REVIEW

REVIEW

By Sadia Wali

MY DAWN YEARS: EXPLORING SOCIAL ISSUES

By Zubeida Mustafa

What an inspiring book to read!  I enjoyed every moment reading this inspirational memoir. There are hilarious experiences which I relished the most and sentimental events that made me cry.  As Tahira Abdullah, Development worker, researcher and rights activist says, “It is a brave woman’s chronicle, demonstrating honesty and grit. She stands tall in an illustrious line of fearless journalists, writing with the courage of their convictions.”

Writing this book and compiling each and every instance must have been a challenging task for the writer. Her style of writing is so captivating that it keeps readers intact as I got deeply involved while reading the memoir till the end.

The strong personality of Zubeida Mustafa was a great inspiration for me as I got chance to meet her twice. In 2013 and 2014, ERDC organized a seminar. I being the member of organization committee got the opportunity to chat with her regarding her passion for writing.  In 2015, I was working with Abbas Husain at TDC; I called Zubeida Mustafa to take her views about education dilemma in Pakistan. To my surprise she recognized me and told me that she read a few of my articles. I felt obliged, as a great writer and renowned personality praised my work. 

Being an affectionate mother, wife and a committed journalist, her life was hard and challenging. In her memoir, Zubeida related her experiences of hardships how she coped with her personal and professional life. She joined Dawn in 1975 as a young energetic journalist. She was introduced by veteran Dawn editor, Ahmed Ali Khan. During her career, she met several ups and downs. At one moment, she opted to leave Dawn and join The News for career development. It was really a hard decision to leave one institution and join another as it involves a lot of risk. In chapter, ‘Journalism of My Time’ she explicated how she reached up to the right decision. As she recalled, “I went home right away and called up to Ghazi to tell him I had decided to stay with Dawn.” 

During her three decades with Dawn, she experienced different phases of how content and style of newspaper changed with the advent of new technology. In different chapters she elucidated her experience of how she learnt page making to writing editorials using technology. I will briefly relate an incident experienced by Zubedia while working on her editorials. Zubedia in spontaneous flow wrote six to seven editorials in her computer when suddenly it hanged and then it went blank. The IT department tried hard to retrieve her work but they failed. She had to write all over again and it took another three hours to recall the things she wrote earlier.

As she completely her task, she felt completely drained.  She quoted in one of the chapters, “I can understand that for learning how to use computer proved to be quite challenging experience for me too. It led to many heart breaking moments.”

She also related her experience of foreign tours and got the opportunity to meet renowned writers and scholars. Along with her colleague,  Rabab Naqvi she met Khushwant, Singh and Qurratulain Hyder in Delhi. She also recalled the first meeting of the editorial committee she attended in Paris in 1979Feb.As she entered the room; she was surprised as she was the only young woman there. ‘It was an exciting to some extent even nervous event for me.” she stated in her memoir.

She transformed Dawn library and brought radical changes in the page of Books and authors. During her career, she focused more on writing on social issues that include women empowerment, education and health.

During the peak of her career, she began to lose her eye- sight that compelled her to take retirement. She could not keep focus on her work and had to take extra help from her young colleagues.

The last part of her biography focused on her retirement life, how peacefully and gracefully she enjoyed those days.

Zubeida Mustafa, a passionate and devoted lady has become a mentor for young girls, inspiring them to face challenges in life and opt for opportunities to enhance their learning. Infact she is a leading pioneer of women’s entry into journalism. Her personal and professional life comes to us an example of passion, strength and commitment. A young mother with two young daughters coped with the male dominated world of journalism has proved to the world that women can successfully opt for any field of life.

This book is an inspiration for every age. As you will read, you will feel stirred and encouraged. You will learn to master your life, empower to live and dream and overcome personal and professional obstacles and achieve your goals.

The elegant personality and inspiring writing of Zubeida Mustafa has highly motivated me to overcome my inhibitions and share my experiences of life with the world!

Packed like Sardines

Packed like Sardines

By

 Sadia Wali

Its 8.00 am. I hurriedly collect my “luggage" and wait for my minivan to pick me up for the office. As it stops near my house, I am astounded when I open the door. Six girls are already crowded, and I am the seventh one among them who is struggling to fit in any place available in the van. There is no room to breathe.

During traffic jam, the driver puts frequent brakes and with sudden jerks begins to drive again at full speed. It seems that he was once a roller coaster driver! Many times, my head gets bumped against the windows and roof of the van. I look around the van and see all the girls rubbing their heads and elbows. The dead reckoning drive compels us to hold our breaths, as we make effort to regain our consciousness.

