Global Citizen's Blog

Reflections on My Conferencing Career: Wanting More from Plain Vanilla Education Yavnika Khanna, India

2013-05-05T10:33:00.000+05:00

I look back at the past decade devoted to business education and real-world exposure to corporate life. Though one is always a student of life, being a “real” student enrolled in a full-time university comes with a mixed bag of experiences. I did not like that we were expected to produce reams of semi-useless write-ups at periodic interval. I did not appreciate the fact that we were expected to conform to university’s specific attendance mandates. Later, I disliked being considered a perpetual rookie especially, by self-proclaimed business pundits, the kind usually found in interview panels. I detested being the “brick in the wall”. I decided early on that I will not be one of those defined all their lives by the legacy of the colleges they attend. Yes, we are framed deeply by the education we receive but I have this disdain for institutions that promote the cookie-cutter approach. I appreciated that not everyone was privileged like me to get a chance to attend some of the most respected institutions in my nation, with a liberal environment and ~~value for~~ quality education. I eventually acknowledged “the greater system” had its own inbuilt limitations. University students are in a hurry to get at the end of the tunnel, looking for shiny lights. They are looking for moolah- -minting careers and jet-setting jobs: Nothing wrong in that goal, except I was looking for more than just a degree or a job. I wanted to enhance my educational experience. I needed to add years, see the world, meet intelligent people and find bigger platforms to shine and make a difference. I want to send out a message to my peers (whoever is listening) that your education is what you make of it. It is not just about obtaining a fancy degree, a smart-sounding job title, or boasting about the heritage of your college building- real education is a quest for adding value to the world, maybe, only your world.

Enter: conferences and internships. They provided me precisely what my formal university education mainly focused on classroom learning could not. Being competitive, I realized that bookish knowledge is not enough to succeed. One needs the company of smart people, access to information sources and real-world exposure.

Though professional life has its own charm ,- pride of independence and lucrative rewards for adding value to the world, student life sounds tempting sometimes. When I look back, I wish I was a student once again, just to get another chance to learn more, explore more, think and act at a global level at the pace I wanted. I wish we had platforms like Heysuccess.com available to our generation, where literally plethora of opportunities awaits to be picked up by worthy students. Hey, it’s never too late to top-up your education.

Check out : www.heysuccess.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HEYSUCCESS?ref=ts&fref=ts

About the author: Yavnika is a consultant with Capgemini Consulting. Besides a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Delhi University and an MBA from KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and Research (Mumbai University), she holds 5+ years of professional experience with various international consultancies. She is also the founder member and served as elected National Coordinator of Liberal Youth Forum- India (www.lyfindia.org), a youth organization promoting the ideas of liberty, market principles and self- governance. She has been a participant, delegate, ambassador and speaker at various international forums across continents.

The 'Aaah!' Experience-15 World Business Dialogue

2012-04-11T01:29:00.000+05:00

Summary of Learning Voyage ‘World Business Dialogue’

My journey started with a warm reception at Cologne, Bonn Airport. The Diamler shuttle services was an amazing experience in itself. I started interacting with my fellows who arrived at the same time at Bonn Airport. In few minutes, our conversation ended on how we found World Business Dialogue on Internet via a friend’s recommendation. Later on, we reached at Youth Hostel and refreshed ourselves for ‘Consumption Appetizer’ where the WBD management briefed us on how the dialogue will take place in next 3 days. Unfortunately, I already missed visit to Ford Motor Company guide tour and Visit to chocolate museum. Anyway, I did not regret that since I started building conversation with many individuals. It was surprising for me that many of individuals have already joined corporate world and others are doing their thesis or PhD. It really felt like next 3 days with would be quite an intellectual voyage. Also, I found myself fortunate enough to be selected in 1st round and among top 100 students.
Day 1:
“Good Morning room # 408 and it is time for breakfast. Breakfast at 7am”, said Selina Bruns, who used to come every day to wake up all the people with her loud voice. I was excited and motivated to check out the rest of the hostel downstairs. I was thrilled, when I saw hundreds of people doing breakfast together and interacting at the same time. I went to meet some Chinese students and began interacting with them. Conversation took us to Pak-China relations and how china is emerging as an economic power. I also got to know that they have proxy settings to use facebook in China since facebook is officially banned in China. So, it just not people in Pakistan who use ‘Jugar (Fixer)’ for solving problems. Moreover, since Chinese names are difficult, these Chinese can pick their American name to make it easier for others to understand. Next on the to-do list was to go to the station and reach University for student welcome, and what a welcome it was! It started with a surprise and ended with warm greeting notes by the executives of World Business Dialogue followed by Career Fair. World Business Dialogue was focused on Consumption, Energy Crisis and Online shopping. These three were the basic pillars of the discussion in executive sessions and panel room.
Career Fair:
It was one of the supporting programs in World Business Dialogue, where student got a chance to interact with corporate and find out what they want from individuals. However, I have to be critical here. This career was prolific for German speaking students. However, I took this opportunity to learn from them and when to Deutche Post DHL, Air Berlin and many others to gave their criteria for selection.

Day 2:
Suhas Gopinath Executive Session:
The day started perfectly with an inspiring story of Suhas Gopinah, world’s youngest CEO from Bangalore, India. How can a child without even having an NIC Card, start a business without any external help? Suhas certainly did invigorate that entrepreneurial spirit in me. He said, “I used to get 25 cents for my pocket money and wanted to show off just like his other friends." But he could not. He found a way to show off through Internet and technical knowledge. He discovered an internet cafe which used to be closed from 1-4pm in the afternoon. He asked the owner to hire him as an assistant to work during his absence, and he would earn more through this. By sitting on the internet, he got technical knowledge of C++ language and many other programs. He made a friend in USA and asked him to run the company on his behalf since he was too young to be the face of the company. From there, he made clients and never looked back. Inspiring!
Session # 2
Online Retailing Dos and Don’ts
Since, I have this project in Entrepreneurship Mobile Retailing in Pakistan; I want to start this venture in collaboration with Telecom Industry here. It was important for me to understand it. Core learning from sessions was to understand your customer before going online. We also discussed Amazon and some German online retailers. The professor also discussed some facts and trends of online shopping.
Session # 3
Speed Networking

In this session, students and corporate met each and there were topics related to pillars of world business dialogue. It was a discussion, where students could learn from business leaders. We had 2 minutes to discuss and interact. It was different from other sessions. I got a chance to meet director of Ford, Arvato and Diamler.

Session # 4
Entrepreneurship- The Business Plan
Here, we got a chance to meet with one of the founders of MIT Enterprise Forum, Dominique Chamely Marketing, and Communications & Training. His speech was a real motivator for us; he told about how to take calculated risk, how to come up with business ideas, how to work hard for it and implement it. His speech was so compelling that when I came back to Pakistan; I started working on my own business plan.

Day 3-The final day
This was the day when I wanted to take all of the advantage from World Business Dialogue. Indeed, I did take. Right after corporate breakfast, we all came to panel room; I was also waiting for Best Dialogue Application. The student who won; she deserved it. The student who won gave the application a poetic form.
Panel: Inside Consumption - Who Determines What We Consume?
CEO of Deutch Bahn, President of KPMG and Vice President of General Electric joined the session and talked about consumption crisis in the world. If it is not Oil, then Bio Gas and Solar are still expensive. How can we achieve optimum utilization with renewable energy? Is it feasible and cost effective? Will the machines work as efficient on renewable energy as in oil and coal? This session was an eye opener, where even Germany still has to research more and figure out the feasible options.
WS: Consumer and Technology Impact on Value Creation in Retailing
This session was again important for me. Professor Wizner took this session; he teaches Retailing in University of Cologne. This workshop was intended towards possible ways through which stakeholders can impact the value creation in retailing and e-tailing ; stakeholders such as manufacturer, distribution, third party and consumers. I took consumers and found that consumers have to take responsibility in order to keep pace with time and technology. I gave the Pakistani view of online retailing since it is still under developed due to lack of trust in consumers.

Panel: Global Consumption - Between a Smartphone and a Cup of Rice

It was solely given to Daimler CEO, Dieter Zetsche. My learning from his session was that every Smartphone holder is responsible for global consumption for so many people in the world. One needs to choose his consumption wisely in order to serve the world. It was the perfect ending for the world business dialogue. Later, closing ceremony took place.

Party of the Nations

The best supporting program, where students from 68 countries came and exchanged the dialogue with each other. We got to see dresses, food, traditions and customs of different countries. I was proud to wear Shalwar Khameez and represent my country.

Best Part of WBD:
The best part of World Business Dialogue is the Dialogue itself. This is the beginning of knowing so many people. I have networks and friends in 50 countries all around the world. I have built a strong network with students, Professors and Directors of the world.

“I am the teacher, who should not to be chosen, I am the teacher who should be WALKED IN”

2011-01-18T00:45:00.002+05:00

“I am the teacher, who should not to be chosen, I am the teacher who should be WALKED IN”

After having the opportunity to shop the teacher, I decided to opt for Dr.Mehnaz Fatima as my Development Economics course instructor.

Looking into the shopping cart of most of my batch colleagues, I was also afraid to actually BUY her in DE :P I initially took HRM with Mr.Zafar Siddiqui but then changed my course to DE after taking her first class.

Following are the reasons why my batch has not taken her for DE

Tough Grader
Attitude Problem
Lengthy Course outline
You have to study in any case [I wonder, why this should be the reason?]: O
She is NOT chill teacher – according to seniors :P

First of all, we all need to come out of this Grade Centric Mentality. Dr.MF says, “If you study right and study hard, grades will fall out”. So, guys study, what are you in University for? Have you ever seen medical students reading 4 books for one subject and having no course outline?

If you think that she gives you a lengthy course. Go and ask medical students. Trust me; her course outline is nothing in THICK BOOKS of medical students. Comparison to the thick medicine-books

Secondly, I heard that she has been awarded as “Best Teacher” HEC. HEC does not count attitude guys. Grow up! Also, what she teaches, she preaches. If she says, be honest and truthful then she is truthful. If she says never do Apple Polishing then she really means it because she will never be KIND to give you extra-marks or leverage.

Yes! According to you, her problem is that she will never believe you on anything. Reason being, she has a hell lot of experience, a lot more than you. Until, you bring written evidence in front of her she won’t believe. Indeed, she is right.

