LUMS Dramaline; Fun, Frolic & No Substance!!!!

It was warm evening, exam pressure and day long study but late evening fun filled dramas/skits were respite. It was wonderful to see students using various platforms to express themselves. Dramas are one of the creative means used across the world and various themes talk volumes about issues or events happening across the society. First day, four dramas were presented, performances were wonderful, creative vigor and talent was worth noticing. They made everyone laugh and walk away with fun. However, as LUMS student, drama themes disturbed me a lot and made me think. All three dramas were fun packed but them talked about drinks. One drama was about a gay, it was neither ridiculing nor demonizing gay or supporting but performance was more of physical nature. Gay character was getting closer or sitting on the top of other guy, wearing female nightwear etc. Second drama was about junior student ragging, a student from Karachi facing seniors. It was shocking to me once senior asked naïve junior about his academic profile, reply was “Mein Nay Inter Ka Course Kia Hay”. It was way below the belt; I could never expect this from LUMS student.  Lastly, a drama on Sawat Taliban was presented; they depicted the other side of the story. A guy visits Sawat with his wife, forcefully abused & wife gets killed.

One thing always comes in mind that everyone knows about Sufi Mohammad (Taliban Leader in Sawat Valley) and it is obvious the way our security establishment propped Taliban to get foothold in strategic tug of war in regional geo-political milieu. Drama depicted Taliban as heroes; the extreme actions against women were the result of US drones. Furthermore, it was never realized that Sawat had always been a tourist resort, a tolerant society but messed by Taliban. Talibanization is neither Islamic nor Pashtun culture it’s the result of geo-political tug of war hurting men, women and innocent children. Performances were no doubt fun watching but lack of substance shows dismal state of our society. To me it’s the by product of our academic system, we teach distorted history, de-intellectualization is eminent, biased media and dominance of right wing forces in security establishment of Pakistan is deeply hurting our progress.

No Public Display of Affection- LUMS!

As LUMS student, I am sad to hear that premier institute has taken away the personal rights of students, when they announced ban on KISSING on campus. I had been following the email threads and discussions on pros and cons on Public Display of Affection, but I tend no to agree with argument that anything against the social norms should be banned.

Issue was raised when a student peck her boyfriend on the cheek during Ramadan. It was not a French Kiss rather a simple PECK.

Public display of affection is a debatable issue; everyone has his or her limits regarding how much is too much!! Socially if I look at, on the one hand there are many of my friends who do not shake hands on the other hand there are female friends who shake hands as well as kiss on the cheek. To me it is one’s personal choice and matter of comfort, no one should have right to dictate someone what is right or wrong.

Behind the doors as hypocrite society everything is acceptable but in public, majority wears a social mask and looks pious and expects others to behave as per THEIR defined framework. Was Peck on the cheek alarming or during Ramadan, well its personal choice if someone doesn’t follow religion, it is his or her choice. It doesn’t mean that if someone doesn’t follow the defined code of behavior, he or she is being disrespectful to religion or society. Come on, peck on the cheeks is simply a sweet natural human behavior, what is harm in it.

I have seen LUMS in harmony, students working under the umbrella of LUMS religious society, whatever they do they have liberty, similarly music society , Arts and Drama society, girls and guys attending prayers in the central mosque or students dancing in campus concerts, girls in Hejab and girls in Capri’s or Jeans with low neck are not frowned upon. To me, as long as if anything doesn’t affect others people should not have any issue.

I have seen female students sitting on the lap of fellow male students, why one should raise eyebrows, it is such a simple and natural human behavior.

Universities are places, students do not follow conventional wisdom and norms, Hippie culture was the by product of campuses, students defied the prevailing culture. LUMS is a place I came across students questioning the existence of God and relevance of religion, it is positive thing that one must question everything under the sun but at the same time one should not have any right to disrespect or hurt anyone’s feelings.

I guess to regulate student behavior is not going to help; if someone wants to get intimate I hardly think anything would stop him or her.

Its better to discuss the pros and cons of socially acceptable behavior and let students decide out of choice to practice socially acceptable norms or go their own away.

I expect LUMS would relook this; else Student bodies should challenge the behavior regulation.

This blog excerpts published in prestigious Indian media;

Zee News

(http://www.zeenews.com/news571784.html)

Deccan Herald

(http://www.deccanherald.com/content/31284/to-kiss-not-kiss-keeps.html)

Times of India

(http://iplextra.indiatimes.com/quote/0gqK9Zcdv27Ei?q=Pink)

The Statesman

(http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php

Lahori Accent, Insecure Karachi & Lust for Food :-)

