Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Of interactions and misconceptions………
The best thing about interaction is that it clears away a lot of misunderstanding and gives a newer, fresher perspective.
So those of us, who have been fortunate enough to travel, would agree with me that just the experience of traveling to a foreign land and meeting new people is an experience better than reading countless books about a particular place.
In this day and age where everything is becoming more impersonal, and the virtual world, is almost with lightening speed taking over the real world, it is so refreshing just to interact with people and listen to their point of view, answer their queries and just simply putting it talking to each other with an open mind.
Everything Egypt
Egypt is one place that stirs up some very exciting images to ones mind, and I must say that it lives up to its reputation, where you see an amalgamation of civilizations, and trust me, one should visit Egypt at least once just for the experience of this beautiful country.
I traveled there for a conference about ‘Freedom of Expression in the digital age’, organized by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and International Center for Journalists. Needless to say, it was an experience that I shall not forget in a long time.
Journalists, in any part of the world have a very different way of looking at things, they might not be the true representations of any one country but they are crucial in bringing about a change in society. They are very colourful which is what makes them so interesting! So take approximately forty or so journalists from all over the world and make them sit in one room, and there you have it……………the most fascinating and interesting discussions, that ‘normal people’ could only dream about, or probably have read about!
Interactions at the workshop
Why did I rant and rave about journalists being so interesting? well at the risk of sounding pompous, I am one of them, and if you ask me, I would not trade this job for anything! So when the sessions started, I noticed that journalists from the same countries usually sat together. It is obviously, human nature, not to be able to get out of the comfort zone, but as the day progressed, in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, I noticed, that after the first session, over a cup of coffee, people were intermingling with each other.
Since I consider myself a mutant ………….(you know there is a mutant gene in all journalists) because I am never satisfied with what I have done, I always want to do more, and driven by immense curiosity, I was so happy to say that I was among my brethren, we were a community of people driven by a thirst of knowledge and I should reiterate that this quality is what sets our community (journalists) apart.
Over a cup of coffee, political stance of the governments was discussed, religion, social issues, you named it ad it was talked about. Just being there was an enriching experience!
Needless to say that I learned a lot, not only by the excellent trainings given to us on different methodologies and using new tools and polishing your skills, but just by interaction with these wonderful people, and it warmed my heart to see that I am part of a community of people who share so much more than just writings…………..being a journalist………..I wouldn’t want it any other way………..:)
So those of us, who have been fortunate enough to travel, would agree with me that just the experience of traveling to a foreign land and meeting new people is an experience better than reading countless books about a particular place.
In this day and age where everything is becoming more impersonal, and the virtual world, is almost with lightening speed taking over the real world, it is so refreshing just to interact with people and listen to their point of view, answer their queries and just simply putting it talking to each other with an open mind.
Everything Egypt
Egypt is one place that stirs up some very exciting images to ones mind, and I must say that it lives up to its reputation, where you see an amalgamation of civilizations, and trust me, one should visit Egypt at least once just for the experience of this beautiful country.
I traveled there for a conference about ‘Freedom of Expression in the digital age’, organized by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and International Center for Journalists. Needless to say, it was an experience that I shall not forget in a long time.
Journalists, in any part of the world have a very different way of looking at things, they might not be the true representations of any one country but they are crucial in bringing about a change in society. They are very colourful which is what makes them so interesting! So take approximately forty or so journalists from all over the world and make them sit in one room, and there you have it……………the most fascinating and interesting discussions, that ‘normal people’ could only dream about, or probably have read about!
Interactions at the workshop
Why did I rant and rave about journalists being so interesting? well at the risk of sounding pompous, I am one of them, and if you ask me, I would not trade this job for anything! So when the sessions started, I noticed that journalists from the same countries usually sat together. It is obviously, human nature, not to be able to get out of the comfort zone, but as the day progressed, in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, I noticed, that after the first session, over a cup of coffee, people were intermingling with each other.
Since I consider myself a mutant ………….(you know there is a mutant gene in all journalists) because I am never satisfied with what I have done, I always want to do more, and driven by immense curiosity, I was so happy to say that I was among my brethren, we were a community of people driven by a thirst of knowledge and I should reiterate that this quality is what sets our community (journalists) apart.