If you say that she is NOT one of the “chill” teachers, then she says, “I am not here to spoon feed you, this is university and you need to grow up!” Well, if you want chill teachers then enroll yourself for B.Com rather than wasting your time at IBA. I believe, if you don’t take right teachers like Dr.Mehnaz Fatima, then you are not genuine enough to have her. You are not genuinely interested in studying.

Development Economics is the subject I love studying in my course of BBA. This subject should be taught in every university. And, if you have Dr.MF, you will actually know the concept of real economy at depth. This is because she adds relevant examples from her rich experience to keep cherry on the cake.

Secondly, her exams are the most interesting exams I have ever taken. You feel so pressured before exams, and you are relieved as soon as you see the question paper.

Guys, she indeed is a blessing to IBA. I feel an epic of self realization after coming out of her class. I mean, I feel like I just offered my prayers.

Also, she engages you in a discussion that you will unlearn, learn and relearn. Never miss the opportunity to have Dr.Mehnaz Fatima as your course instructor. Best Teacher I have ever come across.

Today was DE’s final exam. And, I feel confident enough to recommend you Dr. MF for your next teacher shopping flee. I must say, “NEVER NEVER and NEVER miss the opportunity to lose Dr.Mehnaz as your course instructor especially DE”.

A different perspective of my Eid Celebration

2010-11-13T17:48:00.002+05:00

It’s great to see the enthusiasm in people of Eid-ul-Azha every place. All of the fun, Qurbaaniyan, eidees and colorful dresses. Everything is so exciting and cherishing. Today, I want to discuss something very serious this time. Something from a very different lens. You can see everything from different perspectives. For example, you see with the physical structure and other with its essence that is function. Similarly, in our life we should see from both the angles. Esscense and form both are important.

What I think that we should reconsider our old traditions only if they are not necessary. That’s what Sir Syed Ahmed Khan has said in his literature too. He said that we should stop following redundant traditions. One of the traditions we follow in Eid-ul-Azha is ‘Qurbani’ i.e. Sacrifice. Lets look ‘Sacrifice’ in a broader aspect. What I inferred from the event of Hazarat Ibrahim [A.S] case that we should sacrifice our most beloved thing for Allah. In order to remember that event, we sacrifice our money through slashing cows and goats. That’s why it is called “Bakra Eid”. What we should reconsider is that all those who are “Saheb-e-haisiyat”, can sacrifice their money in the name of Allah, channelized their money. Other than Qurbani [Sacrifice of Cows], we should sacrifice our money in the education of the poor. In, eradicating hunger from our society. We can eliminate starvation from our society if we channelized our money in the right direction on right stuff.

Zakaat and Usher can help if we give our zakat to an institution who takes good care of it. This might alleviate the pain but might not eliminate it from our society completely. So, we need to do more for our society through giving our funds in to some great institutions. We need to lessen Slaughtering and increase funding. That’s all we can do as a responsible Pakistani Citizen Muslim for our country. Let’s hold our funds for right Qurbani form i.e. Funding for poor. Also, keep in mind giving them money won’t relief them from their misery. We need to make them self-reliant. We need to fund their education. We need empower them through SELF EMPLOYMENT.

‘Time’ is another form of sacrifice. Let’s give time to poor. Giving an Education to Lala’s [Security guard boy] of your building or maids of your home will add to the literacy of our society. And, even if you are not among wealthy people. Don’t get discouraged. Give something what you already have. Help Flood affected people in any way you can. Let’s Celebrate our Eid by sacrificing ‘Right Funding ’, ‘Time’ or ‘Skill’ or anything you like to give to our society.

Bright and Plight of Pakistani Students

2010-10-21T19:29:00.001+05:00

Note: This is not my article, My Development Economics teacher referred us. I have taken excerpts from PakAlumni World Wide. This is something every student of Pakistan should read and understand about us. This is an Outsider's View about Pakistani Students'. However, these are just problems and causes. We need to find solutions for them.

"Here are some excerpts from a Friday Times Op Ed by University of Wisconsin's Dr Howard Schweber who
taught students at a private university in Lahore, Pakistan and found them bright, resourceful and highly confused. He particularly singles out lack of general education and consequent lack of critical thinking skills as problems:

My first impression of Pakistani students was that they are, well, just that – college students. How utterly, disappointingly, unexotic. Grade conscious careerists, canny manipulators of the system, highly competitive…future engineers and finance majors.

What are they, this next generation of Pakistan’s elite? Individually I can tell you that they are bright, thoughtful, witty, principled, socially and intellectually attractive young adults with widely varying worldviews, limited by a lack of education and culturally imposed limitations. But as a group I find them a mystery.

Here is the complete text of the entire piece by Dr. Schweber:

After spending a summer teaching political theory to Pakistani undergraduate students, I can confidently make two assertions: they are just like all the other college students I have known and taught in the United States for years, and, paradoxically, they are nothing like all the other college students I have ever known.

My first impression of Pakistani students was that they are, well, just that – college students. How utterly, disappointingly, unexotic. Grade conscious careerists, canny manipulators of the system, highly competitive…future engineers and finance majors.

But there are some differences. That word ‘elite’ comes into play here. In the US, no college student would describe him or herself as elite – that word is primarily reserved for use as a political insult. Americans, notoriously, valorise the idea of belonging to the middle class, sometimes to a ludicrous degree. These Pakistani students, at one of the best private universities in the country, have no such compunctions, and are quite pleased to describe themselves and their family backgrounds with the words, “we are the elites,” or other words to that effect. This tendency partly reflects an inherited colonialist culture; perhaps, it partly reflects the reality of deep economic divisions reflected in the ubiquitous servant culture that every American I spoke with privately described as jarring. Sure, American college students at top schools also tend to have a sense of entitlement, but nothing that compares with the elite classes of Pakistani society.

Not all the students at this private school come from backgrounds of privilege, however. In my small, unscientific sample of about forty students whom I met (out of sixty-five enrolled in my two courses), I encountered ten or so who come from worlds very different from that of Lahore’s upper class. These students tended to approach me quietly and privately to describe their backgrounds; students from small villages, not only in the Punjab but also from the areas around Karachi and Peshawar; the student who confided that he had grown up on streets similar to the ones we were walking through in the area around Lahore’s Walled City; the student from FATA, the Federal Administered Tribal Agencies, who couldn’t go home.

Looking closely at the students I met and taught reveals more mysteries. Some had serious problems with English, particularly in their writing, but most were extremely well prepared as far as language skills were concerned. It is when we look beyond language skills that puzzles begin to appear. What was most startling was the realization that these students were palpably uncomfortable with abstract concepts and what people in Education Schools call ‘critical thinking skills.’ When I raised this point to faculty and alumni, every one without exception acknowledged the problem, and pointed to the system of secondary education as the culprit. Undoubtedly the point is correct, but I think there is a deeper observation to be made here. In addition to being uncomfortable with abstract concepts, these students and their families seem to be uncomfortable with the idea of knowledge that is not justified by an immediate practical application. That discomfort extends to a reluctance to embrace basic scientific research as well as the humanities. I heard from students who wanted to study theoretical physics whose parents insisted that they become engineers; students who wanted to become historians whose parents did not see the point. The same attitudes exist in other places to be sure, but among my Pakistani students it seemed almost universal.

There is a classic saying about immigrants to America: “The first generation are factory workers so that the second generation can be lawyers so the third generation can be artists.” I mentioned that saying to a student, and he found it deeply puzzling.

Part of the reason for this discomfort with abstraction may have to do with a curiously limited range of background knowledge. My students – many of whom, again, had graduated from the finest schools – knew almost literally nothing of non-Pakistani history and culture. The reason is not that Pakistan is culturally isolated – far from it. At one point I found myself confronted by a room full of students who had an exhaustive knowledge of the movies that were Oscar candidates last year, but among whom the vast majority had never heard of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. In general, students had no idea – not even a wrong idea! – about the significance of the French Revolution or World War I, the history of nationalism and empires, the contents of the Book of Genesis, the Scientific Revolution or the Renaissance. Again, when I pressed students, faculty members and alumni, the answer was always the same: the fault lies with the secondary school curriculum, and particularly the fact that during General Zia ul Haq’s rule secondary school curricula were shifted to emphasize Pakistan Studies and Islam at the expense of everything else. Again, that can only be a very partial explanation. But it is worth noting that this lack of cultural literacy helps feed the culture of conspiracy theories for which Pakistan is justly famous.

But what happens once these students get to college? I saw and heard about fine courses in Shakespeare and Islamic Jurisprudence, but when it comes to the social sciences it appears that the students who learn anything about these subjects at all (that is, those who choose to take courses outside of Accounting and Finance) are fed a steady diet of snippets of readings and excerpts from trendy current theories. Many students could and were eager to could talk fluently about Edward Said, Noam Chomsky, and (rather weirdly) Nazi Germany, but Locke and Rousseau, Machiavelli and Madison, Cromwell and Marx were all equally unknown territory. Undoubtedly, at this point I will be accused of Western ethnocentricism; how many American college students know the names of the first four Moghul Emperors? It’s a fair point, to be sure. But it’s a big world out there, and a dangerous place at home. Colleges don’t just train engineers, they train citizens and future leaders. Pakistan might do well to train some future leaders in the history and the philosophies that have shaped the world around them.

The point is not that the instructors at these colleges are bad teachers, far from it; the instructors I met were qualified, dedicated teachers. The point is that establishing the historical and philosophical context out of which modern ways of thinking emerge does not seem to be part of the curriculum . Nor, for that matter, does reading whole books seem to be an expected element of the college experience. I had a student in my office who complained, with no apparent sense of irony, that I had asked a question on a take-home exam to which he was unable to find an answer on Wikipedia. (To repeat an earlier observation, Pakistani college students seem to be almost entirely unencumbered by any sense of irony. I find this incomprehensible, given the Dadaist absurdity of much of Pakistani politics.)

