The cry of domestic rampage

Published in The voice of youth on  9 December 2011

http://thevoiceofyouth.com/2011/12/09/the-cry-of-domestic-rampage/

The cry of domestic rampage

Posted in Social Issues on 09. Dec, 2011

By Noor-ul-Ain Hanif

The womb of a mother that nurtures and protects a baby before coming in this world, the better half that carries the half burden of husband’s life, the beloved women who offers her shoulder in times of sadness, the delicate and tender hands of a sister that manages the house in absence of a mother. Faces keep changing in life but the gender remains the same. Yes, its a woman!

The kind heart in a soft body best defines a woman and some people take advantage of this quality. Being the weaker sex, woman faces a lot of difficulties and misfortunes in her life from childhood to maturity. In childhood, she is unaware of the unnecessary touching of choori wala, ice-cream wala or dukan wala and in mature age, she is aware of everything but can’t do anything. A number of bills against women harassment and violence have been passed in the past, but a rural woman. a victim of domestic violence is still fighting for life and freedom.

According to the website www.humanillnesses.com,

“Violence is the use of physical force to injure people or property. Violence may cause physical pain to those who experience it directly, as well as emotional distress to those who either experience or witness it.”

The definition of women violence is not much different to that of the actual definition of violence. The only difference is that weaker sex mostly experiences the harsh actions due to the unaware and illiterate behavior of stronger sex that is man.

The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) states that

 “violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men.”

Violence against women include: domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse and rape in intimate relationships; psychological and emotional abuse, femicid, sexual abuse of children and adolescent, forced prostitution and sex-selective abortions.

While discussing women violence, domestic violence over women should be highlighted and given a wider space. Violence starts from home. It may be by parents, husband or another woman. It’s true a woman is mostly alleged of doing violence over another woman. She may be present in the face of sister-in-law or mother-in-law or any other lady. Women usually experience domestic violence over dowry issues, jealousy issues or other house hold problems. But now, the violence has taken a new turn, as black magic is also involved in it. The women with shaky believes usually go to the babas to get rid of other women. Another major reason of violence is having a girl in womb. The discrimination of girl and boy is destroying our society and a number of women have been burnt or strangled to death for giving birth to a girl.

Mostly husbands consider their right to abuse or beat up wives so that the wife can’t dominate. Such illiterate views ruin their married life. Their kids also suffer the consequences and creates a negative impact on their minds. According to the study of PhD student Naima Hassan, the Applied Psychology Department of the Punjab University,

“Most husbands consider abusing or even beating up wives their right many justifying the abuse by arguing that their wives do not hold their in-laws in esteem or lack warmth in lovemaking”

Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence with reference to Ansar Burney Trust,

“According to estimates – as many as 70 percent of women in Pakistan experience domestic violence. This violence can range from beatings, to sexual violence or torture, to broken bones and very serious injury caused by pouring of acid or burning the victim alive.”

Domestic violence can be very brutal and lethal. A woman should take an action at an early step before it’s too late. She can inform her parents and if it doesn’t work out then she can get help and support from women NGOS working in Pakistan. A number of bills have also been passed by the National Assembly in order to save women from the horrible violence. The only drawback is that the brutal assailant is later released on bail. Women do protest against the bail out of such men, but it is the men who eventually dominate the society.

Knowledge is power. Only education can change the present scenario.

According to Hazrat Ali (A.S),

"Knowledge and practice are twins, and both go together. There is no knowledge without practice, and no practice without knowledge."

Seek knowledge, spread knowledge and kindly use knowledge in taking your decision in the light, because knowledge will never let you down.

© 2011, the Voice of Youth. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Hai koi hum jaisa!

Published in Element Prime December issue

http://issuu.com/elementprime/docs/element_prime_-_december_2011/13

Hai koi hum jaisa!

By Noor-ul-Ain Hanif

“Pak Sar Zameen Shad Bad…” by reading these verses I am sure, a nostalgic puff has blow your hair and you’ve imagined your self standing in center of school ground attending the school assembly, wearing proper uniform, hair are combed well and laces are fasten tightly but here I want to draw your attention towards one of the most important events in the 64 years history of Pakistan that our country has registered a new record of most people singing Pakistan's National Anthem on 14 August 2011. 

The new world record is the most precious gift, gifted to Pakistan on its 65th birthday by the patriotic youth. The idea of breaking record was put forward by the two youngsters Abid Beli and Waqas Pai under the banner of “I own Karachi”. According to the post of Abid on the website of I own Karachi. May 30, 2011, “We contacted Guinness world record team that we are planning to break above mention record.  We didn’t confirm them a Date & Time. So once we receive positive response from those people who are willing to join hand with us to break this record than we will announce the Date & Time. Till now we agreed on 14th august 2011”(http://www.iownpakistan.com/2011/05/30/world-record-for-most-people-singing-pakistans-national-anthem/)

However, the vigorous youngsters spread their message through the hub websites of youngsters, the famous social networking websites Facebook and Twitter, a large number of people came to know about the event through the websites and join their voices with others in order to break the world record. The gathering was voluntarily organized by the youngsters without any sponsorship or support from the public or private sector.

