Morning is God's way of saying:
'One more time Live Life... Make a difference.. .
Touch one Heart... Encourage One Mind..
And inspire one Soul. 'Good morning...
Every great improvement comes has after repeated failures..
Virtually nothing comes out at the first time..
Never lose your confidence...
Good morning..
Trust is like an elastic, being stretched by 2 people...
As long as U hold on U will be happy..
The moment one leaves the other gets terrible pain!!!
Good morning...
When you Hate someone, even their love will hurt you...
when you Love some one , even their hurting will be lovable..
Good morning..
All D the waters in D ocean could never sink a ship unless its get inside...
All D pressures of life can never hurt unless U let in..
Good morning,,
Silence is the fence around wisdom..
If UR foot slips U can always regain balance..
BUT if UR tongue slips U can Never recall the words..
Good morning..
EYES- express D real feelings better than words..
TOUCH - shows D care than any words..
But WORDS -when used properly can catch D EYES and TOUCH D heart..
Good morning..
Changing your friends according to situations is not friendship
Changing situations for your friends is friendship.
Jealousy arises from lack of confidence,
not in others, but in oneself"
Working Through Disagreements
We all have disagreements. To clash at times with family and friends is a part of life. Whether we simply have a difference of opinion with someone or engage in an argument, disagreements offer an opportunity for us to learn and grow.
One of the most important things we can do when we find ourselves in disagreement with anyone, whether they are close to us or not, is to try to remain calm and to be respectful. When we disagree over something minor, we usually just engage in some playful squabbling. However, when we are discussing something of importance to us, or if we disagree with someone we don't particularly like, it may be difficult to keep from becoming angry and exchanging harsh words. From there, it's all too easy for a disagreement to escalate and become a full blown shouting match.
During any disagreement, it's important to be respectful and let the other person state their opinion. Then listen and really try to hear what the other person is saying. Try to understand not just their words, but their feelings as well. Understanding is more important than agreeing. You may not come to an agreement, but you can agree to disagree and still keep peace.
If a disagreement starts to get heated, take a deep breath and stop talking. Make eye contact and as difficult as it may be, send the other person love. Try to find compassion. Chances are, there will be an energy shift and both of you will become calmer and better able to discuss your differences.
We shouldn't however, withdraw from those close to us when they want to discuss issues. As uncomfortable as conflict may be, when we are able to work through disagreements the relationship is strengthened. Disagreements offer us a chance to become more accepting, loving, people and give others the chance to do the same
I WISH YOU
Comfort on difficult days, Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds, Laughter to feel your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart, Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being, Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt, Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself, Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life.
Frustration
It may seem that outside events and conditions are what cause frustration.
But those outside circumstances are merely excuses, and do not actually create the frustration.
The frustration you experience is created by you.
It is a product of your own mind and your own ego, and cannot exist without your support.
Your frustration is a choice.
And just as easily as you can choose to experience it, you can also choose to let it go.
Remember that the next time you feel frustrated.
Remember that it does not have to be.
Frustration blinds you to the best possibilities, and puts valuable resources out of your reach.
There is no question that you'll be far more effective without that frustration.
So when you find yourself frustrated, choose right then and there to raise your awareness to a higher level.
See how useless and unnecessary that frustration really is.
Then let it go, and free you to move quickly ahead.
Did God Make You?
Grandpa and granddaughter were sitting talking when she asked, "Did God make you, Grandpa?"
"Yes, God made me," the grandfather answered.
A few minutes later, the little girl asked him, "Did God make me too?"
"Yes, He did," the older man answered.
For a few minutes, the little girl seemed to be studying her grandpa, as well as her own reflection in the mirror, while her grandfather wondered what was running through her mind. At last she spoke up.
"You know, Grandpa," she said, "God's doing a lot better job lately.
The Law of Attraction does not care whether you perceive something to be good or bad, or whether you don't want it or whether you want it. The law of attraction is a law of nature. It is impersonal and it does not see good things or bad things. It is receiving your thoughts and reflecting back to you those thoughts as your life experience. The law of attraction simply gives you whatever it is you are thinking about.
A man once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do you need two statues of the same idol?" "No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first one got damaged at the last stage." The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked. "There is a scratch on the nose of the idol." said the sculptor, still busy with his work. "Where are you going to install the idol?" The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high. "If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?" the gentleman asked.
The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said, "I will know it."
IF WE CANNOT LOVE THE PERSON WHOM WE SEE,... HOW CAN WE LOVE GOD,WHOM WE CANNOT SEE ?
IF YOU WIN YOU NEED NOT EXPLAIN, BUT IF YOU LOSE YOU SHOULD
NOT BE THERE TO EXPLAIN
IF YOU WANT REAL PEACE,.... DON'T TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS,...TALK WITH YOUR ENEMIES
WINNING DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN BEING FIRST,..... WINNING MEANS YOU'RE DOING BETTER THAN YOU'VE DONE BEFORE
IN A DAY, WHEN YOU DON'T COME ACROSS ANY PROBLEMS YOU CAN BE SURE THAT YOU ARE TRAVELLING IN A WRONG PATH
THREE SENTENCES FOR GETTING SUCCESS:
A) KNOW MORE THAN OTHER
B) WORK MORE THAN OTHER
C) EXPECT LESS THAN OTHER
1.Live a balanced life and avoid overspending.
2.Don't buy things we don't need.
3.Don't buy Branded good's.
4.Don't buy excess Food, Cloths, Cosmetics, Footwear, electronics and Fashion accuracies just think before you buy.
Tip: World still has a lot of growth ahead and the future holds immense opportunities for us. Let us make the most of it and save and invest it wisely instead of wasting our precious little on things we don't need.
5.Try to balance life with work (No one is happy to work in their profession's) .
6. Don't stress out your self, after work try to do some extra activities like swimming, yoga, walking, running where you can divert your mind from stress.
A thumb rule: Health is more important than money.
7.Try to understand each other (Wife and Husband) in financial matter's and help each other.
Tip: As soon as you get your monthly salary, set aside a fixed amount, usually 35 per cent, for insurance, savings and investments. You can then spend the rest.
8. Not all loans are bad. Loans that are 'need based' (home loans, education loans) can always find a place in your finances against those that are largely 'want based' (Credit cards, personal loans, car loans).
