Horrors of Colonialism

Horrors Of Colonialism 

For all those who romanticize with British rule over sub continent do not know the value of freedom. We were British subjects in our own lands, not equals, they ruled us as our masters, made rules that benefited them and only granted riches and power to those who obeyed them as their masters, spoke their language and followed their system of rule. The freedom fighter and enlightened ones were labelled as rebels and were hanged till death. Today 2nd December is celebrated all over the world as International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, I would like to remind people of sub continent to remember the sacrifices their elders made and hardships they faced so we may live free today. We should celebrate this day and remember that we are enjoying the fruit of their labor and sacrifices.

Below is the picture of A Bengali woman carrying her British master 1903 India during the time of British colonialism. Imagine that being you for a second and you will know the importance of freedom. #NeverForget

Actions are useless without ideas

Just like an action defines a man, the same way an idea defines an action. Idea is guiding force of an action, action has enabled humans to do great things but not every action can be termed as great. Moreover, many actions has produced catastrophic results for human beings and the world in general. Whenever an action is taken without a though to back it up that action instantly becomes a risk, this risk can result in a great reward or could become the greatest blunder, but one can never be sure about it, this is the consequence of an action without an idea. Great things require great efforts that is true, but these great things should be in the right direction for them to produce favorable results. Whenever someone does something, they do it because they have carefully examined its outcomes it consequences in mind, this has allowed them to eradicate errors that may result in failure, if they had done that without prior planning it would have never resulted favorably.

Moreover there are many action that didn’t had enough though behind them and they resulted in disaster. For instance humans have done a lot of thing to reduce their fear a lot of decisions and actions that took place to eradicate one’s fear, though some of them that had the backing of proper vision and idea, while others lack the proper thought and never did what they were supposed to, the big war are result of defense mechanism to cope with fear this is an action that was taken instantly without giving a second thought, to kill an person is never the answer, the real solution lies in eradicating the evil, but that can only happen if idea, planning or vision is taken under consideration.

Additionally, idea is the path for any action to take place, while no action can exist without prior idea or planning. An idea with less planning and vision doesn’t yield high value or success and often result in wastage of resources. A human body capable of performing action is also capable of simulating the outcome of that action as well, whether the simulation is right or wrong depends upon the experience of the mind, but it always helps to prepare the mind and predict the reality that follows, that always helps to rectify the errors. Moreover, whenever an action is taken, it either fulfills its purpose of fails, the failure are due to many reason and those reasons are collected by mind and planning is done again and this time all the observation is taken under consideration and result is always better, but if those correction are not though of then it may never result in success.

Thus, actions will never result in success, if there is no vision or idea behind any action it fails to fulfil its purpose and at most of the times results in failure. Accidents are exception, sometimes nature intrudes and convert the action’s result favorable, but that is rare and should never take as norm since it is only a slight chance. Thus, it is clear that an idea is master of every action and an action taken without an idea serves no purpose.

Are women equal to men?

Women, the most magnificent and delicate creation of God. They are believed to be created from man by God’s grace by all mainstream religions, and that is why they are believed to be fragile and weak, the common miss conception that spawned a long time ago and is now believed to be a fact. Although, reality is quite opposite, at no point in time women was weaker then man, or a man any stronger than women. Instead, women in retrospect have proven themselves stronger than men, they are able to give birth and tolerate the pain that is fatal to any man, they are better trained to take care of another human being before it is even born in this world, they commit themselves to a single human being in the shape of a wife, while it is extremely easy to astray that path. Yet, world believe women are weaker than men, to defend themselves the advocate of stronger man believers give ridiculous logic for their beliefs, some of them are a boxing match between a man and a women will result devastating outcome for women, a wrestling match between a man and a woman will never end favorably for women, a football match between women and men will never result in a win for the women’s team. Moreover, these advocates never realize that they are putting a women who is raised in an in a household where she has never been free to realize her potential in a match against a man who has trained most of his life for that sport, by this logic no women ever can compete in anything with man in anything.

Most importantly, we need to realize that God has created both man and women as an equal, the things that man can never do, a women can do with eyes closed, and things that a man can easily do a women find it difficult, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they cannot be an equal. For instance, if a women trains most of her life to be a boxer she can beat many male boxers, an example of that is Laila Ali daughter of famous boxer Muhammad Ali, there are many other countless examples where women practiced in so called manly sports and bested themselves in that and had performed better then man at many times. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that a women are better than men in any way, instead one should always believe that a women and a man are both equal, both are created to fill each other’s gaps in life, while assigning gender specific lifestyle and labels to one or the other will decrease their potential and limit their growth. For instance cooking is not always a women’s task, men have proven themselves to be great cooks themselves.

