Isolation

Whenever we talk about personal space, we mention the importance of it. There are times when even the best of friends need some time alone. To think about their present situation, to sort out their issues and so forth. But there's something else that should never be considered.

Pink Floyd, one of my most favourite bands, created an album called "The Wall". The album was a brilliant one, and one of its major themes was 'isolation'. The same concept was used in the film "Pink Floyd's The Wall". In my opinion, isolation (also referred to as alienation) is a very dangerous thing. I am not sure if there are any visible boundaries between isolation and personal space. At times people mistake personal space for isolation.

When you're not feeling okay, or you need personal space, you tend to go away from things. You stay quiet, think more, and understand things. But then there's the concept of isolation. Using Pink Floyd's analogy, we start building a wall around ourselves. A wall, that keeps getting stronger. We start going away from people, we stop talking to our friends. Even those friends who are close to us, and care about us. The wall is still going higher, and becoming thicker. Then all our issues start filling the space. Our mind starts getting clouded. We stop thinking rationally, and our hopes start dying. The wall ultimately causes self destruction. The alienation hurts you from deep inside, you stop seeing things the way they are.

Personal space is a necessity. Isolation is not. It makes you lose your beloveds, it hurts your friends. While you might think that it will solve your issues, it will not. It will create new problems, and with every passing day, your depression will increase. I myself almost went into isolation. I stopped looking at things from a positive mindset. A certain friend of mine made me realize that this isn't right. Made me realize that isolation is never the solution of any problem. This post is dedicated to that friend :)

He was...Saadat Hasan Manto

Who is Saadat Hasan Manto? For some he was a lunatic. For others he was just an ordinary writer, who used to write 'sexually explicit' stories. For some he was the greatest short story writer of Urdu language. Then there are people who have never heard of him. Born on May 11, 1912, this genius (and a nobody) lived an interesting life. Filled with all the emotions, and concluding with tragedy. 

Like everything else, our society remains divided on Manto. Some people ignore Manto when they speak about Urdu literature, while some consider him the greatest short story writer of Urdu language. Sadly, a lot of this hatred is also rooted within our social psychology. We refuse to accept our faults, and our evils. We love living in denial. We see something wrong, we choose to ignore it.. As long as we're safe and away from it, it's completely okay. We speak for others, judge them, but we rarely look at ourselves. And when people like Manto show us the mirror, our dirty faces, we throw the mirror away and call it blasphemy. We call that person a liar, a sinner, moron and at times a criminal too. 

 "If you cannot bear these stories then the society is unbearable. Who am I to remove the clothes of this society, which itself is naked. I don't even try to cover it, because it is not my job, that's the job of dressmakers" - Manto

Manto's era was a very conservative one, and we can associate the term 'extreme' with it. A lot of people found the discussion of controversial topics 'indecent'. Everything existed within the society, but to talk about it openly, was incorrect. So, a lot of things were never talked about. What Manto did was to write about them. To create a picture of the society along with its evils, in which he often used extensive descriptions. To a lot of people, that was outrageous. Deep inside they knew what was going on, but in public they had to go against it. 

Manto Ke Shahkar Afsanay

On 24-01-2012 I bought Manto Ke Shahkar Afsanay (Masterpiece Short Stories by Manto). Apart from some random stuff I hadn't read much of Manto. I still remember reading his short story "Naya Qanoon" (New Law/ Constitution) in Class 9th. It was then completely removed from the later editions. The version I read, I came to know later on, was heavily censored. It was shortened, and a lot of stuff was removed deliberately. I won't go into the details. Once I finished the book, I couldn't help praising Manto. His brilliance, which was way ahead of his time. 


It is very hard to imagine educational authorities ignoring Manto, so brutally. But then, we are all Pakistanis, and here in Pakistan, things work rather oddly. We have a vast history of ignoring our legends, disowning them and removing them from texts. 


Manto was different from a lot of writers of his time. He explored psychoanalysis with human behaviour. He looked at an individual from his own perspective, as well as others. But he never himself tried judging a character, on his own. Even if he did, he never called it the ultimate judgement. Rather, his own opinion. 


A lot of his famous stories revolve around the partition of India. He used simple characters to explore the situation, the psychological condition of individuals, as well as the political backdrop of the event. A story titled "Toba Tek Singh" is considered his magnum opus by a lot of literature experts, and his fans too. It also revolves around the partition. Using satire, he presents a brilliant story, and concludes it rather amazingly. 

"Hindustan had become free. Pakistan had become independent soon after its inception but man was still slave in both these countries -- slave of prejudice … slave of religious fanaticism … slave of barbarity and inhumanity.” - Murali Ki Dhun (Ganjay Farishtay)

Manto is famous for his short stories. But he also wrote plays, screenplays for some movies, and also essays. 

