Speak Up For Pakistan by Nooruddin Jalal

Speak Up For PAKISTAN

 

We patriots will be celebrating 63rd Independence Day of our beloved motherland Pakistan, which came into being on 14th August 1947.  After  63 years -where we stand ? What we have achieved in this long journey? Did we accomplish any of our founders dreams? Did we give a proper law to the country? Are we REAL Pakistani!  Be sincere and think for a while- are we just Pathans , Hazara,  Baluch, Punjabi, Seriaki ,Sindhi, Muhajir, Chitrali ,Gilgiti and Kashmiri?  Where is the unity within us? Where is pluralism and tolerance? Where is our National Aim and rule of law? Where are the rights of minorities? Where is the sense of Pakistaniat?

Despite of whatever resources we have, despite of what the government is doing, despite of what the international forces are trying to do, let’s play our role to develop our country and to speak up for our land. Let’s learn how to live and help others within current circumstances. Let’s create a sense of Pakistaniat First! Taking care of our motherland will be in our shoulders Students, as Quaid –e- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah used to say, are the future of Pakistan. And this future is in chaos between politics and religious dogmas, between panic and terror, between monism and pluralism and between Chair and Leader, between present and future of Pakistan.

We need to ponder on the REAL threats, which are the cause of today’s and tomorrow’s future. We need to redefine our dim strategy and need to develop ‘National Aim’- an aim for Pakistan under which every politician, leader and citizen can put their efforts and intellects for the betterment of Pakistan. I have seen that our elected politician work to complete the five years tenure of the Chair. So that’s why; without national aim we are left far behind.

There is a saying “A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way.” A creative leadership is required for the country , who can lead people, who listens, who responds to success and failure and who dedicates his tenure not for party mission but for the vision of Pakistan. This land does not belong to those politicians who come and go before seasons change or those who during the hard times and trials and tribulations spend their time on expensive vacations to Europe, or those who pack their bags, rush to embassies, get the visas stamped and fly overseas. It belongs to those who support their brothers and sisters during tough times, natural calamities and those who shed their blood for their motherland, and to those who suffer and survive of it, it belongs to those to get hurt and die for it and finally it belongs to us!

We can make it more flourish and more prosper only when we are civilized, aware and educated. As Quaid –e- Azam advised students, “Let me give you this word of warning:  you’ll be making greatest mistake if you allow yourself to be exploited by one political party or another… Your main occupation should be – in fairness to yourself, in fairness to your parents, in fairness to the State – to devote your studies.” – (Addressed at Public Meeting Dacca, March 21, 1948).

Let’s be  together again and develop our nation, let’s work on our Quaid three magical words ~ Unity , Faith And Discipline. Unity, faith and discipline are the three words which made Jinnah the Quaid –e- Azam. It is blueprint of success which he shared with his nation himself. Unity, Faith and Discipline is the shortest possible distance between dream and its reality which is very much-needed in this time for us. If we follow this we do not have to beg for any aid.

We do not have to go to anyone to make Pakistan better. We all want betterment of Pakistan then why are we not working for it with unity. Why we keep on combating as Pathan, Hazara, Punjabi, Seraiki, Baluch, Sindhi, Punjabi, Gilgiti, Muhajir and Chitrali.

We all are hard workers then why don’t we have faith on each other? It is fruitless to blame government for everything wrong. It is our country and we have to make it better than the rest then better than the best. To craft a change we have to follow the way which Quaid showed us. We have to follow his principles to compose and rebuild Pakistan. It is three, just THREE words – Unity, Faith and Discipline.

I quote Quaid Azam here “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

Do not let yourself be a victim. Real threat is not to our bodies, it is to our mind, thoughts and thinking. This threat is to everything which can do some good to Pakistan. Educate yourself, be aware of the danger, be familiar with the real threat. Education is main power. Get it and go for it. Let the education work to fertile your minds not only enhance your resumes and fill up your pockets. Be aware of the real danger. They can remove our bodies but can’t remove the thinking and morals.

We need to educate our selves  not only in technology but other fields as well, because now, it is a matter of honor, the honor of Sabz Hilali Parcham (Pakistani Flag). Be aware and do not let anyone play with our morals. Real targets are not bodies; actual targets are morals and unity of Pakistan. May be at some point we belong to different religions, races, colors and cultures but above all we belong to one Motherland – PAKISTAN…!!! 

All the crimes and bad things happening around us are not only because of wrong doings of bad ones but more because of the silence of the good ones.

Speak up, Grow Up And Rise Pakistan  
  Paaaakistaaa`aa n  Zindabad!   
~Happy Independence Day~

© Nooruddin Jalal

Karachi, Pakistan 

63rd Independence Day 2010

Nooru on WordPress

Grace Stumberg: "to whom it may concern" CD Review

Grace Stumberg soars as a supernova on her first CD,  "to whom it may concern."  Released by Popadelic Records, produced by Bob James/Cabin5Studios, Grace Stumberg, Audio Magic, CGR Audio, Soundscape Recording and Zittel Street House of Sonic Affairs; this 12 track masterpiece is exactly what this world is waiting and bleeding for.

