Addressing Your Inner Turmoil

 “The more you analyze yourself, the more you are able to put things in perspective. Then you can address your inner turmoil.”

Sometimes we all have those moments in our life where we all feel alone and miserable. We keep thinking about it and feel sorry for being in that situation. But less do we know that we have the solution to it.  You know what it is? To thrive and do our best to get out of that darkness. 

Usually, we do thrive and try our best to see the light but can’t, and you know why is that so? Because that time, we need a hand to hold ours, and to lead and guide us out. Here, we don’t think much about whose hand we are holding. Is it someone who is actually our companion? Or someone who wants to throw us more deep into that dark place? 

Many times, one hears of how some successful person achieved all his\her goals and all with the support and love of their best friend or muse. The thing we do not realize is, why can’t we be our own muse, and our own best friend? Why are we so scared to be by ourselves and to be our own support system? Now, just ponder this thing, how can we learn to love and support others if we do not know how to adore and appreciate ourselves? 

This world is loaded with people wearing layers of masks, acting to be nice and being our best companions, but if we think about having a friend who is just and honest to us, it is no one but us, our-self. Just think about it for a moment; who knows your secrets the most? It’s YOU! Who knows your likes and dislikes the most? It’s YOU! Who is honest, loyal, and just with you? IT IS YOU and no one else. 

In addition, we need to be our own therapist to learn how to survive through the darkest times in our life. This enables us to explore our issues and to analyze our problems. The more we analyze ourselves, the more we are able to put things in perspective. Then we can address our inner turmoil and take steps to resolve our problems, without letting our enemies know what we are going through.

To sum up, all we need is to learn to love and appreciate ourselves. We need to pin this in our minds that we don’t need others to help us to achieve our goals, because every person who acts to be our friend is not actually our friend. So, “we have to learn to be our own best friends, because we fall too easily into the trap of bring our own worst enemies”.

Written by Sehrish Fatima

The Significance of Lahore Resolution in Modern Day Pakistan

 A long stretch of the downfall of the Mughal Empire, the mutiny and the deterioration, there existed the acceptance of colonial slavery. The dehumanization of entire races and the betrayal amongst those who lived together in harmony for so many years. It created the ultimate division, the Two-Nation Theory. Not out of spite, or hate, or racism, it was a step to preserve a religious community’s identity as it has been for centuries.

What at time was seen as a nail in the coffin of years long inter harmony between Muslims and Hindus actually proved to be a steppingstone for the political presence of the Muslim population of the sub=continent, a political force strong enough in such a short amount of time that it created a new country through years of struggle through racism, intolerance and sheer hate.

The Muslim league had existed for 34 years only, which is a relatively short span of time in which the party gained such traction among the majority of Muslim population, when on 23^rd March 1940, the resolution was put forth to declare that the primary focus from that day onward was to create a state that would let Muslims live their lives according to their religion. That the differences between the minority and the majority had turned the minority into a target among the population and for the unwanted rules of the sub-continent. The Lahore resolution gave the party a unified policy and a clear ideology which resonated with the population. And history speaks for itself how in just 7 years, our country Pakistan was born.

The reason to celebrate 23^rd March every year is to remind ourselves that for almost 74 years, we have gone through every natural calamity, political instability, terrorism, war, secular division, intolerance, and extremism. But we have powered through it. It has hurt us, made us unstable and weak at times, but we have come out intact and strong as ever.

Every 23^rd march, it is a wake-up call that we are the descendants of people who didn’t give up in the face of colonial suppression and racism. Our forefathers created this country for us through rivers of blood, sweat and tears. They vouched to those who said that this nation won’t last long and will give in, that our country will stay on the face of the Earth for as long as the Day of judgement. It is our duty to hold onto those words and make this country a better place for those who will come after us.

Written by: Raffeain Khalil

23rd March: A History

 

23^rd MARCH, 1940

PAKISTAN DAY

23^rd March, 1940. This day came to be known as one of the most important days in the history of partition of united India and independence of Pakistan. This day was a part of an important three day general session held by All India Muslim League from 22-24 March 1940. More than 1 lakh people were present. The highlight of the session was a resolution called ‘Lahore Resolution’ also called as ‘Pakistan Resolution’ or ‘declaration of independence of Pakistan’. This resolution was written and prepared by Mr.Zafarullah Khan and was presented by A.K Fazlul Huq, who was later known as ‘Sher e Bengal’. This resolution called for independent states and was immediately adopted by All India Muslim League to strengthen their independence movement.