9. Borrow only if repayment is financially comfortable.
A thumb rule: Keep EMIs within 35 to 45 per cent of your monthly income
In that respect, there is one American who I really respect - WARREN BUFFET. He has lived in the same ordinary house for over three decades, drives his own medium sized car and leads an extremely regular 'middle class' life. If that's all it takes for the richest person on earth to be happy, why do all of us need to take extra stress just so that we can get things which aren't even essential?
'If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody that he's traveling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain.'
The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not. "Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside.
Excel at a task today - not necessarily for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and excellence.
********************************************
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling...And even more beautiful is................
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet.
He held up a sign which said: 'I am blind, please help.'
There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by.
He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.
He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words.
He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see
the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to
the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came
to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked,
'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you
write?'
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a
different way.' What he had written was: 'Today is a beautiful day
and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the
same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first
sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people
they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised
that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative.
Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuse
and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry,
show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past
without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for
the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Great men say, 'Life has to be an incessant process of repair and
reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness....
In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must
have the ticket of a good conscience.'
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling
And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it !!!!
HAVE A LOVELY WEEK END
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Love Story
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness
answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat." Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh....Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her! Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder.
Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went his own way.
Love realizing how much he owed the elder and asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness
answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat." Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." "Oh....Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her! Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder.
Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went his own way.
Love realizing how much he owed the elder and asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?" Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
Twenty Great One Liners....
Twenty Great One Liners
1. Regular naps prevent old age... Especially if you take them while driving.
2. Having one child makes you a parent; having two makes you a referee.
3. Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband!
4. They said we should all pay our tax with a smile. I tried- but they wanted cash.
5. A child's greatest period of growth is the month after you've purchased new school uniforms.
6. Don't feel bad. A lot of people have no talent.
7. Don't marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you cannot live without... But whatever you do, you'll regret it later.
8. You can't buy love. . But you pay heavily for it.
9. True friends stab you in the front.
10. Forgiveness is giving up my right to hate you for hurting me.
11. Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.
12. Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.
13. My wife and I always compromise. I admit I'm wrong and she agrees with me.
14. Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.
15. Ladies first. Pretty ladies sooner.
16. It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still ends up with the same boss.
17. They call our language the mother tongue because the father seldom gets to speak.
18. Saving is the best thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you.
19. Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.
20. Real friends are the ones who survive transitions between address books
1. Regular naps prevent old age... Especially if you take them while driving.
2. Having one child makes you a parent; having two makes you a referee.
3. Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband!
4. They said we should all pay our tax with a smile. I tried- but they wanted cash.
5. A child's greatest period of growth is the month after you've purchased new school uniforms.
6. Don't feel bad. A lot of people have no talent.
7. Don't marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you cannot live without... But whatever you do, you'll regret it later.
8. You can't buy love. . But you pay heavily for it.
9. True friends stab you in the front.
10. Forgiveness is giving up my right to hate you for hurting me.
11. Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.
12. Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.
13. My wife and I always compromise. I admit I'm wrong and she agrees with me.
14. Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.
15. Ladies first. Pretty ladies sooner.
16. It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still ends up with the same boss.
17. They call our language the mother tongue because the father seldom gets to speak.
18. Saving is the best thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you.
19. Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.
20. Real friends are the ones who survive transitions between address books
WATER - a medicine itself..!!!
DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1.. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2.. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4.. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5.. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6.. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/ reduce main diseases:
1.. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2.. Gastric - 10 days
3.. Diabetes - 30 days
4.. Constipation - 10 days
5.. Cancer - 180 days
6.. TB - 90 days
7.. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1.. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2.. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute
3.. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4.. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5.. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6.. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/ reduce main diseases:
1.. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2.. Gastric - 10 days
3.. Diabetes - 30 days
4.. Constipation - 10 days
5.. Cancer - 180 days
6.. TB - 90 days
7.. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.
Regards,
XEm sain
Hang in There!
Hang in There!
Difficulties arise in the live of us all.
What is most important is dealing with
the hart times, copying with the changes,
and getting through to the other side
where the sun is still shining just for you!
It takes a strong person to deal with tough times
and difficult choices.
But you are a strong person.
It takes courage.
But you possess the inner courage to
see you through.
It takes being an active participant in your life.
But you are in the driver's seat
and you can determine the direction
you want tomorrow to go in.
Hang in there ... and take care to see
that you don't lose sight of the one thing
that is constant, beautiful, and true:
Everything WILL be fine ~~
and it will turn out that way
because of the special kind of person you are!
So, beginning today and lasting a lifetime through ~~
Hang in there, and don't be afraid
to feel like the morning sun is shining ~~
JUST FOR YOU!
Poem by Douglas Pagels
Difficulties arise in the live of us all.
What is most important is dealing with
the hart times, copying with the changes,
and getting through to the other side
where the sun is still shining just for you!
It takes a strong person to deal with tough times
and difficult choices.
But you are a strong person.
It takes courage.
But you possess the inner courage to
see you through.
It takes being an active participant in your life.
But you are in the driver's seat
and you can determine the direction
you want tomorrow to go in.
Hang in there ... and take care to see
that you don't lose sight of the one thing
that is constant, beautiful, and true:
Everything WILL be fine ~~
and it will turn out that way
because of the special kind of person you are!
So, beginning today and lasting a lifetime through ~~
Hang in there, and don't be afraid
to feel like the morning sun is shining ~~
JUST FOR YOU!
Poem by Douglas Pagels
Short Story Big Messege
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: 'I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat.
1
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?'
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.'
What he had written was: 'Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Great men say, 'Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness…. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience.'
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…
And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
1
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, 'Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?'
The man said, 'I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.'
What he had written was: 'Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.'
Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?
Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
Invite others towards good with wisdom. Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
Great men say, 'Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness…. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience.'
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…
And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
Greatest Danger Of Life
Greatest Danger Of Life
The greatest danger for most of us
is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it.
But that our aim is too low, and we reach it.
The greatest danger for most of us
is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it.
But that our aim is too low, and we reach it.
Valentine Special: I Will Be For You
I Will Be For You
When your heart is jumping, I will be with you.
When your heart is brave, I will be with you.
When your heart is dancing, I will be with you.
When your heart is crying, I will be with you.
When your heart is broken, I will be with you.
When your heart is down, I will be with you.
No matter what happens, I will always be with you!
When your heart is jumping, I will be with you.
When your heart is brave, I will be with you.
When your heart is dancing, I will be with you.
When your heart is crying, I will be with you.
When your heart is broken, I will be with you.
When your heart is down, I will be with you.
No matter what happens, I will always be with you!