Here’s another example to make my point: on the first examination that I administered, I included a question that asked students to ‘compare and contrast’ two texts. I was not particularly proud of the question, since for a lot of my students in the US, this is considered the most banal, overused, pedantic imaginable form of exam problem, the sort of question they’ve been encountering since the fourth grade. I was therefore nonplussed when several students asked what I meant by ‘comparing’ different texts. “We have never been asked a question like this,” said one, and a dozen others in the room expressed agreement. I have often had students request extensions on assignments, but this was the first time I encountered a request for an extension signed by five students – who, it turned out, were among the better students in the class! – a demand justified by the statement that “we have never been asked to write something like this before.”

In response to these inquiries, I tried to explain the idea of making comparisons in terms of taxonomy – you identify the salient characteristics and use them to classify objects in terms of their differences (“zebras have stripes, horses don’t.”) Now apply the same idea to, say, theories of history. “This writer views social arrangements as expressions of economic organisation, this writer understands social arrangements as the performance of ideological claims … and here’s the explanation that makes more sense in modern Pakistan.” I wasn’t necessarily expecting brilliant insights, but it was startling to realise that the question was, itself, startling.

And there is yet another dissonant strain that clashes with the ‘elite’ culture of graduates of Aitchison College, convent schools, and the like. This different voice appears in the form of deeply religious students, referred to on my particular campus by faculty and fellow students alike as ‘the mullahs.’ At first I thought I understood the significance of their presence on campus, but by the time I left I had concluded that the relationship between these religiously observant students, their fellows, and the administration is the great unsolved mystery that I take away from my visit. It may be the great unsolved mystery of Pakistan.

Over and over I was warned, by faculty members and students alike, to beware of the religious students. When I mentioned some of the texts that I was teaching, a senior colleague was first horrified, then said “well, you are probably all right because it is the summer,” (since there are fewer students around, I suppose). All of this fed into a rather well-settled narrative of universities as bastions of secular knowledge (and a fair amount of partying in the men’s dorm, I hear), besieged by the forces of religious extremism.

But then I got to know a few students who are, themselves, religiously observant. They tell a different story. Their claim is that the so-called ‘mullahs’ are two groups of students. One group, led by an instructor, belong to the Naqshbandis, a Sufi order, the other to the Tableeghi Jamaat, an organization dedicated to preaching Islam. Neither group, according to these students, has any interest in confrontation. The same students also insist that there have never been any incidents of religious students harassing secular students or faculty or disrupting classes, and that the college Disciplinary Committee would make short work of any student who tried to do so. By contrast, the same students also complain of a pervasive anti-religious bias. In an e-mail, a student wrote: “I remember that in one particular class a student with a beard came late to class, which is a normal practice, and the instructor said to him sarcastically, ‘Oh go back and offer prayers, because these things (classes) are not important...’”

So there are two narratives at work here. Which one is right; is one more right than the other; are both simultaneously operative? Which narrative captures more of the experience at the University of Punjab, which captures more of what goes on at the Lahore University of Management Sciences/ LUMS? I have no idea – I only know that no one disrupted my classes or threatened me, but that many people seemed to feel compelled to call my attention to the possibility of such events.

The more I think about it, this last mystery about Pakistan’s universities is a mystery about Pakistan. I have no clear idea about the relationships among different approaches to Islam and secularism among Pakistan’s elites. Traditionally, Pakistanis have been ‘the kind of Muslims who go to shrines,’ but the nation has a death penalty for blasphemy, and just a few months ago ‘Death to Qadianis’ banners used to festoon the boulevards of Lahore. (Qadianis are registered as a non-Muslim minority in Pakistan.) And one Pakistani student, in front of other students, in one of my classes, told me, “as a good Muslim I would never say salaam back if an Ahmedi/Qadiani said salaam to me.” The other students said nothing; no one challenged him, or disagreed – this in a class devoted to examining theories of democracy and multiculturalism.

As I walked around the campus, I observed students lounging on the stairs, men and women together, but then a sociologist told me that among the very people I was observing, more than 85% will enter arranged marriages, and that more than 90% of those marriages do not permit the wife to file for divorce.

So maybe these aren’t ‘just college students’ after all. But what are they, this next generation of Pakistan’s elite? Individually I can tell you that they are bright, thoughtful, witty, principled, socially and intellectually attractive young adults with widely varying worldviews, limited by a lack of education and culturally imposed limitations. But as a group I find them a mystery.

Professor Schweber teaches political theory and constitutional law at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States. He is the author of books on the First Amendment, American legal history, and constitutional philosophy. Previously, he practiced law for several years in San Francisco. This past summer was his first trip to Pakistan.

Student Societies,Politics and Games

2010-09-17T00:18:00.002+05:00

This is just my opinion. My perspectives . I have no biases against anyone. I just told you guys what happened with me. And, I don’t have any personal issues with anyone. Plz forgive me if this post offends anyone.
Finally, IBA has reopened. And this time, it looks there is no VP-Election scene. The powers of a VP have been divided since last year leading everybody to join Societies.

Competition is tough mostly in high profile societies. I am just here to give some good suggestions to Freshmen and tell them what actually happened last year.

Some Societies are really high profile and popular like Entrepreneur, Marketing, Leadership, CWS and many more.
Well, let me tell you what happened last year. I registered in 2 high profile Societies and 1 low profile society. I happily joined Marketing Club and Leadership Club, just to work for the society and gain some experience like every passionate student of IBA wants to. But I saw a totally different picture of Managers after elections.

My future plan of majoring in marketing led me to join the Marketing Club. In addition, I kind of knew the managers and office bearers of the society. But then, I saw a completely different picture of the office bearers after elections and during their event. They were sweet and kind before elections and after that God and I know how they reacted.

On the other hand, leadership society did not disappoint me at all. They selected me for their events and I got a chance to go to many universities to campaign their events . Then, they very humbly asked me to give Rs. 1500/- in order to come to the event. My question is simple: Why does a person from the management team has to pay for helping in the event? Ironically, LeaderShOp Conference had already collected a lot rupees for sponsor. They did not need money. Since, I had already attended LeaderShOp in 2008, I opted to leave. But they were still caring enough to bless me with a certificate and free tickets to a Noori concert.

However, Media and Publication, a low profile society, not only gave Seniors but also many Freshmen Students the opportunity to be part of their Management team and Event without paying any fee.

My only point is “The more a society is high profile, the more people will get in, and the less you get the opportunity to actually work and discover your hidden skills in that society. The low profile societies need people and they give better opportunities to their students too.”
However, this statement is a relative one. Many high profile Societies actually give their members chances to portray their talents. For example, IBA Entrepreneurship Society gave every student a chance to join them. Even, CWS was kind enough to give opportunities to everyone.

In addition, I must appreciate societies like Social Sciences Club, Media and Publication, IQRA Society and Economic Club as they gave many opportunities to Freshmen. So there goes my recommendation.

A few suggestions:
Firstly, join that society in which you think you can fulfill your aim and in which you wish to be an office bearer next year.
Secondly, do not go with the name. Look who is standing behind that name. Investigate if the campaigners are just good persuaders or actual promise abiders.
Lastly, don’t trust any seniors. Everyone has their own motives. Some seniors will fulfill their promises and others will not. Be smart enough to check the real motives behind those smiling-and-helping faces.

Oh please…Show some respect.

2010-08-11T23:18:00.000+05:00

Today, I was teaching in my class. Teaching is a learning process. Students learn from me. In the same way, I learn from them. But this time, it was surprising. I learned something a new thing which was “Class room netiquettes”.

Without wandering, let me explain you clear-cut. One of the finest students of mine, who is very intelligent, sharp and keen. He knew what I was teaching. He was participating well. Another student of mine was confused about the topic. He was really not getting it. I found out after his question. The question according to the students was senseless, stupid and irrelevant to the topic. In Result, every student in the class was laughing like hell on that poor boy. The intelligent one also taunted him like “Il-literate, he does not know even this”.

As a teacher what I did. I had to explain everyone that no question is stupid. You guys do not know, the more you interrogate something the more you know about the subject. Put your self in the student who asked stupid question. Did you feel how ashamed he feels? Did you realize that he will never ask any question from the teacher? Did you know that just burst of laughter will lower his confidence? It will hurt his self esteem?

Also, do you guys now that asking question increases intelligence? What is philosophy? It’s like QUESTIONING. There is no Stupid question. Never underestimate or laugh at others. Show some respect. Laughter can ruin whole life.

Let me discuss one story with you it will clear you more.

Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.

After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales rep. One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.

The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realize the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.

Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question. Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality.

Chuan was very impressed and realized the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing. Jing asked more questions by going in to the depth.

My dear friends, a more successful person is more observant, thinks more and understands in depth and asks more questions.

All I am saying is, Please do not discourage your colleagues and classmates asking questions. If you are intelligent, Support them. Help them rather than laughing. Show some respect. Please do not fell in to the category of Intellectual Vanity. That you know everything and others do not. Learn to help rather disrespect.

Let's wait for Developed Pakistan

2010-07-26T23:19:00.001+05:00

Once there was kid on the earth. One fine day it came to know that God is distributing apple in his place at heaven. The kid was so happy to receive that news and it went with lots of enjoyment to heaven to get apple from God. There was a big queue standing to get apple from God and this kid also joined the queue. While it was standing, it was fully excited and thrilled for the fact that it is going to received in person from God’s hands. Its turn too came and kid showed its both hands to receive apple. God gave the apple but unfortunately the tiny hands could not hold that big apple. Apple fell down and got wasted in the mud. The kid got so disappointed. The minister near the God informed that if the kid likes to have an apple from God again then it has to follow the queue again. Having waited to so long, the kid did not want to return back to earth with empty hands so decided to wait again in the queue. This time the queue has become even longer than the previous one. While waiting in the queue, the kid could see a lot of people who returns with apple in hands and utmost satisfaction on their faces. The kid was so much disappointed and thought why me alone did not get apple in hand when all the others easily able to get it. What is the sin I did that I alone suffer like this. Now kid was so scared that it should not miss the apple again. Again, its turn came and God gave the apple to kid’s hands and after giving the apple God spoke to the kid. “My dear child, last time after giving you the apple I only noticed that the apple I gave you was a rotten apple and that’s why I made that to fell down from your hands. Having given a rotten apple, I felt bad for you and I wanted to give the best apple in the farm and that time the best apple in the farm was growing and that’s why I made you to wait for long time in the queue. Here it is. Now that apple you have in hand is “THE BEST APPLE in the farm till to date. Enjoy” Sometime it happens even after we put our 100% dedication and commitment things may get delayed or things may go wrong. Believe that God has something great for us and that’s why this is happened.