When Lahore Resolution was passed Quaid-e-Azam tried to unite the Muslims of Indo-Pak subcontinent on one platform. He visited different parts of India and informed the Muslims about wrong policies of Indian National Congress and points in their agenda which they twisted to benefit the Hindus as much as they could. The events that occurred following the victory of Congress in 1935 election made everything that had been said since the start of the Separation movement very clear. Almost all the major Muslim leaders were in support, Quaid also succeeded in making a group of Deoband Scholars under the leadership of Shabeer Ahmed Usmani become an ally and an important part of the freedom movement. This resolution demanded independent states as can be seen in the document’s points enlisted below:

   1. While approving and endorsing the action taken by the Council and the Working Committee of the All Indian Muslim League as indicated in their resolutions dated the 27^th of August, 17^th and 18^th of September and 22^nd of October, 1939, and 3^rd February 1940 on the constitutional issues, this Session of the All-Indian Muslim League emphatically reiterates that the scheme of federation embodied in the Government of India Act, 1935, is totally unsuited to, and unworkable in the peculiar conditions of this country and is altogether unacceptable to Muslim India.

     2. Resolved that it is the considered view of this Session of the All India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in a majority as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped o constitute “Independent States” in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign.

3.  That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them; and in other parts of India where the Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them.

  4.  This Session further authorizes the Working Committee to frame a scheme of constitution in accordance with these basic principles, providing for the assumption finally by the respective regions of all powers such as defense, external affairs, communications, customs and such other matters as may be necessary."

Opposition by their own kin:

Opposition by Congress and Hindus was constant and in fact Hindu news channels were the first one to call it ‘Pakistan Resolution’ and not ‘Lahore Resolution’. The words of independent states were not acceptable to any congress leader and there was a constant disagreement with All India Muslim League.

   The All India Azad Muslim Conference gathered just a month after Lahore Resolution to raise their voice in support of independent and United India, as a response to Lahore Resolution. They were not alone in doing so, the leaders of different Islamic organizations as well as 1400 nationalist Muslim delegates played their equal part to oppose The Resolution. The All India Muslim League worked tirelessly to silence the nationalist who were weakening the movement, often using the methods of intimidation and coercion, The effects were not profound but the murder of Chief Minister of Sindh and All India Azad Muslim Conference leader ‘Allah Bakhsh Soomro’ made the journey towards the creation of Pakistan smoother.

Commemoration:

• To commemorate the event, Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument 60 m tall in the shape of a Minaret, was built at the site in Iqbal Park where the resolution was passed.
• 23 March also known as ‘Pakistan day’ is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate both Lahore Resolution (1940) and the Republic Day (1956); the country became the first Islamic Republic in the world

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 Written by Sehrish Fatima

23rd March

23 MARCH, 1940.

   

‘THE PAKISTAN RESOLUTION’

 

The LAHORE RESOLUTION or THE PAKISTAN RESOLUTION is the most significant landmark in the history of freedom struggle. In the month of March 1940, the muslims of India adopted a resolution embodying their national objectives and expressing their firm commitment to make all out efforts for the achievement of these objectives.

 

Addressing a rally of more than hundred thousand people after the Jum’a prayers on March 22, the QUAID E AZAM said

                     

                     ‘…. Under the plea of unity of India and one nation, which does not exist, it is sought to pursue here the line of one central government. We know that the history of the last twelve hundred years has failed to achieve unity, and has witnessed India during the ages, always divided into Hindu India and Muslim India….. Musalamans are a nation according to any definition of a nation, and they must have their homeland. We wish to live in the peace and harmony with our neighbours as a free and independent people.’

Being a nation, we all must be aware of the importance of Pakistan Resolution, it is the remarkable efforts and achievements of our forefathers that we are living as a independent state. The demand of separate homeland was not only for the Muslims of India but also for all the minorities living in India.

 

 

Adoption of the Lahore Resolution was, undoubtedly, a significant landmark in the history of the Muslim India. The Muslim of India set their national objectives and expressed their unflinching determination to make all out efforts for the achievement of these objectives. The Lahore Resolution gave a direction to the political struggle of the Muslims, and within a short span of seven years time the Muslims were able to achieve their cherished goal; Pakistan.