You Make A Difference
You Make A Difference
Don't spend you precious time asking
'Why isn't the world a better place?'
It will only be time waster.
The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?'
To that there is an answer.
~ Leo F. Buscaglia ~
Don't spend you precious time asking
'Why isn't the world a better place?'
It will only be time waster.
The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?'
To that there is an answer.
~ Leo F. Buscaglia ~
The Future Is Yours
Future Is Yours
The future belongs to those who are willing to build it.
But you can't build your future in the future.
You have to build it now.
The more ambitious your dreams,
the sooner you must start working on making them real.
The future is yours.
Start today to make it exactly how you want it to be.
The future belongs to those who are willing to build it.
But you can't build your future in the future.
You have to build it now.
The more ambitious your dreams,
the sooner you must start working on making them real.
The future is yours.
Start today to make it exactly how you want it to be.
Am I with the right partner?
During a seminar, a woman asked," How do I know if I am with the right person?" the author then noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so he said, "It depends. Is that your partner?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind replied the author. Here's the answer.
Every relationship has a cycle...In the beginning; you fall in love with
your partner. You anticipate their calls, want their touch, and like
their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love wasn't hard. In fact, it was a
completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything.
That's
why it's called "falling" in love.
People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Picture the
expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something happened TO YOU. Falling in love is a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few months or years of being together, the euphoria of love fades. It's a natural cycle of EVERY relationship.
Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all),
touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's
idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship; you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your partner might star asking, "Am I with the right person?" And as you reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when relationships breakdown.
The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.
People blame their partners for their unhappiness and look outside for fulfilment. Extramarital fulfilment comes in all shapes and sizes.
Infidelity is the most common. But sometimes people turn to work, a
hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your relationship. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this): The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.
SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. You have to work on it day in and day out. It takes time, effort, and energy. And mos importantly, it demands WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make it work. Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your partner). Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. If you know and apply these laws, the results are predictable. Love is therefore a "decision". Not just a feeling.
Remember this always: God determines who walks into your life. It is upto you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let GO!!
Every relationship has a cycle...In the beginning; you fall in love with
your partner. You anticipate their calls, want their touch, and like
their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love wasn't hard. In fact, it was a
completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything.
That's
why it's called "falling" in love.
People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Picture the
expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something happened TO YOU. Falling in love is a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few months or years of being together, the euphoria of love fades. It's a natural cycle of EVERY relationship.
Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all),
touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's
idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship; you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your partner might star asking, "Am I with the right person?" And as you reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when relationships breakdown.
The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.
People blame their partners for their unhappiness and look outside for fulfilment. Extramarital fulfilment comes in all shapes and sizes.
Infidelity is the most common. But sometimes people turn to work, a
hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your relationship. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this): The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.
SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. You have to work on it day in and day out. It takes time, effort, and energy. And mos importantly, it demands WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make it work. Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your partner). Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. If you know and apply these laws, the results are predictable. Love is therefore a "decision". Not just a feeling.
Remember this always: God determines who walks into your life. It is upto you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let GO!!
God Will Ask
God Will Ask
Tomorrow God isn't going to ask:
What did you dream?
What did you think?
What did you plan?
What did you preach?
He's going to ask: What did you do?
Tomorrow God isn't going to ask:
What did you dream?
What did you think?
What did you plan?
What did you preach?
He's going to ask: What did you do?
Burden Of Life
Burden Of Life
God will not give you a burden you can't handle.
If you ever find yourself in a mess
which seems impossible to resolve...
Take it as a compliment.
God thinks you can do it.
God will not give you a burden you can't handle.
If you ever find yourself in a mess
which seems impossible to resolve...
Take it as a compliment.
God thinks you can do it.
Why do we shout in anger
A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'
Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.
Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.'
'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?
Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?'
Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint.
Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.'
Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...'
The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'
MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.
Success Is Waiting To Happen
When we see someone successful,
we say that he just got lucky.
'He must have been at the right place at the right time.'
People only see one side of the picture.
People don't see the failures.
If you study history, you will find that -
All stories of success are also stories of great failures.
So if you are failing;
Remember, success is waiting to happen.
we say that he just got lucky.
'He must have been at the right place at the right time.'
People only see one side of the picture.
People don't see the failures.
If you study history, you will find that -
All stories of success are also stories of great failures.
So if you are failing;
Remember, success is waiting to happen.
Abortion ~ (Nice Story) Must Read
A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:
"Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. Old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together."
So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?'
She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'
The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: "I think, I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'
She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.
Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is.
There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.
The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!
'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.
The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!
"Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. Old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together."
So the doctor said: 'Ok, and what do you want me to do?'
She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'
The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: "I think, I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'
She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.
Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is.
There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.
The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!
'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.
The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Road To Success
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family,
You will have flats called Jobs,
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called God,
You will make it to a place called Success.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family,
You will have flats called Jobs,
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called God,
You will make it to a place called Success.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
DONT FORGET TO REMEMBER.
Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
Remember that miracles still happen.
Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
Remember not to take things too seriously.
Remember to laugh.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.
Remember that miracles still happen.
Green Tea
Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits.
It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health.
And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor.
*1. Green Tea and Cancer*
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer.
The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E.
This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.
************ **
*2. Green Tea and Heart Disease*
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol.
Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
************ **
*3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging*
Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals.
What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
************ **
*4. Green Tea and Weight Loss*
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally.
It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day.
That translates to 7 pounds in one year.
************ **
*5. Green Tea and Skin *
Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging.
Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.
************ **
*6. Green Tea and Arthritis*
Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by
blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.
************ **
*7. Green Tea and Bones*
The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea.
It helps keep your bones strong.
If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.
************ **
*8. Green Tea and Cholesterol*
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level.
It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.
************ **
*9. Green Tea and Obesity*
Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells.
If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.
************ **
*10. Green Tea and Diabetes*
Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.
************ **
*11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's*
Green tea helps boost your memory.
And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.
************ **
*12. Green Tea and Parkinson's*
Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain,
which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.
************ **
*13. Green Tea and Liver Disease*
Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure.
Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers.
************ **
*14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure*
Green tea helps prevent high blood pressure.
Drinking green tea helps keep your blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.
************ **
*15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning*
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.
************ **
*16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar*
Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.
************ **
*17. Green Tea and Immunity*
Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.
************ **
*18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu*
Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu.
Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.
************ **
*19. Green Tea and Asthma*
Theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.
************ **
*20. Green Tea and Ear Infection*
Green tea helps with ear infection problem.