Moreover, being a women in a Pakistani society is a challenge itself where misconceptions in religion and outdated culture both have created a hurdle for the liberties of women. Our culture take pride in ridiculing women and oppressing them, many proudly lock their mothers, sisters and wives believing that this is their place, a women who gave birth to them raised them from nothing to the man they are today doesn’t hold any authority over that man. Moreover, in Pakistani society women are discouraged from empowering themselves and the ones who empower themselves lose their respect in the society. Unfortunately, female politicians are also not doing anything to change this evil tradition. Instead, they are more worried about their position in their respective parties because they are not elected by majority votes but selected by the party on their reserve seat, which are mostly a popularity vote among the party men, because they are the ones who make the selection, that is why many of these female politicians are encircled by lewd rumors about them, yet they refuse to contest elections to win their seat against their male counterpart, they fear their lose in election over their integrity. With all that prevailing one can only hope to change the society, but only way that can be done is by changing the rusty old minds, who are enslaved by centuries old cultural traditions and religious misconceptions. 

Scouts Go Solar another program by WOSM contributing towards global goal.

Scouts Go Solar

Scouting movement started in 1907, by Lord Stephen Smith Baden Powell in United Kingdom. This movement was loved by youth the streets of London, soon there were troops of Scouts from all over UK, today Scouting is a worldwide organization with it membership of over 38 million in 164 different countries, its program involve augmentation of youth on different spheres of life and better world frame work. With organization this hge and having branches in so many countries it holds a huge impact upon the world, that is why in most important conference on climate change by UNFCCC called COP21 members of Scouts association were specially invited  to attend and work along with other international organization to resolve the problem of climate change. 

Scouts around the world were already contributing towards the environment by introducing the conservation of environment in the basic scouting trainings, on top of that International Bureau introduced specially designed programs that were focused towards conservation of energy, reducing carbon footprint and  improving the environment. This resulted in Scouts Go Solar campaign, which introduced a new badge called Solar Scouts badge, in this badge Solar panel technology was used to show Scout how they can produce and use electricity using only sunlight and have fun and learn now and exciting Science of solar energy production. The badge was designed keeping youth and young adults in mind the training include exciting and engaging activities. That allowed scouts to learn through doing, an engineering subject which is normally seen boring was made exciting by Scouting, Scout leader and Scout engage in these activities and after completing the activities they not only learn about energy conservation and solar technology, but also have cool solar gadgets made by themselves to keep with them and to top that off they receive a neat badge that will identify them as Solar Scouts. The handbook and official guide for the solar badge allows Scouts to learn about harmful rays, beneficial use of solar energy, basic engineering all while having great fun with fellow Scouts and leaders. 

This badge program by WOSM will be very effective in creating awareness about alternative energy sources and will also allow Scouts to learn about engineering and solar technology, this program will increase the changes of people shifting toward clean and affordable alternative sources of energy rather then the traditional. Moreover, this move of Scouting contribute greatly towards the goals of COP conferences where the countries signed the accord to reduce carbon footprint and shift to alternative fuel sources.

Moreover, World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM), is committed towards its goal of making a world better place to live with it great number of active and energetic member all over the world this organization has impact that can affect the whole world, with its membership growing day by day Scouting is sure to take a lead in resolving any problem that arises as hurdle in making this world a better place. WOSM has always stepped in whenever there had been an international issue, previously Scouting introduced messenger of Peace program for Scouts in the time where world was entangled with hatred it was Scouts that took to the world and stood for peace, love and harmony and united against hatred. Scouting has always will be an organization to take on the global challenges and make this world a better place.

World must unite for peace

Firing in homosexual club in Orlando, bomb blast in Turkey, bomb blast in Quetta, bomb Blast in Afghanistan, hate crimes in UK after Brexit, these are the headlines of the world news media. Before these news there were other news of ISIL and other terrorist organization doing inhumane things to innocent human beings. Two things can be deducted from these news. first, the world is indeed going towards dark ages, as a result of increasing fear and hatred among the people or Second, the media is rambling about these issues to create a sense of fear and discomfort among the people of the world, while in reality there is as much good in the world as there is evil therefore there is nothing to fear but keep your eyes open to the real news.