Over a cup of coffee, political stance of the governments was discussed, religion, social issues, you named it ad it was talked about. Just being there was an enriching experience!
Needless to say that I learned a lot, not only by the excellent trainings given to us on different methodologies and using new tools and polishing your skills, but just by interaction with these wonderful people, and it warmed my heart to see that I am part of a community of people who share so much more than just writings…………..being a journalist………..I wouldn’t want it any other way………..:)
Of interactions and misconceptions………
The best thing about interaction is that it clears away a lot of misunderstanding and gives a newer, fresher perspective.
So those of us, who have been fortunate enough to travel, would agree with me that just the experience of traveling to a foreign land and meeting new people is an experience better than reading countless books about a particular place.
In this day and age where everything is becoming more impersonal, and the virtual world, is almost with lightening speed taking over the real world, it is so refreshing just to interact with people and listen to their point of view, answer their queries and just simply putting it talking to each other with an open mind.
Everything Egypt
Egypt is one place that stirs up some very exciting images to ones mind, and I must say that it lives up to its reputation, where you see an amalgamation of civilizations, and trust me, one should visit Egypt at least once just for the experience of this beautiful country.
I traveled there for a conference about ‘Freedom of Expression in the digital age’, organized by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and International Center for Journalists. Needless to say, it was an experience that I shall not forget in a long time.
Journalists, in any part of the world have a very different way of looking at things, they might not be the true representations of any one country but they are crucial in bringing about a change in society. They are very colourful which is what makes them so interesting! So take approximately forty or so journalists from all over the world and make them sit in one room, and there you have it……………the most fascinating and interesting discussions, that ‘normal people’ could only dream about, or probably have read about!
Interactions at the workshop
Why did I rant and rave about journalists being so interesting? well at the risk of sounding pompous, I am one of them, and if you ask me, I would not trade this job for anything! So when the sessions started, I noticed that journalists from the same countries usually sat together. It is obviously, human nature, not to be able to get out of the comfort zone, but as the day progressed, in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, I noticed, that after the first session, over a cup of coffee, people were intermingling with each other.
Since I consider myself a mutant ………….(you know there is a mutant gene in all journalists) because I am never satisfied with what I have done, I always want to do more, and driven by immense curiosity, I was so happy to say that I was among my brethren, we were a community of people driven by a thirst of knowledge and I should reiterate that this quality is what sets our community (journalists) apart.
Over a cup of coffee, political stance of the governments was discussed, religion, social issues, you named it ad it was talked about. Just being there was an enriching experience!
Needless to say that I learned a lot, not only by the excellent trainings given to us on different methodologies and using new tools and polishing your skills, but just by interaction with these wonderful people, and it warmed my heart to see that I am part of a community of people who share so much more than just writings…………..being a journalist………..I wouldn’t want it any other way………..:)
So those of us, who have been fortunate enough to travel, would agree with me that just the experience of traveling to a foreign land and meeting new people is an experience better than reading countless books about a particular place.
In this day and age where everything is becoming more impersonal, and the virtual world, is almost with lightening speed taking over the real world, it is so refreshing just to interact with people and listen to their point of view, answer their queries and just simply putting it talking to each other with an open mind.
Everything Egypt
Egypt is one place that stirs up some very exciting images to ones mind, and I must say that it lives up to its reputation, where you see an amalgamation of civilizations, and trust me, one should visit Egypt at least once just for the experience of this beautiful country.
I traveled there for a conference about ‘Freedom of Expression in the digital age’, organized by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and International Center for Journalists. Needless to say, it was an experience that I shall not forget in a long time.
Journalists, in any part of the world have a very different way of looking at things, they might not be the true representations of any one country but they are crucial in bringing about a change in society. They are very colourful which is what makes them so interesting! So take approximately forty or so journalists from all over the world and make them sit in one room, and there you have it……………the most fascinating and interesting discussions, that ‘normal people’ could only dream about, or probably have read about!