For natural ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.
************ **
*21. Green Tea and Herpes*
Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes.
First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.
************ **
*22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay*
Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases.
It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.
************ **
*23. Green Tea and Stress*
L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety.
************ **
*24. Green Tea and Allergies*
EGCG found in green tea relieves allergies.
So, if you have allergies, you should really consider drinking green tea.
************ **
*25. Green Tea and HIV*
Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells.
What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.
It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health.
And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor.
*1. Green Tea and Cancer*
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer.
The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E.
This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.
************ **
*2. Green Tea and Heart Disease*
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol.
Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
************ **
*3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging*
Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals.
What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
************ **
*4. Green Tea and Weight Loss*
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally.
It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day.
That translates to 7 pounds in one year.
************ **
*5. Green Tea and Skin *
Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging.
Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.
************ **
*6. Green Tea and Arthritis*
Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by
blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.
************ **
*7. Green Tea and Bones*
The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea.
It helps keep your bones strong.
If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.
************ **
*8. Green Tea and Cholesterol*
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level.
It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.
************ **
*9. Green Tea and Obesity*
Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells.
If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.
************ **
*10. Green Tea and Diabetes*
Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.
************ **
*11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's*
Green tea helps boost your memory.
And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.
************ **
*12. Green Tea and Parkinson's*
Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain,
which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.
************ **
*13. Green Tea and Liver Disease*
Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure.
Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers.
************ **
*14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure*
Green tea helps prevent high blood pressure.
Drinking green tea helps keep your blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.
************ **
*15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning*
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.
************ **
*16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar*
Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.
************ **
*17. Green Tea and Immunity*
Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.
************ **
*18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu*
Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu.
Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.
************ **
*19. Green Tea and Asthma*
Theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.
************ **
*20. Green Tea and Ear Infection*
Green tea helps with ear infection problem.
For natural ear cleaning, soak a cotton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.
************ **
*21. Green Tea and Herpes*
Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes.
First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.
************ **
*22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay*
Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases.
It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.
************ **
*23. Green Tea and Stress*
L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety.
************ **
*24. Green Tea and Allergies*
EGCG found in green tea relieves allergies.
So, if you have allergies, you should really consider drinking green tea.
************ **
*25. Green Tea and HIV*
Scientists in Japan have found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells.
What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading.
Focus On Yourself
Some of us waste our time waiting for people
to live up to our expectations.
We are so concerned about what others are doing
that we don't do anything ourselves.
Its not so important what others are up to;
compared to what you are doing.
Focus on what you do, your work; Not on others.
to live up to our expectations.
We are so concerned about what others are doing
that we don't do anything ourselves.
Its not so important what others are up to;
compared to what you are doing.
Focus on what you do, your work; Not on others.
Friday, June 19, 2009
wakhis of ishkoman
Wakhis of Ishkoman Sep 17, '07 11:23 AM
for everyone
The first group of Wakhis who settled in Northern Pakistan in the 1880s had different reasons. A group led by the Mir of Wakhan came to seek refuge in Ishkoman, fleeing the tyranny of the Amir of Afghanistan. Wakhi is spoken in the sparsely populated upper portions of four of the northernmost valleys in Pakistan: Hunza (Gojal), Ishkoman, Yasin and Yarkhun. Yarkhun is located in Chitral district of the NWFP, while others are in the Northern Areas. Gojal, in the Hunza valley, has the largest Wakhi population of any of the four areas. The Wakhis of Ishkoman live primarily in the Karambar valley, in and above the town of Imit. In Yasin, they live mostly in the vicinity of Darkot, and in Yarhkun, they are found in Baroghil and in a few other small villages in the high, upper portion of valley.
In addition to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Wakhi speakers also live in the adjacent parts of Tajikistan, along the Pamir River, the Ab-i-Panj, and in the nearby Sarikot area of China. It is impossible to say exactly how many Wakhi speakers live in Pakistan, but their numbers are probably between 7,500 and 10,000, with the most in Gojal, Hunza. The number of Wakhi people in Ishkoman in probably around 2,000 or more. This area is said to be predominantly Wakhi. In addition, there are some Wakhi speakers in other parts of the valley.
for everyone
The first group of Wakhis who settled in Northern Pakistan in the 1880s had different reasons. A group led by the Mir of Wakhan came to seek refuge in Ishkoman, fleeing the tyranny of the Amir of Afghanistan. Wakhi is spoken in the sparsely populated upper portions of four of the northernmost valleys in Pakistan: Hunza (Gojal), Ishkoman, Yasin and Yarkhun. Yarkhun is located in Chitral district of the NWFP, while others are in the Northern Areas. Gojal, in the Hunza valley, has the largest Wakhi population of any of the four areas. The Wakhis of Ishkoman live primarily in the Karambar valley, in and above the town of Imit. In Yasin, they live mostly in the vicinity of Darkot, and in Yarhkun, they are found in Baroghil and in a few other small villages in the high, upper portion of valley.
In addition to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Wakhi speakers also live in the adjacent parts of Tajikistan, along the Pamir River, the Ab-i-Panj, and in the nearby Sarikot area of China. It is impossible to say exactly how many Wakhi speakers live in Pakistan, but their numbers are probably between 7,500 and 10,000, with the most in Gojal, Hunza. The number of Wakhi people in Ishkoman in probably around 2,000 or more. This area is said to be predominantly Wakhi. In addition, there are some Wakhi speakers in other parts of the valley.