The event was held in Karachi, late night at Defence Stadium where 5,857 Karachiites gathered, when the clock struck 12:00 am, the zealous crowd chanted the national anthem to break the previous record of 5,248 people, achieved by students, staff, faculty and alumni of MSU-IIT (Philippines) who sang ‘Lupang Hinirang’ their National Anthem, at the MSU-IIT gymnasium, in Iligan, Philippines, on 1 September 2009.

Before Philippines, this record was under Indian custody as 104,637 people sang ‘Vande Mataram’ on January 12, 2010 which is not exactly their anthem but a National song. Therefore, a youth representative Abid Beli contacted the organizers of the Guinness records, notifying them the record of singing national anthem by a large number of people in India should be removed as they have not sung their National anthem that is “Jana Gana Mana”

Along with the devoted crowd, renowned politician Marvi Memon, Captain Wasi, who was freed along with his ship crew after months by the Somali pirates, was present on the occasion with his daughter Laila Wasi.  The honorable celebrities also addressed the crowd.

Hindrances are always present on the smooth path of success so as in the way of achieving record.  Despite of huge people marked attending on Facebook, a quarter of them made it to come to the event due the sudden rain so it took a flood of texts, tweets and Facebook messages at the last minute to attract more people. Hence, the jubilant, vigorous and zealous crowd successfully breaks the record on 14th August 2011.

The rise of electricity

Published in Element Prime November issue

http://issuu.com/elementprime/docs/element_prime_-_november_2011/11

http://issuu.com/elementprime/docs/element_prime_-_november_2011/13

Comment by the Chairman, IEEEP, Tahir Saleem, Karachi Centre:

A very good article ,I appreciate your efforts.

The rise of electricity

By Noor-ul-Ain Hanif

From the doorbell that milk man, sweeper, car cleaner and vegetable seller press every morning to the heavy food items we store in our refrigerators, from the remote button that we press to turn off A/C to the other buttons , we press to turn on lights and fans, everything is the fruitful work of others. However, the main back bone to power every necessity is electricity which itself is the hard work and research of different scientist. Our elders use to say that we have opened eyes in a period in which everything works with a single click: single click of mouse on the computer screen can connects you with the whole world, single click on camera can capture the event and make it part of your sweet memories, with a single click you can talk to another person via cell phones. It’s not wrong if we say everything is on our finger tips.

The most initial need of a human being is bread, cloth and shelter, when they are fulfilled a human looks for further needs that are lights to enlighten house, fans to feel the cool air, television and radio to get entertained, computers to do work, cell phones to talk etc. All the equipments are powered by electricity.

Talking about electricity is like sprinkling salt on fresh wounds. Here, the purpose is not to hurt you but to inform you. Nowadays phrases like “no electricity” or “alas! Electricity failure”, are present on everyone’s tongue but no one really knows from when and where the electricity come from? Who are the inventers of electricity? No doubt the fruits that we are using in our modern life are the great effort and research work of the researchers of different centuries. At every century, scientist added their efforts and forward it to the new generation and this process of forwarding is still following in the modern age. There is a misconception that electricity is invented by Benjamin Franklin or Edison which is not true. This misconception is due the story of Ben's famous kite flight, although he made significant discoveries and advancements, but Ben did not invent electricity. However, he invented the lightning rod which protected buildings and ships from lightning damage. On the other hand Edison invented the electric bulb.

The most frequently revised term electricity is the flow of electrons between the clouds and ground which is also known as lighting that is usually visible during storms. It’s the first evidence of the presence of electricity. Historical records show that static electricity was already known to the ancient Greeks. In 16^th century, the Greek scientist Thales of Miletus discovered that rubbing a fur would make a couple of objects attract one another. This research was further expanded by the Italian physicist, Girolamo Cardano, who involve electrical and magnetic forces in his work. After which one of his associate, William Gilbert, further elaborates his theories.

Between 17^th to 19^th centuries, when the first capacitor was invented, it was finally determined that static electricity could be transformed into an electric current. This was the time when Benjamin Franklin performed his famous thunderstorm kite flight experiment that discovery the link between lightning and electricity. The work of Franklin and his contemporaries gave rise to some of the biggest names in the electrical field. These personalities included the names:

 Michael Faraday, Andre Ampere, Georg Simon Ohm, Luigi Galvani, and Alessandro Volta; all of you are familiar of their sir name as they are the measurement units of electricity.

