A Voyage To The Hearts
Tariq Ahmad Malik
It was his maiden journey to the sea .The morning breezes were smoothening the otherwise rough surfaces of the sea.
The other day Aatif reached his work place. The voyage of the sea was still abuzz in his mind .He was mindless of the fact that at his work place scores of little children, brimmed with divine innocence ,had constantly been zooming their attention towards him. Their eyes were all agleam with hope and trust , and their lips bedecked with utmost curiosity for knowledge and wisdom. The irony of the situation was that Aatif was not a bit interested in their endeavors. To him theses little monsters were yet another burden on his fragile shoulders .He talked to them thoughtlessly without showing any care for their sentiments.
The innocent cries had ,however, found a breathing ground. They would feel their tongues getting honey drenched by exclaiming the name of their teacher. Every moment they would feel the distance being scaled rapidly. Their teacher ,however, had failed to inspire them .He was least bothered of the fact that these colourful birds had just left their nests. They had left behind cradles, the lap of the mothers, the warm beddings, the courtyard, and the rooms stuffed with colorful toys. Aatif had,however, this much of realization that these children were exploring every possibility to bring their teacher round. Under his nose, Aatif would listen to the gossips of these children. Some little boy would narrate how he got crossed with his mother when he had demanded pocket money.Little girls would often complain of the confrontations which their brothers warranted on them. Everyday some little angel would gift Aatif some soiled apples.The malady ,however, persisted. Aatif did hardly rate their sharing and caring with proper measures.
One evening enlightenment came,and Aatif’s stream of consciousness was evoken. He could not help recollecting the moments which the school children had gifted him.He realized that their world knew only blessing and interestingly he was the pivot of their world.Soon Aatif found his eyes getting wet with tears.He resolved to become the ideal teacher for his ideal students.He waited impatiently to see the new day dawning.
The next day the transformation started .Aatif took his children to the playground, and made them into a circle. He winged their arms flat and chained them together .A thunder of laughter filled the environs.Aatif played “The Lion and The Goat” with the children .At the end of the game all the little angles came and flocked around their teacher and hugged him tight .This was the first time that Aatif had felt some sweetness springing from the hearts of the children and making the teacher feel the happiest creature of the whole world.
Aatif had now discovered the offerings of his sharing and caring attitude.He started to mingle with them every day and found them every inch receptive.If some body would be absent ,he would now miss them badly.One day a student kept absent for successive three days.The fourth day Aatif went to his home to know his whereabouts.I saw his parents getting emotional on seeing the caring teacher at home.The parents started blessing Aatif whole heartedly for the reason he was caring their son to that extent.That day ,Aatif discovered that it worked wonder when a teacher makes the parents believe that their son or daughter meant a word for him.He could anow find a reason to believe that the parents could be convinced to be play their role in nurturing the career of their children.
Aatif would now believe that the children were by every definition ,a divine gift to the mankind.Unlike the grownups ,children never compromised their innocence .The innocence, purity, and sincerity was their hallmark. Their hatred,joulsy,and prejudice,if any ,was short lived .It were they who made the teacher feel special.
Aatif owed all his experience in the profession of teaching to his students.There were now dozens of incidents to recollect to this effect. He recalled one such incident.
One day he paid a visit to a friend.His friend ,by that time, was not at home.His wife told Aatif to wait for sometimes as he was expected to come within half an hour. Aatif entered the main hall.He sat and kept waiting.Soon an eight year old girl approached him with a half dozen dolls.She started playing with these dolls.Aatif found a reason to talk to the girl,
“Which of the toys do you love the most?”
The girl showed her a broken doll ,and answered, “This is the doll which I love most.”
Aatif was confused how a broken doll could be so dear to this child.He asked the girl the reason.She answered with all innocence,
“If I don’t love this wrecked doll, who else will love it?”
The response of the innocent girl brought tears to his eyes.He had never tasted such an amount of wisdom from such a little child before.He was now evoken to the new reality.True is the philosophy that says Child is the father of man.Aatif determined to dedicate all his time for the betterment of children.
How could Aatif make the personality of his students shine, was now a million dollar exploration.He resolved to put in endless efforts for his children.His chest would expand with pride to see his students in action. He started to look for endeavors of his children,and turned his efforts in that direction.
On his part ,Aatif was now very particular about the children.He wanted to see them grooming into advanced learners.He explored every possible opportunity to develop good communication skills in his students.
Aatif drove his students to debates, quiz shows, skits ,performing arts, and other workshops .He started using morning assembly sessions for making students acquire different skills. Morality and value friendly life style remained his priority. Soon he saw the reflection of his efforts quite vividly in his children. He did never believe in making favorites among students.He wanted all the teachers should organize sharing sessions for the students .He believed that the sharing sessions motivated the students to overcome their shyness. He kept golden bells invariably ringing for them.The students would visit library quite often to see Aatif passing directions. He had motivated them to have discussion sessions in the library room.He kept a record of the students who inspired him with their inborn talent, and tried to hone their talent.
He believed that students be given to realize their potential, and be helped to absorb positive self concept.He believed in discipline but never used the rod to prevent mischievous activities.
This narrator believes that Aatif would be still enjoying his enterprising aptitude somewhere. His approach has now acquired good currency. Many of his students have opted for teaching, and they are taking Aatif’s mission forward.
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Irecord of students’ bio data, Their case history, the contact numbers of their parents, marks awarded in different tests, etc. These teachers keep up to the date the record of the students as per their performances in different test eg, high achievers, the averages, the below averages etc. The great teachers then organize special sharing sessions for the poorly performing students and guide them through remedial teaching sessions.
The great teachers don’t allow any moment go waste in the school. When they have vacant period, they prefer to cross- examine the written work of the students. They do also spend some time in school library to update the content of their lesson plans.
The great teachers volunteer in organizing special lessons on “ Friday post-recess sessions” , and discuss at length the basics of their specialized subjects. In these sessions all the students are assembled in the school auditorium for having live interaction with the expert teachers.
The great teachers keep themselves in constant touch with the parents and keep intimating them about the performance of their wards. They receive their feedback and try to explore novel learning techniques. These teachers help the administration in forming parent-teacher associations, and organize parental meets at school.
The great teachers never fear to go for innovations if they think they can help the learning process acquire momentum. They create “ Whats- Up Group” , and add the parents as members. On this page they post circulars, Notices, Datesheets, Schedules of important events, and the report of various activities the school organizes at day to day basis. They do also post the award rolls of the mock tests which the school organizes. Thus the page is intended to bring the performance of the school in public domain.
The great teachers organize the events on special days related to the life of great scholars, scientists, leaders, saints etc. They do also create awareness about different career options,health hazards, and social issues. Doing this on regular basis they inspire a change in the budding bloom of the nation.
The great teachers invite the living legends to the school and ,make them interact with the students. They organize lectures of eminent scholars. These eminent people share their experiences with students and motivate them to work out their career in a best possible way and plan their studies prudently.
The great teachers make the
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Is Happiness A Choice?