my beautiful ghulkin
MY BEAUTIFUL GHULKIN Sep 22, '07 7:27 AM
for everyone
Eco Tourism Study, Gojal, Northern Areas, Gilgit
10. Ghulkin
10.1 Physical Sites
10.1.1 Peaks & Expeditions
Passu I (40-days)
Passu II (45-days)
Shisper Peak (35-days)
10.1.2 Glacier
Ghulkin-Hussaini Glacier
Passu Glacier
10.1.3 Treks
Ghulkin via Borit to Ptundas and back (6-days)
Round trek from Ghulkin to Talengshi via Borit to Ptundas to Batura and the KKH (8-days)
Round trek from Ghulkin via Zhrav to Ghutulchi to Kamaris down to Gulmit (8-days)
One way trek from Ghulkin to Dash Hel and back (4-days)
10.1.4 Lakes
Borit Lake (the only prominent lake in the entire Hunza which can provide boating facility during the tourist season. Further more it is also a resort for the Siberian ducks as they visit this spot while migrating seasonally from Siberia)
Ptundas Lake (seasonal lake for three months in summer)
Past Jingal Lake
10.1.5 Pastures & Meadows
Zhrav Hel
Talengshi Hel
Dash Hel
Ghulingal
Passu Ghar
Luzhdur Hel
Ptundas Hel
Yorch
Warun Goz
Jumtar
Bokhtar of Ghulkin
Yuksh Band Hel
Darwoza (the only arduous trail whereby the goats and sheep pass through)
Chibjew Goz
10.2 Cultural Sites
10.2.1 Old Mosque of Qurbon Shoh
This is an Ismaili mosque that was constructed by Qurbon Shoh of the Nakhchiery Ktor in Ghulkin. Before the introduction of the Jamatkhanas (1922-23), the Ismailis of Hunza and Gojal used to have their own mosque for the purpose of meditation. Now, this mosque, which was restored by the Aga Khan Cultural
Mountain Areas Conservancy Project 27
Eco Tourism Study, Gojal, Northern Areas, Gilgit
Service, Pakistan, is a heritage of Ghulkin community. The tourists can visit this site, and enjoy and learn the architecture.
10.2.2 Old Mosque of Khalifa Bieg Nazar
This another old mosque in Ghulkin, which has been built on the top of the house of khalifa Bieg Nazar of the Nakhchiery clan, and the wood carvings on the door and pillars are of great significance.
10.2.3 Old House Museum
This is one of the old houses in Ghulkin, which belongs to the Kirghiz clan, and it is estimated to be more or less three hundred years old. The house has sophisticatedly been constructed and reflects the living style of the people of the past. For the last few years, this old house has been transformed into a museum and different kinds of antiques of the Ghulkin community have been gathered here that provides a good opportunity for the visitors to view and perceive the previous living conditions.
10.2.4 Handicrafts Centre
For the last couple of years, the Karakoram Area Development Organisation (KADO), a community-drive local NGO in Hunza, took the initiative to support economically weak families, and this connection, handicraft was introduced as one of the additional sources of income for the local women. This Handicraft Centre was, therefore, introduced in Ghulkin as well and many women started working in this centre and are working interestingly for both their qualitative handicraft productions and ultimately support to their economic gain.
Any tourist or visitor who wishes to buy any sort of indigenous handicraft can visit this centre and purchase the commodities of their choice.
10.2.5 Dari Centre
Like the handicrafts’ centre, this is another local factory where women prepare the Daris and are available for the sale. The visitors can take full benefit out of this centre, if are to visit Ghulkin.
10.2.6 Ghulkin Educational, Social Welfare and Nature Conservation Association
This organisation was formed in 1992 for the purpose of educational development. Along with education, this association serves in the fields of social welfare and conservation of nature within its areas of nature’s conservation, and special focus on the conservation of the wild lives.
Under this umbrella is an educational project with the name of Nasir Khusraw Model Academy that provides the primary level education in English Medium, which is running very successfully.
10.2.7 Ghulkin Tourism Development Committee
This organisation has been established recently for the purpose of tourism facilitation. This committee is responsible for the identification and exposure of potential tourist destinations and resorts within the territories of Ghulkin village.
Mountain Areas Conservancy Project 28
Tags: my beautiful ghulkin
for everyone
Eco Tourism Study, Gojal, Northern Areas, Gilgit
10. Ghulkin
10.1 Physical Sites
10.1.1 Peaks & Expeditions
Passu I (40-days)
Passu II (45-days)
Shisper Peak (35-days)
10.1.2 Glacier
Ghulkin-Hussaini Glacier
Passu Glacier
10.1.3 Treks
Ghulkin via Borit to Ptundas and back (6-days)
Round trek from Ghulkin to Talengshi via Borit to Ptundas to Batura and the KKH (8-days)
Round trek from Ghulkin via Zhrav to Ghutulchi to Kamaris down to Gulmit (8-days)
One way trek from Ghulkin to Dash Hel and back (4-days)
10.1.4 Lakes
Borit Lake (the only prominent lake in the entire Hunza which can provide boating facility during the tourist season. Further more it is also a resort for the Siberian ducks as they visit this spot while migrating seasonally from Siberia)
Ptundas Lake (seasonal lake for three months in summer)
Past Jingal Lake
10.1.5 Pastures & Meadows
Zhrav Hel
Talengshi Hel
Dash Hel
Ghulingal
Passu Ghar
Luzhdur Hel
Ptundas Hel
Yorch
Warun Goz
Jumtar
Bokhtar of Ghulkin
Yuksh Band Hel
Darwoza (the only arduous trail whereby the goats and sheep pass through)
Chibjew Goz
10.2 Cultural Sites
10.2.1 Old Mosque of Qurbon Shoh
This is an Ismaili mosque that was constructed by Qurbon Shoh of the Nakhchiery Ktor in Ghulkin. Before the introduction of the Jamatkhanas (1922-23), the Ismailis of Hunza and Gojal used to have their own mosque for the purpose of meditation. Now, this mosque, which was restored by the Aga Khan Cultural
Mountain Areas Conservancy Project 27
Eco Tourism Study, Gojal, Northern Areas, Gilgit
Service, Pakistan, is a heritage of Ghulkin community. The tourists can visit this site, and enjoy and learn the architecture.
10.2.2 Old Mosque of Khalifa Bieg Nazar
This another old mosque in Ghulkin, which has been built on the top of the house of khalifa Bieg Nazar of the Nakhchiery clan, and the wood carvings on the door and pillars are of great significance.
10.2.3 Old House Museum
This is one of the old houses in Ghulkin, which belongs to the Kirghiz clan, and it is estimated to be more or less three hundred years old. The house has sophisticatedly been constructed and reflects the living style of the people of the past. For the last few years, this old house has been transformed into a museum and different kinds of antiques of the Ghulkin community have been gathered here that provides a good opportunity for the visitors to view and perceive the previous living conditions.
10.2.4 Handicrafts Centre
For the last couple of years, the Karakoram Area Development Organisation (KADO), a community-drive local NGO in Hunza, took the initiative to support economically weak families, and this connection, handicraft was introduced as one of the additional sources of income for the local women. This Handicraft Centre was, therefore, introduced in Ghulkin as well and many women started working in this centre and are working interestingly for both their qualitative handicraft productions and ultimately support to their economic gain.