Interactions at the workshop
Why did I rant and rave about journalists being so interesting? well at the risk of sounding pompous, I am one of them, and if you ask me, I would not trade this job for anything! So when the sessions started, I noticed that journalists from the same countries usually sat together. It is obviously, human nature, not to be able to get out of the comfort zone, but as the day progressed, in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, I noticed, that after the first session, over a cup of coffee, people were intermingling with each other.
Since I consider myself a mutant ………….(you know there is a mutant gene in all journalists) because I am never satisfied with what I have done, I always want to do more, and driven by immense curiosity, I was so happy to say that I was among my brethren, we were a community of people driven by a thirst of knowledge and I should reiterate that this quality is what sets our community (journalists) apart.
Over a cup of coffee, political stance of the governments was discussed, religion, social issues, you named it ad it was talked about. Just being there was an enriching experience!
Needless to say that I learned a lot, not only by the excellent trainings given to us on different methodologies and using new tools and polishing your skills, but just by interaction with these wonderful people, and it warmed my heart to see that I am part of a community of people who share so much more than just writings…………..being a journalist………..I wouldn’t want it any other way………..:)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Of Preconceived notions and perceptions........
Most of the time, our actions are a direct result of our preconceived notions, which shapes our perceptions of certain areas, people etc.
What is the underlining cause of the preconceived notion? Well first of all, media comes to mind. It is quite obvious that the way a certain area is profiled/projected on the news shapes the viewpoint of the audience.
It might or might not be the true depiction of that area. For example, when one watches the news and the reporter is reporting on a particular issue, what tends to happen is that the reporter, or, in this case the media outlet is not giving a broader picture.
This confuses the viewer and in turn shapes an opinion, based on the report aired or written for either broadcast or print. We tend to imagine that media does not play an important role, but this assumption is incorrect as it does help in shaping the opinion of the people.
The misunderstandings and misconceptions arise and then they are fueled, and viola..... you see unrest.
Now the flip side is that when the media reports, it is highlighting a certain issue which might otherwise be overlooked. At least now people pay attention, therefore, any news is 'good' news.
Lets break it down and see how it works, out of a population of a hundred thousand, one woman is subjected to torture, and the media is reporting "X area, known for violence against women".
The fact was that a case was reported of violence, it took place in area "X", but "X" has a population of a hundred thousand, so generalizing the area actually is shaping others' point of view against that area.
The same can be seen about people, generalizing the behaviors of people, based on their ethnicity also is projecting a negative image in the minds of others, which in turn gives rise to discrimination.
So when one sees a problem, one tends to focus only on the problem rather than see the underlying cause and a solution to a problem.
The preconceived notions are also shaped by the environment you live in and the input you get while growing up.
The problem with preconceived notion is that, we tend to become judgmental towards others and we do not necessarily even bother to hear the others' point of view.
A prime example of our preconceived notion was observed almost a month back in a beautiful mountainous country, Nepal.
A group of Pakistani journalists were selected for a training in journalism by ICFJ, United Nations Alliance for Civilization and Search for Common Ground.
An interesting thing was observed, when the main stream media and religious media were to interact with each other.
Since there is little interaction between the two, a lot of misconceptions were present, which obviously gives rise to resentment in some cases.
When we interacted with the religious media group, a lot of issues were brought to the fore and therefore a lot of unsaid resentments found an outlet and the misunderstandings cleared.
I will quote another example, when I traveled to Afghanistan. Obviously I was told that it is a dangerous country where women should not step out without a veil. I wanted to give respect to the people and so I tried to be as demure as possible, with a headscarf and everything.
What I observed was a complete contradiction to what I had perceived. I met women who were progressive, intelligent and were not carrying headscarves, had an opinion and were not afraid to express it.
I was also very pleasantly surprised by their hospitality, was invited to a local wedding where there was singing and dancing, and trust me, I was so ecstatic to see the positivity.
Recently, I was in Burewala, which is about three and a half hours drive from Multan. I was told that people are conservative, I should be careful and all the rest.
The people were so hospitable, decent and intelligent. They were very open to new ideas and were not afraid to express themselves in front of an MNA.
I was again pleasantly surprised by this interaction.
The reason for quoting personal examples is simple, that one always has a choice, to see the positive side or the negative side. The choice has always been yours and this choice shapes your opinions and perceptions of the world.
