Doctor or Engineer?

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up." - Paul Valery

Well. It’s been some time since I’ve been posting. Mainly because school’s been hectic and life’s just been super busy. Also, because I’m writing extensively on some ideas I’ve been pondering upon. But most importantly, the thing that’s been keeping me from blogging, is the university stress.

Aah yes. The time in the life of every teenager that immigrates to a country where they have the choice to either become a doctor, or an engineer. The time where the teenager says, “What if I want to be a pilot Dad?” and the dad says, “Beta, Pakistani immigrants don’t become pilots. They become doctors. Save lives. Or engineers. Make equipment that save lives.” And lo and behold the kid is gone, into an unfamiliar territory of numbers and figures that he grows accustomed to.

Now this isn’t necessarily my story. I don’t want to become a pilot. I have a fear of heights. That also crosses out “Batman” from my career goals but that’s a different story. I primarily want to be an author. Story telling is my forte and I think I do it pretty well. But again, its not really a stable cause of income. Unless, you’re John Green or JK Rowling and mind you, they got success in the latter part of their lives too.

Also, a Pakistani father would not give his daughter’s hand in marriage for a guy who “writes.” Oh no. He wants those doctors and engineers too. Oh yeah.

But this, demeaning ideology in our society, that doctors and engineers are the only ones who make money is ridiculous. I mean c’mon. People’s dreams get shattered because someone else makes the decision that photography isn’t a viable source of income and that the kid should put down the camera and pick up a textbook.

Same thing with authors and artists. I’m not saying these professions guarantee a sustainable quality of life, but at least one might feel contented in what they do.

The problem is that middle class families in Pakistan are under the influence of there being a two profession lifestyle. The government board has a pre medical and pre engineering program in the Intermediate studies. Pakistan has around 17 schools for Engineering and only 2 well renowned schools for the Arts. Do we see this polarization of interests or not?

Then we complain that Pakistanis lack creativity.

Strings is a great example for my final point. Anwar Maqsood, a famous writer and television actor from the golden age of Pakistan television has a son named Bilal. He and some friends started a band in College. But swaying away from the orthodox way of pursuing a musical career by dropping out, Maqsood and his posse finished College, acquired their degrees and carried their passion for music. Now they’re one of the biggest bands in Pakistan.

If you have a talent that you think is distinct enough for the world to appreciate, then don’t let 4 years of school define if it’s worth pursuing or not. Get up and paint that picture, or write that story or click that photograph. Because if you don’t do it, then someone else will. And you’ll just be another example of a dream crushed.

I applied to six different universities this year for Electrical Engineering. I'm not really fond of the program but I think I'll do fine in it. But my train doesn't stop there. If I crush my dream of being an author right here, then I never had it in me in the first place. Writing is what I like, and I'll continue to write, even if I'm an engineer or a doctor. Because my dad says, 'Every great thing isn't easy, and every easy thing isn't great.'

Take it easy folks.

Peace.

Twitter: @ItsNazar 

Instagram: @ItsNazar96

The Cornered Tiger

"Nobody can achieve greatness until they crush the idols of infedelity and fear that are present inside of them." - Imran Khan

Some 22 odd years ago, during a decisive world cup match against Australia in 1992, Imran Khan came out for the toss wearing a shirt that had the picture of a tiger about to pounce. After being questioned on it he replied, “I want my team to play like a cornered tiger, when it’s at its best.” Today, almost 22 years later, Imran Khan comes out of his home away from home in a little container in the heart of Islamabad and looks around only to find his team of supporters as cornered as never before.

Tahir Ul Qadri has just announced the end of his sit-ins that lasted a record of 70 days. Mr. Qadri and Imran Khan had an undocumented allegiance, which helped both of the two parties on their mission in Islamabad. Both came hand in hand when mentioned and they helped each other when one was about to fall. One cannot forget the commitment of Mr. Qadri’s followers on the night of the dreadful shelling’s where Imran Khan’s supporters were nowhere to be seen, yet Mr. Qadri’s supporters guarded the two containers with their lives. One cannot also forgive the massacre done by the ruthless Punjab Police in Lahore to these supporters leaving 14 dead and 2 of them women. Mr. Qadri has paid his dues.

The current announcement sent shockwaves around Islamabad. Some held press conferences welcoming the end to the sit ins with sheepish smiles while others felt betrayed and downgraded. Yet Khan’s determination was not dented. He came out the next day appreciating Mr. Qadri’s efforts and thanking him for his assistance on this journey. He continued and said Mr. Qadri’s mission may have ended, but his mission is far from over. He promised to retrieve Nawaz Sharif’s resignation and so he will, even if he has to wait his whole life. He reiterated the promise he made to the masses and said that he has never bowed down from a commitment and he never will.

The question arises, why is Imran Khan so determined? The immediate answer that the cynics and the saints would give is that he’s power hungry. Right, because a person who was living a princely life would give all that up to make a career out of the least noble profession in the country. Every day since the past 2 and half months, Imran Khan comes out from atop his container and speaks to the masses. Every day, his determination grows stronger and stronger as he feeds off motivation from the crowds and the massive congregations that come to see him at his rallies. He absorbs their pain and damage, combines it with his experience, and stands taller every day.

He is determined because he is the cornered tiger. He is the lone wolf amongst hyenas and coyotes. He is the silver lining amongst dark thick clouds of destruction. And he knows it. He knows that a tiger pounces the strongest when it’s cornered, its back against the wall and no way to go except forward. With Mr. Qadri’s farewell, Khan has rejuvenated himself. He has gained the composure and the stamina needed to fight the battle he has been fighting since the inception of his party. The contraries think otherwise and so be it. In a democracy, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions and that is fine, as long as one does not be naïve about it.

Although Mr. Qadri may have parted ways for now, his efforts are commendable. His departure may have been abrupt and uncalled for, but his mission stays with the people of the sit-in as they prepare themselves for harsher times ahead in the future. As for Imran Khan, he can still be spotted on top of his container with a wide smile, standing high in front of his people with spirits even higher.

Twitter: @itsNazar

Instagram: @itsNazar96