Any tourist or visitor who wishes to buy any sort of indigenous handicraft can visit this centre and purchase the commodities of their choice.
10.2.5 Dari Centre
Like the handicrafts’ centre, this is another local factory where women prepare the Daris and are available for the sale. The visitors can take full benefit out of this centre, if are to visit Ghulkin.
10.2.6 Ghulkin Educational, Social Welfare and Nature Conservation Association
This organisation was formed in 1992 for the purpose of educational development. Along with education, this association serves in the fields of social welfare and conservation of nature within its areas of nature’s conservation, and special focus on the conservation of the wild lives.
Under this umbrella is an educational project with the name of Nasir Khusraw Model Academy that provides the primary level education in English Medium, which is running very successfully.
10.2.7 Ghulkin Tourism Development Committee
This organisation has been established recently for the purpose of tourism facilitation. This committee is responsible for the identification and exposure of potential tourist destinations and resorts within the territories of Ghulkin village.
Mountain Areas Conservancy Project 28
Tags: my beautiful ghulkin
learn wakhi
LEARN WAKHI Sep 8, '07 11:25 AM
for everyone
Lexical comparison of five Iranian languages [3] English gloss Persian Tajik Shughni Sarikoli Wakhi
son pisær (پسر) pisar (писар) puts pɯts putr
fire atiʃ (اتش) otaʃ (оташ) joːts juts rɯχnig
water ab (اب) ob (ов) xats xats jupk
hand dæst (دست) dast (даѕт) ðust ðɯst ðast
foot pa (پا) po (по) poːð peð pɯð
tooth dændan (دندان) dandon (дандон) ðinðʉn ðanðun ðɯnðɯk
eye tʃæʃm (چشم) tʃaʃm (чашм) tsem tsem tʂəʐm
horse æsb (اسب) asp (асп) voːrdʒ vurdʒ jaʃ
cloud æbr (ابر) abr (абр) abri varm mur
wheat gændum (گندم) gandum (гандум) ʒindam ʒandam ɣɯdim
meat gʉʃt (گوشت) gʉʃt (гушт) guːxt gɯxt guʂt
many bisjar (بسيار) bisjor (бисйор) bisjoːr pɯr təqi
high bulænd (بلند) baland (баланд) biland bɯland bɯland
far dʉr (دور) dur (дур) ðar ðar ðir
good χʉb (خوب) χub (хуб) χub tʃardʒ baf
small χurd (خرد) χurd (хурд) dzul dzɯl dzɘqlai
to say guft (گفت) guft (гуфт) lʉvd levd xɘnak
to do kærd (كرد) kard (кард) tʃiːd tʃeig tsɘrak
to see did (ديد) did (дид) wiːnt wand wing
for everyone
Lexical comparison of five Iranian languages [3] English gloss Persian Tajik Shughni Sarikoli Wakhi
son pisær (پسر) pisar (писар) puts pɯts putr
fire atiʃ (اتش) otaʃ (оташ) joːts juts rɯχnig
water ab (اب) ob (ов) xats xats jupk
hand dæst (دست) dast (даѕт) ðust ðɯst ðast
foot pa (پا) po (по) poːð peð pɯð
tooth dændan (دندان) dandon (дандон) ðinðʉn ðanðun ðɯnðɯk
eye tʃæʃm (چشم) tʃaʃm (чашм) tsem tsem tʂəʐm
horse æsb (اسب) asp (асп) voːrdʒ vurdʒ jaʃ
cloud æbr (ابر) abr (абр) abri varm mur
wheat gændum (گندم) gandum (гандум) ʒindam ʒandam ɣɯdim
meat gʉʃt (گوشت) gʉʃt (гушт) guːxt gɯxt guʂt
many bisjar (بسيار) bisjor (бисйор) bisjoːr pɯr təqi
high bulænd (بلند) baland (баланд) biland bɯland bɯland
far dʉr (دور) dur (дур) ðar ðar ðir
good χʉb (خوب) χub (хуб) χub tʃardʒ baf
small χurd (خرد) χurd (хурд) dzul dzɯl dzɘqlai
to say guft (گفت) guft (гуфт) lʉvd levd xɘnak
to do kærd (كرد) kard (кард) tʃiːd tʃeig tsɘrak
to see did (ديد) did (дид) wiːnt wand wing
ielts guidelines
Article by: S.R. Hasan
"A milestone to your great future prospects worldwide" Article by
S.R. Hasan
worldnews_hasan@hotmail.com
English is a global nexus and source of progress in all fields of human development.Quality education is observed in in the world class institutions that are mostly located in English speaking countries where foreign students from all regions of the world are enrolled for higher studies.As a medium of instruction English is the main language, and there are two major tests of IELTS AND TOEFL that are essential before applying for admission to foreign institutions in English speaking countries.The cardinal gist of IELTS as an assessment test of proficiency in English is to evaluate a student whether he is good or not in 4 different skills of LISTENING, READING, WRITING and SPEAKING.
Your proficiency in English must help you in adjusting in an English speaking enviroment, since proficiency in English is your key to success in eduaction.
Listening
A person first listens to whatever is spoken to make him learn something tangible, so listening is vital to learn new skills by a teacher who is a native speaker of English.
Reading
A meritorious student is always an avid reader of his educational text books. Keeping in view this radical verity. Reading has become an integra part of IELTS to evaluate how good a student is at reading various textual contents of related components of essential reading ang reference reading for course of study in a foreign institution.Reading is the most important part of IELTS.
Writing
In educational life, a student has to write a lot of academic write ups, course details and thesis papersfor evaluation on regular basis.To be assessed, students are always asked to write on particular assignments.This very reason has entailed the inclusion of Writing Part in IELTS.
Speaking
Personal adjustment and social life in an English speaking country always demands a reasonable level of proficiency in Spoken English.You have to express yourself in English if you are studying in an English speaking institution. Speaking section is is the ultimate part of IELTS test.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. More than 700,000 people are using IELTS every year to apply for education and jobs in the English speaking world. Since 1989 IELTS has been proven and used worldwide to provide a reliable global and authentic test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English.
The UK government's Qualification and Curriculum Authority has recently granted formal accreditation to various levels of IELTS as part of the National Quality Framework for England.
IELTS is one of the fastest growing English language test in the world.The IELTS test result is valid for 2 years through out the English speaking world.
