Freedom: The idea of being free. The absence of interference with the sovernity of an individual by the use of coercion or aggression. The condition in which an individual has the ability to act according to his or her own will.
The above are some definitions of 'freedom' I have come across. However, I have been trying to construct my own definition of freedom ever since I have been here in Karachi.
It was initially really hard for me to get into the groove of things when I arrived in Karachi. I felt constricted and restricted. There were many things I could not do that I could do freely in Canada. For example, I had to think twice-three times before going to Jamat Khana (place of worship) or getting groceries. I would need to really think about the 'how, when, where, whom' over and over again before I even stepped out of my residence and campus. This was mostly due to safety and security issues, especially since I am a female in a male-dominated society. I couldn't, and still, cant go to most places without a companion or proper transportation. This was frustrating for me because I could easily go out in Canada at any time of the day, where ever I pleased. I felt as if my rights and freedom have been taken away from me. That I had to do what others told me to do - I was being coerced and forced against my will...
Here, women's mobility in the public sphere is severely restricted...for several reasons mind you. These vary from security and safety issues, culture and even tradition. So what about their 'freedom?' Freedom to go where they please and do what they desire without any interference?
Even while living in Canada I may have enjoyed a certain degree of freedom-more so than here in Karachi-but I do not think I was ever completely free in Canada. I too had to follow societal and familial rules and restrictions. For example, a new driver cannot drive at certain times of the night. I can only cross the road in areas where there are designated pedestrian crosswalks otherwise I run the risk of getting heavily fined. These 'rules' do not exist in Karachi. Rules and restrictions serve to maintain a functional society and prevent chaos. However, these restrictions can only be valid if and when they are for every one's benefit, instead for a selected few. Both in Pakistan and Canada, I have seen some regulations benefiting some and not others. So sure I may be "more free" in Canada but only with a lot of restrictions.
Looking back, I think I had become individualistic. I was merely thinking about my rights and my freedoms. I had failed to realize that I was living in a communal society, where my actions affect not only myself but those around me as well. The culture here revolves a lot around families (immediate and extended) and on the community as a whole. Every decision and every action is taken while keeping the wider community in mind.
And so I wonder.... is freedom given to us or do we have to acquire it? Is one considered privileged to be born with a certain degree of freedom? Or does it depend on luck of the draw? What about those who were not born privileged enough ? Do their rights matter or are they just tossed aside? If we are "free" then what are we free from and whom? Are we ever completely "free"?
"The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act, as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of the word liberty; and precisely the same difference prevails today among human creatures." - Abraham Lincoln
"You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free" - Clarence Darrow
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Even though I have been here in Karachi for almost 7 months now, I am still not used to the idea of having maids, house cleaners, cooks and drivers. In Canada, I would see cleaning staff in office buildings and grocery stores but never in homes. Here in Karachi, almost every house has a "massi" (maid) to clean the house or cook. However, you do have to make fairly good income to hire one. Some households have up to 4 maids/housekeepers. Even at the women's residency, every week (or however often you call) housekeeping comes in to clean your room...and I mean the entire room. From dusting to sweeping to mopping. This makes me uncomfortable because I have always cleaned my own house-never have I needed anyone to do this task for me. In fact, I have always enjoyed performing these household responsibilities. I find cleaning, as well as cooking, very peaceful.
I understand that everyone needs to work in some form or the other to bring income and support their families. If there were no jobs created for housecleaning and cooking then how can these individuals and their families survive, especially since many have not receieved any formal schooling and are unable to read or write. But I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of compassion for them. Every day since I have been here, I see these individuals working really hard around the clock to make a buck. They do tasks that you and I would never dream of doing. My heart really goes out to them. I try to offer my assistance but they always refuse saying, "No Memsaheb, this is our duty." And what I find to be most inspiring is that they never complain. They work hard and they work hard with a smile..no matter the issues they may be dealing with at home.
