POST reaches to 23 Countries

Are you Emaho? This is all that could be seen all across the Social Media in the month of January & February. The word Emaho is a Tibetan-Sanskrit exclamation meaning “something close to a marvelous realization” and this is how the team of Emaho magazine, from Delhi likes to see the world around them, providing a platform to new talent and amateurs artists, writers, photographers, musicians and you name it.

As a launching pad the creative gurus of Emaho brought their “Big Idea” to the world with the help of a creative revolutionary initiative in the shape of Emaho Exhibition. Emaho Exhibition is an extension of their core philosophy of providing a platform for the young and talented.  The Emaho team wanted to showcase the work gathered from across the globe, in an international sphere where all cultures unite. This international exhibition which was displayed in Singapore was a perfect platform for any young and inspired photographer.

The exhibition was named “POST” Photography on Street & Travel began with a photographic competition. The campaigns posted out were that of “the Postman” reaching out to the world with this competition. Emaho exhibition came out with a series of photo exhibits, and creative activities to enthrall their audience of the young and fresh work they received from global artists. Besides the five day exhibition at “Home Club” Singapore, the team of Emaho scheduled to bring out the best work of selected entry holders, in the best creative way possible. “TUK TUK Photo show” took place on February 6, displaying their print photographs on it, moving along on a Tuk Tuk around Singapore. Having lived in Singapore well, I can only imagine the color it might have added to the small and wide markets of Singapore, around its financial hubs around Clark quay and boat quay. Not to forget the tuk tuk’s peculiar space around China Town. An “NGO exhibit” also took place in collaboration with a local Singaporean NGO, raising funds for charity. A “Photowalk” took place on February 8, at Little India, displaying the best 10 photographs on Emaho Magazine, after a successful walk in Phillipines. The campaign was followed by a “photography talk” on street photography the next day with Danny Santos a weekend photographer known for capturing strangers on the street. Last but not the least was the grand exhibition of POST, displaying works of all 50 photographers.

The photography competition was open to photographers from across the world, and allowed for up to 3 entries per person. The competition rules and guidelines were simple and straightforward, with minimal photo editing and sticking to the originality of pictures. The photographs were judged on the basis of creativity, composition, and inspiration. One of the most inspiring traits of the competition were its panel of judges, from around the world, who were curating the exhibition, all young, and exploring their new horizon of talent and skill. The competition is not a one off activity, but an experience of a lifetime, which will materialize every 6 months, showcasing more and more talent, and highlight the beauty of photography throughout the year from across the world.

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The core objective of the Emaho exhibition was to promote the art of artists that do not get an opportunity to exhibit internationally. The exhibition which ended up in Singapore “Home Club” on February 10, 2012, will now move to Delhi, India. The revenue generated from the exhibition and sale of photographs will be submitted to the artist themselves.

Emaho achieved, more than they imagined for their first ever international exhibition. They received a total of 3200 entries, from 23 countries, with a panel of 5 judges from India, Pakistan and Singapore; they managed to shortlist the best 50 photographs.

The exhibition found great new artists, who do not take photography as a profession but as a hobby. Such a great initiative brought new artist in the limelight from Pakistan as well, Majid Hussain whose work was selected as amongst the final 50 images. Majid is a chartered accountant by profession and traveling, trekking and photography is his passion.  To check the List of the Finalist, click HERE.

Emaho has shown a new avenue to artists, who want to show their talent to the world. It also showed a new perspective, that art does not have any boundaries. The team Emaho had Danial Shah, Pakistan’s young, talented lad of “I Explore Pakistan” on its judging panel. When asked, why Danial joined this bandwagon, his reply was clear and simple, to be a part of a “creative revolution.” As a photographer and travel writer, he feels that he learnt a great deal by judging photographs of different artists and having an observant eye. It showed him a path to every artists mind, feelings and soul.

As for Emaho’s future plans, they are already on a roll, capturing talent from across the border, enlisting young and burgeoning musicians, with a new taste and a fusion of culture and folklore, to writers, and photographers. Each week, one gets to read of a new artist and their exclusive works. Emaho team has already lined up Danial Shah to head the next international Photo Walk in Pakistan, after their huge success in Singapore. Watch out for more fun things happening in your city, for Emaho has come with a bang and is definitely out to start a “Revolution”, a “Creative Revolution.”

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To browse through the photo gallery of Emaho Exhibition, Click HERE!

Road to a Positive Journey!

Every minute of our lives is precious and counts the way we utilise our time and resources. Here, in Pakistan the favourite past time of our people is “aaj meray ghar 4 ghantay bijli nahi thee” or “mera visa reject hogaya” “I hate my green passport, it’s such an embarrassment”. But, seldom do we think for even a split second, the problem is not the country but ourselves, the people, the citizens of Pakistan who are disgracing their country in front of the world, and do not want to own up to their own mistakes. We not only sell Masala news and wash our dirty linen in public but we demoralise the rest of us as well who want to do some or any good for this country. A few bad wolves create panic and chaos amongst its own herd as well as the others in the jungle.