Manto was arrogant. He was self-centered. He was addicted to alcohol, which also contributed to his downfall. But Manto was a genius too. And above all he was a human. Just like his characters, he was a flawed creature. He made some terrible decisions, so did the characters in his stories. 

I haven't read his entire works, I admit. But whatever I have read, touched my soul. His works speak to you, in a hoarse voice. His tone is very furious at times. You might hate his stories, his characters, but you can't help relating with them. Manto didn't pick kings and queens, or fairy tale characters for his stories, he picked the ones who are ignored, hated and avoided. He picked the "Saugandhi" of Hatak and also "Mamad bhai". Not only them, he also explored the battle between the right and the wrong in the mind of "Javed" from Darpok. 

Hypocrisy is rooted deep within our country. Our personal hatred has often been found damaging the heritage of this country. This is the same country which still ignores Dr. Abdus Salam. 

To dream of a better Pakistan, is easy, but to change our mindset, that requires huge effort. It's often said that mind plays a negative role when we try doing something that is against our current thinking or nature. 

Manto passed away on January 18, 1955. But his words have lived on. It's not that easy to get rid of ideas, they keep on transforming into something stronger. Manto once said for himself "...and it is also possible, that Saadat Hasan dies, but Manto remains alive".  

No better way to end this blogpost than quoting Manto himself. He wanted this to be his epitaph on his grave. 

"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful 

Here lies Saadat Hasan Manto and with him lie buried all the secrets and mysteries of the art of short-story writing.... 

Under tons of earth he lies, still wondering who among the two is greater short-story writer: God or He.” 

Here's a 3-part documentary on Manto, made by Geo Television. 











Here's a news package on Manto. 









The blogpost was published in a magazine called "Reality Romanticized". Thank you to the management of the magazine for publishing the post :) Here's the link http://www.ideasevolved.com/reality-romanticized-may-2012/ (Page Numbers 22 - 25) 

Hyderabad Series: Tombs of Mir Talpurs

In the year 2004 when I was in 9th standard, one of my dear friends, Waleed Arain, told me about these tombs that were present near his home in Hirabad area. At first I was interested in them from a purely 'paranormal' perspective, but then I became interested in them for all the different reasons. Last month, I decided to cover these tombs for Hyderabad series. So one day, on my way back from university, I messaged Waleed and asked him if he was at home, and he responded positively. I waited for a while outside the place, and as soon as he came, we entered the place.

c.1900 (British Library) 

c. 1890 (British Library) 

These tombs are also known as Kubbay (or Cubbay). These tombs belong to the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh. 

These tombs hold the remains of those ruling Talpur Mirs who lived during 1784-1843 AD. Not much information is available unfortunately on the names of the people who are buried here. 


Recently, a caretaker was hired by the Talpur family who now resides in a quarter near the tombs. Before his arrival the place was used for cricket matches and stuff like that. At night, the place was often the resting place for drug addicts, who used to make a mess. Luckily, the place is now being taken care of properly, and further damage is being avoided. 

Talpur Mirs got in power here, when they defeated Kalhora dynasty in the battle of Halani. Though, peace prevailed in the end when Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II issued a firman (order) in year 1783 which declared that Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur was the new Nawab of Sindh. This firman stopped the ongoing feud between the Kalhoras and Talpurs. Talpur Mirs ruled Sindh from 1783 to 1843. The end of their reign arrived when they were defeated in the battle of Miani in the year 1843. They faced the British forces, led by Sir Charles Napier.

A lot of times tourists visit these places, but are left disappointed as they fail to gather enough information. Only help they could find is of the caretaker, or the local people around. 

The tombs reflect the kind of architecture that is prevalent in Sindh. There's a certain kind of emotion that these tombs show. Lying in the center of the city, these tombs are something out of the time itself. While the modern world spreads and transforms whatever it sees, these tombs refuse to accept the change. They stand, firm. Wounded, but firm. 

Quranic verses inscribed beautifully on a grave

It's amazing that despite the lack of proper repair-work, these tombs are still standing. But for how long? These tombs reflect the rich history of Sindh, and speak not in words, but in emotions. 

According to my friend, these tombs are often visited by the current generations of Talpur Mirs.

This tomb, supposedly, belongs to a child

This place is nothing short of being an architectural masterpiece in my opinion. It gives us an opportunity to look into the past, into the people, their thoughts and their lives. I hope the authorities take proper action to protect these tombs, as well as place proper and detailed information regarding these tombs and the people who are buried here. 