Something else I have discovered is that these workers always sit on the ground while the rest sit on sofas or chairs. Every time I ask them to sit beside me or if I sit down with them, they look down and say, "no." I guess they have been so used to this that anything else does not work for them anymore. I do not know if their employers have asked them to sit on the ground or that is just what they prefer. I really dont know. Either way, I do not like it when someone is not at the same level as me-whether it be higher or lower. It creates a feeling of superiority/inferirorty, even if it is unintentional. In my opinion, only God All Mighty is superior to all. I prefer to be at the same level as all my brothers and sisters-I am from them and they are from me...
What else bothers me is that some employers treat their workers with out any respect. They are rude and get upset at the smallest things (I have witnessed this). We are all human beings and because of this status, as exhalted as it is, we are not perfect and are prone to make mistakes.
All that I have mentioned above merely creates the "other." We segregate ourselves based on class and social status. Those that do not belong to the same social class as us are seen as "the other." Those whose job descriptions are not the same as ours are seen as "the other." With this, we forget that we are all one and the same. We fail to understand and appreciate each others' thoughts, opinions and desires because we have become too engrossed in our own.
Reality check: We do not live in isolation-we are part and parcel of our environment.
I leave you with a quote by Albert Einstein which I feel sums up everything I have said as well as my feelings which I am unable to express.
"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
I understand that everyone needs to work in some form or the other to bring income and support their families. If there were no jobs created for housecleaning and cooking then how can these individuals and their families survive, especially since many have not receieved any formal schooling and are unable to read or write. But I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of compassion for them. Every day since I have been here, I see these individuals working really hard around the clock to make a buck. They do tasks that you and I would never dream of doing. My heart really goes out to them. I try to offer my assistance but they always refuse saying, "No Memsaheb, this is our duty." And what I find to be most inspiring is that they never complain. They work hard and they work hard with a smile..no matter the issues they may be dealing with at home.
Something else I have discovered is that these workers always sit on the ground while the rest sit on sofas or chairs. Every time I ask them to sit beside me or if I sit down with them, they look down and say, "no." I guess they have been so used to this that anything else does not work for them anymore. I do not know if their employers have asked them to sit on the ground or that is just what they prefer. I really dont know. Either way, I do not like it when someone is not at the same level as me-whether it be higher or lower. It creates a feeling of superiority/inferirorty, even if it is unintentional. In my opinion, only God All Mighty is superior to all. I prefer to be at the same level as all my brothers and sisters-I am from them and they are from me...
What else bothers me is that some employers treat their workers with out any respect. They are rude and get upset at the smallest things (I have witnessed this). We are all human beings and because of this status, as exhalted as it is, we are not perfect and are prone to make mistakes.
All that I have mentioned above merely creates the "other." We segregate ourselves based on class and social status. Those that do not belong to the same social class as us are seen as "the other." Those whose job descriptions are not the same as ours are seen as "the other." With this, we forget that we are all one and the same. We fail to understand and appreciate each others' thoughts, opinions and desires because we have become too engrossed in our own.
Reality check: We do not live in isolation-we are part and parcel of our environment.
I leave you with a quote by Albert Einstein which I feel sums up everything I have said as well as my feelings which I am unable to express.
"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
Let me tell you a true story told by a good friend....
As M (my friend) was riding on the local bus with F (his friend), they encountered a man who had first gotten off the bus but jumped back on when he realized his cell phone was missing (a common occurrence in Pakistan). That man yelled (in Urdu, of course) to everyone on the bus, "No one is getting out of this bus until I find my cell phone! Who has it?!" So M and F suggested to this man that he should try calling the cell phone and wait for it to ring. That man used one of their cell phones and sure enough, his phone started to ring! As everyone on the bus started to look around as to where the 'ring' was coming from, someone noticed a man scrambling to turn of a cell phone. That man was called out right away. Soon enough, that man was getting a beating for the crime he had committed. F had joined in as he too wanted to teach this man a lesson but M never joined in.