Your IELTS test result is like a shining milestone for your future progress and success.You are evaluated in IELTS from 1 to 9 bands with an average accepatble band of 6 to be a good chance for your entry into aforeign institution.Be aware that a reasonable duration practice on IELTS can certainly give you an edge of obtaining at least 6 bands easily but 7 or above bands should be your target to open the doors of opportunities in a foreign land.
"A milestone to your great future prospects worldwide" Article by
S.R. Hasan
worldnews_hasan@hotmail.com
English is a global nexus and source of progress in all fields of human development.Quality education is observed in in the world class institutions that are mostly located in English speaking countries where foreign students from all regions of the world are enrolled for higher studies.As a medium of instruction English is the main language, and there are two major tests of IELTS AND TOEFL that are essential before applying for admission to foreign institutions in English speaking countries.The cardinal gist of IELTS as an assessment test of proficiency in English is to evaluate a student whether he is good or not in 4 different skills of LISTENING, READING, WRITING and SPEAKING.
Your proficiency in English must help you in adjusting in an English speaking enviroment, since proficiency in English is your key to success in eduaction.
Listening
A person first listens to whatever is spoken to make him learn something tangible, so listening is vital to learn new skills by a teacher who is a native speaker of English.
Reading
A meritorious student is always an avid reader of his educational text books. Keeping in view this radical verity. Reading has become an integra part of IELTS to evaluate how good a student is at reading various textual contents of related components of essential reading ang reference reading for course of study in a foreign institution.Reading is the most important part of IELTS.
Writing
In educational life, a student has to write a lot of academic write ups, course details and thesis papersfor evaluation on regular basis.To be assessed, students are always asked to write on particular assignments.This very reason has entailed the inclusion of Writing Part in IELTS.
Speaking
Personal adjustment and social life in an English speaking country always demands a reasonable level of proficiency in Spoken English.You have to express yourself in English if you are studying in an English speaking institution. Speaking section is is the ultimate part of IELTS test.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. More than 700,000 people are using IELTS every year to apply for education and jobs in the English speaking world. Since 1989 IELTS has been proven and used worldwide to provide a reliable global and authentic test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English.
The UK government's Qualification and Curriculum Authority has recently granted formal accreditation to various levels of IELTS as part of the National Quality Framework for England.
IELTS is one of the fastest growing English language test in the world.The IELTS test result is valid for 2 years through out the English speaking world.
Your IELTS test result is like a shining milestone for your future progress and success.You are evaluated in IELTS from 1 to 9 bands with an average accepatble band of 6 to be a good chance for your entry into aforeign institution.Be aware that a reasonable duration practice on IELTS can certainly give you an edge of obtaining at least 6 bands easily but 7 or above bands should be your target to open the doors of opportunities in a foreign land.
ghulkin village:
BASICS OF GHULKIN Aug 18, '07 10:02 AM
for everyone
Ghulkin Village:
Ghulkin Village is located in Gojal, upper Hunza. It is reached by following the Karakoram Highway (KKH) 140km north of Gilgit. This trip takes 3-4 hours by van. From a turn-off just beyond Gulmit, a winding jeep track leads upwards for 3 km, until the ground flattens out and the first houses of the village come into view.
Ghulkin occupies the site of an old glacier fed lake, which has been silted up by continuous sedimentation. Many of the 140 traditional dwellings that constitute Ghulkin village are arranged in a circular form, facing the one-time shores of the lake, creating a wonderfully communal atmosphere. The central area now supports several dwellings and fields, including a strip of land often used as a cricket pitch.
There is no accurate historical record of the origin of the village, though it is estimated to be around 600 years old. According to local folklore, there were settlements here while the lake was still in existence, this area being used as pastureland in summer. The name is derived from two words of the local Wakhi dialect, 'Ghulk', meaning 'well' and 'kin', meaning 'whose'.
Being an area of low rainfall, the most vital requirement is water for irrigation, livestock, drinking and domestic use. Khawaja Ahmed, and Ismaili Muslim who came here with the Mir of Hunza, asked him for land. After the Mir agreed, Khawaja Ahmed mobilised the people of the area to construct a water-channel to irrigate the land. This made cultivation possible and the Ismaili settlement flourished. Now small scale health and educational institutions, electricity and water-sully facilities are available in the village. Through the involvement of capacity-building NGOs, there is also a handicraft production centre and opportunities for other vocational training.
The Jammatkhana, the central religious institution for all Ismaili Muslims, holds a strong position in the community. Apart from its religious functions, it provides a central location for community meetings, festivals, celebrations, resolution of disputes and much more.
In Upper Hunza, winters are long and can become bitterly cold, though the seasoned winter traveller will see a world of immense beauty at this time of the year. Snowfall brings with it the Himalayian ibex, descending in search for grass breaking through the covering snow. Summers are hot in the north, though more pleasant than the harsh temperatures in summer are around 30 degrees Celsius. In winter the temperature remains below freezing point, further dropping at night.
Places of Interest
Approximately 2 km to the north of Ghulkin lies Borith Lake, a saline body of water occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2500 meters. The lake can be reached via a 2 km unpaved jeep route from Hussaini village, which lies adjacent to Ghulkin village. It is also accessible by a 2-3 hour trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier. The site is an important sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is a must to be included in the itinerary of bird-watchers and nature lovers. To witness the large number of ducks arriving from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, one should visit between the months of March and June. The birds rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. Similarly, from September - November, the spectacle occurs in reverse with the onset of winter towards the north.
A short trek of one hour each way will bring you to Ghulkin Glacier. Just follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake as far as the edge of the glacier, and return by the same route.
For the more adventurous, a longer walk to Passu Gar Glacier is another attraction, crossing both Ghulkin Glacier and Borith Lake. Having crossed Ghulkin Glacier by the same route, continue on the southern side of Borith Lake past the settlement of Borith Bala and the now deserted settlement of Shahabad. The lack of a continuous water supply led to the desertification of this village many years ago. On reaching Passu Gar, one finds a spectacular view of all the icy crenellations along its length. The walk takes about 4-5 hours form Ghulkin to Passu. From the glacier, a path leads down to the KKH and the Shisper Hotel.
Alternatively, transport can be obtained locally, enabling the exploration of many routes around this area from different starting points, such as Gulmit.
Trekking Routes
Ghulkin and its surrounding areas provide wonderful opportunities for trekking. One, two or three day treks exist, as well as long hikes for the more adventurous. Visits to the summer pastures such as Patundas, provide excellent short treks, with stunning views of the nearby glaciers. The proximity of three major glacial valleys, Ghulkin, Pasu and the mighty Batura glacier, provides plenty of choices for the accomplished trekker.