Whenever I am in Karachi, I end up with Lahore- Karachi debate with my friends. Karachi is my first home and Lahore is second “LUMS my academic abode” Apart from Arabian Sea, Karachi is a cosmopolitan city yet very very insecure. One can not think of carrying expensive cell phone, mugging and cell phone snatching is so common that even congested main roads are not spared. Insecurity of Karachi sucks, whereas in Lahore, it is not that bad, people roam around late, muggings is not common, it is peaceful life as compared to crowded and chaotic Karachi. However, charm of cosmopolitan port city is not comparable. Hey my Karachi friends, don’t get offended, am being pro Lahori here!! let me amuse you guys. Lahori accent is funny, food lack spice “my type though”, my favorite restaurant POLO LOUNGE is also in Lahore. Let me share few funny words, Lahori pronounce “Hour, Ghanta as GHAAINTA” “Seventeen, Satra, SAATAARA” “Street, SATREET” “Screen, SAKREEN” “School, SAKOOL”, “Round About, GOL CHAKKAR” “Company, KOMPAANY” "Dahi Bhallay" "Tree, Darakht, DARAKHAAT" "Round About, CHOUNKK" " Brother, Bhai Jan, PAI YAAN" hehe

On the other day my friend from Karachi visited me, on our way, we had an interesting discussion, she said, she would love to live in Lahore provided if you transfer the people from Karachi to Lahore and vice versa ;-)

There are so many funny and hilarious accent bloopers, hey Karachites, you would love them. On the other hand Lahori are more sociable than Karachites, outgoing and friendly. They love FOOD, lust for cuisines is amazing. I would rather call both Karachi & Lahore my home towns, after Karachi, it is the only city where I feel at home.

Lahore Lahore EE ;-) & Karachi Rocks :-)

Ofcourse i have to be diplomat here:P......after all , i am a LIBRA ;-) 

Kissing Students, Exploring Youth, Hey What’s Wrong???

 I wanted to share a story my friend shared, he was back at his university; he was upset because of moral policing attitude of few guys there. It's weekend, music concert was also going on, few couple getting closer probably hugging and few of them ended up kissing and one girl was sitting on guys lap. He has seen people have no problem with their lives, they practice what they believe but they want every other person to follow the moral code as per his or her interpretation. All mullahs have also got problem with other people, they are concerned what others are doing! He just fail to understand, as long as someone is not bothering others, getting closer to someone or getting intimate with someone he or she adore. What’s wrong in it??? He believes that we have to live with it, let people have their freedom and follow the moral code that suits each one of us. Believe you , to him all these guys envy, what they can't do ' but they want to;-)" , if you leave them on a Greek naturist beach, they would be the first one to enjoy instant copulation on white sandy beach, without thinking about morality. He agrees, public places are to be spared but double standard of our society really sucks.

High Heel Race At LUMS……Wow

It is really awesome to see different athletic practiced at LUMS. Hi heel race is an amazing idea to let girls show their athletic stamina along with balancing skills.

I was glad to know that event was sponsored by an international shoe company and grand prize was Rs 10,000.

Laughter was seen when students saw their fellow students struggling to keep balance during the race.

Cool and healthy idea…..something different. I missed it, i wish i were there :-(

Someone I know did not participate in the race because she thinks she is too old to participate. I was amazed to see hardcore Bollywood following at LUMS….ufff my God, she simply adores Salman, I am sure if Salman Khan were at LUMS she would have participated in the race: P

Celebration Day in Desi Mardi Gras Style

LUMS is in the mood of celebrating Mardi Gras in desi style, there is a lot of celebration and fun activities organized by the outgoing students to make a memorable exit.

After the Bandit Queens raid, there has been New Orleans style Mardi Gras party, people were wearing colorful dresses, guys were rap dancing in Black style ….girls were celebrating and enjoying the music and dancing…..favorite dances were seen, when BILLO RANNI KAHO TOU song was played….

Few cars, loaded with colorful students, dancing and celebrating the day…it was all colorful and fun.

New Orleans is favorite for the Mardi Gras celebration. In Europe Mardi Gras has long been a time of extravagant fun for European Christians. In fact, some people think Mardi Gras celebrations have their source in the wild springtime orgies of the ancient Romans.In the United States, Mardi Gras draws millions of fun-seekers to New Orleans every year and it is celebrated in New Orleans on a grand scale. The millions of colorful beaded necklaces thrown from floats are the most visible symbols and souvenirs of Mardi Gras.

There was no necklaces throwing at LUMS but colorful event, fun and frolic made it a desi style Mardi Gras.

Dude You Are A Brand Freak ...

Ohhhhhhhh GOD, these guys over here have made me the brand freak ....the reason they cite is the KARACHI influence ...ufff most of the time talking about my Accessories, the Rugged Sandy Bag, NIKE Beach Shoe, Rough Signature Jeans.....

Apart from that we had nice discussion on the role of brand and dress in non verbal communication....we came up with thoughts that brands associates with personality traits....it reminded me of one of the presentation i delivered on Brand at PIA training center along with my friend......

My motto has always been Brand New Clothes for Brand New Life..........

But there was another question raised by guys..... do girls like it when guys wear branded clothes or normal stuff ?????

I think apart from brand, it matters what looks good......but still brand ;-) does make a difference.....

I have started falling in love....come on .....No Girlssssss plzzzzzz......for accessories...more i collect more i get satisfaction.......

I won't mind if my LUMS friends call me brand freak :-) as long as i am happy to wear what i like...

Imran Plzz Do Not Commit Suicide

Ufff it has been few weeks i have been getting messages from friends that Plzzzz Imran whatever happens with LUMS grades...plzzzzzzz "do not commit suicide"...my friends are willing to accept me as friend even with whatever grades :-)

LUMS has become notorious for grilling and it requires charged up vigor to compete......

