Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Best Moments in Reading
"The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out, and taken yours. " (History Boys-The Movie)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Respite
With the call for the Morning Prayer his eyes groggily let themselves open.
Lying in bed with that distinct smell of hospital ward all around felt strangely soothing. It seemed justifiable to find himself there; a necessary conclusion to all the nonsense that was piling up in his mind. How during the past few weeks he had wished to fall ill just so he can get a break from life itself. It always felt like as if a stage is being set for something far worse or like sitting in trenches just before a massive war is about to be waged; the deathly silence before the first shot is fired.
There was no familiar face around except for that nurse engrossed in a women’s digest, leaning comfortably in her chair. They had got acquainted as he had shifted from consciousness to unconsciousness during the past week.
“Allah will suffice thee, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (2:137), he loved reciting this verse from Quran. It was the verse on which blood was spilt when in trying to save her husband; a wife’s fingers were chopped off. He was not sure what made this verse so special to him. Was it the words which consoled him even in depths of despair or the impact of that event where love made someone parry a sword with bare hands?
Lying there in the bed was like being in a state of deep meditation; the lying Buddha. For quite some time he had wanted to shy away from daily routine and spend some quality time all alone. He envied the saints for whom the worth of this world reduced to nothing. What a blessing that could be, he wondered.
The television was muted and one of those nauseating political talk shows was up; Pakistan’s way to tackle Indian soaps. The incessant prattle was getting on nation’s nerves. At least the world hasn’t changed since he was admitted to the hospital.
He had regained consciousness and it would not be very late before doctors discover that. He closed his eyes ridding his mind of all that was past, present and future. He had to cherish those few moments of bliss before he was discharged and flushed out into the world.
Lying in bed with that distinct smell of hospital ward all around felt strangely soothing. It seemed justifiable to find himself there; a necessary conclusion to all the nonsense that was piling up in his mind. How during the past few weeks he had wished to fall ill just so he can get a break from life itself. It always felt like as if a stage is being set for something far worse or like sitting in trenches just before a massive war is about to be waged; the deathly silence before the first shot is fired.
There was no familiar face around except for that nurse engrossed in a women’s digest, leaning comfortably in her chair. They had got acquainted as he had shifted from consciousness to unconsciousness during the past week.
“Allah will suffice thee, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing” (2:137), he loved reciting this verse from Quran. It was the verse on which blood was spilt when in trying to save her husband; a wife’s fingers were chopped off. He was not sure what made this verse so special to him. Was it the words which consoled him even in depths of despair or the impact of that event where love made someone parry a sword with bare hands?
Lying there in the bed was like being in a state of deep meditation; the lying Buddha. For quite some time he had wanted to shy away from daily routine and spend some quality time all alone. He envied the saints for whom the worth of this world reduced to nothing. What a blessing that could be, he wondered.
The television was muted and one of those nauseating political talk shows was up; Pakistan’s way to tackle Indian soaps. The incessant prattle was getting on nation’s nerves. At least the world hasn’t changed since he was admitted to the hospital.
He had regained consciousness and it would not be very late before doctors discover that. He closed his eyes ridding his mind of all that was past, present and future. He had to cherish those few moments of bliss before he was discharged and flushed out into the world.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Birthday Betrayal
Memories can be like those obstinate candles on the birthday cake, refusing to blow out. Flickering and reducing but relighting all the same.
In a final showdown they are extinguished and taken out but leave the cake eternally marred.
In a final showdown they are extinguished and taken out but leave the cake eternally marred.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Mind: Look! What mess you’ve gotten us into.
Heart: You could have stopped me; it’s not my fault that your reasons failed.
Mind: I admit failure but why do I have to pay for your mistakes?
Heart: As if I have never paid for yours.
Mind: With you safely ensconced in that chest-box, I don’t see a way out.
Heart: You could have stopped me; it’s not my fault that your reasons failed.
Mind: I admit failure but why do I have to pay for your mistakes?
Heart: As if I have never paid for yours.
Mind: With you safely ensconced in that chest-box, I don’t see a way out.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Grey Wolf - Mustafa Kemal by H.C.Armstrong
Fundamentally a revolutionary and with no respect for god or institution, Mustafa Kemal was a true fighter. List of his achievements can easily confound the mind. From epic victories against fierce enemies to taking out Turkey from dregs, his strength and stamina were unmatchable. Single handedly he fashioned the entire nation on new grounds and paved way for a better and prosperous future. “Turkey for Turks” was the only aim throughout his life.
Conservatives might flinch at most of his actions but there is no denying the fact that he was a mountain in the face of an alarming number of external and internal problems. Abolishing the caliphate and putting an end to the centuries old rotting system was not an easy job. He had to change the whole mentality and induce a new spirit in the nation. Arts were modernized and Arabic characters of language were changed to Latin to end the superiority of handful of priests, remnants of the historical relic, the caliphate.Eons of oppression and manipulation at the hands of degrading clerics had shut all avenues of change. It needed an overhaul, a revolution.
Revolution did come; founded in blood to ensure its permanence. “Some of you may agree or may not nonetheless it will happen, only some of your heads will fall in process”, Mustafa said to the Grand National assembly, on their refusal of his proposal that the sultanate should be separated from the caliphate.
He firmly believed that there are no oppressors or any oppressed; there are only those who allow themselves to be oppressed. With this notion he led his people by hand along the road until their feet were sure and they knew the way.