 During the drive, I try to remain hydrated and vigilant while my other colleagues pass time in engaging in different activities. Three girls sit beside me. One is a broker; she continuously talks on her cell phone regarding her sales work.  The other one yawns and would go into deep sleep dreaming as if she is travelling in a lavish car with great protocol. The pretty girl opposite me is always busy with her make up kit either making her hair style or applying various creams to look extra ordinary beautiful. The other one is an architect she draws sketches all the time. The last one is a passionate singer, she sings to herself and when she gets bored, she asks the van driver to play fast beat songs. The driver eagerly pays heeds to her plea. Suddenly the power speakers at the back of my head blew so fast that I felt my ear hole has got ruptured. If there would have been anyone else in my place, she would have thrown that disastrous thing out of the window. Alas! I had to bear this too.

As the destination towards our offices comes near, the seven of us begin to collect our bags which were spread underneath our seats. We have different locations so I am the last one to be dropped at my office. My clothes are badly wrinkled and it seems as if I took them out directly from the washing machine. I begin to feel I should also keep a small handy iron to press my clothes as I reach office.

At last I reach my dear office after a one-and-a-half-hour journey with shaking and trembling legs. It takes ten to twenty minutes to refresh myself and start my day’s tasks.

When the day ends, I begin to have a horror of experiencing this tormenting journey again as we all hope to reach our home safely. It is always a risk travelling in evening rush hour traffic. I hope today the minivan does not hit a rickshaw or a truck, like it often does, and we dreadfully fall on one another inside the van. One frightful incident was when the driver hit the footpath and the steering wheel came out!

While on my way to work and home, I feel as if we are packed like sardines in a can.  The irony here is that we are not fish, we are human beings that are packed in a tin.

The van is terribly crowded but this alarming journey makes us laugh and enjoy and share our grief. Singing songs, enjoying, eating samosas and golgappas, celebrating birthdays and taking selfie are some cherished moments which we have enjoyed the most. It might be the reason that we have become used to this terrible journey and might continue with it!

How I Treat My Strange Water Bottle

by 

SadiaWali

My water bottle on my working desk in office seems mysterious to many of my colleagues as they never find it empty. In the beginning, they felt I drink a lot. They got inspired. As time passed, they realized what they believed about me was totally wrong. I hardly drink 1 or 2 glasses a day and take my bottle back home half filled. This happens every day.

One day my colleague told  me in a light hearted way, "You can survive easily in a desert like a camel." I began to laugh but this really no joke. I need to drink water in large quantity for better health.  I remember my mother used to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water during the day. I used to watch with curiosity and think how is it possible to drink water in a large quantity.

 I went to see  homeopathic doctor for body pain, headache and dehydration, his first question was how much is your water intake? I was startled and began to give excuses. I get so busy in work I always forget to drink water or sometime don’t even get time to drink water. To my amazement he said how is it possible you forget to drink water. Does  no one in your office drink water? I slowly murmured why should  I  drink  water when I am not thirsty. I can easily survive in a forest or desert where water is not available. The doctor  gave me a medicine which will increase thirst.

I thought this medicine might work , some miracle might happen and I begin to drink whole of my medium size bottle in a day. Consequently, I began to take this miraculous medicine.My mind keeps asking the question my stomach is not big enough like a camel hump to store water.
 How can I force myself to drink water? I pondered.

Identifying Your Core Values at workplace

Identifying Your Core Values at workplace

By Sadia Wali

     

Dr. Pardes co-author of the book, ‘Understanding Human Behavior’ emphasized on how one can retain his valued talent? Replacing employees and onboarding new hires is a difficult task for an organization. The Research by the Gallup Organization says that currently101 million employees world over are not feeling engaged at work. 

 Leaders seek ways to empower the workforce to achieve their potential. According to CEO of a company, employees think that recognizing and appreciating their talents helps to boost up their learning capacity. Hence, organizations which consider their employees as a whole person and not just as employees have more productive and committed individuals. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability.

In rapidly changing times, a ‘change in management or system also effects the skills and capabilities of employees. 

As Robert F. Kennedy says,

“About twenty percent of the people are against any change.” –

 If organizational change implies innovation, skills and character- building, it should influence employees in a positive way. It is preferable to define core values at work place. Common core values in corporate culture include terms like: Integrity, innovation, honesty, passion and commitment. Living by your values means living by higher standards.