By: Tariq Ahmad Tariq
Behrampora Raffiabad
Every human being is destined to taste happy as well as unpleasant moments during his entire life span. There are certain situations which make us feel happy (e.g.), Marriage ceremonies ,birthday parties, festivals etc. There are also certain occasions which have grief attached (e.g.), funerals, accidents, and failures etc. There is , however, a third set of situations in which we opt to be either happy or upset. This situation may arise at our homes, in our offices, and at our work places. In these cases we opt whether to appreciate somebody’s efforts or disregard him. Whether to give somebody respect or ignore him out rightly. Here ,in this situation ,we do deliberately choose between regard and disregard, approval and disapproval, envy and jealousy, ego and selflessness etc. .This phenomenon engulfs the major part of our life’s practices.
Looking at the life style of different people ,the keen observer is made to understand that happiness is ,to a large extent, a choice , an option and a matter of preference. The person who is happy is not necessarily the person who has no worries at all. He may be the person who has deliberately decided to live up his happy moments lavishly. For him the worries could be a stimulus in the way of making him strong.
The wise man knows that worries are common to all, so are the suffering. He keeps busy exploring the way-outs from his troubles.
I saw one of my acquaintances worrying ,and feeling very upset about the attitude of her colleagues. She complained that her colleagues were not respectful to her despite of her showing utmost courtesy to them. This phenomenon had made her very unhappy .She could not help saying,” I talk softly to them every time .I give them due regard. I meet them with smiles but they are hell-bent on disregarding me .I am left with no option .I suppose I should leave my job.”
We face such odd occasions every now and then. We do usually find ourselves option less in these situations .But as a last resort, we need to have yet another look on our personality traits .We may ,sometimes, discover that we need to reshape our personality traits. We may need to examine our attitude afresh. Every word and every phrase has either a wedding bell or a sting attached. Words may have flavor of ego or humility.
After coming with multiple self-corrections, we can expect of the souls around us getting moulded for the good. The time tested traits of truth, beauty, and goodness are always rewarding .If we embrace decent attitude ,we will be showcasing all the three .After making it into our habit, we can expect the people around us flocking around us. Supposing people persist with their mean mentality and defy our decency, we are still at no loss .The decency in our attitude can win us thousands of decent people .We can rule over hearts of scores around us. Our obstinate colleagues are also expected with the passage of time, to having reassessment of our credibility.
There is always the second side of every coin. The people who are decisive to letting us down have their own shortcomings. Endorsing the rare talent in this context makes them feel inferior.
Familiarity breeds contempt. When some hardworking and dedicated official is appreciated by the boss, the mediocre ones slide into the background. Instead of improving their efforts they start fomenting grudges with the one who is committed to his job. They start isolating him and looking for his flaws. They start accusing him of being egoistic, glib tongued, and double faced. In case the dedicated official is a girl, the erring officials can even descend on leveling her with the accusation of being in a living relationship with the boss.
The dsire for a good name and face is common to all. It is, however, only the determined and the dedicated people who do actually work for it. Such people know how much effort it takes to become number one. They face the challenges headlong. They even fail at times but they don’t give in. They correct themselves ,and ultimately come up with bright colours.
The voice within is our best endowment. We need to allow it rumble. While we deliver according to our inner voice, the world creates uproar of noises. We have to reassure ourselves to let the genuine voice survive amid the whirlpool of noises .When others try to suppress our voice we have to use our full strength to keep it afloat .we need to get muse from the self-talk .We will ,as a result, discover that our conscience is invariably applauding us for our coveted efforts. Someday the unwanted noises have to die out. They will die when they will see the genuine voice gaining momentum and soaring in the sky. The best answer to the mediocre people is our ultimate success. Once we see success eye to eye, we find thousands of mothers caressing and fondling us .Long ago H.W.Longfellow has voiced _
Let’s then be up and doing
With a heart for any fate
Still achieving, still pursuing
Learn to labour and to wait
Let the winds from opposite direction run their course. They will have to sway the cradle of our dreams. They will have to allow the kite of our ambition soar in the vast expanse of the sky. Lets believe that when others will be dreading to dream big, there is always an opportunity for us to prove our mettle. In this case , if we face opposition, it will be worth it.
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Lets Start Afresh
By :Tariq Ahmad Tariq
We do sometimes complain that many of us don’t deliver to the best of their capabilities. This way we affirm that our potential is always more than what we actually work out usually.
If we cherish dreaming ,we need to sleep most of the times, but in order to follow our dreams we need to keep awake for longer hours. This is the time tested axiom. Great people are believed to be doing even the simplest things very differently. They do ordinary things with extra ordinary zeal and zest, and manage to discover the excitement of the work .They equip themselves with knowledge and skill, and go with refined attitude towards the work. These are the people who deliver the best ,and people call them real champions.
Every human being is endowed with a set of qualities. The only thing one has to do on his own is to execute his plans at the place where his endeavors are valued to most. If he keeps with the people who have no wisdom to recognize his worth, he is will have to be satisfied with a miserable life. He can’t carve out a place for himself. A wise man once explained the same truth to his ten year old son. He placed a shining rock in his hand, and asked him to go to the market and find out its real worth. He advised his son if somebody asked him of its price he should simply raise two fingers and keep his lips sealed. The boy reached the market place ,and showed the rock to different people. One person showed keen interest and asked its price. The boy raised two fingers which made the buyer cry –“Oh! Two dollars”. The boy didn’t say anything and returned his home. Next his father sent him to the jewel market of the city. Seeing the shining rock in his hand a jeweler asked if he wanted to sell it .The boy nodded his head in affirmation. The jeweler asked the price, and the boy raised two fingers in the air. The jeweler smiled and yelled, “Two hundred dollars!” the boy kept silent and returned to his father.
By the next morning the father sent his son to the most famous and expert jeweler of the city.The boy showed the shining rock to him .His eyes gleamed. He asked the price. The boy raised two fingers. The expert jeweler exclaimed- “ Two hundred thousand dollars! It is worth it”. The boy silently returned home and asked his father the reason of such a huge variation in evaluation .The father smiled and explained. He said,” No matter where from things come ,they must reach the place where they are valued the most. People have their own price tags for different things. One has to look out for genuine people who would look beyond the faces and make clear assessment of the intrinsic value of the things.”
The father added “This rock is not just any ordinary one.It is a precious stone. The average man, roving in the markets ,fail to recognize its worth, but the expert jeweler always knows what is its exact worth.”
This story is not just a story of amusement, but a story of inspiration. It is the reflection of the worldly truth. Every human being is endowed with some unique talent .It is the possessor who needs to explore it .It is he who needs to explore for himself the right place where his talent find desired recognition. The ultimate value of a pearl is known only to two people- the king in whose crown the pearl is decorated, and the jeweler who sculpts the pearl. Name and fame becomes destiny of those who toil hard. Opal is chiseled hundred times before it is actually turned into the jewel, and decorated in the queen’s ring.
In order to make our life worthwhile we have to attain the best possible knowledge, and go with the required set of skills. The refined attitude and the strong will power does ultimately help us realize our coveted dream. Thousands of people around us have proven this axiom. Why can’t we?
Lets ask ourselves a simple question- “What should we be remembered for when we are gone? The answer will have to come from within”. Let’s imbibe the great qualities of the people who have attained the greatness due to their valuable contribution towards the humanity. Let’s take the pledge that we will do our best .If there are bottlenecks, lets believe that they are there to make us strong. Smooth seas have never produced skillful sailors. We are not exceptions .Lets have a new beginning .Lets start afresh.