If the world indeed has taken a path leading to dark age due to increasing hate and fear, then this is a very dangerous news for all, as this is the path that no one will benefit from, this will promote war like ideology and culture instead of scientific research and enlightenment. Moreover, this path will strip the world of its vision of becoming a utopia. Additionally, this will halt the progress made in science and technology and will increase the progress on weapons research and war planning. Consequently the progress towards "One world, united World" will seem a naive, people standing up for weak will be considered weak, heroes will not be the saviors but the annihilators. If continued, this is will enter humanity in the never ending cycle of hate, where hate will increase fear and fear will increase hate and so on. This will be devastating for humanity, the progress made towards perfecting civilizing the world will slow down. Moreover, humans will not birth visionary minds, instead strong fighters, the world will go back in the times of savagery and darkness. 

Both these issue pose serious threat whether it is hatred and fear prevailing in this world or a mere media manipulation. People need to get up from their couches and go out and see the world as it is rather then it is presented to them by the media. A citizen of a western country such as US, who is unfortunate enough to believe that all Muslims are terrorists, should go out seek a Muslim in his or her area and ask the questions in order to hear what that person believes as a Muslim, and after hearing the answers he will rethink his thoughts about the Muslims.

This all can only happen if people desire to get true knowledge rather then blindly following the masses. Furthermore, owing to the progress in science and technology, logic and truth is has prevailed in our society, but so does lies and deceitfulness, therefore people should carefully use complete knowledge and logic to conclude their beliefs, rather then assuming things based on one sided view.

"One World, One promise" A song and a prayer from World Scout Jamboree 2007

American War on terror and the Afghanistan dilemma

War on terror has cost United States a lot and has caused a damp in the budget of US, whether the war was a success or failure is another debate, but today the focus is the situation of Afghanistan. Furthermore, United States after finishing almost all the stronghold of Talibans wanted to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, but trouble keeps spawning it self again and again. The biggest issue is re-emergence of Taliban in the southern provinces and villages, while the inexperienced Afghans army is unable to suppress the increasing control of Talibans, at the same time the higher ups of Talibans movement have killed the chance of reconciliation with the Afghan government. Furthermore, Pakistan remained one of the strongest ally of US despite the friction between the two on the drone strikes carried out by US in the territory of Pakistan. Moreover, US consider these drone strikes necessary for this war, because they target the key leaders of Taliban movement that often take refuge in Pakistan amid the attack of US forces on their strong holds in Afghanistan. while Pakistan claims that these attacks not only harm the sovereignty of the nation, but also claim the lives of innocent. As a result of this mistrust in government is increasing in those areas and anti state elements have risen against Pakistan. Despite all this, Pakistan still stood with US in this war.

Recently a drone attack was carried out in Pakistan, which was successful in taking out its target, the leader of the Taliban movement Mullah Mansoor. Pakistani security authorities claim that security agencies were taken in confidence for the attack, while political authorities are avoiding the issue. On the other hand, India has also been a keen player in the rapprochement of Afghanistan, it has made huge sums of investment in Afghanistan and also contributed in the training of Afghani army among many other projects. Growing influence of India in Afghanistan is causing a tension for Pakistan, due to the strained relations of both countries. Plus, Pakistani claims of Indian involvement and aid to in anti-state elements of Pakistan. Right now, if US tilt toward India the friction between Pakistan and US will increase and Pakistan will shift toward Russia for diplomatic support, which would be devastating for the US. Third option would be Iran, but it would probably be the worst option for US to pursue. First, gaining support from Iran will mean going against the rampant opinion of people of US. Second, Iran is predominantly a Shia country while in Afghanistan the majority of population is Sunni, increasing the influence of Iran in Afghanistan could result in another ISIS or rebirth of Taliban as even more powerful Sunni organization. Third, this could also strain the relations of US and middle east especially Saudi Arabia, who's leadership has been very outspoken against Iran.

Above analysis shows that US right now is faced with this predicament, it may seem that taking one's side will have its benefits and obviously, and that probably would be the case, but it will be more beneficial for US to prefer Pakistan in this war for the following reasons. First, Pakistan has been the the biggest ally of US beginning from the cold war era till today, from the creation of mujaheddin to the provision of air bases, Pakistan has extended support whenever needed. Second, Pakistan was one of the countries to create and motivate mujaheddin to fight Soviets and after that Pakistan recognize Taliban government as official Afghan government to stop further bloodshed in the country, therefore there are elements in the country which support Taliban movement, who sees them as the Mujaheddin of today, with the stronger support of US, Pakistan can easily eradicate the element supporting Talibans in Pakistan. Third, without support of elements in Pakistan, Talibans will have no choice but to enter into negotiation with the government for Afghan people and Pakistan can spearhead the negotiation, it will be like killing two birds with one arrow, removing anti-US and pro-Taliban elements in Pakistan and stabilizing the Afghan government. Lastly, Afghan people have resentment for Pakistan for using the land of Afghanistan for Soviet war and supporting Taliban government, this act of reconciliation from Pakistan will create a positive image of the country in the minds of a common man in Afghanistan, which will result in good diplomtic relations between the two countries and stability will prevail.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, Afghan Ex-President Hamid Karzai, And Pakistani Ex-Army Chief General Parvaiz Kiyani