 

 Written by Ashba Ahmed

Extracurricular Activities for University Students

 

Most of the times, a student’s life revolves around books, school/college/university, and a humongous load of studies and assignments. I am a university student and I know how university (sometimes) can be a drab place. But hey! I know a way through which you can make studying at university a fun thing!

You must know and have heard about the term “extracurricular activities”, but if you haven’t, let me give you a pronto idea about it: extracurricular activities are extra academic activities that students perform to improve their grades, to gather a sense of commitment, to learn various skills, and also to increase their social circle. You know what’s the best thing about it? It makes your academic experience gladdening, exhilarating, and enriching. Sounds fun, right?

There are multitudinous activities that you can perform. Hey! Check out the following list of extracurricular activities that you can perform at Bahria University, Islamabad:

·    Joining university clubs
·       Debate teams
·       Internships
·       Community services
·       Part-time jobs
·       Athletics
·       Join student newspaper

Performing these activities help us to increase our social circle and to make new friends. But guys, don’t forget about Covid-19, it’s still out there right? So, how are we supposed to do internships? How can we do community services and perform other activities? L

Hey! Don’t be sad, because I have a good news! As it’s not possible to gather to perform extra academic activities, we can perform them online. I know online extracurricular activities won’t be that fun, but don’t worry pals, I am going to tell you some fun online extracurricular activities too. Yeah! I know I am a genius, thank me later.

·       Start a YouTube channel
·       Write blogs
·       Join online debates
·       Attend some online sessions about anything that interests you
·       Learn something creative from internet and promote your work through social media.

Here you go amigos! The above mentioned activities are the ones that I think are best for a university student to choose from, according to their interest. But if I get unlucky and you don’t like any of these, don’t forget to click the following links and choose an activity to consume your leisure time effectively J

https://blog.prepscholar.com/extracurricular-activities-examples-for-college-applications

https://www.pondercollege.com/blog/best-online-extracurricular-activities

https://www.careeraddict.com/extracurricular-activities

https://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/impressive-extracurriculars

Written by Sehrish Fatima

Study Tips For University Students

Basically, during your first year at university, you will know what kind of learner you are. In order to find out what works for you, you may need to research and experiment with different ways of learning and working with content. In fact, you may find that you use different learning strategies for different papers to process knowledge so that you can understand and remember it.

The biggest challenge for everyone as a student is becoming accustomed to being in charge of your own time. Especially if you live at a university, you can't rely on anyone else to get you out of bed on time for a 9 a.m. lecture, or you can't remember to do your 'homework' the night before. 

Use your time wisely; not only sound education but his alertness and dedication too are most required. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn.

Each university provides additional sessions in the form of study groups, additional classes, review sessions or study skills seminars. While these are optional, they can be really helpful - especially when taking exams! This is a great opportunity for you to ask a question, or to get further clarification on a difficult topic. You will be amazed at how many different types of extra help are available to you!

Group studies may help students, friends and their knowledge may help you. As they can understand your knowledge better about your concepts. Take study tips from them also. By reading each group member, reading and summarizing the most important points of a chapter, other students in the group gain the ability to understand the chapters in a deeper way. 

Different students can uncover themes or ideas that others may not initially understand, so studying with others can be an eye-opening experience. Students can analyze their results, which can serve as a criterion to help determine the most important points of a chapter. 

Written by Ashba Ahmad

Tips For Writing A Good Essay

 

 

 Let us first understand what basically literal meaning of essay is, the word ‘essay’ is derived from a Latin word ‘exagium’, which roughly translates to presenting one’s case. So basically essays are a short piece of writing representing one’s side of the argument or one’s experiences, stories, etc. Essays are very personalized as it can be as short as 700 words and as long as more than 5000 words.

 

There are several useful tips that can be followed to write a good and to the point essay which will be surely admired by everyone and also followed and suggested by professionals. These tips are as follow

                                                                                           

1. Plan

If you make a really good plan you will actually save yourself time when it comes to writing the essay, jot down a few ideas anyway and chances are the rest will follow.

 

2. Having a clear structure

In order to write a successful essay, you must organize your thoughts. By taking what’s already in your head and putting it to paper, you are able to see connections and links between ideas more clearly. This structure serves as a foundation for your paper. Use either an outline or a diagram to jot down your ideas and organize them.