One Hour With Out Agenda
By :Tariq Ahmad Tariq
Rafiabad Kashmir
As soon as she entered the auditorium, she could see a young dynamic speaker motivating the curious audience from the podium-
“You are special”, he said. “You are different, so you have to make a difference. Yes, you can inspire the change. Ask yourself what is the best in you, and then work on that”. He kept motivating the audience , but it all fell flat on Insha .She started counting her failures and looking down on herself with all the more contempt.
She came out and rushed to the cantain adjacent to the auditorium. She ordered a tea and sat on the bench. Frisking deep in her bag she got her cell phone out to make a call.
Insha : “uf! Again switched off”, she whispered with herself wearing a frowsy look. “Nothing is going my way”, she added.
In the meanwhile, Aatif came out of auditorium and sat on the table opposite to Insha .He did also order a cup of tea. The waiter placed both the cups simultaneously on the table. While taking the first sip, Aatif found a pretense to talk and he started, “If I am not wrong, you would lead a campaign for woman empowerment the last year.
Insha responded saying yes and added, “Now your next question must be why I left the auditorium mid-way”.
Aatif: You are correct but I don’t qualify to ask, as I have also left the hall midway.
Insha: Actually I am fed up now with these so-called motivation sessions. Talking big hardly make a point, but acting big does make.
Aatif: You are right. Even the ordinary things done with extra-ordinary zeal and zest have the power to make a big difference.
Insha : I have tried that As well, but nothing went my way. I was an utter failure.
( In the meanwhile both finished their tea.)
Aatif : May be you had planned with a wrong option. You might have followed public opinion and suppressed your inner voice.
Insha : No, Mr ….
Aatif: Mr, Aatif. Mr Aatif is my name, and what is your good name ,please?
Insha : I am Insha.
Aatif: If you are not offended I must say you don’t want to come out from the world of your failure. You are still upset with yourself.
Insha : Are you a psychologist to say so?
Aatif: No, I am not. I feel it to be true. I suppose you are desperate to tell your tale of woes .I can say with authority that your story has missed the entry of the prince riding the white horse, and presenting a red rose to the heroine.
Insha : No, gentleman. This brutal world has left no room for such whimsies.
Aatif: That means in your case the world has used all her brutality to deprive a beautiful girl of her soulful moments.
Insha : Yes, but the good point is that I didn’t yield easily. I fought with all my might ,but I lost. Thus I have no complains with myself, at least.
Aatif: Ah! How much it pains me to see a pretty girl in such a deep trouble!
Insha : You seem to flatter me all the more now. I suppose I should keep my lips sealed.
Aatif: You desperately need to clear your chest before a potential listener.
Insha : No, I haven’t any stories to tell, and I need not your advice either.
Aatif: You need not feel scared of me. Every other person has the same story.
Insha : What do you mean?
Aatif: Listen, I am a writer, and a motivational speaker. I have portrayed many characters giving them your attributes .The way you behave is known to me for ages now.
Insha : What do you want from me ,then?
Aatif: I want you live your long cherished dreams. I can, if you wish, change the plot.
Insha : No, You will not do it. I don’t have courage to revisit my roles. I am an utter failure.
Aatif: If that is the case, why don’t you write a documentary of your failures?
Insha : What good it will do to me?
Aatif: Well, it will make you bold. You will discover the reason of your failures. You will get an opportunity to rectify them .In this process the world may be gifted with a talented writer.
Insha : (smiles). I had sat here for tea, and it took one full hour to have my tea finished .I have been listening to an uninvited stranger for so long. What does this mean?
Aatif: It means you are very close to finding a genuine listener for your woes. A listener who does also understand various things which often remain unsaid.
Insha : Don’t flatter anymore .I have left nothing unsaid.
Aatif: But, I managed to listen a lot. Your eloquence at speech, and your bright eyes speak quite loudly that you have found a sweet friend.
Insha : ( smiles). This can be partially true. Why should a renowned writer and a great motivational speaker waste his precious time on an ordinary girl except that she is her close friend.
Aatif: You are wise enough at drawing quick conclusions. Now tell me when will you take to writing.
Insha : I suppose very soon. In fact I have thought of writing a story that took its shape before my eyes. The story is full of matter.
Aatif: I suppose you will not allow your story become preaching.
Insha : I will try to keep my judgment reserved ,and will bring forth how emotions are victimized in routine arguments.
Aatif: That is nice. Try to make your story appealing for the readers. Don’t allow your characters turn rude at the outset. Create the exposition for allowing crises zoom out fully.
Insha : That much I know ,sir, after all I am a literature student. I am well versed at presenting things. I have my own lovely style. But…,tell me honestly now why do you take so interest in me?
Aatif: I really don’t know why. But.., I can’t afford to see you in trouble.
Insha : And you have planned to arouse the dream of the prince in the heart and mind of this pretty girl, and have worked hard to paint yourself into that prince. Isn’t it so?
Aatif: No, Ms Insha. I don’t harbor such intensions. But one thing I know for sure. Your prince will not come from any royal palace accompanied by a band of musicians .He will come all alone .He will dive in your existence, and settle in your heart .He will add scent to your life and breath. When he comes you will see the time flying holding your wrist. He will spend an hour with you without any agenda. This I have read in epics.
Insha : (Becoming emotional). I quite understand it .When he comes ,he has to listen to all my woes. He has to take me in his lap. He has to caress me, and fondle me to the core. When he comes he will discover by himself how much incomplete I was without him.( wipes off tears).
Aatif: But.., remember. This all shall happen in the resolution phase. Only after the crises have reached to a frightening climax .This will give your story a telling effect.
Insha : But, sir, In my personal life I do badly need resolution ,for, I have come across countless crises but without a single resolution..
Aatif: Then start cherishing your prince .let him come and spend an hour with you without his own agenda.
Insha : He has to come. I have been waiting him for ages now. Any way thank you very much for your sweet company.
(loud cheers are heard reaching skies in the auditorium, and repeated announcement are made that the next motivational speaker Aatif would be present on the podium in just one minute)
Aatif : It is my turn to speak .They have announced my name. I need to go.
Insha : Ok, Sir . You may go.
Aatif: But, inform me when your prince comes to spend an hour without his own agenda. ( Aatif hurries to the auditorium).
Insha : (Smiles with herself) .Sure Sir.(again smiles and gets absorbed in self talks). Very interesting person. He spent more than an hour with me just to console me. How selfless he is. He had none of his agenda .He is a nice guy .
Insha kept thinking of Aatif being very nice to her. She went to the manager to pay her bill. The manager returned her money saying her friend had already paid the bill. She left the counter and started walking home .the phone rang. Insha looked the contact and switched off her phone.With a gentle smile on her face she dropped the phone in the bag,and went off with rapid steps murmuring the recurring phrase of her prince’s arrival.
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The mystery unfolded!
By: Tariq Ahmad TariqBehrampora Rafiabad
Aatif had just joined his duties at Ghaziabad Office of his company. He was altogether different from others in both his look and outlook. He wore simple dresses, and had orthodox outlook. His M.D was ,however, taking keen interest in him, and was giving him ample opportunities to show his talent. God knows ,what motivated the M.D to ask him once to prepare a presentation on his behalf to be presented before the board of directors .Aatif prepared the presentation and delivered in his own simple way. He could not get any clue whether the board got impressed or not. It was, however, clear now that the boss started believing in his talent all the more.
