End of the Quarter Personal Abstract of my Life (EPAL)

And its time that I get my blog to myself again. English 110 has taken its space but I do not consider writing another blog post as I have reached my quota. I plan on returning to my regular blogging, so if anyone feels obliged to remove themselves from my blog list please do so. I will not notice or take offense. That said my first blog will be about how this quarter seemed to be one of falling standards and bitter conflicts.

The first one unnaturally enough was incited by English 110. I have never taken a long term structured course and the anomalies of the same language in the United States presented challenges different from the ones I am used to. I must say that I am happy that the course is over, but also happy that it has imparted me with an appreciation of the writing style in this country. Standards also fell to an extent academically as I seem to be losing the idealism that had buoyed me in the beginning of my American Saga. The prospect that this “adventure” is growing old is frightening. The mistake I seem to be making is that I am failing to notice the wide range of change that happens to my life every day.

The positive of this quarter were primarily two folds. I have discovered a most luxurious retreat in “the Gutter”. To the uninformed it does live up to its name in the weekend mornings. Else time it hosts some of the more efficacious and engaging bunch in Taylor. The second positive is meeting a person of importance in my life. While our meeting was a windfall and has a rocky road I am confident that it will have a far longer and happier story. A certain unexpected addition at the end was meeting up with someone from the earlier quarter. I have grown to realize that we share more in common than I presumed last quarter. That too has an interesting journey ahead.

The failures this quarter were fewer but more substantial. The worst was certainly on Saturday, 12^th of November. I let myself be swept away by impulsiveness and made extremely stupid decisions. I find this embarrassing and troubling since I always try to set a high standard for myself. I am human and so I suppose the best I can do now is accept failures and make sure they never repeat themselves. I certainly hope others are more forgiving as I am to myself. That would be unrealistically awesome. I apparently must also:

1.       1. Stop Judging, prethinking and demeaning others at least directly and hurtfully

2.       2. Start consider just being myself instead of posturing to try to please certain people

The latter I do subconsciously but I can affect if I really want to.

As of now I will determine that the next quarter will be significantly better than this one. I will probably return to the personality I was at the beginning of this quarter. It reflected happiness, confidence, care and a dash of dare/ cockiness in a good measure. That is my quarterly resolve and this was my abstract for the winter.

India and Pakistan

Once more many of us must read yet another article about an issue we sometimes wish, would just cease to exist. Yet you wont find a street corner where this topic isnt being discussed in some form of the other. Just another way the human mind works. Indo-Pak relations are probably one of the most dynamic in the world and I pity the foreign relations student who chooses this as a case study. After over sixty years of independence and having fought four major wars our nations have progressed little. Blame this attentuation of diplomatic resolve on whomever you want, but that will not bring us any closer to a solution. The latest hurdles include videotapes of Hafeez Mohammed Saeed's "Jihad on India" speech. I have found it amazing that despite the obvious proof of terror emanating from across the Indian border, how is it that there have been so few extraditions between our nations. Why is it that despite the speeches Mr. Saeed makes, he is a free man?

The answer to these questions require one to be aware of Pakistan's origin and present status. Pakistan was primarily created in an era of nationalism. The nation, being surrounded by a bigger and obviously hurt neighbour(India) relied on the Two Nation theory to retain its independence and distinct cultural heritage. On 1971 everything changed; with the creation of an independent Bangladesh, India could claim the two nation theory to be void. Meanwhile the cultural amalgamation of islam with hinduism which was exceptionally visible in Lucknow and Hyderabad, proved that Indian diversity could stand the test of time. Presidents of India have been muslims. All these began to prove Mr. Jinnah's fears to be unfound. There were problems but problems existed in Pakistan as well. Out of fear of loosing its identity Pakistan united in the oly way it could; against India. India became a common foe and a rallying cry for unity. That is why even today Pakistan finds it difficult to concede even on moral terms with India. Every dealing with Hindustan must be a victorious outcome for the eyes of the public.

Come modernity, and these issues are changing. The youth find more similarity amongst themselves than differences. Yet, several thousands are still drawn into the extremist teachings of some. India and Pakistan can attempt to ride the issue out, to wait for the demise of the ideology. That though would tire that patience of many. To act now would require India to play a cautious part. American power was often characterized by the victories in Iraq or Germany but often enough true power is displayed by those who are poised and composed. That is the inherent Indian nature of dealing with problems. That is why, Mr. Saeed, India cannot be defeated like NATO or America. We do not play by their rules so you do not know how to play us. Hell! sometimes even I cant forsee what we will do. We however will not give in to emotions alone; as an ancient civilization we have learned much from history and time. We will take it one day at a time and strike when and where neccesary.
http://www.opendrive.com/files/7836680_Px9dI_9911/Little%20Drummer%20Boy%20-%20London%20Symphony%20Orchestra.mp3
http://www.opendrive.com/files/7836680_Px9dI_9911/Little%20Drummer%20Boy%20-%20London%20Symphony%20Orchestra.mp3
http://www.opendrive.com/files/7837199_8CYGB_9b94/The%20Killers%20-%20Human.mp3