Once the basic formula was out, different companies started working in order to make life easier through electricity. This work was done in early 19^th century. There were two famous personalities; Werner von Siemens and John Pender, who established the first companies whose main purpose was to examine electricity and its potential to make life easier for humanity.

Following the formula, great minds came out with great innovations. It include scientist like Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Samuel Morse, Antonio Meucci, George Westinghouse, and Alexander Graham Bell who worked to create some of the most incredible inventions that only runs through electricity. These inventions included the induction motor, the light bulb and a method of distributing electrical energy, the long range telegraph, the telephone, the first electrically powered locomotive, and the founding of the widely successful telephone industry.

The history of electricity is a fine example of how the works of many could be combined into one. Although they never worked together, their efforts are serving human beings. Let’s put personal grudge and discriminations aside and work and think for the betterment humanity as the great scientist did.

The real spirit of sacrifice

Published in Young Nation  5 November 2011
http://issuu.com/youngnation/docs/young_nation_magazine_05_november_2011

                                  The real spirit of sacrifice

Allah has blessed us with two pearls of Eid, one is Eid-ul-Fitr which is also known as “Meethi Eid” (sweet Eid) and other is Eid-ul-Azha that is also known as “Bari Eid” (big Eid). Meethi Eid is the reward of the religious deeds that one has done in the month of Ramadan, where as Eid-ul-Azha has its own history. Muslim celebrates this occasion in the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and Hazrat Ismail (A.S). It revives the spirit of sacrifice in every soul because Eid-ul-Azha is the spirit of laying down your beloved thing in the way of God as Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) did. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) is Allah’s Prophet who was ordered to sacrifice His most beloved thing in the way of Allah to do so he decided to sacrifice His son Hazrat Ismail (A.S). When he was sacrificing His son suddenly a sheep came instead of Hazrat Ismail (A.S) and He slaughtered it. Being a Muslim, we follow His Sunnah without any ostentation.

According to the Islamic calendar, Muslim celebrates Eid-ul-Azha on 10 Zilhaj of every year, after completion the 5th pillar of Islam, Hajj (the annual pilgrimage). Muslims around the world, dressed in the same simple white cloth commonly known as “Ahraam”, regardless of their language, nationality, social status, color and race all of them stand in front of God and perform Hajj.

Eid is another name of happiness whether it’s Bari or Meethi Eid both of them brings joy in shape of parties. Following are the things that are especially associated with Eid-ul-Azha:

1. Sacrifice/ Qurbani:

Eid-ul-Azha is all about animals and their sacrifice. Kids are fond of Eid-ul-Azha as they keep waiting for this occasion whole year because this occasion brings animals at every house and if Mr. Camel has arrived to one house then the crowd of kids will keeping visiting the house everyday till the camel sacrificed. These animals include: cows, goats, sheeps, and camels. People sacrifice animals according to their capacity. This act should be pure and only to seek pleasure of God but ironically, people buy healthy, wealthy animals to display them.

2. Cattle market:

Cattle markets are another charm of this event. Markets to sell animals are use to settle in open areas usually on highways where animals from all over Pakistan brought for the holy purpose of sacrifice.

3. Sizzling BBQ parties:

BBQ is the most delicious, common and mouth watering dish of Eid-ul-Azha. Once the animal sacrificed, BBQ preparation starts. Marinating the meat with the spicy and sizzling desi masala (spices) for hours and taking it out at the time of party, threading the meat pieces in the spit and cooking them on the grills is another fun activity enjoyed by the whole family members.

4. Vermicelli and sheer khurma:

Eating Vermicelli, sheer khurma, any kind of some sweet or odd number of dates in short eat sweet food before going for Eid prayer is Sunnah of Mohammed (S.A.A.W). Vermicelli and sheer khurma is supposed to be of the most important dish in Eid’s breakfast.

5. Eidi:

Eidi is something that is the most favorite and important part of Eid for every Muslim. From kids to elders everyone loves to have eidi on Eid day. It’s cash money that is given to kids by elders as an Eid gift. On Eid day kids ask eidi from their grand parents and other relatives then they buy different things or do party from the money but some of them store it and save money.

6. Sweets:

Sweets are something that can’t be neglected. Eid without sweets is incomplete. The soft stuffed circles dipped into sugary water then coated with dry fruits and chopped coconut make a person’s mouth watered. Sweets are one of the prime element in Eid’s lunch and dinner. People present sweets to their relatives and guest when they visit their home on Eid day.