Aatif performed his duties honestly. He would greet everybody, hug everybody, and extend smile to everybody. He kept going, totally devoid of the fact what his colleagues thought about him .His colleagues would hardly notice his individual craftsmanship where he had carved out a good name for him. The best point of Aatif was that he would enjoy his work and keep invariably good humor.
The majority of the staffers of the company would come to the office in their own cars. Aatif had his bicycle. He would receive very less number of phone calls. He had some good friends working in other companies, but they would contact him occasionally. when Aatif felt bored, he would dial the number of some friend. They would lavishly spend their time with him on phone.
Aatif would never boss the job, and let others potter under his directions He had so many junior colleagues, and a good number of seniors .He believed that the juniors be treated with love, and the seniors be given due regard.
Aatif could very soon realize that his juniors had started giving him good regard. He was, however, confused about the behavior of young Farhan. Farhan , at times, would give him great regards ,and talk to him with a smiling face; but the next day Farhan would frown upon him, much to his discomfort. Aatif had great regards for Farhan. He knew that Farhan had great prospects waiting. He had seen in Farhan, an enterprising worker with innovative approach. He would be always ready to take challenges . Aatif didn’t want to lose Farhan. He knew Farhan alone can have a good feel of his talent .So he did always wait the opportunity to bring his presentations in his notice. Farhan’s friends knew that Farhan was maintaining distance from Aatif, so they ,sometimes, descended to kidding Aatif.
“Come on Aatif, Tell us why Farhan avoids colliding you in the way.”Farhan’s friends could ask this question to Farhan as well, but they always wanted Aatif to answer. The simpleton Aatif would simply utter, “The problem lies with me. I don’t know how to talk to the people of different temperaments. I confess I am a conservative type of guy.”
Aatif , however, got noticed by a senior officer .He had been secretly studying his behavior pattern and attitude. One day he approached Aatif saying, “Aatif Sir! Some presentations are needed. Would you please prepare them for me.” Aatif had this much of understanding that this officer had never before shown keenness toward his presentations, yet he nodded his head in affirmation. He was over- joyed to be called Aatif Sir by his senior officer. It took Aatif ,at least ,three days to prepare the presentation. Tassaduq sir, as was the name of the officer, came to him each day asking whether the presentation was completed. He would, in the meanwhile, ask different questions to his junior Aatif. After three days, Aatif was happy as he had prepared a great presentation. He thought after Tassaduq Sir, had finished listening to it, he would appreciate his talent whole heartedly , and would thank him. Aatif carried his presentation with him ,and found Tassaduq Sir waiting him at his table. Aatif hurried to the table and said, “sorry Sir,I am a little late. This is the presentation for you.” Tassaduq sir received it and showed no unusual response. He didn’t even thank Aatif. Instead he said, “Aatif sir, another presentation shall be ready within three days.” .Aatif ,who had now hung his head, nodded in affirmation.
The story kept going like this and Aatif wrote many presentation and Tassaduq sir didn’t even care what was written in them. Tassaduq would respect Aatif very much. He would often ask him about his health, relations, problems, and would offer him every type of help. This caring on part of Tassaduq made Aatif feel good about Tassaduq. Aatif ,however, was desperately waiting somebody to acknowledge his distinction in creative writing which was still a distant dream for him.
Aatif would sometimes think that the circumstances in the company were hostile to his inherent talent. He had, however ,a ray of hope left. He had seen Farhan going his way, and having enterprising vision. Farhan had a great quality of keeping himself busy like a bee. When Farhan talked , Aatif would feel he spoke out pearls. Now in desperation, Aatif started thinking about Farhan. Aatif longed that Farhan should ,at least, read his presentations and watch him deliver at the next presentation. He was not blindly cherishing Farhan’s attention .In fact Farhan had lavishly praised Aatif when he had given his first presentation in the company .Aatif could not solve the mistry why Farhan kept away from him. He had shared this concern with three close associates of Farhan with the hope they would help the duo come closer. For unknown reasons these people did not ferry the message. Aatif shared this concern with Tassaduq sir thinking that he was the closest of all to Farhan, but he did never show any response. Aatif started having introspect of his behavior, attitude, and style of talking, but could not really find out anything wrong which could have possibly offended Farhan. He thought that he would write a letter to Farhan and would clear his heart for him, and determined that he could not afford to be a mystery for Farhan too long.One day Tassaduq felt done with Aatif. Aatif had now realized that Tassaduq would never appreciate his work, yet he would respect Tassaduq invariably .How long the reluctant partners could have shared the compartment. Tassaduq was sure to get off on the next station.Aatif took it as ill-omen that Tassaduq failed to acknowledge his talent .Tassaduq went off and the conservative man Aatif was again shown the dark lane which his bicycle was fit for. The poor man was shaken to the core.As a last resort, Aatif wrote a detailed letter to Farhan and asked him the reason why he did polish him into one of his bad wishers. He wrote..
Mr FarhanSir,I respect you and want you to attain higher wrung of success. You are a talented boy. Your dedication, commitment ,and love for work has made you into a special case for the company. Your curiosity to work, and your supportive attitude in group activities are appreciated by the board of directors .I personally feel very much inspired with you, though It will hardly matter for you.
Sir, my burning desire is that you would come to watch me delivering at the next presentation session to be called on a short notice. Your acknowledgement means a lot for me.
Sincerely yoursAatif
Aatif presumed that Farhan had now finished reading this write-up, and would come to him anytime with a cute smile, and exclaim, “Sir, I knew you would do it someday. Fie with misunderstanding! ” ,and Aatif would reply, “I am sorry Farhan, somewhere unintentionally I have hurt you.”
Aatif Knew that his reader was none but a Farhan of his own kind. Aatif’s confession of erring somewhere could prove a talisman to repair every relation.None is so powerful that he could afford to live in isolation. we all need good relations to add colour to our life .Let we all be Aatifs and our Friends Farhans. Let’s be candid enough to acknowledge others enterprising skills, then hope that our efforts will be recognized.
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The Mystery Unfolded -2
Aatif,after having Ferried his message to Farhan, kept busy with his work at his office.He was not too much ambitious about Farhan’s response.He had only desired to clear his breast for Farhan. Sometimes things go our way,and same happened with Aatif.One afternoon when he was just preparing to leave for home from his office , a thread of messages was created by Zaira.
Zaira: Thank you for the letter. Taking out time to write a personal letter speaks a lot about the efforts you put in into maintaining cordial relations with people around you. Really appreciated.
My presentations are my catharsis ,and believe me the comments or likes or dislikes have a very little bearing on me. I don’t consider myself as a youth icon yet and therefore it is really ok if I am shown the mirror. I purposely quit all the presentation sessions not because I have some illusion of grandeur but very much because I was getting an information overload which was not being processed by me sincerely. Moreover I really got intimidated by the class and knowledge of all the people present in these sessions and I thought of myself as someone very unworthy of participating in such quality sessions. I have no literary background as I am an hardworking engineer who loves her job but I do find solace in preparing presentations and like to be somehow associated with it. It is a kind of food for my soul. That should answer your query about my absence.
As far as the story is concerned then I need to ask you one question which you must answer sincerely. Who was in your mind while writing this story?Then I will share my opinion firstly on purely the craft of the story and then depending on your answer I shall tell you what made Farhan what he is.
Aatif: It is impersonal .There was no specific person in my imagination .I simply found an idea and wetted my hands. That is it.