Such was the discussion for the bloggers meet up “Netizens” held at the Royal Rodale where the blogosphere community gathered together under one roof to meet with their like minded selves, to network but also for the goodwill of Pakistan. The theme of the day was “Mera Passion Pakistan” an initiative taken by Mr. Irfan Mustafa Managing Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan & Turkey for Yum! Restaurants International along with his troops who wish to “Brand Pakistan as Positive Pakistan”

He has taken an approach that has proved its worth, time and again over the past year as the one united army and cause of Revolution across Asia, the power and reach of the Digital Media. Mr. Irfan like many others have a lot of belief and faith in the youth of Pakistan. He wants to give the youth a direction to focus their energies, and channelize their knowledge into innovation, creativity and solutions to our basic social, economic and domestic problems.

Mera Passion Pakistan is a platform geared to promote the talent which lies hidden in the far off rural and suburban corners of the country. Pakistan has immense talent, and positive energy being wasted or not being given its due credit, was what we as the Youth of Pakistan took back with us. Pakistan is a great product, but a poor brand. All, we need to do is polish its image, and reposition Pakistan as a powerful brand. The stories highlighted my Mera Passion Pakistan are of determination, passion, compassion of mankind, will power and pure commitment to change things around for the better, for themselves and people around them. These stories are of young and old, from the farthest part of our country, places where we urbanities feel unsafe to travel to. The one commonality factor amongst all was to achieve something more than what life had to offer to them. This is PAKISTAN! Talented, Creative & Positive Pakistan!

One of the few videos shared with the audience were that of 18 year old Asad Mahmood, a BA student from Okara, Punjab whose passion to reach out to the stars and moon, his determination that drove him to make Pakistan’s 6^th largest telescope of Pakistan. Struggling between a practical life, and giving up his passion to study Physics, Asad has kept his dream alive, and with limited resources managed to put together the telescope in 2010. He now wishes to make Pakistan’s largest telescope which will be 26inchs in diameter. Watch his video here: http://merapassionpakistan.com/english/reaching-for-the-moon-and-stars/

The next story of two sisters Amna and Ifrah Wali, was an inspiration on a personal front who have broken against all odds and have become Pakistan’s youngest and first Gold and Silver Medallists in Skiing. Sports are one area of activity which I feel personally grooms and mentally develops an individual like none other. Kudos to the two sisters and all the best for the future!

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The next two stories were from Buner, of pure determination and will power. These two great heros of Pakistan not only moved every individual seated in the auditorium, but have won hearts and inspired many more from far far away.

Zahir Shah Malang, has built a small hydroelectric turbine providing electricity to 150 homes in a small mountain village of Buner. Zahir was adamant to change things around in his village, and learnt the ropes of how hydroelectricity could be produced from Gilgit. He then wanted to apply the same to his village, but everyone thought he was a dreamer. Eventually he managed to collect some resources and put the initial turbine together. Later on, he ended up selling his father’s land to gather resources to give life to his project. With a little help from some people from the city he managed to complete the project in 5 years. He now wants to expand and provide electricity to the remaining 250 homes in his village. With determination, and not letting anyone crush his dreams, he was able to bring a positive change in his life as well as those around us. People like Zahir Malang are an inspiration for us city dwellers who have become too comfortable in our surroundings.

The next story just 10 km away from Zahir Malang, is another hero of Pakistan who might not be able to see the world with his eyes, but has a heart that shines brighter than the nebula in the farthest skies. Mohammad Iqbal, blinded by birth, did not break his willingness to learn, educate himself and educate others. Gone against the reasoning of science that a deaf and dumb cannot teach others, but seeing is believing. He makes better use of technology than any of us. He has downloaded the program JAWS and narrates all that he wants to teach. Either someone else writes for him, or he writes in Microsoft Word, translates it through JAWS and sends it to his students. He is completing his Msc in Sociology, and is a social worker inspiring and helping other NGOs to support other individuals suffering from similar problems. Iqbal believes that difficulty and hurdles challenges you to find a way and live a life which is their own, and wants to see Pakistan with his heart.

Stories like of Zahir and Iqbal have left us inspired, moved and left a void in all who were present at the Netizen; a void to be fulfilled consciously as disciplined and tolerant citizens of Pakistan. Therefore, a pledge was taken by all before leaving to:

1)      Stop Paki Bashing (disgracing our own country)

2)      Look for the positive and good things happening in Pakistan

3)      Spread the word out – for Pakistan the Glass is Half full

4)      Take charge of things that are under our control like, not breaking traffic signals, wearing seatbelts etc.

Irfan Mustafa concluded by saying once we change our approach to life in general, things around us automatically seems more positive. Countries that are more tolerant and disciplined are the ones that succeed.

A message to all, let’s get our helmets on, take the driving seat and drive Pakistan on a road to Success!