Grace Stumberg, an enlightened young woman, gives thanks to her parents for providing support, introducing her to music at a young age.  In addition to Robert James, musical career coach and guitarist, and musicians such as:  Bob James, Howard Fleetwood Wilson II,  Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Emmi James, Dave Riffel, Marc Hunt, Bethany Deyell, Cathy Carfagna, Rob Deyell, Jim Calabrese, Buffalo Select Chorus, Ana Vafal, Diana Nowak, and Brian DeJesus; with design by Erica Eichelkraut and Music in Action; this CD is well worth owning.   

The first track, Change the World, is a global call for solidarity. From the voice of one Western New York musician, first performing this at New York State's Capitol in Albany; Change the World embodies all our voices into one musical message, apparent in the chorus, "Cause I will change the world / with all that I am / I will change the world / I know I can."  Grace's powerful vocals are intoxicating, stirring the spirit to act seen here, "Life is too short to waste any time / so I'm gonna sing this song and shine."  Change the World is prolific. It is a message of a generation, "So many faces around me / so much pressure to fit in / Who will I be / where will I begin / is the question I ask from within / But I won't stop / until I know that my dreams will come true."  

© Erica Eichelkraut

The title track, to whom it may concern, is a story of how often we are shot down for our dreams. Grace's acoustics along with Cathy Carfagna on accordion, Bethany Deyell on violin, Rob Deyell on acoustics and Howard Fleetwood Mayall II on percussion, make this a powerful call to never allow anything to stop you from reaching your goal. " Ready or not here I come / Now that I'm tall / you hold my dreams so low / Keep trying to shoot me down / but I won't give in, no."

Track 5, "The Roses", (my personal favorite although the entire CD is simply divine), begins with a melancholy Dylanesque acoustic similar to the intro of  "One More Cup of Coffee."  Grace's vocals belt angelic, "She said ohhhh . . . look at the roses / so beautiful and bright."  This tune brings folk and bluegrass  mainstream.  The Roses" is bittersweet, beautiful hurt.

Track 11, WarTune, is a raw outpouring of emotion, "Why do you let them put you through / what you don't want to be put through?"  War Tune is a nice surprise coming from this acoustic/electric performer, "Some say the present/ learn from the past/ if that's the case / then why the hell are we in a war that lasts?" Simultaneous, Grace manages to speak of her own experience, as well of that of the world. The chorus is like a ball and chain hitting a brick wall. This must be listened to very loud.

Grace Stumberg is a genius. She is a powerhouse of positive. Her music is proof that music is not dead nor dying. "to whom it may concern'  is full of life, talent, ambition, hard work, and a call to wake up and pay attention because life is much to short. The beauty that surrounds Grace is humbling.  She is so talented and unpretentious which makes her valuable.  Her voice, guitar and outlook on life is exactly what is needed in this chaotic world. This CD never leaves my truck. If you haven't bought it, do so, now.  "to whom it may concern" is thick with healing, cohesion, social justice, solidarity, growth, pain, love, happiness and raw, rare talent. This is what music is all about.

Grace can be heard on WBFO, Think Twice Radio, grab the CD on her website and CD baby. She is a shooting star. This young woman has the entire package and she isn't gloating about it either. That is art, music and life.  Grace, in her sweet innocence, brings us back to ourselves questioning exactly why we are all here.

©  Susan Marie 2010

 

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Interview with Iara Lee: Mavi Marmara: Cultures of Resistance

Iara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent producer/director/activist, speaks of her experience on the Freedom Flotilla to aid Gaza May 2010, the Israel (IDF) attack on the Mavi and passengers (children and adults), her film history, Caipirinha Productions, Turkish NGO IHH, civil disobedience, her firsthand experience 2006 Lebanon War and her stay in Iran 2008.

LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW ON THINK TWICE RADIO
 

Iara's organization, Cultures of Resistance, utilizes all genres of art as a vehicle to promote social justice globally.

View Iara's documentation of the night of the attack on the Mavi Marmara in International Waters, as well as her presentation of that case to the United Nations on YOU TUBE.

A USA To GAZA Freedom Flotilla is being formed in New York City. To donate, sponsor, or become a part of the next boat to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, go HERE.

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Interview: Grace Stumberg: Change the World

LIVE INTERVIEW HERE

© Erica Eichelkraut

Singer/Songwriter Grace Stumberg has just released her first album entitled " To Whom it May Concern."  This album touches on many issues that are both social and simply fun. It taps into something soulful and meaningful. No auto-tune, no click tracks, just simply the power of song. 

"to whom it may concern" can be purchased on her WEBSITE. 

Grace you are a supernova. This is so beautiful and positive. This music just fills me right up with so much hope and she is so talented. Beautiful vocals and guitar. I mean you MUST have this CD its amazing.