Unhappy employees have several fears and complaints. Chances are whatever the change; disgruntled employees always feel unmotivated and demotivate other colleagues through their negative behavior. To manage difficult employees, the managing team should devise an action plan or strategies that include reviewing the complaints, coaching the employees and giving clear, behavioral feedback.  Appreciate their efforts and reward them for being responsible, committed and enthusiastic.

Organizational behavior boosts up the productivity of   management. It transforms them into an indispensable employee and helps develop commitment among the employees to achieve their personal goals thereby achieving the goals of the company. Employees get motivated when they find career development in the organization. They are provided with learning experiences pertaining to their interests, development needs and organizational reward systems. The employees will not be able to utilize their potential fully if management is too authoritative, threatens self – interest or job security and involve stress and risks. Unresolved issues of interpersonal tension and conflict lead to emotional stress for employees. It may lead to work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure, absenteeism and more termination.

Hence, the management needs to hire people with the right values and attitudes.  Employees knowing about organizational behavior   should know about dressing style, work with honesty, delegate responsibility and bring a good organizational performance. By providing training process or cultural orientation to new hires, the organization should communicate and model the behavior they want in their set up. Reinforcing the right behaviors will help to strengthen the relationship between employees and the management.

According to Society of Human Resource Management, to retain high-performing employees, the management should provide people with challenging situations that link their goals with their desires.  The managing team needs to create a positive company culture and values. Improve expertise of employees by offering opportunities to learn and collaborate with peers. The “reward” for the contributions such as appraisals   or promotion enhances self- confidence of the employee and keeps him motivated.

To conclude,

To improve performance and efficiency, an organization should set its highest   priorities and fundamental beliefs and core values.

The writer works as Assistant Editor at Innovative Solutions.She can be contacted at sadiawali@hotmail.com

Book Review Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think

Book Review

Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think

During my proofreading session, I found an interesting book to read. To some readers, it might be dull or boring, to me it seems a unique and interesting one to read. The author, of the book Peter H. Diamandis (Founder and Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation) and Steven Kotler (award-winning science writer)analyzed various aspects and events related to science and technological progress in near future.  In just 250 pages, Kotler and Diamandis discussed exponentially growing technologies in health, economic, education, communications and information and energy that have rapidly transformed our world.  According to the author, innovation and exponential technologies have also improved quality of life, human performance and help to make better choices. In next twenty five years, the technological advancements will reshape the world through social, cultural and economic revolution.

Progress in artificial intelligence, robotics, infinite computing, global broadband networks, digital manufacturing, nanomaterial, synthetic biology, and many other exponentially growing technologies will enable us greater advantages in the next two decades than we have in the previous two hundred years says the author.

“Abundance is a big vision compressed into a small time frame. The next twenty five years can remake the world, but this won’t happen on its own. There are plenty of issues to be faced, not all of them technological in nature. Overcoming the psychological blocks—cynicism, pessimism, and all those other crutches of contemporary thinking—that keep many of us from believing in the possibility of abundance is just as important. To accomplish this, we need to understand the way our brain shapes our beliefs and our beliefs shape our reality.”

(Reference: Chapter 3 Book, Abundance- The future is better than you think)

Readers are introduced to Abundance Pyramid. The pyramid  is divided into different levels. First, ensure food, water and shelter for every person on the planet. Then, guarantee abundant energy, education and information and communication abundance. Another important element in our pyramid of abundance is freedom. Freedom here is referred to as the freedom of speech, the freedom of access to information and technology and the freedom to human rights. Finally,  the pyramid focuses on improving public health by creating awareness in masses of how to prevent and control global diseases and epidemic.

The important aspect of the book is help people to gain positive belief about technology.  The author term “the rising billion,” this abundant world will be one where anything is possible, “a world where everyone’s days are spent dreaming and doing, not scrapping and scraping.”

The second part of the book focused on reasons and causes that led to the invention of various medicines and technologies. The author refers to it creating a world of health care abundance which means providing clean water, ample nutrition, and smoke-free air environment to the masses.

 To conclude, the author hopefully declares that the rapid growth in technology is a blessing for human kind. Means of communication, auto diagnostic equipment’s, artificial intelligence, robotics, infinite computing and so many other technological developments have raised the standards of people’s lives.  These fields have also given their best to make this world a global abundant. 

I recommend you to read this book and share your views!