Eid-ul-Azha is all about the spirit of sacrificing the most beloved and precious thing in the way of Allah Almighty. It teaches us sharing as we share the meat with needy people. There are number of people who keep the meat in their freezer whole year instead of sharing it with the needy and only at the end of the year they offered the meat to the poor. This is a very wrong practice because Islam teaches us brotherhood. Mohammed (S.A.W.W) said "You will not be a believer until you love for your brother what you love for yourself" (Sahih Al-Bukhari). So on this Eid, along the distribution of meat with friends and neighbor remembers the needy. Eid Mubarak everyone :)

Let’s start sharing with parents

Published in Young Nation October 28, 2011.
http://issuu.com/youngnation/docs/young_nation_29_october_2011



                         Let's start sharing with parents

Sharing, tips, sharing advice, sharing secrets, sharing ideas, sharing jokes and laughter, thus everyone shares a lot of stuff with family, friends, fellows and coworkers etc. In fact everyone uses word “share” once in a whole day. In school, offices you share lunch with your friends and coworkers, your teachers or elders share tips and advice with you, you share your secrets and jokes with your friends. Sharing is necessary in every relationship whether it’s between mother and a kid, teacher and a student or boss or an employee. Sharing strengthens the love bond.

The world is running with a horse speed as time is flying like an aeroplane, large technologies are becoming small thus fitting inside one’s palms. The world is getting digital so as young generation, everyone has personal, cell phone, laptops, now there’s no need to have a big PC to use internet as its present in everyone’s cell phone. Ironically the world is shrinking through social networking sites but distance between parents and children are increasing. Social networking sites have decreased distance between you and your friend sitting in America to whom you share your everyday happenings, your unpleasant experiences, your chit chat with your friends, your secrets in shorts all the stuff that you should share with your mother first. Sharing your whereabouts with your friends is not bad but how can your trust your friends more than your parents?

Many children scare for sharing their everyday activities with their parents because they think, parents will scold them. Therefore, they buried their unpleased experiences in depth of their hearts as a result they remain disturb. No doubt, you can share it with your friends but they will only listen to your stories. They won’t give you any solution. The key of solution is present in parent’s advice. Here, you know where the key is present, now go and unlock the locks of your hearts in front of your parents.

If you have a crush or your girl/boy friend has just left you or your friend is entangled into bad activities or they smoke or they talk nonsense and discuss unpleasant topics tell your parents. Share it with them. It will save you from bad company and your friends too from involving further into bad activities.

If you don’t share your secrets due to the fear of offensive remarks pass by your parents then all I can say is to be brave. If you have guts to do unallowed stuff then you should develop guts to face the consequences.

Breakfast makes you fast

Published in Young Nation 22 October 2011

http://issuu.com/youngnation/docs/young_nation_22_october_2011/5

Breakfast makes you fast

By Noor-ul-Ain Hanif

“Early to sleep early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise.” A number of times, we have listened this quote in our life but we didn’t analyze it. Early sleeping and early rising can make you wise but for having a slim and smart body, eating properly on time is very important. Therefore, the food is divided into four shifts; breakfast, lunch, supper and dinner. Do you amuse your tummy by the four trips of food? I am sure most of you will only nod for the dinner because life is very fast, therefore most of us only go for dinner.

Ironically, it should be the most important task of the day but it is the most ignored one. Breakfast is the main power station that fuels up you for everyday activity or you can say that the more heavy breakfast you take the more time your tummy will remain filled.

There are a number of tummy friendly breakfast snacks are available in the market but the tastiest and most hygienic snack is the one that your mother cooks at home. However, the breakfast menu is very vast which differs from culture to culture. Many people like to eat simple breakfast comprises of eggs cooked in different styles, sandwiches, porridge cornflakes with a glass of milk but on the other hand, desi people’s desi tummy loves to have desi breakfast that is of anda (egg), parhata (bread) with fresh butter or honey spread on it, hot halwa pori with a glass of lassi or milk. However,  most of the desi people like to eat dinner items in breakfast which is actually a good practice as in morning, we keep in action therefore the food digest easily where else, when we take such heavy items in late night dinner, it takes time to digest as a result we suffer from indigestion and other stomach problems.

Breakfast without tea is like a dinner without a sweet dish. More or less all Pakistanis are fond of tea. Having a hot cup of tea or coffee in the morning is very necessary for charging up. Along with tea and coffee, milk and juices are also consumed in breakfast again both are the combo of energy.

Breakfast is the most basic right of your body so don't try to deprive it.  Skipping breakfast will result in body weakness. There is a famous saying “Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dine like a pauper” so follow this quote and have a healthy mind in a healthy body.

A bucket of roses

Published in Young Nation 8, October 2011

http://issuu.com/youngnation/docs/young_nation_magazine_08_october_2011/7

http://issuu.com/youngnation/docs/young_nation_magazine_08_october_2011/8