Apparently, when someone commits a crime (esp. stealing), local people come together to teach that person a lesson through public violence. They call this, "Haath saaf karne ka" which means to "clean your hands" of something. As my friend was telling me his story, I was reminded of a book I am currently reading by Alice C Hunsberger's The Ruby of Badakshan. Nasir Khusraw mentions that during Fatimid Cairo, the punishment for those caught cheating anyone was to mount on a camel and ride around the city with a bell in his hands while crying out, "I have committed a misdemeanour and am suffering reproach. Whosoever tells a lie is rewarded with public disgrace." This method proved to be successful at that time. I guess what happened on that bus was a form of "public disgrace" to teach that man a lesson about morals. I do not completely agree with this as violence is never the answer. It never "teaches" anyone a lesson and it never gets to the grass root of the problem. But I am assuming this form of public disgrace evolved from culture and how things have always been done.
Anyways, back to the story. After that man was beaten up and the bus ride continued, a couple more men got on that bus. These men approached M and F and asked, "whose idea was it to tell that guy to ring his own cell phone." He sounded as if he himself thought it was a great idea. So F admitted that it was his idea, as he was smiling. Brace yourself as what happened next will shock you. Both M and F received a beating from these guys as they were the friends of the man who had stolen the phone. These guys were upset that because of M and F, their friend was caught and was beaten. Oh and here is something else that you should know...when someone steals anything of yours keep in mind that there is an army full of people behind this one act. No act is performed solo.
As he was telling me this I was shocked because M and F did a good thing by helping this man find his stolen phone. F's involvement in the beating is a different story. So why did they have to pay for it? There is a saying, "Kar Bala, Pakar Ghala" (Do good and they grab your throat-i.e do good and you pay for it). I asked M if he would continue to help others in spite of this incidence and he said YES because that's his "responsibility" as a human being, to help others. I haven't told him this but I was really proud of him at that moment. In fact, he is a source of inspiration for me....
I have seen random acts of kindness being performed here all the time. While we were on the road, an old man's car stopped working so young men came from all over to help this man out. When any one's car gets stalled, random people come over to help push that car. Sure a few people give the rest a bad name but rest assured that most people in Karachi are extremely helpful and are there for you when you need them. I have been a recipient of this kindness every day since I have been here. Yes I have met some individuals who are not the most helpful but you will find this anywhere you go in the world. The message I am trying to get across is that do not be influenced by what the media or what a few people tell you. Listen to the whole story and listen to both sides of that story. Only then will you really be able to understand and appreciate the situation.
As M (my friend) was riding on the local bus with F (his friend), they encountered a man who had first gotten off the bus but jumped back on when he realized his cell phone was missing (a common occurrence in Pakistan). That man yelled (in Urdu, of course) to everyone on the bus, "No one is getting out of this bus until I find my cell phone! Who has it?!" So M and F suggested to this man that he should try calling the cell phone and wait for it to ring. That man used one of their cell phones and sure enough, his phone started to ring! As everyone on the bus started to look around as to where the 'ring' was coming from, someone noticed a man scrambling to turn of a cell phone. That man was called out right away. Soon enough, that man was getting a beating for the crime he had committed. F had joined in as he too wanted to teach this man a lesson but M never joined in.
Apparently, when someone commits a crime (esp. stealing), local people come together to teach that person a lesson through public violence. They call this, "Haath saaf karne ka" which means to "clean your hands" of something. As my friend was telling me his story, I was reminded of a book I am currently reading by Alice C Hunsberger's The Ruby of Badakshan. Nasir Khusraw mentions that during Fatimid Cairo, the punishment for those caught cheating anyone was to mount on a camel and ride around the city with a bell in his hands while crying out, "I have committed a misdemeanour and am suffering reproach. Whosoever tells a lie is rewarded with public disgrace." This method proved to be successful at that time. I guess what happened on that bus was a form of "public disgrace" to teach that man a lesson about morals. I do not completely agree with this as violence is never the answer. It never "teaches" anyone a lesson and it never gets to the grass root of the problem. But I am assuming this form of public disgrace evolved from culture and how things have always been done.