If the media is responsible in distorting our point of view, then if we take personal responsibility in finding out what really is, things will get better.
As in my previous blogs, I will repeat that I have not lost hope.
Most of the time, our actions are a direct result of our preconceived notions, which shapes our perceptions of certain areas, people etc.
What is the underlining cause of the preconceived notion? Well first of all, media comes to mind. It is quite obvious that the way a certain area is profiled/projected on the news shapes the viewpoint of the audience.
It might or might not be the true depiction of that area. For example, when one watches the news and the reporter is reporting on a particular issue, what tends to happen is that the reporter, or, in this case the media outlet is not giving a broader picture.
This confuses the viewer and in turn shapes an opinion, based on the report aired or written for either broadcast or print. We tend to imagine that media does not play an important role, but this assumption is incorrect as it does help in shaping the opinion of the people.
The misunderstandings and misconceptions arise and then they are fueled, and viola..... you see unrest.
Now the flip side is that when the media reports, it is highlighting a certain issue which might otherwise be overlooked. At least now people pay attention, therefore, any news is 'good' news.
Lets break it down and see how it works, out of a population of a hundred thousand, one woman is subjected to torture, and the media is reporting "X area, known for violence against women".
The fact was that a case was reported of violence, it took place in area "X", but "X" has a population of a hundred thousand, so generalizing the area actually is shaping others' point of view against that area.
The same can be seen about people, generalizing the behaviors of people, based on their ethnicity also is projecting a negative image in the minds of others, which in turn gives rise to discrimination.
So when one sees a problem, one tends to focus only on the problem rather than see the underlying cause and a solution to a problem.
The preconceived notions are also shaped by the environment you live in and the input you get while growing up.
The problem with preconceived notion is that, we tend to become judgmental towards others and we do not necessarily even bother to hear the others' point of view.
A prime example of our preconceived notion was observed almost a month back in a beautiful mountainous country, Nepal.
A group of Pakistani journalists were selected for a training in journalism by ICFJ, United Nations Alliance for Civilization and Search for Common Ground.
An interesting thing was observed, when the main stream media and religious media were to interact with each other.
Since there is little interaction between the two, a lot of misconceptions were present, which obviously gives rise to resentment in some cases.
When we interacted with the religious media group, a lot of issues were brought to the fore and therefore a lot of unsaid resentments found an outlet and the misunderstandings cleared.
I will quote another example, when I traveled to Afghanistan. Obviously I was told that it is a dangerous country where women should not step out without a veil. I wanted to give respect to the people and so I tried to be as demure as possible, with a headscarf and everything.
What I observed was a complete contradiction to what I had perceived. I met women who were progressive, intelligent and were not carrying headscarves, had an opinion and were not afraid to express it.
I was also very pleasantly surprised by their hospitality, was invited to a local wedding where there was singing and dancing, and trust me, I was so ecstatic to see the positivity.
Recently, I was in Burewala, which is about three and a half hours drive from Multan. I was told that people are conservative, I should be careful and all the rest.
The people were so hospitable, decent and intelligent. They were very open to new ideas and were not afraid to express themselves in front of an MNA.
I was again pleasantly surprised by this interaction.
The reason for quoting personal examples is simple, that one always has a choice, to see the positive side or the negative side. The choice has always been yours and this choice shapes your opinions and perceptions of the world.
If the media is responsible in distorting our point of view, then if we take personal responsibility in finding out what really is, things will get better.
As in my previous blogs, I will repeat that I have not lost hope.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Conflict
Maybe I am not mature enough to understand a lot of things, but what I have learnt, through different experiences, is enough for me to write about it. By no means does it mean that it would be a final word. There is no such finality in this world/ universe. Now I am sure that sounds a bit confusing, because we are born, that is a new life and then we die. What’s more final than death?
Here is my problem with death. Scientifically speaking when your organs fail you, or you have a shutdown, you are dead…..right? But then what about the part that you call your soul? If we were to believe in the existence of soul, then again scientifically speaking it is pure energy, and we all know that energy can be transmitted, and also change from one form to another, but then it never completely disappears, so how would you define that?