Writtin by: Asma Inayat

Photo Credits: Wassio Ali Khan Abbasi & Mera Passion Pakistan

A Bright Star in the Academic Sky

A bright young man with radiant smile and intelligent eyes, Shahzaib Hassan proudly delivered the Valedictorian Speech to conclude the Convocation Ceremony at the IBA main campus in the evening of December 2, 2011. One could see the pride and excitement in the crowd of students when he exclaimed “My fellow graduates, Congratulations! We have finally made it.” Shahzaib was awarded the Gold Medal as the Overall Best Student from the Graduate Program this year. He joined IBA, MBA in fall 2009 and performed persistently to achieve this honour.

Dawn in Education Team asked Shahzaib’s teacher to interview him, for us and this is what he narrated as his story.

Tell us about your journey to the Gold Medal as Overall Best Student, Graduate Program at IBA?

It has been a tough but an enriching journey.  When I joined IBA I found many intelligent students around me.  Initially I was a bit apprehensive about myself but with the passage of time I gained confidence and made my place in the highly competitive environment. Since the beginning, it was my dream to be the Gold Medalist. I made mistakes and learned from them and this attitude helped me in reaching the top position. I was always among the top 5 students at IBA but securing the first position is really challenging. It’s a dream that has been lived. I owe this to my parents, teachers and friends who were part of this journey.

What is your majors at IBA and which is your favorite subject?

I opted for Marketing as Major and Finance as subsidiary since I wanted to pursue career in the two fields. Brand Management was my favorite subject since I find it interestingly evolving and challenging.

How did you study? Self, group, tuition…?

I used to study on my own. In fact I don’t prefer group study since most of the time youngsters are just wasting time in the name of combined study. Though group study has its own benefits, I usually didn’t practice it myself. I have an individual style of study and I am happy that it worked.

How many hours do you spend in studies? What is the recipe of success in exams?

Let’s be very honest I don’t study every day.  I usually study on weekends and try to cover up for the whole week. One thing that I follow religiously is that I pay full attention in class. My attendance is always above 90% and I never bunk classes. This has helped me in understanding the style of different teachers and then adapting myself accordingly.

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Do you agree that the girls nowadays outshine boys in academics and secure top positions mostly? What’s the situation at IBA

It is true and we should appreciate it because girls are really hard working, I generally feel boys are more intelligent but are not willing to put in extra effort. IBA has the similar situation. Even this year I was the only boy in top five students while the other four were girls. I set the record in a way that after three years, I am the only male student who has become the Gold medalist at IBA.

Does your early schooling and family help you in achieving this position any way?

I did my entire schooling from Beaconhouse. The quality of education at that time was much better but now it has been constantly declining which is alarming. I strongly believe that good schooling always helps.

I owe all my achievements to my family especially my parents. My dad is always strict about education. He taught me till class 8. My parents wanted me to get 100% percent marks even in Chemistry. You can imagine the kind of pressure I had but now I realize that if my parents would have let me do what others were doing then I could never achieve this. They also give me full confidence to discuss all my problems with them and always are there to support me.

What do you do to recreate; your hobbies, interests, pastime?

My hobby is to play cricket and do swimming. I used to be a cricket fanatic but not anymore. I follow cricket like anything but my interest is diminishing because Pakistani Cricket team is not doing well. I love going out with my family to share quality time.

Who is your favourite personality?

I am highly impressed by my dad. If I look around I like Abdul Sattar Edhi, Imran Khan, Dr.Ishrat Husain and many others. The most likable traits in any individual for me are honesty, commitment and the desire to excel.

What are your plans in the future?

I don’t plan for 5 years or 10 years ahead. My plans are for a small duration mostly for a month or two and I keep revisiting and alter them according to the demands of the fast-paced life. I personally believe that it’s better to equip yourself for tomorrow instead of ten years down the line. My ultimate aim is to reach the top most position and lead a reputed company.

Any message for other students, politicians and teachers?

I don’t find myself good enough to give messages because I am still in a learning phase. But I want to say one thing to everyone that whatever you do in life, do it with honesty and commitment, this will take you a long way. There is no substitute for hard work and if something goes wrong in your life, don’t blame others for that.

Our Very Own Crazy Chef

What could be more thrilling and exciting for the Dawn in Education team, than to find out its very own Spelling Bee participant from 2010, just won the “Best Food Blog Award” under Food category, at the 2nd Pakistan Blog awards.

Read up on our young Bee champs blog, like the blog, comment on it and learn a few quick new and fresh recipes to test out in your kitchens.

Please click on the blog here: http://www.tehniat.blogspot.com/

Write to us, and give us your feedback on this section. If you want us to write about a young achiever, do send us your contributions and feedback.

Keep writing, young guns!

Adios!

 

Using the Correct Wordlist

The word list is a speller’s most important possession. A serious speller can be seen poring over his beloved list in all the free time that he can get his hands on. This is because any wise individual knows that for any contest, physical or mental, practice plays a pivotal role and constant perusal and revision of the right word list is a sure shot way to ensure a solid Spelling Bee preparation.