From this story, I really want you take few things with you. One, always try hard and never give up. Just like Pakistan got victory after 15 years against Australia in the test. Similarly, try to give to Pakistan and always be hopeful that one day our nation will grow as the MOST developed nation in the world. I agree that terrorism, corruption, illiteracy and senselessness are there. But these are rotten apple. God wants us to try hard for the success of the nation. And, get juicy and sweet apple is still growing for us. This story is applicable to every situation we deal. You can apply it anywhere you want. You can use it academically, professionally and spiritually. You can apply in any situation in daily Life.

"Prohibition on giving money to beggars"

2010-07-12T17:29:00.000+05:00

Once me and my friends were sitting and enjoying in a hotel. Treating ourselves to spicy "Haleem”.Suddenly, a destitute beggar came and asked to give him some money in the name of God. Though, he looked healthy and OK but my friends gave him the money. I had asked them not to, but I did not have enough arguments to stop them. But Now I have thought about it and come up with some points. So, this
post is actually for all those who think giving money to beggars is RIGHT.

Firstly, Islam has always prohibited giving out money to beggars- except for some conditions. Our holy Prophet has prohibited Muslims to give money to beggars because they take excessive advantage. The Prophet Muhammad [P.B.U.H] did not encourage beggary and stated that:
* Those who ask in the name of God are accursed.
* "Allah is gracious to him, who earns his living by his own labor, and that if a man begs to increase his property, Allah will diminish it and whoever has food for the day, it is prohibited for him to beg"
Now imagine how The Prophet Muhammad [P.B.U.H] must have solved problem of beggar. Once a beggar came and asked prophet to help him. The Prophet Muhammad [P.B.U.H] asked him to bring all the stuff he has in his home. The beggar brought a blanket and a cup. Then, holy Prophet [P.B.U.H] sold them in 2 dirham. Later, Holy Prophet [P.B.U.H] asked him to spend his day with 1 dirham as he wanted 1 dirham for whole day. And, with another dirham Holy Prophet [P.B.U.H] asked him to buy an Axe and
cut woods. More over, Holy Prophet [P.B.U.H] asked him to do not come before 15 days. After 15 days, the guy returned and saved 10 dirhams. Then, Holy Prophet [P.B.U.H] said " ye tere liye isse behtar hai ke tu Qayamat k din aye tou tere chehre pe bheek mangne ka daag na ho".
The Prophet [P.B.U.H] further put condition and said " Sawal Karna sirf us shaks ko halaal hai jo sakht mohtaaj ho ya jiss ke zimme bhari tawaan ho ya jis ki gardan se khoon baha ho".
All of this clearly tell us that we should not give money to un-deserving beggars.
Moulana Haali also explained the negative economical effect of begging on society or nation. He explained
that in a country where professional beggary is on the rise, the whole nation becomes a beggar. Also, a nation's ability to work hard and their feeling of self-respect takes a dive. This is all due to the monopoly of rich people. Our system make richer more rich and a pauper more poor.
Now, think for a moment. Do you really want this? A society develops only when the whole nation prospers and not just a chunk.

Lastly, the downside of supporting beggars is in front of you. Today, we are begging from USA, Saudi Arab, IMF and World Bank. It is the act of "Self-Destruction", Suicide. If you really want Pakistan to prosper and flourish, I urge you to stop supporting beggars and their ever-increasing demands. Help them to come out of it. Help them to earn through hard work not just turn them away with money that goes down the drain.

Note:
This whole post is written on the idea of "Islam mai Gadagri ki mazammat" by Altaf Hussain Hali this is not my creativity at all. The reference is Gulzar Urdu Book of Intermediate
____________________________________________________________________________________
My purpose to write this post is to aware all those who have not read this Essay in our Urdu book. For many of you, this might be the cliched topic. I always welcome comments. I would appreciate if you comment on it.

My Pakistan In a Novel Way

2010-06-30T01:45:00.001+05:00

My student just texted me about Pakistan. The message was “We live in a nation where, Pizza reaches home faster than ambulance and police. Where you get loan at 5% and education at 12%. Where rice is 80 Rs /Kg but sim card is free. Where the foot wears are sold in Air-Conditioned shops but vegetables are sold at footpath, where everybody wants to be famous but nobody wants follow path to be distinguished. Where we make lemon juices with artificial flavors and dish wash liquids with real lemon. Where do we stand as nation??” I completely agree that this is depressing part. But let me show new side of MY PAKISTAN.

Have you seen Poverty with Extreme Satisfaction? Have you heard of a girl marrying guy on her own choice in rural area? Have you ever enjoyed natural beauty without light by seeing stars in night? Do you know what “Tabree” is? Have you ever felt “Spirituality” when you are dancing? Have you seen people singing and dancing just like acclaimed singers and dancers? Where HOSPITALITY is an utmost priority? And rural people do not want to become urban because they are in high spirits in getting Rs 150/day for your whole day’s work. I have seen this kind of society.

I went to a voyage with my HWDP colleagues to rural areas called as “Interior Sindh” of Pakistan. Places were near to Hyderabad called “Alyabad” and “Khyber”. I particularly enjoyed in Khyber. I can’t express the zenith of my emotional attachment with them. You can see my photos which will recount you the story. I loved Khyber People. Wished we could have stayed a bit more. Even, the “Mukhia-head of the village” was crying when we were leaving. When a man cries then certainly things put in the picture that something really touched him.

The finest part of Khyber people was their “Hospitality”. They stayed awake up whole night for our security and safety. I saw hospitality at its peak when my friend did not want to drink Dew the guy who was serving, went out of the village and brought 7up for him. Then, my friend told “I don’t drink any soft drink”.

Another thing what I liked was their “Sindhi Folk Dance”. I thought I can pick up any dance step. But when I actually started learning from these two boys in this picture it was very difficult. They both are so lovable. And whenever I got the step they started shouting in excitement “ Achee wayo…Achee wayo” that means he got it . You can see they are looking so cute in the video as well.

I felt spirituality when I was dancing. Their Talent does not end here. I mean they are best in acting, standup comedy, dance performance, anchoring and what not. You name it and they have it. They made us laugh like hell.

Looking to their MUSIC, their instruments of music are least expensive. Yet we still enjoyed their music. It has a certain type of soothe and tranquility which fascinated us.

Surprisingly, they are self contented. I mean they do not want anything more. They are happy earning 150 rupees per day. They enjoy their life. This reminds me the story “before striving so hard in life, you might be having all those things in your life which you have it now and want to have it in future”. So why bother about future. They live in present. They are grateful to GOD.

Also, education is imperative to them. They have very well established Early Childhood Development Centre. They do educate their child till 12th grade. Isn’t it astonishing? Though, they do not have money to pay for University education. If someone wants to study further. She/he can. They will work hard and collect money for their child. However, they area is still unripe. Yet happy cheerful and full of life. They celebrate folk and cultural nights after every 15 days.

I am in love with KHYBER and its people. I love two boys who taught me their dance. And I Thank God for giving me such a luxurious life in a beautiful city of Pakistan.

Tabree-means applause; it’s their style of appreciation.

Few words for you. Live and stay happy with what you have. Be Thankful to God. And, See positivity in Pakistan. This land is full of treasures. :D

A Step towards Better Pakistan---IMARC

2010-06-21T23:09:00.008+05:00

One of the very positive things about Pakistan is its Youth who is still waking. More than 50% of population is youth age around 15-25. But Most positive thing is “IBA, CBM, SZABIST , Karachi University, SMC and DMC and other universities in Karachi” want to do something for Pakistan. And, this time IBA initiated with IBA Media Accession & Reinforcement Convention aka IMARC.

Let me tell you about this event. This event was a media related conference and competition, where students have to compete to project positive image of Pakistan through Media tools. But the best thing about the event is, most of office bearers, management trainee and Cluster facilitator were from their 2nd and 4th semester. Element of creativity started with IMARC with bang of marketing through picture of IMARC and its site www.imarc.iba.edu.pk. More than 100 applications registered on day one. And, they needed just 150 participants. At the end, more than 500 participants registered. Anyway, Journalist from DAWN News like Wajahat and Umair Mangalwala invigorated the audience with all media booms. Activities like “Defend Pakistan”, “Kaleidoscopic Affairs”, “Lights Camera-Action”, “Quest of Sphinx” and “Race for ratings” were the most effective one. It’s because everything was media related and participants had to project positive image of Pakistan through it.

“Defend Pakistan” was the Press conference, where Participant journalists have the right to ask whatever they want to know about current issues. “Kaleidoscopic Affairs” was tourism promotion activity taken place to beautiful sites of Karachi through effective video-making. Apart from that, “Lights Camera-Action” was promotion of Pakistan in 5 minutes through any medium. Lastly, “Hall of fame” was promotion of Pakistani indigenous products which show culture of Pakistan. This is certainly not because I was in Management Team. As an outsider, everybody took serious learning from this competition. At least PATRIOTISM REVIVAL would be the crux. Other than that, social events after the events were quite impressive. Idyllic chuckle “Tabish Hashmi’s Stand up Comedy” was the best part. And, how can I forget the “village night”.

Every activity had creativity in it. This is just a start, what I want to state that DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR COUNTRY. Later in life, you should not regret that you could not. If you can’t do anything, take part or organize events like that.
This was just one step. We have to take millions of steps toward better PAKISTAN. One day, we will also come out of the dark. Lastly, Love PAKISTAN. Live PAKISTAN. Die for PAKISTAN. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Talentopia Performance 2010

2010-06-18T21:26:00.005+05:00

Hey.......This is my new Dance Video. I had an injury. I could not even walk. So, If you guys don't like it. Then, plz ignore my faults. I tried my best to entertain the crowd.
Apart from that, this dance is dedicated to Shazer Baig , Shabaz Nadir, Abdul Karim, Ali Khursheed, Rabia Abdullah , Kandy Junaid Usman Goraya, Faizan Mujeeb, Harris Ali, Faisal Danish, Saad Hasan, Syed Abbas Sajjad, Ayesha Saleem and whole Batch of 2012. "Alvida Mere doston". Also, Comments are appreciate.