The same is the case with the microscopic universe and macroscopic universe………………again bursts of energy pulsating through an electron and a star. The black hole, which in our view is a ‘dead’ star also pulsates with gravity to the extent that it engulfs other stars, my question remains then where is the so called finality in this circle of life? And if there is no finality then what do we actually fear?
Do we fear loss of health? Loss of a loved one? Loss of property? Loss of self esteem? Now my question is very simple, how can you measure all of that? What is self esteem? And how would you measure that you have lost your self esteem? Or wealth for that matter? How much is enough? And when can you measure the fact that you have had enough? Well I guess in some sense loss of money and property through bad investments and bad luck can be measured to some extent. But if you have a billion dollars, do you think the loss of a dollar would be tantamount to loss of wealth? And if you have a billion dollars how much more would you want?
On the flip side if you have no money, you are on the streets and also not only dying of hunger but also a degenerative disease that you contracted while lying in filth, you would of course be resentful of the one who has a billion dollars but is not willing to give you even one. Thoughts of mugging and killing this arrogant prick are probably circling through your mind, and though I am not advocating violence, at some level you are justified in your reaction. The flip side is that you mug the guy, you get the money for a decent meal and a visit to the hospital but the prognosis is the same, you are ‘dying’ in less then a week as the disease has progressed and has managed to attack all your vital organs. Now what? You are ‘dying’ anyway so what would your reaction be? Anger towards the world? Your own mistakes which led you to this miserable state? Who would you blame and what purpose would it serve. As in my opinion regrets have no meaning if you are riddled with regret on your deathbed.
So the question remains, what motivates us to be the way that we are? Is it a part of a ‘grand design’? If yes then what is the ‘grand design’? And what purpose do we serve as mere mortals in this universe where the earth is smaller than an electron, and we of course inhabit this earth. So what about the galaxies, the nebulae and whatever other matter or energy is there. How do we fit in this vast cosmos and what is our purpose? If there is no life on any other planet then what was the reason for this universe to be created? And if human race is so superior then why do we stoop to murder, rape, wars?
There is internal conflict in all of us, it just so happens that we suppress questioning the rationale and just accept things the way they are. I am neither a pessimist nor an optimist but I do call myself a realist. So I question, this is my internal conflict, my own demons, I battle everyday.
People perceive me as a happy go lucky, nutty person who does and says the most outrageous things. But I have yet to discover myself, because if this is all I am then I am nothing more than a vermin born to irritate and infect others. But if my essence is not that of a blubbering idiot, why would I mask my inner demons? Why cant be one of the sad characters, always wallowing in self pity?
Logically speaking, one should never reveal too much of oneself to others………….it can be quite dangerous. Why should the whole world know the real you? There is no fun in that. The fun starts when the people get confused, you can see it in their eyes ………….the confusion, while they are trying to figure you out and you are just putting them off track. To this day what I haven’t understood, is the motive as to why everyone tries to figure you out, to fit you in one category or another. Isn’t it enough that we simply exist and therefore we are?
I am not deluding myself into thinking that I am very intelligent but did anyone ever manage to figure anyone out? To predict the other person, the reactions, the outbursts, or whatever else they want to predict. Isn’t it more fun not to be able to predict? I guess the root cause of all the fears is fear of the unknown and that is something that we avoid.
We avoid topics that we are not aware of, we fear death, loss of anything precious to us , because it is this innate fear of the unknown that eats us like termites within.
To be able to just let go …………………. Let things happen. That would make everyone much more bearable, do not think of me as a misanthrope. But like any other individual, I do question the logic, the motives and everything that goes with it. I question, therefore I am, therefore I can. That is the rule I live by. You must be wondering that I mentioned personal demons, but I did not specify. Well that’s the beauty of your personal demons, they are personal and that’s what makes you who you are. One should never change the essence of one’s being.
What then you would ask, about the interpersonal relationships? How important are they? Should they exist at all? Now a lot of people will argue on the fact that people need people, otherwise they would cease to exist. Well, I do not agree with that in principle.