Hyderabad Series: Hasrat Mohani District Central Library

Hyderabad, a city that never received much recognition. A city, that holds the gateway to the beautiful Sindhi culture. A city, which has a rich history, and is filled with a life of its own. Sadly, not much coverage is given to the seventh largest city of Pakistan. So, I have decided to explore Hyderabad's rich history, on my own. I'll be starting this series with the Hasrat Mohani District Central Library. 

On my way to the center of the city, almost everyday, I see this particular place. An old building. A few years back though, I had no idea about its history, but then I thought of finding out, and dig things up. So, I decided to visit the beautiful place once again.

Front view of the Library 

Library's main entrance

The building was initially called Holmstead Hall. It was built in 1905, in the memory of Dr. Holmstead, who was a surgeon in Hyderabad, from 1868 to 1884. He is famous for his services during the cholera epidemic, when it spread in the region.

Sometime later, it was converted into a free reading hall by Mr. Wassiamal and Mr. Hiranand.

After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the building was made Radio Pakistan's broadcasting station. In 1967 though, the station was moved to a new building. Holmstead Hall was now given the name of Hasrat Mohani Library. Unfortunately, the building was ignored and started getting damaged. Its condition worsened and no one in the authority paid any attention to the whole issue. In the process, the building and its surroundings were illegally occupied.

Plaque mentioning the inauguration of the library in 2009

In the year 2008, Mr. Kanwar Naved Jamil, Zila Nazim (District Mayor) paid special attention to the building and soon it was repaired and renovated, and was officially given the name of Hasrat Mohani District Central Library.

A large picture of Hasrat Mohani hanging in the main section.
He was a famous poet, politician and journalist

On my recent visit, I had a conversation with the local staff including the incharge of the evening shift, Mr. Zaman Qureshi. He said that there are more than 4000 registered members, and on average 200 people visit it everyday. He further added that there are more than 30,000 books currently, and more books are being added. He also added that members often request new books, and the requests are forwarded to the governing body, which handle the whole procedure.

Main Section

Building's side-view

What I noticed was, that the condition of the building is not that good, from the outside. 

One of the reasons which I believe could have been the use of inappropriate material for the renovation. Another reason is the halting of funds. Mr. Qureshi mentioned during our conversation that the library receives 25 Lakh Rupees annually from the Hyderabad District government. Unfortunately, since the change of district government last year, the funds have stopped. He further added that the library management had been sending applications, but they have been ignored. This situation, though not that much bad at this moment, is slowly getting worse. If things remain the same, it might start damaging the library itself. I seriously hope that the government pays attention and the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

England humiliated, Pakistan glorious.

Once the Dubai test was conquered by Pakistan, focus was set on the next one, in Abu Dhabi. England were expected to make at least one change in the playing XI. Monty Panesar came in, and quite amazingly, had a brilliant comeback, as he got 7 wickets in the test match. Oh, and England went on to get humiliated.

Hanging on, for real. 

Pakistan pulled an astonishing win, and swept England away in the second test. Pakistan scored 257 in the first innings, which was bettered by England in the form of 327 runs. With the trail of 70 runs, Pakistan came on to bat. Things were pretty even stevens, until Pakistan lost 4 wickets, on 54 runs. England were (supposedly) in the driving seat, and were moving along. Pakistan's two young guns, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq were on the crease, and knew well they had a long battle to fight, if they were to survive in the test match. Notably, and quite amazingly, this was the first time they were batting together. English bowlers were all geared up, and were ready to take them down, and finish Pakistan's chances. Azhar and Asad, started cautiously, and slowly got into the rhythm. With their stubborn and determined efforts, they steadied Pakistan's ship, and scored 88 runs together, and placed Pakistan in a relatively safer position. Their gritty approach affected England psychology. Azhar and Asad scored 68 and 43 runs respectively, before getting out. England soon dismissed rest of the batsmen, though everyone of them contributed, led by Saeed Ajmal (17 runs). Umar Gul also dispatched Broad for a big 6.

An effort which played a major role in Pakistan's win. 

So, it was all set. The equation was crystal clear. England needed 145 runs to defeat Pakistan and level the series 1-1. Pakistan knew well, that to give England a competition, they needed early wickets, and put some pressure on the English batsmen. It didn't come that early, as first wicket fell in the 15th over when 'The Professor with the Golden Arm' got rid of Cook off his own bowling. Strauss survived a bat-pad-caught appeal, thanks to Billy Bowden. The decision in my opinion was one of the most outrageous ones, and from the looks of it, will definitely be immortalized in the infamous hall of shame. A few minutes later though, it was time for Saeed Ajmal to devour his new-found bunny, Ian Bell, though, in the strangest of manners. Bell saw himself getting bowled, as ball rolled towards the stumps, hit them, and bails (of Bell) were dislodged.