"A book for Life"

2010-06-13T12:19:00.002+05:00

Tell me, How many of you have read Harry Porter? How many of you have read all the 7 parts of Harry Porter? Did you read any book which changed your life? Do you love any book that soothes your mind? Do you know Paulo Coelho, Dan Brown, Bernard Shaw and many other famous writers? How many of you read daily blogs of random people?
Reading a new novel or book takes you in a new world of imaginations, thoughts and lessons. They do teach you how to see things differently. Obviously, they entertain us.
However, I am not talking about importance of reading books. I want to ask you. Have you ever read any Holy Book such as The Holy Quran or Bible? How many of you have understood it? I love reading The Holy Quran. Whenever, after reading this book, it automatically soothes my mind. I am not a very religious person. Neither did anybody force me to read it. But I read it for myself. Getting deep down inside and know myself. It changed my life because it’s a “Universal Book”. I get inspiration and motivation. Also, reading and understanding it early morning when I wake up, turns my mood on for whole day. I automatically start getting positive vibes.

God has made this beautiful creature “Human Being”. You can Imagine, How great God is, that he made the creature and people read their book. But hardly people read HIS book. I must tell you, Reading the Holy Quran is just not reading the Arabic and getting the “The Sawab [Good deeds]”. It is way beyond that.
I agree, people do read it, but might never understand it. Never gave it a rational thought. Never ponder on it. God says
Do they not then ponder on the Quran, or are there locks on the hearts? (Quran 47:24)

At one more place in Quran it’s written:
Surely the worst of animals in Allah's sight are the deaf, the dumb who do not use their brains. (Quran 8:22)

Both of these quotes tell us that we should read Quran with our brains. We should see it from our eyes of brain. Reason it. Get the main point. Stop doing everything for Sawab. Do it for yourself. It does to bring revolution in your life…It really works.

Read and understand what God is saying to you. It will surely bring a positive change in your life. Go towards intellectual search it will not only bring you closer to your God but expand your intellectual capacities; your mind power.

We waste time in stalking people on Face-book. We waste time reading so many things which are on our text book that never made sense to us. Can’t we read The Holy Quran?

Note: This Post is not biased against any sect. This is just an opinion of an individual.

I will miss you Batch 2010………

2010-06-02T23:14:00.007+05:00

I will miss you Batch 2010………
For all BBAs and MBAs
Just got to know that No juniors are allowed in Fare-Well. Anyway, I will be missing some of my very close friends and helpful seniors…..I am sad because:
There will be no Faizan Mujeeb, when I want to take guidance to run my coaching Centre. When there will be no one to say “Aazar! Fikar nahi karo koshish karo Inshallah bachein ayenge”.
There will be no Farhad Khalid to play the awesome drum for us.
There will be no Biggy aka Uzair Yasin to help us in our all the IBA- Related problems.
There will be no Usman Goraya to teach politics and leadership. No guidance in terms of how to make self-fulfilling prophesy real :P
There will be no Ayesha Saleem to call me “BACHA” :P and help me in improving my English
No Rabia Abdullah to perform amazing roles like witch and fairy.
I will be sad when I will not see Saad Hasan roaming around corridor and showing Kool-ness. When No birthday will be celebrated like he and his group does. When nobody will be there to say “Aazar! Blog Post buhat improve ho rahi hain…lage reh”.
No Inpiration for my physique to be like his. Yes “Mirza Bilal” .
Miserable me who wont be able to see Abbas’s “Desi Girl Dance” and Abdul the “Treasurer of IBLC” :P
Sadly, The Genuine Person I have ever come across … No Banoo with Ali Khursheed
The dance of Harris and support of Faisal Danish.
No Umair Waheed to tell his VP-Stories. Ragging Fresher’s like hell :P
Oh! How can I forget our comedian “Atif Murtaza”….I will be missing his entire stand up comedy…
Lastly, no “Sexy” aka Shazer baig to call me “Smarty” and help me every time I needed him. A person who should stand for Vice President of IBA.
I know I am missing many of you. Plz forgive me for not mentioning you. I know I might be missing you but cannot put all the names. But I will miss each one of you. Everything I did with all of you. I wish you a very prosperous future. And, Good luck. I pray that you all get good jobs with high pay scale :D....Keep Rocking

Passion For Dancing!

2010-05-09T11:47:00.005+05:00

Once there was a girl who suffered from Restless legs syndrome; a problem not very well understood by people at that time. So her parents decided to take her to a psychologist but he couldn’t give a satisfactory explanation to her problem, saying that it would go away with time. That extremely talented girl, 25 years later, ended up being one of the world’s best choreographers.

So people I have a similar kind of talent. I’m passionate about dancing. Before going any further I want to show you this video which reflects my passion in its true essence.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpZhc-LrY7k

My passion for dancing has its roots in my personality. I was born with this passion and I was only four years old when I realized this. And so I have displayed this talent on many occasions, including stage performances, ever since I was a kid!

In my opinion, dance is something which helps me express my feelings and get rid of the negativity that builds up inside me. Dance is my way of feeling happy and energetic again. So whenever I feel blue, dance comes to my rescue and brings back all my lost energy! It makes me feel myself and get in touch with my inner self. And so I never feel shy about dancing.

It is often said that every person can sing and cry. But in my opinion everyone can sing and cry and dance too! It is something so natural!

Although I haven’t taken any professional dance training yet, there are many types of dance that I can do or would like to learn to do like kathak and classical dance, solo dance, free style dance, lock and pop; let me show how it’s done.

And finally but unfortunately Salsa and samba for which I’m still looking for volunteers! : P

My passion even took me to catwalk agency to apply as a supporting dancer at their shows. They did treat me nicely but m still waiting for their reply!!

Dance has so much become a part of me that sometimes I forget where I am or who is watching me. Once during my internship at PSO I was practising moon-walk in front of a mirror and after a while I heard some people laughing. I then realized that it was actually a two-way mirror and I was actually entertaining an invisible audience! :D (funny)

I also believe that I’m physically built for the job! My lean body provides me more flexibility while performing difficult dance steps! So my weakness is actually my strength.

I not only love dancing but like to make people around me dance too, as I believe that it is very healing.

I have made people dance at my school, my community centre, my coaching centre and even at IBA.

In conclusion I would like to share what Deepak chopra writes in his book “the 7 spiritual laws of success” he writes in the law of purpose in life that I will never tell my children to score high in an exam or to get 1^st position in school. I would tell them instead to realize and discover their unique talents, and use them to fulfil their purpose in life and to serve humanity. And I think the best way I can use my talent is by spreading happiness and smiles around me.

MIS-Introduction

2010-05-05T22:16:00.002+05:00

This is introduction to my MIS-Teacher.

Well, this is Aazar Ali Shad, a higly self determined person with some ambitious goals in life. In view my traits as the diligent person, a very good dancer, keen learner and true pakistani. Moreover, I find my self in confusion when different skills of mine don't go with each other. That means, I am religiously a public speaker and teacher who usually motivates and inspires people in my community. On the hand, I am passionate about dancing, aspires to be in some dancing show. Apart from all that, I want to be a smart marketer with good persuasive skills. I don't think these three things go together. Anyway, I am still living with these three passions of mine together.

I am a proud PAKISTANI by nature . However, I try to motivate my self by bringing heroic stories of PAKISTAN. I want to show to the world that PAKISTAN has been mis-perceived a lot. I love my Pakistani Cricket Team. Even, I watch there matches with Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Also, I am very concerned about Pakistan and its industries. I really want to bring this revolution kind of thing in PAKISTAN, in order to make it peaceful country. I want to give something to my nation and society in a positive way.

Apart from those, my hobbies are dancing , reading, working out and watching cricket match . Now a days, I my hobbies is to blog. It is one of the way to influence people. So, how can I leave this opportunity You can see my dance on youtube as well. Below is the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpZhc-LrY7k

Surprisingly, I am an Student-entrepreneur. I am running my own Coaching Center as "IBA DEXTERS". You can find us on facebook as well. It is a prep center for Preparation of IBA. I have a equal profit sharing partner as well. I think in my life I want to continue this profession. Getting self employed is most awesome feeling I have ever felt. Becoming own boss is out of the world feeling. Also, there are many frustrations as you enter in the market.

I am kind of outgoing person. Loves to travel. Recently, I went to Interior Sindh. I like to have fun most of the times. Going with group is most preferable. Following is the link I made on "Chaukdani" to show positive about Pakistan.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTOBTj93MOI

My weak areas are that I want to improve my communication skills more. I find it difficult working in teams and groups. However, I still manage to do that. I should make opportunistic network of mine, but I am not able to do that up till now. Also, writing is one of my weak area , which I am trying to improve through reading and updating blog.

Lastly, I love to read novels, motivational and religious books. I am overly commited to many areas. My community, IBA, Gyming, and My business are my commitment.