Anyways, back to the story. After that man was beaten up and the bus ride continued, a couple more men got on that bus. These men approached M and F and asked, "whose idea was it to tell that guy to ring his own cell phone." He sounded as if he himself thought it was a great idea. So F admitted that it was his idea, as he was smiling. Brace yourself as what happened next will shock you. Both M and F received a beating from these guys as they were the friends of the man who had stolen the phone. These guys were upset that because of M and F, their friend was caught and was beaten. Oh and here is something else that you should know...when someone steals anything of yours keep in mind that there is an army full of people behind this one act. No act is performed solo.
As he was telling me this I was shocked because M and F did a good thing by helping this man find his stolen phone. F's involvement in the beating is a different story. So why did they have to pay for it? There is a saying, "Kar Bala, Pakar Ghala" (Do good and they grab your throat-i.e do good and you pay for it). I asked M if he would continue to help others in spite of this incidence and he said YES because that's his "responsibility" as a human being, to help others. I haven't told him this but I was really proud of him at that moment. In fact, he is a source of inspiration for me....
I have seen random acts of kindness being performed here all the time. While we were on the road, an old man's car stopped working so young men came from all over to help this man out. When any one's car gets stalled, random people come over to help push that car. Sure a few people give the rest a bad name but rest assured that most people in Karachi are extremely helpful and are there for you when you need them. I have been a recipient of this kindness every day since I have been here. Yes I have met some individuals who are not the most helpful but you will find this anywhere you go in the world. The message I am trying to get across is that do not be influenced by what the media or what a few people tell you. Listen to the whole story and listen to both sides of that story. Only then will you really be able to understand and appreciate the situation.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
NEWS ALERT!
I am frustrated and saddened by the recent news in Karachi. I need to reflect and vent.
Saturday's torrential rains have claimed more than 30 lives and the death toll is still climbing. This has been the worse rainstorm for 36 or so years now. As mentioned in my earlier blog, these deaths have not only occurred on the roads and in villages but also due to fallen power lines. Karachi has a population of millions living in all different parts of the city. So you can imagine that many of these people are not accounted for, neither are they registered in Pakistan's National Registry system. I can very well bet that there are also deaths not accounted for due to the monsoon.
To make matters worse, last night riots had broken out in Karachi as people were protesting against the K.E.S.C (Karachi Electric Supply Company). The power had not returned to most parts of Karachi for more than 24 hrs, creating frustrated and angry people. Cars and tires were burned. Violence had broken out. My poor friend was stuck in the middle of these protests and as result, he was beaten with sticks. He is fine though, thank God! Obviously frustration against the government has been building for years and the best way that these people know how to release this frustration is through violence. However, by burning down their own city they are only harming themselves. Also, we are all in the same boat-everyone is in the same situation. Instead of hurting each other, why can't we just work with each other? I mean what is the point of hurting innocent people, like my friend here. But I can definitely feel their anger and sympathize with them. Wouldn't you be angry too if you haven't had power, gas and water for more than 24 hours while your government is enjoying their generators?!! Wouldn't you be angry too if water was leaking through your roof, or worse yet your roof had collapsed leaving you homeless while your government was relaxing in their palaces?!! I am not making excuses for anyone but merely trying to understand and appreciate the situation. It is like looking at an onion-from the outside you only see one layer but only when you cut the onion in half do you notice a multitude of issues, perspectives and insights encompassing one situation or event.
What other means do these people have to go against their government than to result to violence when their own government officials suppress freedom of speech and crushes anyone that dare raise their voice or try to act on behalf of their countrymen and women. No wonder civil society is not strong in this part of the world. Sad to say but many people have just given up. And those that haven't given up and actually voice their thoughts....well lets just say that is the last you may ever be heard....Oh and lets not forget the one Karachi city mayor who is hated by every government official but loved by the people of Karachi as he is the only one who cares for the people and does not 'eat their money' like the rest. Why else do you think Karachi and Pakistan as a whole has been experiencing 'brain drain' at an unprecedented level? People's potentials, knowledge and expertise are not being respected nor utilized to its maximum. And so people leave their country for better opportunities elsewhere. Come on Pakistan (the government and its people), open your eyes! You have so much potential and so much to give to the world! Do not give up on yourselves...do not give up on your country!
I am frustrated and saddened by the recent news in Karachi. I need to reflect and vent.