This blog post is for my friends......rest be assured you guys are my strenghtes, whatever comes on my way, i know you guys will stand next to me to support ;-)

On serious note, it is need of the hour to look back and see the flaws in system and it requires alot of thought provoking inputs and consideration to diverse view points so that we could have benign learning.

Dare to FART & LUMS Class Participation CP

Some suggestions for all of us;-) heheh

A French doctor is urging his countrymen to take a more relaxed view to bodily functions for the good of their health.Frédéric Saldmann says they should give free rein to farting, burping and sweating to reduce the risk of cancer.In his book, Le Grand Ménage, Dr Saldmann invites them to embrace the stereotypical British view of the French.

The French, he says, should ‘dare to fart’. Getting rid of the two litres of gas produced each day is a ‘natural process’ and retaining it can be harmful to the intestines.

At LUMS big chunk of performance point rest with class participation CP...few of my fellows always hold their thoughts and other just impatiently release it....i love to see few guy marching out of class with HONDA jingle "Mein Tay CP Hee Lay Saaaan" and few sharp ones march with EAGLE jingle " Mein Nay Tay CP Lay Veee Leee" heheheh

Polo Lounge Food, Lums Graduate, Flag is Up Farm

Whenever i get fed up with studies, serenity and awesome food at Polo Lounge in Lahore energizes my vigor....its awesome to see horses and complete green calm in the middle of Lahore...simply great..

It is an amazing idea or brainchild of LUMS graduate Hina Khar and Asma Ramday....

To me Polo Lounge is a palate pleaser.

This is a place for people with discerning taste who can appreciate good quality food and (upscale) environment.” Not unexpectedly, the lounge is a regular haunt for polo players and socialites.

Whenever i go i always fall for dishes some of my favorites are ;

The saddle prawn, Stuffed chicken and the avocado and jocca cottage cheese salad (avocadoes, fresh button mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumber, cottage cheese in Italian vinaigrette on a bed of Iceberg lettuce topped with jocca cottage and parmesan) .

Steaks are another hot seller. The carpetbag steak (classic fillet of beef stuffed with shitake mushrooms, onions and cheddar cheese served with béarnaise sauce)

The décor is just as delicious as food,the floor is dark mahogany and the bar a deep burgundy. Whole feel is simply comfy and cozy.

More i go more i miss the food....

This week there has been alot of talk about horses, i was surprised to hear the discussion in my LUMS class regarding the Flag is Up Farm "MAN WHO LISTENS TO THE HORSES (Top Corporate Executives Trained at the Horse Farm simply amazing) ...it is amazing to see the demo how a person communicates with wild horses and friendly body language breaks the horse and brings the intimate connection.....we humans simply forget the non verbal bodily gestures in our day to day connections with family and friends.

LUMS student hangs himself

Committing suicide for bad grades is alarming....it reminds me of my first few sleepless nights of SOP at LUMS, virtually taking us to the point of nervous break down...sigh....nightmare....

I think it is high time for LUMS to think over about benign tools to impart education rather than coercing with hardcore CP pressure.............

I am sad to read following news;

A Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) student was found hanged in his dorm room on Tuesday. He was a BSc fourth year economics major. The police said that Hashir Munawwar was from Karachi and lived on campus at LUMS. They said that Hashir was having trouble with his grades. Sources said Hashir had been expelled from the university over his grades. Hashir’s mother called him on his cell phone on Tuesday, but he did not answer. She called his younger brother, Aqib Munawwar, who was a second year student at LUMS to check on his older brother. Aqib went to Hashir’s dorm room (No 111 in M-1 Hostel) and found it locked from inside. Aqib told the hostel warden to open Hashir’s room, which he did. Aqib and the warden found Hashir hanging from the ceiling fan with a wire. Defence ASP Ayaz said that because of his poor GPA the university administration wrote to his father, Col (r) Munawwar Hussain, who scolded Hashir. This happened a couple of weeks ago. He said that the police did not find any evidence of foul play. Awais, a LUMS student who knew Hashir, said that the deceased had spent five years at LUMS even though he was enrolled in a four-year programme. He said that Hashir had not graduated and his grades were troubling him again. He said that LUMS would conduct a press conference on Wednesday (today) in this regard. staff report

Romantic Lahore – Truly Fallen in Love

I visit Lahore almost once in every quarter to attend my Executive MBA classes at LUMS and at times business trips also provide me opportunity to be in Romantic Lahore.

Lahore is truly a romantic city and it always leaves me mesmerized, it is fascinating and hospitable.

Lahori architecture esp. walled city gives immense pleasure and excitement. Jahangir’s tomb and various historical monuments enthrall me.

I envy Lahori buildings and Rohtas make me deeply fall in love with Lahore again and again.

Lahore is my academic abode and to me it is like second home. Apart from city, Lahori girl’s charming beauty is also exotic.

Food is amazing, whole city’s craving for food seems larger than life.

Not to forget, I have also discovered a EUROPE in Lahore, not many people know about the underground mega fun.