Thank You:)

IBA Politics

2010-04-30T21:37:00.001+05:00

Today I will be discussing one of the most cliched topics in the history of IBA, yet very interesting. Iba’s policy of decentralizing power has evaded the interest people once took in it. Yes it is about the student politics at IBA.
Today I want to share with you some of my personal experiences and conclusions I drew about being involved, at any level, in the student political scene of IBA.
Firstly, immediate declaration of loyalty is not advisable. Sit back, relax, observe and then join a side cautiously. Secondly, never underestimate anyone’s ability to reach the highest rung of the power ladder. History has proved that it’s not always the best person who succeeds in reaching to the top (and by the top I mean the VP position.)
Love your friends. Make relations, but don’t get influenced by futile politicians. They can only be nice. They will never support you. Being involved in the political scene provides you with a great learning opportunity. So try to learn as much as u can. The best thing you can learn out of all this is the art of influencing people. And obviously never miss out free dinners :p
Never be blunt and remember, never play anti-games ! :p

My poem for World

2010-04-06T15:49:00.002+05:00

I HAVE A DESIRE……I HAVE A DESIRE ……
I REALLY ADMIRE,
TO ELIMINATE THE EVIL OF FIGHT
A DESIRE TO SPREAD THE PEACE,
AND TO MAKE THE WEAPONS QUIET…….
I HAVE A DESIRE
I REALLY ADMIRE

TO IMPLEMENT THE NOTION OF SECURITY COMMUNITY,
TO BUILD TRUST AMONG US,
AND TO SHATTER THE EVIL IMMUNITY
HAVE A DESIRE THAT
I REALLY ADMIRE THAT……

THERE SHOULD BE NO WORDS LIKE CONFLICT, PROBLEMS & WARS
I HAVE A DESIRE TO MAKE THIS WORLD A HEAVEN,
A HEAVEN WITH NO ARMS AND VIOLENCE
I HAVE A DESIRE THAT HUMAN EMPATHY SHOULD BE PROMOTED
THERE SHOULD BE NO AGGRESSION, BUT CO-OPERATION.
I HAVE A DESIRE
I REALLY ADMIRE

TO SPREAD LOVE,
TO SPREAD BROTHERHOOD AMONG THE PEOPLE,
TO SHOW THEM HOW TO LOVE
AND HOW TO LIVE TOGETHER
I HAVE A DESIRE THAT TRANQUILITY SHOULD BE PREACHED
AND CONSPIRACIES SHOULD BE KEPT FAR FROM REACH
I HAVE A DESIRE TO ERADICATE POVERTY……..
AND TO ARTICULATE RICHNESS, TOLERANCE AND THUS PROSPERITY
I HAVE A DESIRE……………..
I REALLY ADMIRE

"Role Model for youth"

2010-04-04T21:41:00.002+05:00

"PEHCHAAN- The Unsung Hero"
We all talk, gossip and keep feelings for Pakistan. But we don't initiate action. We might have Millions of reasons for not taking initiative. I appreciate that at least we think, but we need to get out of these mindguards and do something for Our nation.

Today, an Inspiring and Motivating story I’ll be sharing with you. And, I just don't want it to turn into gossip, my aim is that this story should be inspiring for everyone and our "Youth" should start taking initiatives like that.

"SHAZIA MIRZA" was a school girl when her maid's child died due to a train accident. This accident took place in her maid's Basti (poor small colony) near Raiti Line Bath Island under the Clifton Bridge. This train accident was the 7th death in that Basti. When Shazia came for condolence, she saw number of children playing near the Train's stand. Actually, Basti is at Train's point, where number of trains pass. When Shazia met those children, she asked, "Why are you all sitting here? You will also die under the train like those 7 children". She further said, “Why don't you all go to school?" The children replied that they didn’t have any school for which they could pay, and they asked her to teach them. She asked them if she would open a school would they come. And the children agreed. Finally, she aimed to start a school in that Basti.

And so she started a school with just Rs.2000 which was her monthly pocket money. She rented a room of her maid, and started teaching there. Her aim was to give same education as she received in her convent school. However, this initiative was not a piece of cake for her. Initially, she attracted all the students through giving sweets and chocolates. Twenty-five students came on first day and forty on second day. Fifty students in a week! She was the only teacher there, but then she was accompanied by her friend after few months.

As I said, it was a very difficult task. A fully locked room with no window was a hectic and painful job. She took 1 hour class and came back to take fresh air.

Once, she did not have enough money to renovate the place. The roof was falling down and the capacity of students had reached maximum. No more students could be accommodated. One day a new student came. She wore a headscarf. Her shiny bright eyes were filled with eagerness and excitement to learn. She asked to be admitted in the school. Shazia had to refuse because there wasn’t any capacity for even one more student. But the little girl, in full spirit, untied her scarf and sat down on it. THAT particular moment was highly motivating for Shazia. And, she decided to expand the school. But then she had no funds.

However, when shazia's aunt came to meet her from abroad she saw the school. She saw Shazia’s PASSION to teach the students. Luckily, before departing she left Rs.10, 000 for her to renovate the school. Surely, "GOD CREATES WAYS IF YOU ARE WILLING TO DO SOMETHING GOOD"

But shazia was not satisfied by the program herself. She started including Top university students of Karachi. So that students should get good education. Students from IBA, CBM, SZABIST and DOW took this initiative to work for "MANZIL" school of the Basti.

The reason why Shazia is an unsung hero for me is because she took initiative. She is inspiring to me because it has been 8 year for Manzil and she is still unrecognized. When I met and offered to brand her, she said, " I don't want any recognition, I am solely doing it for Allah". That moment was inspiring for me. Then, she agreed to be brand personality but she has only allowed me because of the event. She has strictly prohibited me to show this video on Air. I mean, this is the way people are working without any recognition.

When Imran Khan once met SHAZIA he told her, "Shazia you need 10 people like you, and you can bring a revolution in this country"

What are the achievement of Shazia Mirza?? Well, after 7 deaths in that basti, there was no death of any child under the train. She started from 1 room now she has 4 rooms in her school Also, 200+ students are enrolled in Manzil. Moreover, PSO helped in renovation of MANZIL and donated books. Computer Lab is donated by Head of Ministry of Information and Technology.

Most incredible thing about her is that she does not take funds. University of Cambridge donate 1 million rupees, but she could not take because it’s not in Manzil's policy. Being CREDIBLE is most important for Manzil. She says that if you want to do something for Manzil, do not give us charity. Help us in furniture, renovation and school construction. And you can even help Manzil through giving your skill i.e. teaching , event organizing, graphics, web designing etc. In whatever thing you are specialized. And, they are generating funds through event organizing in many Universities, selling writing pads, mugs, T -shirts etc.

However, she faced many challenges. Like, extreme resistance from community of Basti, people came in asked to stop manzil, lack of good teachers and many more. And she is still facing it. But "COURAGE" would be the appropriate word for her that she has not stopped Manzil inititative. And now she is working towards opening an orphanage house too. Her aim is to open MANZIL in every basti of Pakistan. InshAllah, she will reach her aim soon.

This is the positivity of Pakistan. For all those who feel or do not feel for Pakistan, this is my inspiration. She is the person whom I salute. She is praise worthy. And, if you want to praise her, do not praise. But open such kind of organizations for Pakistan. Do something not for yourself, but for PAKISTAN. Be among the 10 person who Imran Khan talked about.

SHE is the ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUTH OF PAKISTAN.

"SHAZIA MIRZA" my inspiration.

“Grade Centric students of IBA”

2010-03-30T23:21:00.001+05:00

This article is specially written on the continuous discussion on grading policy of IBA between faculty and students. Although some steps have been taken but I still wanted to bring this topic to the lime light.

It was first semester; I was asking everyone to fill out the survey forms for my ENGLISH project just to “Learn” how to make questionnaires and reports. My microeconomics teacher commented on one of the question saying that senior students of IBA are not much hard working. It came as a great shock to me.

When I came to IBA my sole objective was to bring a drastic change in my personality. 360 degree learning was important to me. I used to do pre and post reading of my all subjects, because I thought it will help me retain more. Though it wasn’t of much use since I just got a GPA of 3.10

I also observed that most of the students just came to IBA because it was a hype not because they wanted to do Finance or Marketing majors. Neither had they wanted to be Entrepreneurs.

Let me come to the point. In my opinion, reasons why students of IBA are Grade Centric are mainly because students coming from A’levels or Intermediate meet with people who are the crème de la crème. Everyone is fighting for marks. From a nerd till the student who is on probation. It is a kind of Marathon, everyone is running for marks. Teachers are comparing sheets so that they can allot marks according to it. And when a good grader sees his competitor doing their best, he develops a “PHOBIA.” People get fearful of losing even 0.5 marks. It’s then called “MARKS-O-PHOBIA”. As a result, he aims to get more marks in next semester, which results in lower satisfaction and more grades centrism.

Secondly, many of my colleagues have told me that the grading policy is making us Grade-Centric. A person can only lose 7 marks in whole semester. That means he cannot lose any of the assignments, reports, quizzes, class participations. Students must be engaged with subject. That means he should not have any social life, any extra-curricular. Even he cannot avail absences. People fear the teacher might take a surprise quiz. Hence, results are becoming a nerd or having GPA syndrome.

However, Medical Universities mostly have their 4.0 GPA on 75 marks. In medical colleges, you just have to pass your subjects. Your recruitment depends on your practical work and your aptitude test. On the other hand, 93 is A for students of IBA. How can be there so much difference in medical and business university?

For some my argument of medical university might be pointless. Let’s talk about LUMS. It is one of best business schools in Pakistan. They even have relative grading. However, relative grading has been introduced in MBA program but not in BBA. I don’t know it has not been implemented in BBA program. However, there are some super human students of my class; they get 20/20 in every subject. Then, how can relative grading be possible if these kinds of students are there?

One of the major reasons of GPA Syndrome prevalent in students of IBA is Recruitment policies of International and Local firms. I don’t get why from 3.0 CGPA and above students are allowed to get in to these firms. What about student with 2.98 CGPA? Do you think there would major difference in 3.0 and 2.98 students? Administration of IBA should look in to this matter, and allow taking aptitude of at least 2.5 CGPA. Except, P&G and Unilever , I have not heard of any firm not making any bench mark of GPA at least for Aptitudes test. Let the students give aptitude test and interview without any GPA tensions.

Also, students in other universities get 3GPA below than what IBA’s bench mark is. Ironically, IBA is still not revising its policies. I have already raised this issue to our respected Director and some students. However, none of them has replied to me yet.

I feel proud when IBA students are being called street smart J I mean, we can get things done.

However when one of my teachers said that students of IBA look like beggars of BAHADURABAD during marks checking, I really feel bad for all of us. We all should take care of this. Learning Centered goals should be made. However, subjects like Psychology, Human behavior, Organizational behavior and Principle of Management are solely rote learning subjects.

In conclusion, these are the reason behind grade centric approach. Solutions for the GPA will be provided by students of IBA who will reply to this blog.

“Police Breaking the Law”

2010-03-23T23:39:00.003+05:00

It is to be generally assumed that after government and judiciary, Police are the one who has authority of Law to check. Also, they have to check citizens following and abiding, the rules and laws of country. Ironically, this phenomenon is not followed here. I am feeling disgust that we have corrupted system. Our rule makers are the rule breakers. Our policy makers are fool makers.
By looking to the picture, my heart cries, my mind knocks my head. That, why this is happening? Was PAKISTAN made to bear these rule breakers? All and all, they take bribe, gifts and finally breaking the law?? Sadly, Low stipend might be the cause of bribery and cheat. But what about this picture is showing?
Recently, double traveling on motors cycle is banned. However, I have seen police breaking this law and asking for a lift. Although, these banning of double motor traveling was because of snatchers. But rule is rule; you must abide it in anyway.
Every child I have seen, take these police man as a inspiration. Regretfully, they ended up making no difference between policemen and thieves.
In short, these hasty acts of police must be curbed. They should be penalized for all the stuff they do. Law is for everyone. And breaking of Law should by law makers should have severe punishments.