Saturday's torrential rains have claimed more than 30 lives and the death toll is still climbing. This has been the worse rainstorm for 36 or so years now. As mentioned in my earlier blog, these deaths have not only occurred on the roads and in villages but also due to fallen power lines. Karachi has a population of millions living in all different parts of the city. So you can imagine that many of these people are not accounted for, neither are they registered in Pakistan's National Registry system. I can very well bet that there are also deaths not accounted for due to the monsoon.
To make matters worse, last night riots had broken out in Karachi as people were protesting against the K.E.S.C (Karachi Electric Supply Company). The power had not returned to most parts of Karachi for more than 24 hrs, creating frustrated and angry people. Cars and tires were burned. Violence had broken out. My poor friend was stuck in the middle of these protests and as result, he was beaten with sticks. He is fine though, thank God! Obviously frustration against the government has been building for years and the best way that these people know how to release this frustration is through violence. However, by burning down their own city they are only harming themselves. Also, we are all in the same boat-everyone is in the same situation. Instead of hurting each other, why can't we just work with each other? I mean what is the point of hurting innocent people, like my friend here. But I can definitely feel their anger and sympathize with them. Wouldn't you be angry too if you haven't had power, gas and water for more than 24 hours while your government is enjoying their generators?!! Wouldn't you be angry too if water was leaking through your roof, or worse yet your roof had collapsed leaving you homeless while your government was relaxing in their palaces?!! I am not making excuses for anyone but merely trying to understand and appreciate the situation. It is like looking at an onion-from the outside you only see one layer but only when you cut the onion in half do you notice a multitude of issues, perspectives and insights encompassing one situation or event.
What other means do these people have to go against their government than to result to violence when their own government officials suppress freedom of speech and crushes anyone that dare raise their voice or try to act on behalf of their countrymen and women. No wonder civil society is not strong in this part of the world. Sad to say but many people have just given up. And those that haven't given up and actually voice their thoughts....well lets just say that is the last you may ever be heard....Oh and lets not forget the one Karachi city mayor who is hated by every government official but loved by the people of Karachi as he is the only one who cares for the people and does not 'eat their money' like the rest. Why else do you think Karachi and Pakistan as a whole has been experiencing 'brain drain' at an unprecedented level? People's potentials, knowledge and expertise are not being respected nor utilized to its maximum. And so people leave their country for better opportunities elsewhere. Come on Pakistan (the government and its people), open your eyes! You have so much potential and so much to give to the world! Do not give up on yourselves...do not give up on your country!
WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition
Department of Nutrition for Health and Development
"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today"."
- Gabriela Mistral, 1948
I came upon this quote as I was researching on child growth and malnutrition for an assignment. This is a powerful message with truth written all over it. I am not even going to try to explain this one as this message is pretty self-explanatory. It's essence speaks in volumes.
However, I will add that I have witnessed this 'crime' occurring in all parts of the world. The difference is its degree of severity, nature and subtleness in these different parts of the world. Not one nation is free of fault. Not one nation can say that crimes against children do not occur.
Department of Nutrition for Health and Development
"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today"."
- Gabriela Mistral, 1948
I came upon this quote as I was researching on child growth and malnutrition for an assignment. This is a powerful message with truth written all over it. I am not even going to try to explain this one as this message is pretty self-explanatory. It's essence speaks in volumes.
However, I will add that I have witnessed this 'crime' occurring in all parts of the world. The difference is its degree of severity, nature and subtleness in these different parts of the world. Not one nation is free of fault. Not one nation can say that crimes against children do not occur.
Since the downpour had stopped for a couple of hours late yesterday evening, individuals and families left their homes for an outing, including myself. Little did we know, we were in for a surprise...
The downpour started again but it did not stop for a long time and to make matters worse, it was REALLY raining HARD! I had gone to a friend's house to chill with him and his sisters but I ended up spending the night there as the road conditions were horrible and unsafe to travel. The city was flooded and the power had gone out throughout Karachi. Cars had stopped in the middle of the road as water had gotten in-to knee level. Water had collected at the bottom of hills and slopes, so much so that if cars were to go down the hill, you can be rest assured that they weren't coming back up. Power and electric lines had fallen, creating dangerous situations for the people. Individuals were stuck on the road and some had to spend the night in their cars in the middle of nowhere...