Zaira: I really don’t see an honest answer here. But anyways, I found the craft of the story weak. It is a narrative by the writer. The writer is doing all the job, explaining everything, building characters, preaching at the end. Short story is not a moral preaching thing. You should let readers take meanings or morals out of it. Moreover there were no dialogues which could build the characters but the writer did it. The climax didn’t resolve the tension that was built in the story. Somewhere the story got tangled in between a biographic account and a fictional genre. Short stories usually magnify (usually single) instances or events which otherwise go unnoticed. A short story writer sees that which others miss. Well I have typical classical and traditional approach towards analyzing a short story. If you might ask a critic who evaluates on modern or postmodern benchmarks then he might have an entirely different opinion than mine. Having said that, this is just the beginning. You have a great vocabulary, decent grammar and refined taste for literature at your disposal and these altogether make a perfect material for a great short story writer.
Aatif: Thanks for your valuable comments. Actually I am not from literary background either. A student of Economics does have his feeble say in literature.I felt that I should write what I felt happening around me, so I didn't see what should make my plot impressive. The truth I told is the basis for this. Anyway thanks.The day i clashed with you on feminist view was my first day in discussion motivated me to writing.
zaira: So I shall again put my question to you. I know you are Aatif but WHO IS FARHAN?
Aatif: Farhan of this story is a symbolic character. He is someone who did ever share a platform with Aatif, impressed him, and kept silently aside.Being a writer in making, I suppose some people get aligned with me. Out of this small "some", a few are viewed pioneering a path for me, and others neglecting me intentionally.I don't want friends for wrong reasons as is the practice of seemingly 'Big Names' in our community.I am a less known person. I always want to gift myself sincere, talented, and selfless friends.Those who can explain Aatif how far is too far for him.
Supposing you "Zaira" is my Farhan. How can I make it into a story. You are not known to me. You have never observed me delivering. I know none of your friends .lets suppose I know Sadiya Sheikh as having met her once in a program at the city center. I suppose you know Haji Uncle who treats me as his son. Does it make a big deal? Again do I suppose saying , "Yes, You are Farhan",then read the content of my write-up afresh and see whether Aatif looks for virtuous relations or harbors any evil intention.Yes,I want to have Farhan closely watching my literary activities. If you are satisfied with this role for Aatif, I shall be obliged.
The conclusion which I have drawn from the story is company policy motivation. I have written this write-up for the company’s annual publication of whom I have been chosen Editor.Hope you will reply, and will now throw light on the point,"Why shouldn't Farhan behave that way?"
Zaira: I believe you don’t know me in person. You don’t know my whereabouts. I would read your write-ups with great regard once,but lately some of the members of your organization told me that Aatif doesn’t have good opinion about Zaira. I was astonished how could Aatif be so cheap a stuff. He doesn’t know me. How could he form a cheap opinion about a girl whom he doesn’t know. i don’t know whether the story which I was told was a manipulated one or not. There was no authenticity in place, but the things which Zaira heard was enough to think the way she thinks now. Aatif ,if you had some opinion built about me you should have told me straight away; but, you spiced your gossips with my mention. Not good. Now it is Ok, No regrets I suppose the things have been manipulated. Now it is ok.
Aatif : Thanks for the reply. It is enough for me that at least you spoke out a few words finally. Let me tell you the truth. I have met, only once, Saadiya Sheikh at a function where we both had to read out papers . I didn't know Sadiya till then. During lunch break Sadiya came to me and introduced herself. When I started introducing myself, she told that she knew me. She added that Haji Unclei had discussed me with them at company headquarters. Thus Aatif was not unknown to them. I simply added that I was very much impressed with Zaira's presentations. We could not pull the conversation beyond this because she had an emergency call then.
I don’t write too much; but whatever i write i want to show that to the quality readers. I rate your name with great honour in that context. Shall I hope that you will keep encouraging me for bettering my efforts?
I don't know why people add salt to the otherwise candid expressions. I can't impress upon you my innocence because you don't know me in person. I am usually a tight lipped person. I started writing things very recently. You will not believe but it is true that the days i was made to confront with you on the page was my first day afresh. Thank God I received positive feedbacks for my efforts. May be my little bit familiarity would have bred contempt. Anyway whatever has been ferried to you, I regret, and sorry for that. I discussed nothing of you with Saadiya. Haji Uncle is like my father. I feel shy before him to talk. The third party if any, I don't subscribe to. Hope you believe.
Zaira: No issues .Now the air has got cleared. I am starting afresh. I would be happier that whatever you opine about me, that should come to me through you. And yes, to avoid any ambiguity, it didn’t come to me through Saadiya, because we are not friends but acquaintances, but through other people who are very much a part of these organizations. Anyways. I wish you great luck and I believe that you are somebody, who with his skill set, can give a tough fight to contemporaries. You shall be a great addition to our sky. In sha Allah
Aatif: Thanks. But I feel very much hurt why should people spoil my image. I hold many people as my favorites, but they should play foul, It is very unfortunate. Yes, Due to some indiscipline some of the members of our organization were expelled, It could be the handiwork of them. I suppose Haji.., or somebody else.
Zaira: No. Haji Uncle always speaks good about you. It is not him either.
Aatif: Yes. Whenever somebody poisons your ears against me, you better write to me, or phone. I know very less of politics. There is a long story behind the scene why should people defame me.
Zaira: It shouldn’t matter now who it is. Its rather important that we be authentic in our dealings. We shall keep our integrity intact. I don’t nurse grudges. That is why i talked to you upfront.
Aatif: Actually Haji Uncle has sympathy with the split away group. He didn't talk to me yesterday at our function. I asked him, and he simply told that he had some grudges. Now ,Do you believe that, at least i have not spoken anything ill about you.
Zaira: I take your words and believe them to be true.
Aatif: Thanks. I will always be true to my word. Beside I need your guidance.
Yes, Is my Farhan back, Now on The previous track?
Zaira: The admiration and learning shall be mutual inshallah. It’ ll b a learning experience for me too.
Aatif was now very happy for having Farhan back.He had toiled a lot to see him patting him.Yes,Farhan was none other than Zaira.Aatif knew that if his emotions were pure they would gift him his Zaira back.Aatif ,after this reconciliation kept sending his presentations to Zaira and would wait for a nod to present them and publish them .He was very emotional about Zaira.He wanted to keep with her,and discuss with her every presentation. He wanted to see Zaira present at his every presentation. In the audience of thousands he wanted to see the feedback of Zaira alone.Zaira was his ultimate inspiration.How much he wished that Zaira should know his feelings for her!
Aatif was not only shy but he was coward to the core. He always kept thinking about Zaira but did never dare to tell it to Zaira.He thought of Zaira being quick tempered and feared she might never return if she was offended. This fear helped Aatif grow very timid. Aatif did never tell Zaira that She was dear to him not only for being appreciative for his presentations,but she had been dwelling in all the compartments of his heart right from their first confrontation.This sweet feeling helped Aatif keep motivated for writing,and in his write-ups Zaira started breathing all the more.
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.story
"There Is Many A Slip Between The Cup and The Lip"
A Story By:Tariq Ahmad Tariq
Behrampora Raffiabad
Tariq Ahmad Tariq and Hassan Azhar
While driving home from Dr Rafeeq Masoodi's residence, my friend asked me, "Tariq! What does it mean when we say there is many a slip between the cup and the lip. "
I smiled because I knew Hassan Azhar's ways well.