In an almost story like manner the author, H.C. Armstrong sketches the life and works of Mustafa Kemal, the founding father of modern Turkey. The somewhat boring details which are usually part and parcel of such books are engulfed in such a manner that you feel like reading a great novel. It was certainly a wholesome read.
Conservatives might flinch at most of his actions but there is no denying the fact that he was a mountain in the face of an alarming number of external and internal problems. Abolishing the caliphate and putting an end to the centuries old rotting system was not an easy job. He had to change the whole mentality and induce a new spirit in the nation. Arts were modernized and Arabic characters of language were changed to Latin to end the superiority of handful of priests, remnants of the historical relic, the caliphate.Eons of oppression and manipulation at the hands of degrading clerics had shut all avenues of change. It needed an overhaul, a revolution.
Revolution did come; founded in blood to ensure its permanence. “Some of you may agree or may not nonetheless it will happen, only some of your heads will fall in process”, Mustafa said to the Grand National assembly, on their refusal of his proposal that the sultanate should be separated from the caliphate.
He firmly believed that there are no oppressors or any oppressed; there are only those who allow themselves to be oppressed. With this notion he led his people by hand along the road until their feet were sure and they knew the way.
In an almost story like manner the author, H.C. Armstrong sketches the life and works of Mustafa Kemal, the founding father of modern Turkey. The somewhat boring details which are usually part and parcel of such books are engulfed in such a manner that you feel like reading a great novel. It was certainly a wholesome read.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
About Belonging Somewhere
Binoche: Don't you ever think about belonging somewhere?
Depp: The price is too high...You end up caring what people expect of you. No.
Depp: The price is too high...You end up caring what people expect of you. No.
(Chocolat)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Jadu ki Japphee - The Magical Hug
In the 5th season of Grey’s anatomy, Virginia Dixon, the cardiothoracic surgeon with Asperger Syndrome required a tight hug to relax the sympathetic nervous system and slow the heart. It calmed her nerves.
I guess there is a scientific explanation for the magical hug after all :) We can never have enough of them.
I guess there is a scientific explanation for the magical hug after all :) We can never have enough of them.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What Crime? What Punishment?
Four school children shot dead and six wounded.
Crime: Dared to get an education and belonged to a different sect
Crime: Dared to get an education and belonged to a different sect
***
Woman's nose, ear chopped off
Crime: Suspected of having an affair
***
12 year old girl and an 11 year old boy found dead. Boy had received a bullet in his belly while the girl had received a bullet in her head form the rear. Girl's head was also found smashed with a blunt weapon after being shot to conceal her identity.
Crime: Unknown
***
Dogs let loose on a fisherman. His face was mutilated and injuries due to dog bites could prove fatal if not treated properly.
Crime: Refused to give fish free of cost to a feudal lord
***
We need to reconsider our claim on being called humans.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Dr. O'Malley: Is it possible ...do you think...to love two people...at the same time?
Dr. Burke: I don't know...I am still hoping it's possible to just love one person.
(Grey's Anatomy S03E23)
Dr. Burke: I don't know...I am still hoping it's possible to just love one person.
(Grey's Anatomy S03E23)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Compassionate Capitalism
My nana abu once told me that there are only two ways that a person is going to listen to you; if you can benefit him or you can harm him. I remember my father and I looked at each other and shifted disagreeably in our seats.
The points of view are understandable though. Nana abu has lived his life dealing and negotiating in the business world and definitely the Hippocratic Oath which my father took, couldn’t have given much insight into the ruthless minds of businessmen. My dad thinks that if any member of our family starts selling hats; children without heads will be born (such is the extent to which we could suck in business).
Different fields require different attitudes but do businesses have to be completely deprived of compassion? I guess they need to be. When profit is the goal, leniency and mercy take the back-seat and in our part of the world even honesty goes and sits beside them.
Where running businesses could be a cold-blooded affair, it is nice to see that many companies in Pakistan are realizing their social responsibilities and fulfilling them in a remarkable way. Some of the examples I have seen and heard are
* Depilex - Smile Again Foundation
* Bahria Town – Muft Dastarkhwan
* KFC – At some branches all the employees are physically challenged
* Gourmet – At the end of the day bakery items are sent to Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
These and many more examples of compassionate capitalism are certainly praiseworthy and can make a huge difference if all the money making giants start to chip in.
The points of view are understandable though. Nana abu has lived his life dealing and negotiating in the business world and definitely the Hippocratic Oath which my father took, couldn’t have given much insight into the ruthless minds of businessmen. My dad thinks that if any member of our family starts selling hats; children without heads will be born (such is the extent to which we could suck in business).
Different fields require different attitudes but do businesses have to be completely deprived of compassion? I guess they need to be. When profit is the goal, leniency and mercy take the back-seat and in our part of the world even honesty goes and sits beside them.
Where running businesses could be a cold-blooded affair, it is nice to see that many companies in Pakistan are realizing their social responsibilities and fulfilling them in a remarkable way. Some of the examples I have seen and heard are
* Depilex - Smile Again Foundation
* Bahria Town – Muft Dastarkhwan
* KFC – At some branches all the employees are physically challenged
* Gourmet – At the end of the day bakery items are sent to Shaukat Khanum Hospital.
These and many more examples of compassionate capitalism are certainly praiseworthy and can make a huge difference if all the money making giants start to chip in.
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