Book Review: How can miracles happen in your life

How can miracles happen in your life 

By Sadia Wali

Believe in your heart that you're meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.”

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

For years I have been searching for ways that could develop my mental strength and help me to face my ordeals. While reading the book, ‘The power of your subconscious mind’, I instantaneously felt a change in my thinking, positive vibes and peace of mind. If we practically apply the techniques, Iam absolutely sure miracle will happen in our lives.

Have you ever thought about power of your subconscious mind? The book will help to build your perception of how to use your inner powers that lift up negative thought patterns and foster peace of mind. Dr. Joseph Murphy, the author was highly influenced by Eastern religion as he spent a good part of his life studying Eastern religion in India. During this research study, he found secrets of subconscious mind that could help people to bring miracles in their life to solve their critical problems and bring harmony in family relationships.

While reading the book, I was deeply absorbed and felt my subconscious mind sublime with my soul. I gained wisdom and understanding of issues that are never emphasized. It is really amazing if we could smooth our daily lives, bring harmony in family relationships and eliminate various fears from our hearts.

The conscious mind is just like a captain of the ship. If it passes the right orders, the ship navigates on the right ways or otherwise it wrecks. This is what we lack. As we lack productive thinking, our minds are polluted with devilish thoughts so we react accordingly. Most of us remain confuse and seek for divine inspiration to instill peace of mind.

Let me begin with how our mind works. Our thoughts are based on   our experiences and circumstances. As the subconscious mind is prone to accept suggestion, it is imperative that we adapt positive behavior. Some interesting techniques I would like to share.

The healing power is in our subconscious mind.  Staunch faith brings physical and spiritual healing. The sleeping technique helps to leave a bad habit. If you want to become a millionaire, attract your subconscious mind towards wealth and money and ideas of wealth begin to flow in mind. Before going into deep slumber, have self- talk. Speak these words, “I am a millionaire." Bring ideas sweeps in your mind. Thus, you can sleep and grow rich.

The next thing I learnt how to improve marital problems. The problems of marital unhappiness, separation and divorce have risen alarmingly. Divorce takes place first in the mind. This takes place as we misuse our minds. Prayer therapy will strength the bond. Women should remember that her joy, happiness and peace of mind does not come from her husband, parents or other relationship, it is originated from her inner power of subconscious mind. If she experience inner contentment she will have high aspirations and dreams. The interesting therapy I found was: Think about the characteristics you wish to see in your partner. This will urge your subconscious mind to divinely bring the right partner to you. Continue speaking these words, I accept my ideal companion now. This will help to deviate mind from negative patterns.

Have you ever thought of finding an ideal partner through subconscious mind? Try it by practicing the technique given in the book.

A woman builds mental image of the ideal partner in mind. The infinite intelligence would help her out. Do not wonder how you will meet your mate.  You should trust your infinite wisdom of the subconscious mind and deep faith in your prayers.

Through subconscious mind, we can overcome fears of all sorts.  Think yourself as performing that particular action you fear. If you fear swimming, visualize it. The other abnormal fears are fear of airplane crash. Either watch video or imagine yourself sitting in airplane.

The thing I comprehended was that we are actually victim of a false belief. Solution lies within ourselves, we need to feel the marvelous power of our subconscious that miracles will happen in our lives. The wonderful magical techniques will bring peace and harmony.

Read the book for spiritual guidance and inspiration!

The writer is an assistant Editor at Innovative Solutions, Karachi. She can be contacted at sadiawali@hotmail.com

Mindful Moments- Somewhere between storm and reaching sky

Mindful Moments- Somewhere between storm and reaching sky

By Sadia Wali

“Each moment means a new possibility. Mindfulness is not resisting things to happen but allowing life to unfold its wings.”

― Amit Ray, Mindfulness Living in the Moment - Living in the Breath

Life has been strange for me. When I look back to the years, turbulence and dilemmas had shrunk my hopes. Fear and feelings of despair made my mind slipped into negativity.  I would keep blaming myself for continuous failure. My life has been a roller coaster ride due to unpredictable circumstances.

The biggest change in life was when I opted to pursue the field of writing. Writing was my passion since childhood. I began freelance writing for Dawn newspaper, Karachi since 2001.My first article published in 2001 was a big achievement for me. Since then I still began to contribute for Dawn newspaper, The News and various blogs. I have contributed several articles for feature page of Sunday Images.