“10 Inspirational Personalities of IBA’s Batch of 2012”

2010-03-14T00:33:00.002+05:00

People often say I am judgmental and observe people a lot. The word “judgmental” has a negative connotation attached to it. Being “Critical” includes an even higher intensity of negativity. But in this piece, I will use these negative connotations in a positive sense.
I number of people have inspired me throughout my life and I learnt a lot from them. Off late, spending three quarter of my day at IBA, I come across people who taught me that inspiration isn’t a word that can only be associated with renowned personalities; at times, it can come from your craziest of friends. So I write this specific piece to honor a few people at IBA who left a mark on me in some way or the other.

1. Aatira Mushtaq (Einstein of BBA 2012): The future Gold Medalist of our batch. Her CGPA is around 3.9666666667 and no she’s not a typical selfish nerd! Hardworking is the word for her. Teachers like Muhammad Asif couldn’t help but give her an A. I have seen many high achievers. Some mean. Others selfish and self centered. So what is inspirational about Aatira is the fact that people she doesn’t even know exist, study from her notes! Yes, Nadeem Bhai takes pride in telling people that he has the ‘original copy’ of Aatira’s notes and people need not take the trouble of borrowing her register over and over again. Her helpful nature leaves me awe-struck. Secondly, for those who think she might just be a nerd, she is currently actively working in the CWS society and is the Assistant Program Manger of I-MARC. I wish her Good luck and a prosperous future.
2. Humayun Babar (“Social Campaigner”): This man is the most social person at IBA. I don’t know how, he bears every one he comes across. Excluding a few politicians whom he refused to favour, no one has any hard feelings against him. He is the social campaigner because be it a political leader or a petty event of IBA, he campaigns for every thing. I’m not sure about the exact reason behind these acts of his but I’m sure about one thing, there is no personal benefit involved. he will be one of the top scorers if rated on an Emotional Quotient. There will be afew who wouldn’t know him. As far as I know, he doesn’t have a grudge against anyone and successfully handles some of the the greatest pain in the necks at IBA. Also, he is good marketer and sales person. But he plans to major in Finance, I fail to understand. Either ways, he will be successful. 
3. Mustafa Nadeem (“Proactively Intelligent”): This man was not in my section. I really did not know him well during my first semester. But due to his proactive attitude I got a chance to know him. I still remember, we first met when he gave a treat for his 2nd position in the documentary competition. He can truly be called a “Junooni Keera” because he has this habit to work on many things at the same time. He is currently, the Executive Committee member of Media and Publications Society. And, cleared the 1st stage of Near East South Asian program of USEF Pakistan. I still remember, he gave good competition to one of our most innovative and creative batch mates “Owais Dada” in our final presentation of Media Sciences Course. Also, he came up with Idea of I-MARC 2010. He also won 2nd position in IBA portal competition.Lastly, he defeated MBA student of KU,IBA,IQRA and BAHRIA in P&G's Competition. This talented and humble person is involved in evry event you will stumble across at IBA. You will go very far Mustafa. Write it down some where. 
4. AYAZ AHMAD “chugtai Rajput Nanitaal Wale” (Most wanted Creative technician of IBA) : chugtai rajput is my way of teaching him. So, it’s is not for you people because of copyright issues. When I first met this person, I found him unenthusiastic about work so I asked him “Ayaz! Tumhein kaam na karna kyun pasand hai”. And that time, I was very passionate to do work and learn about executing things in events. But tables turned. He was the most “Working person” in our section and I was not. The whole class needed his help every now and then. And, he did it every time. From small things like adjusting slides to making whole bunches of videos. And, this reaped benefit for him ultimately. Now, all societies of IBA need Ayaz to handle their Graphical work. He is the most wanted person in IBA. It is his greatness that he never refuses to help people. Moreover, he is the “Genuine and Principle Man”. I wish he would stand for Vice President of IBA. But I think it will be a small post to him. I have never seen him cheat, abuse, talk rash, or lie. He is the one of the person I respect a lot in IBA. “Hats off Ayaz!”
5. Abdullah Soomro (“The Chacha”): Sorry cha-cha! I could not change your name. I like it a lot: P Well, what to tell about this man. He was the first person I liked to be with. Always positive. He can extract positivity even from Ms. Maria Hassan. He engages people with positive chats and talks. I wish I could spread positivity like him. Making people optimist about their life. Also, he is the person who said, I can score 40 out 40 in Micro economics. And, yes he did. He is yet another man in demand. People take suggestions from him to organize an Event. Though still in his fourth semester, he manages the biggest Society of IBA “IBA Leadership Club”. Also, his way of speaking and writing make him a prominent person in our batch. Having an internal locus is one of his attributes. And, In short, his way of looking at the world with positivity inspires me.
6. Mahnoor Nadeem (“The Artist”): When I first saw her on the wheel chair, I wondered what she went through? But, gradually, when I started knowing Mahnoor, I found an artist in her. Her creative laptop with glittering pieces of creative art work surprised me. I am inspired by the way she made it to IBA and manages her life successfully. Anyway, Mahnoor your inner artist shows your real beauty. Your talent is speaking louder than anything.
7. Fouzia Arif (“The Leader”): Well, she is a complete package. She is just not intelligent, she is more than that. What inspires me about her are her leadership abilities. I must say Fouzia, if Dale Carnegie would have met you, he would have written a story on you in his book “The leader in you”. Each and everything of that book applies to her. Working in a group, nothing will say explicitly that she’s the leader, but then you know its her. So when she is in your group, you get to hear comments like, “Fouzia is there, what are you worried about?” :-O . Its her ability to take initiatives that show the leader in her. Work starts when she starts it. And, if Fouzia is sleeping then for sure everybody must be sleeping. :p In addition, there is no doubt that she is the best “Public Speaker” of our class. Her speech titled “Passionate about doing the right thing” mesmerized me. I am amazed at her guts to speak about ‘big issues’ explicitly and the ease with which she manages it. Even her insulting style is so sophisticated that you will never understand she insulted you or suggested improvement. I must say she is a “Genuine Bandi”. Fouzia, I want you to stand for Vice President of IBA as well. There should be no gender discrimination. 
8. Owais Bin Laiq (“The Patriot”): I thought I would be the most patriotic person, at least in IBA. But when I saw the Pakistan’s Cricket Team’s logo in his mobile I found another big fool like me, in IBA at least. He is currently in the Youth Parliament of Pakistan. Also, his active attitude towards up bringing of Pakistan has compelled me to get inspiration from him. Who can love a country with lots of suicide bombing everyday? Many IBA students want to go abroad and study there. Some of them still cry I was in KGS, Lyceum, and BSS, I should have gone outside, or whatever. Even, I want to go and study abroad. But I want to serve Pakistan after studying abroad. But I never found this man saying that he wants to study abroad. We need visionary and young leaders like Owais to stand up for Pakistan.
9. Syed Mohammad Danish (“Mr. Down to earth”): The attribute I like about Danish is, he is the person who never has never thought of him self as the most intelligent man, though he is. You will see him socializing with the clerks of IBA. He has 3.5+ CGPA, but I never saw him showing pride of his intelligence and excellence. His approach to give equal importance to every human being even a sweeper is inspiring for me.
10. Fariha Samad (“The witty girl”): Many of you don’t know Fariha actually. She seems serious, reserved and introvert. But the thing which inspires me to learn from her is, her witty nature. Her ability to think and crack jokes so quickly and easily is mesmerizing. I bet if Fariha Samad is your friend, you can never be bored in her company because I and her friends found her witty. At least, Fareesa, Fouzia and Amna will agree with me.

Anyway, there are many inspiring people in our batch. But 10 of these I think need recognition. Many of us agree that these people are praiseworthy. I did not write about them because they want it, I just wanted to express my gratitude to these people for playing the part they played in my life. Also, it’s just my view, its up to you to agree or disagree.
Also, I believe every person has some unique quality. We must appreciate that unique quality rather than look down upon his weaknesses.

Assassins The Warriors and Conquerors

2010-03-10T00:19:00.000+05:00

Assassins the Warriors and Conquerors.
Assassins have remained controversial in history. Looking closely, Assassins means “murderers”. The word Assassin means murder and cult of opium eaters in general.
Nizari Ismailis were generally considered to be Assassin or Malahida’s or Fidais in the past, as they have been accused to kill people and create fear among the masses. Few allegations on them were, they were killers, they took hashish – (a drug which causes hallucinations) Bhang, and used to enjoy dance of beautiful women in the garden of their castles. It has also been claimed that Fidais (Assassins) used self immolation tactics to kill people. Many scholars also believe that today the Taliban and other extreme Muslim wings has taken inspiration from Assassins, and are using tactics such as Suicide bombing to show self immolation and generate fear in people at large. Fidais’ scholar, warrior, and leader of the tribe Hassan bin Sabah, claimed to play a role of villain in the Middle East to capture the castles of Iran. There were many allegations against Nizari Ismailis, which were found to be false later on which I will be discussing today.
Firstly, historians such as Juwayni, Marco Polo and many more, who have written on Assassins probably held an Anti-Ismaili perspective. They were either Christians or under the kingdom of Sunni Seljuk leaders. Christians were not well acquainted with Muslim history and beliefs. Secondly, they had to relinquish their religious and political stance because in past they had suffered many defeats at the hands of Muslims. And, political subversion of Christians to Muslims (mention year) was also a cause to take Anti-Ismaili view about them. Moreover, they didn’t have firsthand knowledge of Muslims. Many of the Christian writers have been accused to mix up between Sunnis and Shia’as and sect among Shia’as as well. For example, they started mixing up twelver Shia’as and Ismailis. Anti-Ismaili thought was also provoked because of Ismaili rule.