If we are born alone, and also die alone, battle our personal demons that in turn means that we are in fact alone, and if we are destined to be alone, what is the purpose of proving yourself to anyone, have any relationship or anything. The lust of power, the battles fought over land and religions, the loss of life and all the rest of it. If in the end, we are alone then I do not believe we need to bother with much.
But if the philosophy is so simple, why do we make it so complicated by our ambitions, our brainless pursuit for glory. And yes talking of glory. Why should people crave for adulation? Is it because they want others to admire them because they lack something? Even if one does lack something………………whatever it may be, why would anyone want approval and validation from others? No one is perfect, there is no such thing as a saintly personality, then why would anyone want approval?
There are, however, cases where we hear about marvelous human interest and touching stories about the greatness of man. It serves no purpose other than to serve your own ego, for acts of heroism. And yes when we talk of great acts of kindness and heroism, there rises within oneself the innate need to be recognised and appreciated either by the people around them or by some promise of invisible heaven.
I don’t understand the concept of heaven and hell to begin with. Lets review, when you do as you are told in the commandments and do not sin, you go to heaven.
However, when you do not comply with the commandments handed down to you, you end up going to hell. Of course, the mere mention of the word hell, conjures up horrifying images of fire in the pit, with a pitchfork carrying horned Satan, where people are being tortured and the rest of it.
On the contrary, the concept of heaven brings to the mind images of serenity, saints, angles, trees and fruits. Now my question is how many people have actually seen it? Is this the reason that nowadays people are willing to blow themselves up in order to attain that level of peace.
There is some flaw in this logic, but when emotions come into play, logic tends to take a backseat.
We are creatures of the Universe in which entropy exists and instead of being the force to diminish entropy, the heat-death, we tend to accelerate the process of entropy.
As long as we accelerate the process of entropy, this force will be the destructive force in our lives, and one does not need to apply logic to it. It is basic common sense.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Prevailing crimes in Pakistan
Recent surveys have shown that crime rate has spiked by an unprecedented 25 percent in the last one year in Pakistan.
This throws light on the increasing law and order situation of an already unstable country, where terrorism is the new name of the game.
Coming back on the subject of crime,it has been observed that socio-economic factors are directly linked with the surge in crime rate in any country.
Take for example, Latin America...... Mexico, Colombia and Brazil for instance, and you see crimes related to mostly drug trafficking, leading in murders, kidnapping, rape, extortion. The root cause is the ever powerful Drug Cartels, and their ongoing battles with each others and law enforcement agencies.
What is the reason for such a high rate of crimes in this region is easily traced to the socio-economic factors again. In that, we are not alone.
Mostly the trends in crime seen in Pakistan, vary according to the geographical location, urban centers see a different kind of crime, whereas the rural areas crime trends are of a different nature.
In the urban centers, especially Karachi and Lahore and to a certain extent, Islamabad, street crimes seem to be more prevalent.
The reason is of-course simple, these urban centers to some extent ensure jobs to the rur-urban migrant force. However, due to the dire economic circumstances, the global recession, the failing job market and rising inflation, the poverty rate is increasing alarmingly.
There have been instances where people have resorted to selling their own children as they have nothing to feed them.
People are forced to use other means, and of-course, other means, usually are related to crimes. Therefore a spike in street crimes in the urban centers.
Interestingly, when the culprits are apprehended, they justify it by quoting dire economic circumstances as the motivator for their deeds. But how can they justify taking someones life?
It has been observed that usually, people engaged in street crimes, are very nervous, therefore they fire the gun at the slightest hint of retaliation.
If we take the rural areas, it has been observed that majority of crimes are violence against women. The reason is very simple, that men try to impose their authority on women by the use of violence.
This is the only way they can ensure that women are subjugated and their authoritarian rule established.
We see, men beating their wives/sisters/daughters. Sometimes the crimes are too heinous to even discuss. Instances where men have slaughtered their daughters, due to petty differences with their wives.
Rape, sodomy and incest are prevalent in our society, and we tend to trun a blind eye to the goings on around us.
I am not suggesting any form of vigilante justice, but if the law enforcement agencies, instead of focusing on VIP movement, focused more on eradication of crime, we might in time have a society free from such evils.
I hope for the best!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Minorities
Minorities is a word, often used for the marginalised sections of society. It could be religious, ethnic, racial or gender based.
