Dasht-e-Tanhai, by Meesha Shafi

This piece is simply something not less than epic! Truly, Adele of Pakistan.

Collection - Is Waqt To Yun Lagta Hai

Is Waqt To Yun Lagta Hai Ab Kuch Bhi Nahin Hai
Mahtaab, Na Suraj, Na Andhera, Na Savairaa

Aankhon Ke Darichay Main Kisi Husn Ki Chilmann
Aur Dil Ki Panaahon Main Kisi Dard Ka Daira

Mumkin Hai Koi Veham Ho, Mumkin Hai Suna Ho
Galiyon Main Kisi Chaap Ka Ek Aakhri Phairaa

Shaakhon Main Khayaalon Ke Ghane Paird Ki Shayad
Ab Aa Ke Karega Na Koi Khwaab Basaira

Ik Bair, Na Ik Mahar, Na Ik Rabt, Na Rishta
Tera Koi Apna, Na Paraaya Koi Mera

Maana Ke Ye Sunsaan Ghadri Sakht kadri Hai
Lekin Mere Dil Ye To Faqat Ek hi Ghadri Hai
Himmat Karo Jeenay Ko To Ek Umar Padri Hai

Faiz Ahmed Faiz

Story of my PhD - The Loss

Within a few days from now, I will be leaving my country to study abroad for PhD, Insha ALLAH. It’s an industry based project, fully funded, which includes a tuition fee scholarship for 4 years and a stipend for 3 years. Let me tell you the twists behind these seemingly simple words of a win.

The story of winning this scholarship starts off with a loss actually. I was refused from Oxford University for PhD in Numerical Analysis that day, February 22, 2012. Upon my request, I was told later that there are only 3 to 5 positions offered in the said position in one whole year! I knew Oxford was competitive but had no idea, to this extent! (I have been reading number of scholarships for Mathematics Department and didn't know there were strict allocations subject-wise). I knew I was eligible for applying this position and for the scholarship, but it gets just too competitive when you have applicants from around the world. I was good in academics but not so exceptional. One of the biggest problems that I faced was that I didn’t have a research publication yet. Why not? That is another long story. But the fact is that I did not publish my thesis work.

Now what? I had confidently applied at Oxford University without even thinking that it will get rejected like that. It was my dream. I wanted to prove that I will study at my own talent where son of my country's President (and many other renowned politicians and personalities in Pakistan) studied. A lot of my plans were running parallel with it and I was excited. It was a gloomy morning for me after the dream broke.

     It had taken almost six months just to launch the application. The idea first popped in my mind in July 2011. I started off studying for IELTS test preparation on my own. I remember there wasn't a single person I could ask about it. Amidst teaching three courses, which is maximum work load for a Lecturer, I sat for my test in November and earned band 7.0, which was just enough to qualify for Oxford Uni in Mathematics Department. I think my mistake was that I requested for funds from Oxford. Had I shown that I will finance my studies through my employer or HEC, there were bright chances of winning it.

Lesson learnt! That same day, within an hour, I started searching for a new scholarship. Life has to move on and it doesn't end with that. The problem was, that being busy with too many other things in my life, I just relied on a single application. It was end of February and all Universities in UK had closed admissions for bursaries and funds. UK was my top priority for studies because my brother was also there at that time. Spring semester started and I had to teach with full workload again. I had to start it all over when there was teaming pressure at workplace now i.e. start of a new semester.

What happened next, is another story to be told!

Collection - Rahiyay Ab Aisi Jagah Chal Kar...

Rahiyay Ab Aisi Jagah Chal Kar Jahan Koi Na Ho

Ham.SuKhan Koi Na Ho Aur Ham.Zubaan' Koi Na Ho


Bay.Darr-o-Divaar Saa Ik Ghar Banayaa Chahiye

Koi Hamsaya Na Ho Aur Paas.baan Koi Na Ho


Pariyay Gar Bimaar To Koi Na Ho Timaar.daar

Aur Agar Marr Jaaiye Tou Nauhaa.Khvaan Koi Na Ho


 Mirza Ghalib

Why do that?

As I have finally decided to start PhD, I am and will be facing this question widely...Why do that?

"At each bend in the road, they feel more and more afraid, and yet, at the same time, they surprise themselves: they are stronger and happier. Joy. That is one of the main blessings of the All-Powerful. If we are happy, we are on the right road." - Paulo answers that for me.

Closing Cycles

I think it is one of the best blogs of Paulo Coelho and the one I like the most. 2012: Closing Cycles

" Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters – whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished." 

Just being me!

As its name suggests, this blog will only be a piece of my amateur writings, which is for the sake of writing itself only. It was not that I was always fond of writing or wanted to become a writer. Rather, someone who wrote asked me that I should, too. There are times when it matters more, who is saying it, instead of what is actually being said. It forced me to think about writing. Being in love with words for a long time already and acquainted with the strength and impact of the written word, I finally started looking for avenues. I would always be thankful to you for this.
         I don't know why it took me a whole year. I kept thinking about what should I write and how. It dawned upon me only some time ago that it is also a form of expression for me, thus bringing relief - peace.

This blog would not contain anything professional - rather just small pieces of writing. Its sole purpose, that I can think of right now, is that there is so much that I wanted to say and get it heard. I am already very active on social networks with a comprehensive audience, but the problem with these sites is that your posts lose significance with the passage of time. I can not discard anything that I like. Strange habit, but true. Keeping my record, I wanted something that would keep a proper history. So, here I am!
         Since I am an academician, I would try to focus on academic issues. I wish I can help and motivate someone with my experiences, in particular my students. I used to write for them with my identity as a Lecturer. Thanks to this blog that I can write as an ordinary person now, just being me.

Javeria