Approximately 14 people died in Karachi last night, either on the road or their roofs had collapsed on them. The homes of Katchiabadis (those living in slums) are the most unsafe as their roofs are built from straws and branches (katchi=raw). I really wish the city government or even the government of Pakistan would take preventative measures to build proper homes and roads. I mean floods occur in every part of the world, it is a part of nature. But the government needs to take proper measures to keep their people safe. Monsoon season comes around every year and every year people lose their lives as a result of situations that are preventable.
I am extremely grateful for the fact that I was stuck at my friend's home. I would rather spend the night there than anywhere else...I felt safe and was well taken care of. I was really worried but they were really sweet about it. We had no power, no electricity but we managed to keep ourselves occupied by playing games, talking and eating jalebies (sweet dessert which is apparently THE thing to have on a rainy day). The night was pretty tough for everyone as it wasn't the coolest, even with the windows open...However, we made do with what we had.
In spite of everything, I am grateful and blessed to have wonderful people in my life. There are really good people here with big hearts and beautiful spirits. There is a lot of love in this world...
Last night was a night I will never forget. However, let us also pray for those who lost their lives and for those who may still be stuck somewhere....
The downpour started again but it did not stop for a long time and to make matters worse, it was REALLY raining HARD! I had gone to a friend's house to chill with him and his sisters but I ended up spending the night there as the road conditions were horrible and unsafe to travel. The city was flooded and the power had gone out throughout Karachi. Cars had stopped in the middle of the road as water had gotten in-to knee level. Water had collected at the bottom of hills and slopes, so much so that if cars were to go down the hill, you can be rest assured that they weren't coming back up. Power and electric lines had fallen, creating dangerous situations for the people. Individuals were stuck on the road and some had to spend the night in their cars in the middle of nowhere...
Approximately 14 people died in Karachi last night, either on the road or their roofs had collapsed on them. The homes of Katchiabadis (those living in slums) are the most unsafe as their roofs are built from straws and branches (katchi=raw). I really wish the city government or even the government of Pakistan would take preventative measures to build proper homes and roads. I mean floods occur in every part of the world, it is a part of nature. But the government needs to take proper measures to keep their people safe. Monsoon season comes around every year and every year people lose their lives as a result of situations that are preventable.
I am extremely grateful for the fact that I was stuck at my friend's home. I would rather spend the night there than anywhere else...I felt safe and was well taken care of. I was really worried but they were really sweet about it. We had no power, no electricity but we managed to keep ourselves occupied by playing games, talking and eating jalebies (sweet dessert which is apparently THE thing to have on a rainy day). The night was pretty tough for everyone as it wasn't the coolest, even with the windows open...However, we made do with what we had.
In spite of everything, I am grateful and blessed to have wonderful people in my life. There are really good people here with big hearts and beautiful spirits. There is a lot of love in this world...
Last night was a night I will never forget. However, let us also pray for those who lost their lives and for those who may still be stuck somewhere....
Friday, July 17, 2009
As most of you already know, I was really young when I left Karachi for Canada. I was around 6 years old, so no wonder I am not able to recall much. However, while in Canada, there were a few things that jogged my memory. For example, certain tastes and smells would remind me of certain events that occurred while in Pakistan but I couldn't understand whether these events actually happened or if I had dreamt about it a while back. I hope you know what I mean...
I remembered the taste of Halwa puri (sweet breakfast) for 21 years. I remembered the taste of Kulfi (on a stick!) and Gola Ganda (see picture on face book). As you may already know, it rains almost everyday in Vancouver, Canada but there was always a certain smell after the morning rain that would some how remind me of Karachi. It was a wonderful smell...a sweet smell....and it always made me feel at peace, no matter what type of challenges and issues I was dealing with at that time. Oddly, that sweet smell would always make me miss Pakistan but I always wondered, "what am I missing when I cannot even remember much?"