 

3.  Find a compelling topic.

The best essay topics are often deeply relatable. Although the story itself is unique to the author’s experience, there’s some universal truth that speaks to us from just below the surface. Topics like facing a fear, falling in love, overcoming an obstacle, discovering something new, or making a difficult choice tackle feelings and events that happen in everyone’s life.

4. Narrow your focus.

Don’t try to write to a general topic. Your essay may well be about sexism, but you need to illustrate it through the lens of a defining incident that’s deeply personal to you. What did your experiences teach you about sexism? What does it mean to you as an individual?

5.  Craft a thought provoking conclusion

Your essay should end with your own reflection and analysis. What did you learn? How have the events and thoughts you described changed your life or your understanding of life? It’s not enough to say “And that’s what happened.” You have to describe how whatever happened shaped you or simple words your own comments about that particular thing.

Written by Fatima Javed -- BSS 2(A)

How To Make Your Hostel Life More Fun

 

For some students, university life means studying, chilling with friends and then returning to the comfort of their homes. For others (including me), university life was a completely different setup. It involved moving out of your home, sharing a room with four people, and giving yourself a fresh start. It meant managing finances, study, your own well-being and letting yourself have fun.

 

I am a resident of the girls hostel of Bahria University and I can say for sure that university life is a blast when you’re a hostel student. You’re living with new people, sharing experiences, complaining about the cook half the time and making every minute of your stay memorable.

Fatima Hostel, Bahria University Islamabad.

 

Here are some tips to make your hostel life and in terms, your university life more enjoyable.

• Customize your space to your liking. Let it be lights, pin-ups, wall hangings, frames etc. You’ll be able to tackle homesickness easily.
  
  
  
  
•  Maintain a healthy relationship with your roommates. Please do not become a corner bird confined to your bed.
  
  
• Get hobbies. In hostel, you’d be bored to death if you didn’t invest time into stuff you love. The main reason I joined the media club was to give myself some space to explore my love for writing and pass my time doing what I love.
  
  
• Socialize among the residents. After work, we all gather up in the common room, eat together, drink ungodly amount of tea and coffee.
  
  
• Find people of the same department as you. Chances are that it will help you relate to them study wise and help you out in your university life.
   
•  Keep snacks at hand! Its exam season and you’re tired and the last thing you need is a backlog on your munching.  Keep your favourite foods at hand.
  
  
• Handle finances. You get your monthly allowance. You burn it up and now you’re broke. The biggest reason of stress in hostel life is mismanagement of money. Keep a budget but allow yourself to have fun. In the end, you won't be stressing out with an empty wallet.

In the end, I would say that this is simultaneously the most responsible and most carefree time of your life. Enjoy it and make your hostel mates your family. You won't regret it.

 

Written by Raffeain Khalil

 

 

 

International Women’s Day: Significance Amid COVID-19

The International Women’s Day: a day on which women all around the world, regardless of their ethnicity, age, religion, and role, are appreciated and acknowledged. In the 21st century, amidst the rapid development of globalization, we’re all aware of this day. We text our mothers, call our sisters, email our favorite high school teachers and thank them for being who they are. 

But do we know why this day matters?

A little history

Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. It was first recognized by the United Nations in 1977, but the first individual to acknowledge this day was Clara Zetkins from Germany in 1911. The world has been celebrating this meaningful day for a century now, and each year brings us closer to fully respecting the efforts of half the world’s population.  

However, this year holds an even greater significance. This year, we appreciate all the women of the world who played their part in the pandemic. 

International Women’s Day 2021

It has been a year since Pakistan -- and the rest of the world -- went under lockdown because of the coronavirus. And this entire year has been full of effort from women: not just world leaders like Jacinda Ardern or activists like Greta Thunberg, but also the women whom we continuously overlook. 

Who are these women? They are our mothers, teachers, doctors, nurses, housekeepers -- and so many others. They all underwent rapid changes this year. Many of them lost their jobs, countless suddenly had to keep living up to their assigned roles as mothers and wives despite their inner turmoil.

In 2021, it’s our duty to appreciate these women in our lives who are playing their role to the fullest despite being as lost as the rest of us. 

And for all the women who are reading this, let’s not back away from challenging any obstacles that we’ll face. Because challenge leads to change, and change is the one thing the world needs now.

2021’s theme for women’s day is #ChooseToChallenge, so let’s step out of our comfort zones and make this day about appreciation and change!

Written by Filza Haider, Deputy Director Content Writing