Iqra's Reflections

Lessons are not learnt in a class room. Nor do they stop coming when we graduate or post-graduate. This world is an institution, more or less. And we come across people who teach us great lessons. Some experiences have altered my view of perfection, heroism, beauty and leadership. I have met some, to whom I didn’t even talk. I don’t know who they were, where did they come from and what were their circumstances but I call them my acquaintances, and they are among my heroes. I want to write about them today: It was a beautiful evening in San Francisco. The fancy Yacht was swarming with people, all dressed up. Tables were full of a variety food and desserts. I could hardly try a few of them, they were so many. It was so beautiful. Finally, like everything else in this world, that party came to an end. The Crew bid us all a warm farewell. Everyone was happy. When I got off, and was walking to the exit, a guy coming from a distance caught my attention and I wondered ...

What a journey, I must say. This May marks a year since I traveled to Sri Lanka for a few days. Water – this is what comes to my mind first, when I think about Sri Lanka. I flew over the gulf and then the destination itself was a beautiful Island. The local transport I had taken to get to the airport was also playing Surah Rehman which talks about Oceans, Skies and all the blessings of Allah, the Almighty, and says: “Which of the blessings of your Lord will ye deny” I kept listening to it during my flight too. Alhamdulillah, how great is the Creator.  I have wanted to write about my experience but I keep on trying to find words to translate my feelings. I fail. So I have decided that I will post a poem and some shots I have from the beautiful country and equally beautiful people.    I didn’t know this world and its people are such a beauty and diversity. Youth from around the world was gathering here. There were people from countries ...

Trying not to think of the imminent departure that was drawing near every moment, I was enjoying food on a fancy cruise ship, sailing in the seemingly endless and calm waters of San Francisco. While the other Emerging Leaders of Pakistan (ELP) Fellows were rocking the colourful dance floor, I thought to try the dessert. As soon as I ingested that first overflowing spoonful of dessert, I could clearly feel the fire. It was spicy cheese, not a dessert, that I had just taken  in. I chased it with water to feel better but that unpleasant feeling stayed for a while, as a reminder: "Taste, before you swallow a spoonful of it." There were many such instances throughout the ELP visit to the United States. Things turned out to be otherwise than what I had thought them to be. Until and unless we taste it, we don't know the reality. Right from the first moment I stepped on American soil, I saw good behaviour. I was immensely impressed and inspired. Politeness and gratitude wer...