"I suppose, this proverb is used to emphasize the power of destiny in our lives. We have the capacity to propose, but God, at times, knows well how to dispose", I explained.
"Today you were victimized", Azhar laughed me silly.
"Please tell what happened", I pleaded.
"First, give me the account what engagements you had today here at Masoodi sir's residence", Azhar asked.
I started recollecting the thread of events.
I started, "At reaching his residence we saw the grand old man seeing off some dignitaries at the entrance. We kept waiting near the tent gate. He came barely after two minutes. At seeing me he exclaimed, "Tariq, a great gift was given away by the departed soul while leaving for the heavenly abode. My niece Durdana Javid Masoodi topped the jkbose class 12th examination. "
I saw a cute smile playing on the lips of Dr Masoodi.
The floods of the smiles on the face of the grand old man elated me as i felt myself blessed that Dr Masoodi was sharing this happy moment with me. He took me to the tent where we were served food. After the food was served, we saw dignitaries from all corners of the valley pouring in. Dr Masoodi would, time and again, address me, and give me their introduction. A young man kept in front of him, and Masoodi Sir yelled, "Tariq! Do you know this young man. "
"Yes Sir, I think he is Dr Aabid, who often forgets my name", my answer broke the gathering into smiles.
"Have I told you about his appointment as Editor Cultural Academy", Dr Masoodi asked.
Though I had already been told by Masoodi sir about this, yet for the sake of other interested people I answered I knew not. He then told how he made it to the coveted post.
In the main while, we saw Durdana Javid, the topper of class 12th BOSE Examination entering the tent to have some message ferried for Dr Masoodi. You (Azhar), stole the opportunity to record her views about her grand success in the BOSE examination. Durdana spoke in English with utmost fluency and with an inspiring accent. She thanked the Almighty Allah, the support of her parents, teachers, and friends.
After spending two hours in the tent listening to the valuable exchanges of different people with Dr Rafeeq Masoodi we left for home by 4:30 pm with a promise to our patron that we would visit him again in the coming days.
After having told the whole story to Hassan Azhar, I asked him to tell me where I missed to make the contact of my lip with the cup. Azhar did again smile and said the moment when Masoodi sir addressed you saying, "Tariq! the departed soul gifted us with a delightful news", your unseen friend, Farhaan, came to me whispering in my ear, "Hello Sir, I am Farhan. How are you? "
I greeted him, and in the wink of an eye, he boarded the car which was waiting him. The opportunity was too precious to be missed, but was too short to call you to meet Farhan. The irony of the destiny was that You were only two feet away from Farhan, and you still missed his glimpse. "
I smiled myself silly and laughed but it was the laugh of the widow.
I kept murmuring for the whole evening, "there is many a slip between the cup and the lip".
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A Strange meeting’
Hello friends; I am Tariq, your host, for the next fifteen minutes on a
strange journey. ’Well’, In the still of this moon-lit evening, I have had the pleasure of recording the views of the world’s leading writers and thinkers for our college magazine. To cash in on this occasion, I have chosen a striking topic. It is none other than all times attractive creature-‘woman’.
“In the beginning”, said a Persian poet,” Allah took a rose, a lily, a dove, a serpent, a little honey, a Dead-Sea apple, and a handful of clay. When he looked at the amalgam, it was a woman”.
To begin with, my very first question goes to Mr Nietzche. ‘Sir’- ‘would you please describe woman in your own version’
Nietzche: God created woman, and boredom did indeed cease from that moment; but many other things ceased as well. Woman was God’s second mistake’.
Tariq: ‘Oh! What a tough stand. It is too confusing to see a woman through the eyes of a man. Between the two beholders, one sees vivacity in her and the other frailty. Let’s know what James Stephen thinks about women’.
James Stephen: ‘women are wiser than men, because they know less and understand more’.
Tariq: ‘Frailty, thy name is woman’. It is what Shakespeare has to say. Women have every right to denounce this claim. But, Mr Plutarch claims that his view about women is above controversy. Mr Plutarch, may we have the pleasure of knowing it.
Plutarch: Yes, my view reads, “when candles are out, all women are fair’’.
Tariq: O! no-
Plutarch: O! yes-
Tariq: Truth is in itself an evidence. Mr O. Henry is looking curious to add something. Lets know how he adds his head-load of twigs to the fire.
O.Henry: “I wish to disclose a secret this time, but don’t pass on these remarks to my wife.The secret is, if men knew how women pass the time when they are alone, they would never marry”.
Tariq: Oh ! no .
O.Henry: Oh! yes.
Tariq: Thomas Fuller’s heart is unmoved, even at seeing a gracious lady walking with a majestic gait. The man in him never stirs. Why is it so Mr Fuller.
Give woman thy whole heart, and she will break it.
Tariq:What do you say to it, Mr Prestwich.
Prestwich: Nothing-but, thanks for quoting my couplet to me.
Tariq:Mr Prestwich ,I am your fan ,that is why I quoted you .Anyway, we have in between us a great personality who has lately been sandwitched between the affirmation and negation of women .He is none other than Mr Ceruantes Mr Ceruantes, please expose us to the tastes of this sandwitch.
Ceruantes: Between a woman’s yes and no, there is not room for a pin to go.
Tariq :Stolen looks would be the source of joy for Thomas Morre, when he was young. But now he has matured to the reality and holds a revised stand. Yes, Mr Morre Has women still the same fascination for you?
Thomas Morre: My old books were women’s looks
And folly was all they taught me.
Tariq: What is beautiful and what is not only the beholder knows. But…what Mr Samuel Johnson knows about women is only known to him. ‘Yes’, Mr Johnson, please have your say about it.
Samuel Johnson: I am very fond of the company of ladies. I like their beauty. I like their delicacy .I like their vivacity ,and I like their silence.
Tariq: Wow! me too .Anyway my article is stuffed fully. It has been nice meeting you. Thanks for joining me.
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Tariq Ahmad Tariq
When the poet and the reader meet, expect the re-definition of miracles.
By: Tariq Ahmad Malik(The Reader).
On ‘woman’s day 2017’ a literary page was abuzz with the posts favouring the woman folk. A female poet, in the meanwhile posted the following poem….
Poem.
Your violence shall become
my poem some day..
my world knows
only of love
there are many worlds
to welcome sootthe bruises you gifted me -scatter fragrancethe chains you tied me in
-are grape wines nowthe loneliness you left me to
-is the doorsill to Kaaba the tears you made me shed
-suffice for a nightlong ablutionthe graveyard where you buried my dreams
-has jasmines and irises and hyacinths blossomed all overYour violence shall only become
my poem some dayStrange is my world,
the world of mad-men where
the roses bloom
-in barren lands
sunflowers crave for
-a moonlight bath
peacocks dance in
-snowstorms and nightingales sing
-the songs of redemptionYour violence shall only become
my poem some daywe are all but
Parts of that Whole
equal parts,
powerless parts,
ephemeral parts
no part can exert
violence on any other partviolence is forgetfulness
-of being a partlove is being mindful
– of that supreme WholeYour violence shall only become
my poem some daydon't fret my dear
come, lets swirl
here none shall make fun of our worn out selves.~Rumuz
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While reading the poem, the readers gathered courage to ask the poet why has she painted the negative picture of men on the very day when men are busy adoring the role of woman in making the world a better place. Here is what transpired.