Today I woke up in the morning to thunder storms and rain! This wasn't just any rain...it was a downpour! We had been anticipating rain like this for a while, especially since it had become really humid due to the trapped heat and the grass and trees were getting dry. How can a person sleep then?! So, I walked around the campus and enjoyed the rain, of course. Girls were dancing in the rain at the female hostel. Children were playing. The greenery was breathtaking. The campus looked so beautiful, I had to take pictures! My elders and the wise have always told me that rain is a blessing...I believe it! *It's rainin' Love!*
I then decided to walk to my department to get some work done. Suddenly, I smelled something in the air....something sweet....something peaceful....It was that same smell I had smelled back in Canada. Some feelings and emotions are just indescribable and no amount of words could ever do justice to those feelings. Therefore, I am not going to even try to explain how I felt at that moment. But I will tell you that I became emotional (very) yet I was extremely at peace. I had entered another world and I was loving every moment of it....
Not to disturb any one's peace, but I want to add something here about the rain in Pakistan. More than 80% of families and men use motorcycles as their means for transportation. In one motorcycle, a family of three to five can fit as this is least expensive than cars. Not everyone can afford a car, especially in a country like Pakistan. However, when it rains it is a terrible scene on the roads. Because rain mixes with the oil on the road and motorcycles do not have proper traction, you will see these motorcycles slipping. There are NUMEROUS accidents and deaths because of this. I have witnessed these accidents just a few nights ago when it showered. It is a really sad scene because you see that same family of five (with little children mind you) in serious medical conditions.
I have seen this over and over again that some one's happiness is another person's misfortune. As much as rain is a blessing for all of mankind and nature and as much as I love the rain...I cannot help but worry about these individuals whose lives are at risk.
Please pray for them.....
I remembered the taste of Halwa puri (sweet breakfast) for 21 years. I remembered the taste of Kulfi (on a stick!) and Gola Ganda (see picture on face book). As you may already know, it rains almost everyday in Vancouver, Canada but there was always a certain smell after the morning rain that would some how remind me of Karachi. It was a wonderful smell...a sweet smell....and it always made me feel at peace, no matter what type of challenges and issues I was dealing with at that time. Oddly, that sweet smell would always make me miss Pakistan but I always wondered, "what am I missing when I cannot even remember much?"
Today I woke up in the morning to thunder storms and rain! This wasn't just any rain...it was a downpour! We had been anticipating rain like this for a while, especially since it had become really humid due to the trapped heat and the grass and trees were getting dry. How can a person sleep then?! So, I walked around the campus and enjoyed the rain, of course. Girls were dancing in the rain at the female hostel. Children were playing. The greenery was breathtaking. The campus looked so beautiful, I had to take pictures! My elders and the wise have always told me that rain is a blessing...I believe it! *It's rainin' Love!*
I then decided to walk to my department to get some work done. Suddenly, I smelled something in the air....something sweet....something peaceful....It was that same smell I had smelled back in Canada. Some feelings and emotions are just indescribable and no amount of words could ever do justice to those feelings. Therefore, I am not going to even try to explain how I felt at that moment. But I will tell you that I became emotional (very) yet I was extremely at peace. I had entered another world and I was loving every moment of it....
Not to disturb any one's peace, but I want to add something here about the rain in Pakistan. More than 80% of families and men use motorcycles as their means for transportation. In one motorcycle, a family of three to five can fit as this is least expensive than cars. Not everyone can afford a car, especially in a country like Pakistan. However, when it rains it is a terrible scene on the roads. Because rain mixes with the oil on the road and motorcycles do not have proper traction, you will see these motorcycles slipping. There are NUMEROUS accidents and deaths because of this. I have witnessed these accidents just a few nights ago when it showered. It is a really sad scene because you see that same family of five (with little children mind you) in serious medical conditions.
I have seen this over and over again that some one's happiness is another person's misfortune. As much as rain is a blessing for all of mankind and nature and as much as I love the rain...I cannot help but worry about these individuals whose lives are at risk.
Please pray for them.....
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