Generally, every government has an opposition, and political domination was giving rise to notoriety through rivals. In addition, Sunni Seljuks were badly hurt by Assassins; it is pretty obvious that Seljuk’s would have tried to defame Ismailis. However, things which were in favor of Ismailis were smashed by Mongols who burnt all Al-Mout Libraries in Iran, the books and articles that went in favor of Ismailis. And, Mongols are known to be ruthless and villainous because of their mass killings. In short, every political regime has its own critics; these critics have propagated Anti Ismaili view against Assassins. Also,” History is written by the victors”,said by W “The so-called lessons of history are for the most part the rationalizations of the victors. History is written by the survivors”
Said by Max lerner
Few Christians historian like Marco Polo, are the one who manipulated word “Hashish” a drug with Ismailis. Later, Malihada’s or Ismailis were generally known to be as Assassins. It is true that Ismailis had killed many people for their cause. People who were generally killed were soldiers, leaders and manipulators of opposition. The man who came up with idea of killing individuals is named as Hassan bin Sabah. His main cause was to defend his land and people. In order to keep a hold, he developed a strategy to kill enemies individually rather than killing masses. This strategy was effective because he did not have ample amount of army and didn’t want to kill innocent people. Moreover, killing your opposition is just like saving your self from harm .So, it was defensive and aggressive strategy at the same time to avoid war, and to capture land and political dominance. Wars are never good for any side; they only create tons of dead bodies. Criticizing assassins for killings becomes quite questionable because their strategy was safe for everyone.
Using “hashish” as drug by Fidais in order to remain in semi consciousness was another allegation. Substance abuse can be correctly used to mention their situation. It is a general perception; people who take drugs are generally addicted. That means, they remain in semi consciousness most of the time. On the other hand, highly trained, skilled military soldiers, who are efficient in killing leaders of opposition can, remain in semi consciousness most of the time? It would be quite impossible to complete their task under the influence of hashish. However, addictive drugs make you lethargic, dull and lazy. Where as, Assassins were found to be active, patient, dexterous, energetic and attentive all the time.
Just like all the other allegations, Marco Polo has accused Ismailis for enjoying the dance of the women in their gardens of Castle. However, a historian named as Juwayni who has written Anti-Ismaili thoughts said that he didn’t see any such kind of garden in Ismailis Castles. Moreover, it is found that Marco Polo has written history on the oral references, local informants told him about Assassins. However, history is already a doubtable thing where a person sees writes and quotes things from his perspective. And, another person sees things from his own perspective. Where as, oral traditions is found to be weak in historical terms generally.
Surprisingly, Assassins are now been associated with Taliban, who are using a tactic of self immolation for their cause. Contemporary Scholars said, Taliban took inspiration from Assassins. However, cause of Assassins to sacrifice their life for the religion, to protect their people and to defend their land. Killing masses was not their strategy. Killing people who are innocent was wrong in their view. However, Taliban are creating fear among people, killing masses and sacrifice their life for religion. Killing innocent people is not wish of God, it is highly unethical. On the other hand, Ismailis sect of Islam dwelling at Alamaut has always supported esoteric ways of life than exoteric. Self Sacrifice was a spiritual sacrifice not a physical one always. Many people have confused it with in exoteric way, giving physical body rather than spirit. However, it is true that many fidais gave physical sacrifice for the sake of religion. But, soldiers are always meant to sacrifice their life for their cause. In brief, Cause of Taliban and Assassins might be same but strategies, and view to see world and religion is different. And this should not be confused.
Lastly, strongest argument of medieval writers was that ‘Old Man of the mountain’ Hassan bin Sabah was the conspirer and bone of contention to other political leaders. It is said, if Hassan were to ask life from fidais , they drink hashish and fall from top of the castle in order to show sacrifice. Whereas, Hassan was charismatic leader and political genius. Initially, in the rule of Seljuk, he invaded into Al-mout as teacher to the children of garrison. His aim was to capture Al-mout for his community. Mingling with people, satisfying their needs was his general courteous behavior. After few months, people started accepting him as their leader. Prime objective was to preach and lead in Al-mout and to protect his community people from depredations’ of hated Seljuk and to advance the cause of Ismaili Islam. Al mout was a hub of Iran. Capturing Al mout was a great opportunity to accomplish his objective. He slowly and gradually captured whole Al- mout. After few months, Hassan asked Seljuk governor to leave castle, in return the leader will not be harmed.
Also, he gave 3000 gold dinars on the name of Seljuk leader as the price of castle. However, historian peter Willey and Farhad Daftry said, material related to Hassan was blistered by all Mongols in their kingdom. They found very less first hand resource on Hassan Bin Sabah.
In conclusion, Assassins had been portrayed in negative image because of rivalry and Anti-thoughts. Many false allegations made them infamous. Real facts are very less. Less people know about actual history of Assassins. However, it would be wrong to say that Assassins had done nothing, but what they did was just playing role of a soldier of their Sect. And, Lax of morality in assassins is still a questionable statement to prove. Farhad Daftary writes in"The Assassin Legends" that, "In brief, medieval Europeans learned very little about Islam and Muslims, and their less well-versed knowledge of the Ismail's found appearance in a few shallow observations and incorrect perceptions spotted in Crusader histories and other occidental sources”.

If I were President of Pakistan

2010-03-09T13:32:00.005+05:00

If I were the President of Pakistan………….

If I were the President of Pakistan, I would have brought revolution in it. I studied history of Pakistan and I got to know that Pakistan did not get any visionary leader like Quaid-e-Azam. Although, there are many supporters of Bhutto. Even, Zia managed to get much support. There are many criticisms on these two visionary leaders. Every government has been criticized for governing not the way people wanted. Anyway, I will bring following reforms, if I would be President of Pakistan.
Firstly, I will change the education system in Pakistan. I will bring my education system, where there will be no Cambridge Board, Aga Khan Board, Punjab Board, or any other board. There will be only one board, and that will be Pakistan Board of Education. It will deal all kinds of degree such metric, Intermediate, University degree and all the necessary degrees. It will not be nationalized; it will be private institute where stake holder will have complete authority. According to me, there should be no discrimination among students. Each student should get same quality of education. Moreover, teaching profession would be highly paid profession in this industry. Master in Education would be the minimum criteria. Also, Teachers would get promotion in every 2 years for their motivation to teach. Also, research would be mandatory and the key for every teacher to enhance the quality of education. There will be only English Medium. Also, my annual budget’s 50% would be on education. No fees for any student. Either there would be elite or poor student; nobody has to pay any single penny. Moreover, Books and Stationary will be provided by Schools. After every 2 year, books of two will be revised, examination policy will be revised. No rote learning at all. In addition, system would be Co- education. Student will also be judged on extra curricular performance such as speeches, debates, sports, and many more. Every year, high profile teachers will audit teacher’s quality of teaching. And they will report to school and school will report directly to stake holders. Finally, there will be no student federation in government, however they can join youth parliament after 18. Youth parliament would be only one body which will cater student politics. Also, our student can go abroad to study, but on scholarship they have to come back and serve country. They can never work in other country, if they have taken scholarship from any of financing institute of Pakistan.
Secondly, I will work on Industries of Pakistan. All industries would be privatized. But private institute will be curbed by the government. However, Imports will be heavily taxed. We have to make our things on our own. But export will be appreciated. As, our steel mill, railway, Airline and many organization are under the government, will now be separate entity. But all institutes will be answerable to Pakistani government. Technology, Research and value added products would be appreciated by incentives. An organization, which did not, improvised its products; its management will be changed. That firm will have to bring a good change in 6 months. Also, our software companies, engineering and scientific institutes are not going well. It has not been productive yet. Strict changes will be made. Also, all the incentives will be given by government. Moreover, government will give extra benefit to the place from where production has been done, for example Sui. From construction till education, government will provide everything but decisions can be also taken by the industries as well.

Thirdly, Islam has taught us to give equal opportunities to women but someway or the other, we have failed to provide those opportunities. So, I would like to bring drastic changes in terms of opportunities. I will Provide 50% seats in National Assembly. Women can do any job they want; either they want to drive a taxi or any thing. Also, women has the potential to do many jobs, since they can not because of their house hold responsibility, they can have 3 month rest in a year. We need to respect women; they are equally talented as men. We need to trust them. Lets not be gender bias from now.
Fourthly, Political party system will definitely change. For example, no PPP, no PML, No MQM, there would be only democrats and republicans. And, a person more than 45 year can not be eligible fro any post in national assembly or Senate. He will not be able to apply for Prime Minister of the country. More over, Provinces will support the ideology not their people or land.
Lastly, people who found in corruption will be heavily punished. Judicial system will define the corruption, and if judges are corrupted as well, they will be punished and dethroned as well. More over, President is the only authority, who can take decisions for everything. He will be answerable to People. But, he has to complete his tenure at any cost. And if people do not want him, still tenure should be completed for at least 4 year.
In conclusion, there are many unidentified things would be corrected and amended.Steps will be taken in order to build a sustainable civil society. And, President’s main objective is to think good for nation. His sole responsibility is to improvise nation. Clear the gap between his nation and developed nation.

On farewell of Sunil Kumar

2010-03-06T16:26:00.001+05:00

Tu khata tha PG k samose pakore beshumar,
Karta nhi tha Aalo chat se b inkaar,
Jesa k hai tera sab par ikhtiar,
Aye humare sunil kumar.

Demag chalta that tera jese tez dhaar,
Tu hai class mai sab ka yaar,
Na hua ksi ko tujhse inkaar,
Aye humare sunil kumar,

Lame thee teri harkatein ,par use se karte the hum pyar,
Fully bollywood fan hai tu,iska hai sab karein ge iqrar,
Ban jata that u kabhi kabhar gulukaar,
Aye humare sunil kumar

Maria hasan aur Khursheed Khan se tha tujhe pyar,
Talat Wizarat aur beena batool hojayengy teri bina gum khar,
Hum sab bhi karte hein tujhse pyar,
Aye humare sunil kumar

Tu nhi hota tha ksi subject k liye khuaar,
Kyun k tu hai super starr!
Hum sab karenge tera intezaar,
Tu khush rahena Aye humare sunil kumar

Karne ko hein baatein hazaar,
Hum miss karenge tujhe bar bar,
Ab alvida kehta hun tujhe mere yar,
Tu khush rehna Aye humare sunil kumar.