masses during his time but it does not sound quite feasible for the world of today! The ink-stained publishing world is battling against companies that sell ads via Internet. According to my analysis there are several reasons for the decline of newspaper industry; most notably rise of the “cable news network”. Cable TV channels broadcast stories within few hours as it happens in contrast to the newspaper which comes only once a day. Internet is also a huge factor , news is reported on the Internet within few minutes and sometimes within few seconds , that makes the news reported in a newspaper “ old news” or “ news of yesterday “ . Another factor is money, printing presses need big offices , warehouses and salaried employees while E-books and online based newspapers require less overhead and large profits earned through advertisement revenue . It is also “impractical” to dig through a pile of newspapers to obtain a news story from last year; whereas with the internet, archives exist. Yes for sure the world of today has many different sources of information . Well when I look at my parents I see them enjoying the morning newspaper printed on paper while enjoying a cup of tea. On the other hand my kids read about the world issues on the Internet and they read books on various electronic educational devices. As for “me” I do click the computer several times during the day to get the world news, yet I also buy newspapers from grocery stores and book stores and enjoy reading every page . I think it’s not only the evolution of social media but it is also the evolution of human beings and it will continue on.

A Jewish organization recognizes a Muslim Girl

A JEWISH ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES A MUSLIM GIRL Anne Frank Trust UK, will honor Malala Yousufzai by bestowing upon her Ann Frank Courage Award. "Malala is one of the most remarkable people we have encountered, both as a teenager and an educator, and is as inspirational a figure as Anne Frank."..........statement was released by the AF Association . Yousafzai is studying for her A-levels and cannot attend the event. Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, who is a UN adviser on education, will accept the award on her behalf. Naomie Harris, who recently starred as Winnie Mandela in the film "Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom" will present the award. Malala Yousafzai was targeted by the Taliban because of her campaigning work for the education of girl's in Pakistan. She is termed as Anne Frank of Pakistan .

50 and FABULOUS

50 and FABULOUS I have to admit one thing " Americans know how to enjoy life "....... their First Lady is proud to tell the nation that she is enjoying life on her 50 th birthday and poses with her new AARP card . Most ladies from the East will not announce to the world that they are turning 50 , they may stay on 45 for a pretty long time .When asked if she has peaked at 50, she joked that first lady is "pretty high up," but said she's always felt her life is "ever-evolving." Michelle Obama has plenty of fabulous company when it comes to celebrating a milestone birthday in 2014, with a host of amazing women including Sandra Bullock, Elle Macpherson, philanthropist Melinda Gates, California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, President Obama's national security adviser, all turning 50 this year. When we look at the list of best actress academy award nominees for 2014 only Amy Adams is 39 the other 4 are over 40. Merly Streep and Judi Dench are over 60 and 70 respectively . This certainly tells that women are strong, beautiful and talented at every age ........