Bell Ajmal-ed, again.

Game was officially alive! But the real damage was about to happen. In the 21st over of the innings, the unsung spinner, Rehman, struck twice to remove Pietersen (Keyword: Left Arm) and Morgan (Who has failed to find the famous book '101 ways to play spin' in the local bookstores, like every other English player. He's also wondering what is he doing in the test team?). England were 4 down for 37 runs. Trott wasn't still out in the middle, and this time, it wasn't Trott's fault. Soon it was time to sit down, and have a cup of tea. It was bound to be an excising last session, and perhaps the deciding one as well.

As the game resumed, Strauss and Prior stayed for a while, until Rehman struck again and trapped Strauss lbw. Even DRS failed to save Strauss, and he had to go off the field. It was Trott's turn to face the pressure, and he was finally out in the middle. But even he couldn't stop the carnage. Rehman trapped him lbw, and he had to depart as well.

"I am happy!" 

"I have never been that happy!" 

England were down to tailenders. Broad, failed to survive, and got dismissed in the same over, when the ball spun sharply and disturbed the timber!

England were down, and virtually out of the contest. Next two wickets were gleefully accepted by Saeed Ajmal who got rid of Swann and Prior. Only 1 wicket was left, and in the next over, Rehman nailed Anderson. England were bundled out for 72 runs. Celebrations started, as Pakistan had pulled an amazing win, one that will be remembered forever. Pakistan coming out of nowhere, and nailing England hard.

Captain Misbah. M in MBA stands for Misbah, by the way. 

The so-called World Number 1 Test team were humiliated by a team that had risen from ashes, like a phoenix. Hungry for victory, determined to perform and destined for glory! Sadly, somone is homeless now. As that someone said "England will come back refreshed in the morning and there is no doubt in my mind that England will win. I'll put my house on it." A sad moment for all of us. Hope he finds shelter somewhere!

"I am homeless..." 

This win will be cherished forever, and stand among the legendary Manchester 2001 and Multan 2005. Abu Dhabi 2012 will forever remain in the hearts of those who love team Pakistan, and have always stood by it, no matter what!

Even Mohsin Khan got a free ride! 

In the end, Pakistan Zindabad!

P.S: This win also marks as my comeback. I am back to writing on cricket. Hell yeah!

Limit's beyond the Stars: Meeting the participants of Shell Eco Marathon (Asia)

Recently, I had the chance of discussing Shell Eco Marathon Asia with the enthusiastic team of students who are taking part in it. Here is what we talked about. 

1.  First and foremost, tell all of us about Shell Eco Marathon and what is it all about?

Shell Eco-marathon an event, a competition, a life time experience call it whatever you like.

Primarily Shell Eco Marathon is a competition which is being held every year by Shell in different parts of the world mainly Europe, the Americas and Asia. The concept of this competition is to design, build and run fuel efficient vehicles. The vehicle travelling the maximum distance against a liter of fuel stands out as the winner. The theme behind organizing such an event is to find a potential solution of rapidly growing energy crisis faced by automobile sector by the hands of young engineers through their novel and innovative ideas. Teams from all over the world comprising of engineering students come together, put their heads down and try to come out with something that could bring any succor to the fuel saving cause.

2. What about your project? Tell us in detail about it?

Pakistan being an Asian country allows us to participate in Shell Eco Marathon Asia. Sepang International Circuit track, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be our final destination InshaAllah. The event is divided in two categories. One is called Prototype and the other is Urban Concept. Both categories are quite distinct. Prototype as from the name emphasizes on the development of a concept car that is built keeping in view the futuristic needs of fuel efficiency. In simple words, one has to propose an idea of enhancing fuel efficiency that could be employed afterwards through its prototype. The prototype has to be a three or four wheeled drive.

Urban concept focuses on the manufacturing of a modern day road-worthy vehicle with augmented efficiency. It is a conventional four wheeled drive which should be capable of hitting the roads straight after its production. In short it has to be designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers in a more realistic urban environment.

Keeping in view the above mentioned categories we are focusing on putting the best of our skills and knowledge to get the best results. We are trying to make our cars as much stream-lined and aerodynamic as possible so that we can achieve our targeted efficiency by reducing air drag. Primarily we are trying our level best to attain a mileage of 200 km against a liter of fuel. We will be looking forward to minimize our vehicle’s weight to the best possible level to further enhance its efficiency. Fiber glass body and honeycomb reinforced chassis will serve the purpose over here. Rest; there are certain technicalities, which won’t be wise enough to disclose them here, remember we are in competition. 