However, when we talk of minorities, we have to keep in mind the changing situations, where a majority could also turn into a minority. Therefore it is a relative term.
Now the case in Pakistan, are women a minority? I think not! But why are women treated as such? I think it not only has to do with the mindsets of men but mindsets of women as well.
What I mean is, that we tend to forget, women, under the most dire circumstances have proven themselves as strong-willed, passionate and intelligent.
From Pakistan, we have Fatima Jinnah, who was actively helping her brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the creation of Pakistan.
Marie Curie, Joan of Arc, Jane Austin, were some of the few women who made a mark in history, despite being in a most difficult situation.
The point is, that there is no such thing as 'impossible', if you have a clear idea about what you want, then you can achieve great heights.
However, complacency breeds complacency, therefore, I have noticed that women tend to be unfair on themselves.
Before anyone can discriminate against them, they start discriminating themselves. At work places, at home.
This is a problem with us. We tend to become the victim, instead of a survivor, and then it is only a matter of time before, none of the males take us seriously, which is like a chain reaction.
This is what our society is facing and the dilemma is that we are completely ignorant of this.
I shall not recommend what we should or should not do. I am recommending that we just spend sometime in self reflection and see what is it that we are doing wrong.
However, when we talk of minorities, we have to keep in mind the changing situations, where a majority could also turn into a minority. Therefore it is a relative term.
Now the case in Pakistan, are women a minority? I think not! But why are women treated as such? I think it not only has to do with the mindsets of men but mindsets of women as well.
What I mean is, that we tend to forget, women, under the most dire circumstances have proven themselves as strong-willed, passionate and intelligent.
From Pakistan, we have Fatima Jinnah, who was actively helping her brother, Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the creation of Pakistan.
Marie Curie, Joan of Arc, Jane Austin, were some of the few women who made a mark in history, despite being in a most difficult situation.
The point is, that there is no such thing as 'impossible', if you have a clear idea about what you want, then you can achieve great heights.
However, complacency breeds complacency, therefore, I have noticed that women tend to be unfair on themselves.
Before anyone can discriminate against them, they start discriminating themselves. At work places, at home.
This is a problem with us. We tend to become the victim, instead of a survivor, and then it is only a matter of time before, none of the males take us seriously, which is like a chain reaction.
This is what our society is facing and the dilemma is that we are completely ignorant of this.
I shall not recommend what we should or should not do. I am recommending that we just spend sometime in self reflection and see what is it that we are doing wrong.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
BHABHA ATOMIC EXPLOSION....Threat to South Asian Security?
It is important to highlight here that BARC started in 1954, as the Atomic Energy Establishment and apparently conducts the research in Biotechnology and Gama Rays
On the second last day of 2009, a high intensity explosion at a chemical laboratory inside Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) took place which resulted in the deaths of two junior scientists, Umang Singh and Partha Bagh.
Though Indian authorities claimed that no reactor, radioactivity or radiation was involved in the incident but severely charred bodies of the scientists and totally burnt equipment revealed that something very serious happened inside the plant.
The deceaseds' might have some knowledge of on going Indian nuke proliferation and were killed by the Uranium smugglers present on Indian nuke plants.
Earlier, too on June 13, 2009 a dead body of famous Indian nuke scientist, Lokanathan Mahalingam found from Kali River. The scientist was working on Kaiga Atomic Power Station since the last eight years. Reportedly, he was in possession of highly sensitive information and might be doubted for Indian nuke proliferation. Mahalingam was involved in training apprentices on a replica of the actual reactor.
Suggestions:
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been acertained. IAEA should send some to inspect the Indian nuke plants since continued occurrences may prove fatal to human life.
Indian government should also carry out detailed investigations through global experts, since some members of the police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) could be involved in the series of nuke accidents in India.
Indian Prime Minister should seriously remove the weaknesses of the safety and security of Indian Nuke programme.
BARC incident be thrashed out . Indian scholars, on the government's are creating hype in the masses by design, since they are trying to divert their public attention from poor nuke safety arrangements.