The Reader: The poem starts with the phrase
Your violence, a very harsh tone against man. Then as the narrative develops the man is dubbed as gifting the woman violence, bruises, chains, loneliness, tears, grave-yard etc
Then. conclusion “strange is the world of mad-man”.
Why doesn’t any female poet start the narrative right from “the fall of man”… may be she will have to consider the narration afresh.
What an irony!
Men adore woman every possible way. They celebrate the days in her name, make diverse efforts to empower her. They try to win her confidence. They tint her into Habba khatoon, Arni maal, lalded, Parveen Shakir etc. They keep on swearing that woman-folk is beautiful; and beautiful is the way they walk on.
When a women poet responds to man’s sentiments she deliberately chooses to downgrade the role of man and denies any sympathy for them.
Let the men clap over this plight. What is the say of the poet on this?
The female poet: Before responding to your query sir, I would really want to know your views regarding this poem of Sahir Ludhianvi and how do you see it .
Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko
Mardon ne use bazaar diya
Jab dil chaaha masla-kuchla
Jab ji chaaha dhutkaar diya
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koTulti hai kahin dinaaron mein
Bikti hai kahin bazaaron mein
Nangi nachvaayi jaati hai
Ayyashon ke darbaaron mein
Yeh woh beizzat cheez hai jo
Bant jaati hai izzatdaaron mein
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koMardon ke liye har zulm ravaan
Aurat ke liye rona bhi khataa
Mardon ke liye laakhon sejein
Aurat ke liye bas ek chita
Mardon ke liye har aish ka haq
Aurat ke liye jeena bhi sazaa
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koJin hothon ne unko pyaar kiya
Un hothon ka vyopaar kiya
Jis kokh mein inka jism dhala
Us kokh ka kaarobaar kiya
Jis tan se uge kopal bankar
Us tan ko zaleel-o-khaar kiya
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koMardon ne banaayi jo rasme
Unko haq ka farmaan kaha
Aurat ke zinda jalne ko
Qurbaani aur balidaan kaha
Ismat ke badle roti di
Aur usko bhi ehsaan kaha
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koSansar ki har ek besharmi
Gurbat ki god mein palti hai
Chaklon hi mein aakar rukti hai
Faaqon se jo raah nikalti hai
Mardon ki hawas hai jo aksar
Aurat ke paap mein dhalti hai
Aurat ne janam diya mardon koAurat sansar ki kismet hai
Phir bhi taqdeer ki heti hai
Autaar-payambar janti hai
Phir bhi shaitan ki beti hai
Yeh woh badkismat maa hai jo
Beton ki sej pe leti hai
Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko
The Reader:
Madam, It sounds good that you stand to resist. My words were not an attack to you. I simply invited the men-poets to have courage “to call a spade a spade”. You are a promising poet. You know I joined this page the time when your poem “Fake is a poet” was sent to me for analysis. I did, not only, analyse it my way but did also add it in my blog to let it live its full life.
To my humble understanding, Sahir Ludhyanivi’s poem reflects the plight of the woman who had denied to accept the bridle of religion in her jaws. By then the prostitutes did mostly belong to Muslim community. “Amrav Jan Ada” reflects the narrative more vividly.
Why shouldn’t we start from the time when our beloved prophet(SAW), cut the chains of slavery for women. Why shouldn’t we recall the time when “Ama Aashia” was made the Mufti Azam of the Ummah. Our eyes see what our mind allows them to see.
Hope you understand.
The Female poet: I was expecting your comments on Sahirs poem which also starts with “Mardon ne usse bazaar diya”. Anyways. Certain humble submissions:
Women are perhaps more in need of special and discrete spaces where they are heard rather than any particular day where they are ‘celebrated’. Observing Hangul day doesnt save it from becoming endangered Poetry helps one to overcome a certain degree of powerlessness, now if even that medium of expression is strangulated, that is what results in “literary terrorism”.Unfortunately you have missed the grand narrative of “violence” in the poem. Its perhaps a result of hasty reading, unnecessary insecurity, preconceived notions about poetry from a certain gender or lack of comprehension. Why do I say lack of comprehension because nowhere in the poem the word “man” is used. U recklessly attributed violence to “man” . If you analyse the poem again, you would know that its about a common response from the weaker to the stronger. Its a response against violence-of all sorts. Please don't make a man vs women thing.
The Reader: My first submission is, let we have work done with good humor.
My prick dripped its way into a healthy discussion. Let it be not wasted in mere arguments.
You are absolutely right in saying it is not man v/s woman.
I agree. But the readers will not always read according to the perspective of the poet. Readers have their own perspective. Your words become poetry when you allow them to have a safe “transition from denotations to connotations”. As a reader i made the poem go my way.
If Sahir, a great poet, gathers the courage to count the high handedness of men on women;. why can’t a woman poet take the thread from him and come with the narrations of women’s cruelty, if any..
The Female poet: The text is absolutely out of my hand and I would happily accept all the criticism made on what has been done rather than what ought to be done. We should analyse an artist’s piece of art, in the form it has been brought forward rather than how should it have been done. If its so, then the critic himself tries to be a creator. What you expect women poets to do is a collective responsibility which falls on everyone’s shoulders if at all its really required. I am really intrigued about that “idea whose time has come”. If I may have read it right, your resentment was to the fact that I didn't post a “thank you poem” for people celebrating a day I don't believe in, calling women and her ways beautiful which is absolute objectification to me, empowering women -when I see her narratives being tweaked in all social and so called literary circles, tinting her as Habba and Parveen but not expecting the similar thematic responses from her. In my opinion the time is ripe when we respect and celebrate womanhood exactly for the same reasons we celebrate manhood, childhood or old age. Simply for her being a human being, a representative of mankind. Please spare my poor selection of words which may not convey what exactly I intend to. As you said the intention is learning rather than bringing one another down.
Peace.
The Reader: Suggestion granted, Since ages people have been calling the yes-men good for nothing. But you have words to inspire and courage to resist, it sounds great.
I believe you will, one day, dub these moments very inspiring when you will recollect to yourself how one day you faced a seemingly merciless reader. I believe you will one day earn a good name as a poet;but what about the reader like me who has never been a poet but a promising reader for good poets. I am humble enough to praise every good effort;. let the poets choose whether to give any credit to the readers who help them maintain high standards.
Peace!
Thankzzz
Finally peace process could be spelled out by the joint efforts of the poet and the reader.
Conclusion:
When the poet and the reader collide, expect the re-definition of miracles.
