A Forum of Hope

The freedom to speak freely and share one’s ideas is a beautiful thing, something that I will always love about my home, America. Little could I have imagined what a few short articles could do, or how powerful a few words could be. Last summer, my assignment for Senator Kerry was to write an article about Pakistan. One article, “Hope within Pakistan,” unexpectedly turned into a blog series about critical issues within South Asia. It was truly an honor to write the articles, and it is something I started with a great deal of hope and dedication. Because of my Pakistani-American heritage, I felt compelled to share my understanding of this vital region. But the best part is that it sparked an energetic discussion among many different people from all over the world. In inspiration from the initial articles and all the people who shared their ideas, I have created a blog website called A Forum of Hope ( aforumofhope.blogspot.com).

It is my sincere belief that any goodthought or idea can make a difference in the world. Out of this entire experience, the greatest lesson I have learned is not to be silent and to always have hope. Discussion is also the first step to solving global problems. A Forum of Hope was created in the hopes that it will give the silent people all over the world a voice as well as an outlet through which to share their ideas. The blog itself is dedicated to the ideals of awareness, understanding, tolerance, compassion, peace, and love. It is also dedicated to raising hope, revealing similarities, and promoting understanding regarding the differences between people all over the world. Much of the focus will be on South Asia, because I believe that it is a critical region for the United States and the world at large. But this is a global forum on issues that all people can relate to and comment on, such as education, economic development, social issues, anthropology, globalization and politics.

My largest source of inspiration for A Forum of Hope is a Persian Proverb from Greg Mortensen’s book, “Three Cups of Tea,” “When it is dark you can see the stars”. Even when things appear to be difficult ,there should always be hope. We have to keep it alive . As the new generation, we must help move the world into the light and out of the darkness. It is extremely important for young people to share their opinions. Together we can preserve the true beauty of the world and its people. Things may seem difficult and it is important to be realistic, but I would like to remind us all of the words of Louis Brandeis, “Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.” Why shouldn’t we continue to hope or strive for our dreams?

Anyone can make a difference no matter age. Some wondered what a young girl could possibly know about serious issues going on in a country like Pakistan. Others disagreed and said that children are the hope of the future. I am grateful to those of you that believed one girl could make a difference and discover her dreams. And I am only filled with a greater desire to help more children achieve their dreams. What could a child even know? My answer is, a lot. So many young bright minds are waiting to be discovered, and there is so much potential in the world. Wonderful things can happen if this is accompanied with the necessary support and encouragement. It is up to all of us to create a world where all children have the opportunity to hope and follow their dreams.

Recently, on the New York Times website, I saw the video of a little girl in Swat, Pakistan who was crying because she couldn’t go to school to become a doctor. It is completely heartbreaking to see that girls’ dreams shattered. So many others like her in that area can’t go to school now. No child should ever have to cry because she or he can’t achieve her dreams. We must not let more children loose their dreams. Hope is a powerful force, but like a glass it can easily become shattered. Everyone must work together so that the hope does not shatter.

This may still seem like a difficult task and we may not always agree in our ideas. But if we don’t try to understand and learn from one another then no problems would be solved. The best of ideas can come from the most unexpected places. It may seem like we are too different to ever agree, but in words of Albert Einstein, “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.” When we look closely and try to learn and understand other cultures, we find how similar we all are and how similar our basic desires and emotions are. That is the essence of our life at Brandeis and in America: different cultures, people, religions–Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, and countless others–coming together to peacefully share their ideas. If we focus on the similarities, the differences will fade away.

May hope and peace always live on. May those branches Einstein spoke of always flourish and bring us closer together globally. This article is dedicated to the beautiful children who are the future of the world. Special thanks to the new members of A Forum of Hope.

Please see A Forum of Hope at aforumofhope.blogspot.com. Coming soon will be writing from other people and students.Please share your comments and ideas. Together we truly can make a positive difference.

Magic Within South Asia

By Myra Chaudhary
November 21, 2008
Section: Arts, Etc.

The remarkable thing about Mela is people from eight different countries—Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan–come together as South Asians to create a beautiful illustration of their culture, the masterpiece that we know as Mela. As a Pakistani- American and a South Asian, I could honestly never get tired of watching this thrilling show. It makes you feel like you are in South Asia with out even leaving Brandeis. This show is definitely worth seeing and always a magical experience.

Words could never do justice to the beauty of South Asia and many of its people. It is a region of the world that will always hold a special place in my heart. Mela is full of energy and excitement and a representation of this enchanting beauty within South Asia. It is a dazzling display of lights, colors, song, dance, poetry, jewelry, music, food, fashion, and so much more!

So lovely is the sound of the poetic, fluid languages and the music filled with beautiful rhythms, emotions, and energy—all about love, happiness and friendship.

The sound of pianos, flutes, violins, drums, guitars, sitars, tablas, dholkis, and harmoniums create the most magical melodies. The very beautiful classical dance—with foot and hand movements and gestures that flow gracefully with the music and translate into so many different emotions all flowing like water—is one with music.

The dancing spreads a happy energy that becomes contagious, allowing even the most unwilling of dancers to have a thrilling time. The culture is a vibrant celebration of life, love, joy, and happiness.

Mela is a lovely illustration of the joy of being South Asian and this vibrant culture which is so much a part of our lives at SASA. Like a patchwork quilt we are all different, but we come together as one to produce something completely amazing. And this is the essence of the Mela that we must always love.

South Asia itself is made up of many different people representing a number of religions including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Sikhs, and others. So many different languages are spoken: English, Hindi, Urdu, Kannada, Pashto, Balochi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Marathi, Guajarati, Nepalese, Sinhalese, Sanskrit, Dhivehi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and the list could really go on forever. Languages may be modified or change completely but the power and message of these words will live on in a very special way.

Whatever language one may speak or country one may be from, the people of South Asian share a fascination with the arts, poetry, literature, dance, drama, music. Even as we move forward, these precious gifts and treasures continue to be important elements of the culture. While Mela may just last one evening, the immense passion and enthusiasm will be in the hearts and everyday lives of South Asians. Whatever happens, the love will always survive.

The different voices and ideas of all the students combine to produce all the separate acts intertwined by a common theme of rediscovering our roots. It is possible to embrace one’s roots and simultaneously adopt elements of new cultures in a very creative and seamless manner. Being open to new ideas is the very thing that allows us to move forward. This idea of blending elements is not new to South Asia, which has ancient Indus, Turkish, Persian, Arab, Chinese, and Aryan influences constantly shaping and reshaping our conceptions of culture.

Mela is a mix of the new and old, traditional and modern, exotic and familiar, just like our heritages. You really have to be there to get a full idea. Discovering the voice and rhythm within us and never letting it fade away is the true essence of our heritage. It is reminder that once you discover your true passion or talent, you must never let it go to waste. You may be surprised what you discover along the way.

The best thing about Mela is being able to share our heritage with all of Brandeis. Every single country has its own wonderful qualities, and there could never be enough hours to fully explore all of the magical treasures with South Asia. It’s simply wonderful!

Equally wonderful are the special students behind the show. Everyone works hard to make the show special, spending an entire semester planning and practicing. It is easy to see how much they care about their culture and love what they are doing. Mela would not be possible without the earnest devotion of every single member of SASA.

This article is a tribute to the special people within South Asia and all those who make Mela possible at Brandeis.

May that lovely spirit that brought us here always live on and continue to be a source of beautiful hope and pride.