        

3. Tell us about your team, and the reason you thought of taking part?

Enormity of the task demands a sincere team effort without which the whole objective will be put into dire peril. To put proper focus and concentration on both the above mentioned categories two teams have been formulated. The teams consist of six members each who belong to the departments of ‘mechanical’ and ‘industrial & manufacturing engineering’. And above all these teams belong to Pakistan Navy Engineering College which is a constituent college of National University of Science and Technology Pakistan.  The two teams have been named as BOLT and BALLISTA. Team Bolt has been handed over the responsibilities of Urban category and Team Ballista is carrying forward the proceeding for Prototype category. The more channelized your work is, the better are the results. Everyone is working in one’s own domain for the same cause and that’s the beauty of team work.

Now one would ask that why are we participating in Shell Eco Marathon, what’s the purpose, what’s the reason behind it, we say there can be a million reasons for that. This Shell Eco Marathon is a huge platform for the engineering students to hone their skills. It provides them an opportunity to see the practical side of their theoretical knowledge. They get to know things, get to see things happen practically. Moreover, they come to learn how to work as a team, how to manage their work being a team and by the end of the day it gives far more than it takes.

4. Do you believe that such events will give way to other people? And inspire them?

The answer to this question is an absolute yes. One would ask, how? See, the current scenario of Shell Eco Marathon wouldn’t have been there, had our team, along with another one from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute wouldn’t have participated in SEM Europe back in 2009. Those two teams were the only teams from Pakistan to ever participate in the history of this event. This maiden appearance from Pakistan made way for the participation of other Pakistani teams. People felt more passionate about this thing and more and more teams came to the scene up till now in the advent of this first appearance. The current participating teams owe a great deal to those pioneering teams.  

5. What are you currently hoping for when talking about the project?

 If you are talking about the completion of this project then we say we will be able to complete this project without a doubt. And if you are asking about our chances of winning then honestly it is hard to tell at this point of time but Team PNEC is working really hard.

6.  Any request on your team's behalf?

Request, yeah absolutely. See it costs a lot to participate in such an event. We need finance for the manufacturing of cars. The more money you put in, the better results you get. Secondly it costs a lot to take these cars to Malaysia along with the travelling and accommodation expenses of the team members. In total, it is a really costly venture. We need potential sponsors who could provide financial assistance to support our campaign for mutual benefit. We request companies, businessmen to come forward and support this noble cause. On the other hand we need moral support of the readers who are reading this out there, log on to facebook like our team pages and show us your support. Our page links are

http://www.facebook.com/BOLTPNEC

http://www.facebook.com/BALLISTAPNEC

Log on to our website http://www.sempnec.org  for more details.

7. Any message that you would like to convey to youngsters and those who are interested?

Message? No thank you. Just kidding.  On a serious note we would encourage youngsters to come forward and think out of the box to achieve big. Taking part in such activities will prove really fruitful for them. And for those who are interested, we are here to help you guys. Feel free to post your queries on our facebook pages we will sort them out. And last but not the least just pray for us that we do well in the upcoming competition and able to bring good name and pride to Pakistan.

An important message, and King Kong's children

Believe it or not, Pakistan is a place where you will find stuff that blows your head off. Things which can only happen in Pakistan! 


A couple of days back, I was eating out, with friends. I noticed this important message on the wall. 

A message that can save many lives, to be honest. 

"Yahan par nasha karney se parhez kijiye, bill counter par khud ada karein. Shukirya" which translates to "Avoid getting stoned here, pay the bill on the counter yourself. Thanks" 

Do I need to explain further? This message is like something out of a self-help book, with a touch of roadside restaurant wisdom. 


On the same day, while going home I noticed that a new movie is coming out in the local cinema. Here's the poster

King Kong has kids too? How cute. Wait, where's the wife? 

The poster read "King Kong ke khoonkhwar bachay" which translates to "King Kong's bloodthirsty children" Hmmm. Interesting, no? Who would not want to watch this film? Family fun, get to know about the lives of bloodthirsty children of King Kong, awww along the way too. 


A few minutes later, I noticed another poster...of the same film. 

What the hell! That's the poster of Rise of the Planet of the Apes! That's a bummer, I tell you! Now I will never know about the outings of the cute little violent children of King Kong! And there's certainly no King Kong in Don 2 (the poster above the King King, I mean, Rise of the Planet of the Apes poster in the picture). But who knows Shahrukh Khan rescues King Kong in Don 3?

I guess that's life. But, wait, hang on a minute, what if all the apes in the film are in fact the great grandchildren of King Kong? Hmmm