Tariq Ahmad Malik
behrampora raffiabad
MONDAY, 13 JUNE 2016
Pleasures of Reading
By: Tariq Ahmad MalikBooks are the most wonderful of all the inventions of man.with out them all human wisdom would have lost. But for them man would have no sense of history, and he would have to pursue every goal by starting from nothingness. Thank God, This is mere an assumption.Books lend us indomitable mind power. They bestow us with a renewedimagination .They impart us knowledge, and by investing our time in knowledge we are fetched the best interest. Book reading makes human mind peaceful, and a peaceful mind generates power. Books , when read with zeal and zest, make a man ‘man of value’ .Such a life lasts and denies the death. Books guide us how to fish, and feed us through out the life. Books shape our mental culture. Books are some times discredited as immoral. Such books do, actually show the world its shame.Among all hobbies ,book reading is the wisest choice. The wise use of leisure time is, by now, a million dollar problem. Most of the humans descend to kill this precious time. Killing time, according to philosophers, is not a murder, but a suicide. Reading habits can save us from committing this crime.Some times, when we claim that reading imparts pleasure, the question arises what psychological phenomenon can be termed as pleasure. Does pleasure connote the satisfaction of certain desire? Yes. We are endowed with many means to satisfy our cardinal and spiritual desires, and time is one among them. If time is termed as- [a] prime time and [b]leisure time. The prime time has to be used to earn living while as the leisure for pursuing hobbies. Reading in this respect is a mega leisure choice.Reading always works wonder. It helps us make intelligent use of leisure. It helps us grow our talent. It extends us a vision and help us do the impossible.Reading makes us abreast of worldly affairs and there of various challenges the worldfaces. Reading works towards making us full men. By marshaling upon the handy information of books, we can make a smooth go on the path of innovation.Reading shapes our opinion, and saves us from aimless running on wrong roads. It makes us aim specific, single minded, and dedicated .Reading makes us grow optimistic. It helps us see from the lock ups of stress and strain only stars rather than mud.It is said that prejudice is the child of ignorance. A well-read person is, then, washed off of prejudice and bias. In most cases the people who hold books dear have least time to worry. Thus reading substitutes work for worry.Reading brushes up our memory. It helps us cash in on the experiences of the men who have make a mark in their lives.Reading paves us for finding their feet on the sands of time.Specific reading determines our ambition. There are books related to every faculty which have currency in the practical world. Man only needs to choose them to excel his mettle. The news papers, economic journals, Science magazines, political journals, and magazines on poetry and literature etc make the reader up to date with the present day competition.Reading imparts confidence. It makes us believe that even the great people had been beset with problems and challenges, and that they had fallen many a time, but their greatness could sustain by rising every time they fell. Books lend us the conviction that great things are done when men and mountains meet, they are notdone by jostling in street.Reading is such an investment that has no diminishing returns, no market risks. It has high credit worthiness. All success stories unveil the fact that great achievers have essentially a good taste of reading. The I.A.S toppers, despite achieving their coveted goals often complain that they could not do justice with reading. They do dub it theirbiggest mistake.Time and again, it is proved that the people who are not used to reading are disqualified for living a worthwhile life. Their dreams of becoming titans are always chocked.It is book reading which exposes us to the annals of our past glory. By reading the classicals, we learn how human civilizations have sustained the whirlpools of the natural calamities and political traumas, and reached the present day state of affairs. Books teach us to doubt, to inquire and then to discover the validity of the findings .this systematic approach has been the routine of all great thinkers. Books ,as selfless friends, make us carefree. They work for our betterment without asking for rewards. They only want us to attend them attentively, and with full meditation. Books never misguide us . they show us our shame in order that we correct our selves. They attune us with wisdom and enlightenment. They keep us far from the unconvincing temptations of madding crowds.Books teach us to act with positive approach. they encourage us to be courageous. They keep our morale high.Book reading enthuse us to grow our own height no matter how tall our grand parents had been.Reading shapes our personality. It nurtures our wit. It carves of us quick witted orators who spellbound the listeners with their wedding bells. The well-readpeople maintain the vivacity of language. They prove to the world that nothing in this world is as alive as a word.Their attitude with structuring the sentences , their idiomic style,their brevity,and their caressing of figures of speech make the language a sensation. Our attitude and aptitude towards reading ultimately determine our altitude in society.To conclude ,it may be safely said that reading makes a full man ,conference a ready man, and writing an exact man. The profession of teachers, lawyers, judges etc will come to a stand still if they stop reading books. The students grow elite in the company of books only .It is only by dint of reading that Japan has grown their human capital to the sensational heights. To cut the story short we may conclude with saying that all of us can not become great, but all of us can attach our selves to something that is great. Why not that thing be reading when we have conviction that reading is a million dollar blessing.By:Tariq Ahmad MalikRafiabad
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Great Teachers Are Born Great!
By: Tariq Ahmd Malik
Behrampora Raffiabad
It is beyond all doubts the dedication of the teaching faculty which transforms an otherwise low performing school into an ideal learning platform. Teachers become dedicated when they assume their duty in right perspective. When they take teaching as a mission. Such teachers ensure that the students should find a reason to remember their class as an important part of their school life experience.They believe that their students are their teammates. They don’t fear to have a little fun with them. They love to be creative and innovative .Before taking their classes, they review key concepts afresh. They believe in delivering to the maximum of their potential. They make students feel excited about school.
The great teachers are always on time. They welcome their children every morning. During morning assembly sessions they make sure that the students have maximum participation in them. They set the platform for the students so that their special capabilities are honed, and they are provided ample opportunities to bring out their best.
The great teachers maintain record of their lessons. They have always a proper lesson plan. Besides their lesson plans, their diaries keep record of students’ bio data, Their case history, the contact numbers of their parents, marks awarded in different tests, etc. These teachers keep up to the date the record of the students as per their performances in different test eg, high achievers, the averages, the below averages etc.
The great teachers organize special sharing sessions for the poorly performing students and guide them through remedial teaching sessions.
The great teachers don’t allow any moment go waste in the school. When they have vacant period, they prefer to cross- examine the written work of the students. They do also spend some time in school library to update the content of their lesson plans.
The great teachers volunteer in organizing special lessons on “ Friday Post-Recess Sessions” , and discuss at length the basics of their specialized subjects. In these sessions all the students are assembled in the school auditorium for having live interaction with the expert teachers.
The great teachers keep themselves in constant touch with the parents and keep intimating them about the performance of their wards. They receive their feedback and try to explore novel learning techniques. These teachers help the administration in forming parent-teacher associations, and organize parental meets at school.
The great teachers never fear to go for innovations if they think they can help the learning process acquire momentum. They create “ Whats- Up Group” , and add the parents as members. On this page they post circulars, Notices, Datesheets, Schedules of important events, and the report of various activities the school organizes at day to day basis. They do also post the award rolls of the mock tests which the school organizes. Thus the page is intended to bring the performance of the school in public domain.
The great teachers organize the events on special days related to the life of great scholars, scientists, leaders, saints etc. They do also create awareness about different career options,health hazards, and social issues. Doing this on regular basis they inspire a change in the budding bloom of the nation.
The great teachers invite the living legends to the school and ,make them interact with the students. They organize lectures of eminent scholars. These eminent people share their experiences with students and motivate them to work out their career in a best possible way and plan their studies prudently.
The great teachers make the school into a language library. They organize student discussions, interactive sessions, and debates. They prepare Power Point Presentations and expose the students to smart learning. They show them documentaries, short films etc. and widen their mental horizons every possible way.
The great teachers form cultural clubs in their schools. They motivate and guide the students for performing art. They prepare skits, mimicry, declamations etc. They teach them folk lore. They show them the beauty of their native culture and motivate them to preserve it with all its vitalities.
To sum up , we may say that it is only the dedicated and inspiring teachers which transform an ordinary looking school into an ideal one. Such teachers are necessarily intelligent and know their subject matter well. Their work and behaviour is invariably commendable. These teachers are reflective. They keep correcting themselves .They are confident about what they deliver. They are engaging. They make learning interesting. They never dread trying a new idea. If it doesn’t work ,they refine it. If it still doesn’t work, they ditch it. They make every student feel important. Thus they do necessarily give their students a reason to remember them as an important part of their school life experience.
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