 I endeavor to choose a place with intellects and educationalists that would help me to enhance my writing skills and potential.  ERDC was the first platform that opened up my mind and I began to think positively. I joined ERDC in 2013 as research fellow. My tasks were to write chapters and teachers guide for social studies text books (Grade 6 to 8). I was part of the organizing committee of ERDC Project, Professional Teacher’s Certificate Course, I conducted workshop of writing skills.

I have great memories associated with the ERDC where I worked for two years. Salman Asif Siddiqui and other colleagues helped me to develop my communication skills and research skills. One of my colleagues was so cooperative he made my blog and helped me to manage it. I miss that memorable time with my colleagues.

In the year 2015, I worked with Abbas Husain. He is a renowned teacher trainer. Iam still inspired by his wisdom and knowledge, working with him was a tremendous experience for me. I worked as rapporteur for his teacher training sessions. The catastrophes I went through really broken me, it was his  inspirational sessions that helped me to focus on my personality traits,  my weaknesses and my awesome dreams and goals which I never thought  important. Once he asked me a simple question: Do you feel happy?  He stayed calm and waited for my reply: I wondered what to say, I never pondered about my inner feelings. His next question was:  When the last time I sat near a beautiful lake and spell bounded by the inspiring beauty of nature. Which book or movie left an everlasting impact on my mind? To all these questions I really felt stunned and blank and to some extent puzzled what to say.

I realized that my intellectuality was nil and I missed the best moments of life to enhance my physical and intellectual growth. I being less resilience always lived a stressful life which kept me emotionally and sentimentally disturbed. Thus, I never thought that the most essential aspect of one’s personality is to ‘Be Happy’ which really counts a lot in building up the personality.  

My life, career and personality got a great boost in 2016 when I met the co- trainers of Abbas Husain. The organization named as REACH where I worked as Research Coordinator. I managed the promotional activities of Asian University for Women, Bangladesh followed by the recruitment procedure, networking and communication with school heads and principals of educational institutions in Karachi. I developed training manuals and power point presentations. I also translated the Training Manual of Adult Literacy from Urdu to English.

I worked with three trainers, they transformed my personality. One of the trainers suggested me to think about post graduate studies, she asked me to contact friends on LinkedIn about PhD. 

Here I would like to mention and especially thankful to my dear friend, a PhD scholar in China who kept me motivated to take initiatives to boost my career. He also encouraged me towards thinking of post graduate studies.  A new era opened for me. I began to think and plan for my PhD.

My new job venture at Innovative Solutions has turned a new leaf for me. I feel good and think good.  Working with young colleagues, I feel more positive and enthusiastic.  Enjoying and gossiping with young friends at office and in van has refreshed my heart. I feel great in learning new technologies and skills from my team lead, senior proofreaders and young fellows. Exposure to various inspirational and informative books has enhanced my knowledge; the best thing I learnt through these books is to develop the ability to change, adapt myself to different situations and respond and react respectively.  One of the books I would like to mention is ‘How to survive change that you didn’t ask for’ truly changed the perspective of my life. The Seven Truths about Change highly appealed me. I read that book several times, I felt as if this book was written for me. A few lines I would like to quote:

 “You may have come across lots of instances in your life where you might had felt that you are not resilient enough to face such a crisis but somehow, you have made it. You have swum against the strongest of currents of life and still survived. So how do you cultivate resilience?”

Over these years, I feel myself fortunate that I got opportunities to work with some great mentors and especially at my present working place, I have learned how to embrace change in life.

 Every day, I woke up with new aspirations and dreams. . I am on a mission to improve every aspect of my life.  My motive involves learning, reflecting and thinking. To get involved with people who respect my opinions and help me to achieve my goals.  I learnt two important lessons. Firstly to   celebrate every opportunity as we learn and grow by time.  Understanding develops from observation and experience. Secondly, I developed my faith in Allah. It is my experience who has firm faith in Allah finds miracles in his life.

 Finally, I believe it is better to forget the things that hurt us and live each day with the hope that there will come a balm for sorrow, a life full of strength and happiness. The smiling lips will always blossom like a rose; the patience of these silent lips will pave the way towards a great reward just like a life in heaven.  Let us keep the faith and trust in Allah for He is with us on every step of our life.

Happiness lies inside us, we need to discover how we can enjoy every moment of life. Keep enjoying every moment as the gift of life is life itself! 

The writer is an Assistant Editor at Innovative Solutions, Karachi. She can be contacted at sadiawali@hotmail.com