Conclusion:
We can deduce from the BARC incident that India is preparing for global war and the propaganda campaign against China and Pakistan would be taken as a preemptive action against the two allies.
Chinese and Pakistan governments are already taking notice of new development in the region. Both the governments have the concern over increasing USA influence in Asia and Indo-USA Nuke Deal.
USA Nuke exerts do have serious reservations about the said deal since Indian nuke safety arrangements are very poor. India is already facing the charges of smuggling and theft of enriched uranium.
The world community should force India to open her Nuke Programme for inspection because repeated accidents are a serious threat to China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka because of the location of Nuke Plants.
It is important to highlight here that BARC started in 1954, as the Atomic Energy Establishment and apparently conducts the research in Biotechnology and Gama Rays
On the second last day of 2009, a high intensity explosion at a chemical laboratory inside Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) took place which resulted in the deaths of two junior scientists, Umang Singh and Partha Bagh.
Though Indian authorities claimed that no reactor, radioactivity or radiation was involved in the incident but severely charred bodies of the scientists and totally burnt equipment revealed that something very serious happened inside the plant.
Three Leads:
- Indian scientists might be carrying out some experiment on biological and chemical agents.
- Indian scientists were yet to achieve expertise and hall mark in the nuke field.
- Someone on the intentionally carried out sabotage with the purpose of killing these two junior members of the team.
Observation:
The blast and condition of the death bodies do confirm that India is preparing Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The preparation of WMD is the desired by Indian top military and political leadershipThe deceaseds' might have some knowledge of on going Indian nuke proliferation and were killed by the Uranium smugglers present on Indian nuke plants.
Earlier, too on June 13, 2009 a dead body of famous Indian nuke scientist, Lokanathan Mahalingam found from Kali River. The scientist was working on Kaiga Atomic Power Station since the last eight years. Reportedly, he was in possession of highly sensitive information and might be doubted for Indian nuke proliferation. Mahalingam was involved in training apprentices on a replica of the actual reactor.
Suggestions:
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been acertained. IAEA should send some to inspect the Indian nuke plants since continued occurrences may prove fatal to human life.
Indian government should also carry out detailed investigations through global experts, since some members of the police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) could be involved in the series of nuke accidents in India.
Indian Prime Minister should seriously remove the weaknesses of the safety and security of Indian Nuke programme.
BARC incident be thrashed out . Indian scholars, on the government's are creating hype in the masses by design, since they are trying to divert their public attention from poor nuke safety arrangements.
Conclusion:
We can deduce from the BARC incident that India is preparing for global war and the propaganda campaign against China and Pakistan would be taken as a preemptive action against the two allies.
Chinese and Pakistan governments are already taking notice of new development in the region. Both the governments have the concern over increasing USA influence in Asia and Indo-USA Nuke Deal.
USA Nuke exerts do have serious reservations about the said deal since Indian nuke safety arrangements are very poor. India is already facing the charges of smuggling and theft of enriched uranium.
The world community should force India to open her Nuke Programme for inspection because repeated accidents are a serious threat to China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka because of the location of Nuke Plants.
Perspective
Ok so I have tried posting this blog, but something keeps happening! Anyway, I just wanted to give my observation how the terrorism has affected our way of thinking.
We tend to get emotionally involved about the occurances back home, and so I logged on the net, just to check up on the news, and found out that there was a bomb blast in Karachi. The death toll is eight, and I am worring that it might lead to riots in Karachi, as was seen on Ashura Day.
Just to make a point, that we have become so insensitive about the ongoing terrorism, and the people who are the victims of such activities. For us, who have been fortunate enough not to be affected by terrorist activites, we dont really care how many have died or the suffering of the deceased's family.
All we tend to do is make it a subject of our conversation over our dinner tables, and the next day, we are hail and hearty again.
Never once do we ask ourselves that 'this could have happened to me, or my loved ones'.
Unless and until we do not put ourselves in the other person's shoes, we would not be able to empathize their pain and suffering.
No wonder there is a growing resentment between different classes of people. if we truly want to help, we need to get off our high horses and reach out to the victims' courteously and accept their suffering as our own.
Are we not all brethren? Then let the world see, that there are other ways of fighting terrorism other than hate and revenge.
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