For Future

Watching everyday news about Pakistan, one can see a very gloomy image of the country. Pakistan is moving towards the direction which could lead it to Stone Age or medieval era. Evidently one can easily observe people's misconception of freedom and logic, their resentment towards counter arguments, their defiance to new ideas and their short sightedness. All this is a result of a false ideology prevailing in our society which was concocted by few opportunists, who love to exploit the gullible minds. As a result we are knee-deep in this problem. This difficulty spawns from one of our major institutions, which is education. Our education, doesn't have the problem of budget or the unavailability of schools as commonly believed, instead the problem persist in the very deep, which is curriculum of our schools. I remember reading about an Afghan king, the great mighty warrior who fought valiantly in the battles and scored himself, through his high determination a gargantuan treasure chest for his kingdom. Plus, I learned that he was a mighty warrior, who not only protected Muslims from outside threats but also conquered new lands for his people to live in, while his subjects including the ones subdued in the battle worshiped him as an idol for his display of honesty, truthfulness, and justice amongst all Muslims and non-Muslims alike. As a kid I wouldn't dare doubt the integrity of this story, as it was something that relates to my faith. As a result of this the first idea that got engraved on the walls of my sub conscience was that, we had a history of warriors who risked and dedicated their lives in fighting wars.

Moreover, we are told to never question history as it may somehow weaken our ideology of Pakistan and or Islam. My rebellious nature forced me to discover other side of the picture, to read the history from something other than our school text books, and oh boy was I in for a surprise, turns out the so called heroic king did not protected Muslims. Instead he straight up slaughtered hundreds and thousands of them just for a small piece of land. The only reason he left his land was to pillage unprotected villages and steal from Hindu temple, while facing little to none resistance on the way. This king never bothered to earn his treasure and livelihood through peaceful or legal means, this person never inspired art or inculcated civilized culture or even spirits of Islam into the minds of his subjects. Yet he is portrayed as a Muslim hero and conquer and a great leader of this region. 

Additionally, our education system has deliberately modified the history, which has greatly impacted our thinking. People of this region only admire the history that portrays them as savages and warriors, or in their words conquerors and champions. Plus they use it as a reference to glorify their lineage. The petty wars are so deeply entangled in our culture and history that our culture, something that has to add colors to our life, teach us poetry, philosophy and art, is replaced by war rituals. As a result of this people admire the history that only portrays them as warriors and fighter but not intellectuals. We have very little in our curriculum dedicated to the scientists, artists and philosophers. If we ever were to study Friedrich Nietzsche a genius of his time, he would be studied as a Godless idiot who got famous for blabbing about useless and unholy stuff.

Additionally, we have zero focus on philosophy in our education system, there is no concept of reason and logic in the text books, no instrument to develop logic and understanding, consequently, this has taken away the ability to comprehend any complex idea, and therefore for every logical question there is an "Expert" to resolve it for the common man. Moreover, this disabled mentality is the greatest cause for the rise in extremism and militancy in the country. People believe theology is wisdom that cannot be understood by their feeble minds and by attempting to understand it, they may land themselves in peril or end up making an unforgivable blunder. As a result they give the job of thinking to these experts, who very willingly use them to their advantage in any way they please. None of the common folks ever think that these so called experts could also make blunders like them. No! these experts are believed to have poses God like perfectness in their understanding of religion and are believed as true guide for their life, with our manipulated war history it becomes very easy to peruse the follower of most peaceful religion on earth, to kill and murder and innocent human being.

In a nut shell, the problem lies not in the religion or infrastructure or corruption or budget or people, instead it lies in the very core of our education system. As long as the core problem is not fixed there will always be an opportunist and there will always be a herd of gullible people following him. The policy makers of this country need to put their minds together and come up with another solution to the threat to the ideology of Pakistan, instead of depriving Pakistanis the lesson of wisdom and accurate history. Allowing people to think reason and see both side of the picture will be the only way to solve this dilemma.