An important point to note here is that the forests of Ghulkin wood for fuel by trekkers and mountaineering parties. All visitors to this area are requested to arrange for alternate cooking fuel such as kerosene for their trekking group.
Camping Sites
Both the surroundings of Borith Lake and the summer pastureland of the Patundas are recommended camping grounds, set in magnificent natural surroundings.
Local Accommodation
Accommodation is available both at Borith Lake and in Ghulkin Village. A small hotel at Borith Lake has three guest-rooms. Small, simple hotels and village guest-houese in Ghulkin are also available. Food and refreshments are available at both locations.
Main Tourist Season
Tourist season starts in June and ends around mid October. This in largely because of could winters in Hunza and the fact that most visitors are en route to China, via the Khunjerab Pass, which closes in winter. For the intrepid traveller, however, the area offers many rewards to the winter visitor. As the winter snows cover the mountain slopes, the scattered villages are surrounded in vibrant while. The mountain monarchs, the Himalayan ibex, decend in search of clumps of grass on which to feed, and every the elusive snow leopard becomes less wary at this time of year in its desperate search for prey. Attacks on livestock are not uncommon nowadays, due to population reduction in its major prey species, the ibex. Unfortunately, these starvation induced attacks do nothing to help this beautiful but scarce creature and it is often persecuted as a result.
Cultural Events
Navroze on the 21st of March, is both a religious and a cultural festival. There are dances and festive gatherings to welcome spring. Prayers are offered for a good harvest season. Navroze is also the beginning of the Ismaili new year. People gather at the village Jamaatkhana to celebrate and pray for a happy new year. The celebrations take place in theoutdoors.
Wingus-tue (Marriage of the Sparrow) falls in March. Villagers gather together to eat and pray. Kitdith is an additional event to Wingus-tui. Dried meat left over from the winter season is eaten on this occasion and people pray for a productive planting season.
Cheneer is a local event which marks the beginning of the harvest season, extending from July-August.
Taghum is a two day event, taking place in the ploughing season during March.
Local Handicrafts
Sharma and Pattu are the traditional local handicrafts of the area. Pattu is a hand-made product, made form sheep's wool. It is used to make local caps, sweaters, gloves, waistcoats, blankets and a variety of jackets and coats, all of which are available locally. Sharma is also made locally from wool spun from goat hair. Sharma is used to make local carpets of an extremely durable nature. The production of handicrafts is an important area of development as it supports financial equity and empowers people. Purchasing such items directly benefits these communities. All these products are hand made.
Historical Places
For a small fee, visitors to Ghulkin Village may have a look at the oldest house in the settlement, know as Busing House, named after one of the original settlers. This small museum packed with artifacts of varying degrees of antiquity, is a fascinating journey in time. The house itself is known to be over 700 years old. Your small contribution will help the owner in his task of restoring the building, which has suffered the ravages of time. Nearby in Gulmit, those with an interest in the rich cultural heritage of this area, can pay a visit to the old residence of the local Mir.
The Mirs were the rulers of the micro kingdoms found along the Hunza River until as recently as the early seventies. The Gulmit Museum is still home to many possessions that tell the story of those years. Intrepid travellers from Central Asia arrived bearing gifts for the Mir such as carpets, swords and traditional brass teapots, which lie amongst the exhibits.
Flora and Fauna
The trees that make up the depleting forest mainly belong to the juniper species. In other areas, wild rose, willow and birch add their soft beauty to the landscape. In spring many fruit trees blossom, transforming the harsh look of winter into a utopia of delicate scents and pastel whites.
The mountainous areas to the west of Ghulkin and Gulmit are home to the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, wold, red fox and hares. Red foxes and hares are common sights on the walks and treks outside the village, especially at dawn and dusk. Longer, high altitude treks offer increased chances of spotting the Himalayan ibex, although keen eyesight and binoculars are essential possessions. The ibex are relatively common in this area; the best time to visit in order to see them starts from January through to May, in the nullahs near Ghulkin. You are fortunate if you spot the elusive snow leopard. Look out for its footprints as you move on. Locals report having seen two snow leopards in the Ghulkin catchment area on the same day, at two different locations.
Birds
Common birds of the area, which a trekker would stand a good chance of seeing during a week around Ghulkin, include: Wagtail species, the beautiful Golden Oriole, House Sparrow, Hoopoe, both Red-and Yellow-billed Chough (or Rock Partridge), Ram Chukkar (Himalayan Snowcock), Snow Pigeon and Magpie.
Games
Ghulkin is a small village with a few facilities This does not stop the local community from happily taking part in games such as volleyball, football and cricket. These games are played in the central area of the village, agricultural fields or in gardens. Children can sometimes be seen improvising upon a game of polo, but without the all too expensive horses!!
for everyone
Ghulkin Village:
Ghulkin Village is located in Gojal, upper Hunza. It is reached by following the Karakoram Highway (KKH) 140km north of Gilgit. This trip takes 3-4 hours by van. From a turn-off just beyond Gulmit, a winding jeep track leads upwards for 3 km, until the ground flattens out and the first houses of the village come into view.
Ghulkin occupies the site of an old glacier fed lake, which has been silted up by continuous sedimentation. Many of the 140 traditional dwellings that constitute Ghulkin village are arranged in a circular form, facing the one-time shores of the lake, creating a wonderfully communal atmosphere. The central area now supports several dwellings and fields, including a strip of land often used as a cricket pitch.
There is no accurate historical record of the origin of the village, though it is estimated to be around 600 years old. According to local folklore, there were settlements here while the lake was still in existence, this area being used as pastureland in summer. The name is derived from two words of the local Wakhi dialect, 'Ghulk', meaning 'well' and 'kin', meaning 'whose'.
Being an area of low rainfall, the most vital requirement is water for irrigation, livestock, drinking and domestic use. Khawaja Ahmed, and Ismaili Muslim who came here with the Mir of Hunza, asked him for land. After the Mir agreed, Khawaja Ahmed mobilised the people of the area to construct a water-channel to irrigate the land. This made cultivation possible and the Ismaili settlement flourished. Now small scale health and educational institutions, electricity and water-sully facilities are available in the village. Through the involvement of capacity-building NGOs, there is also a handicraft production centre and opportunities for other vocational training.
The Jammatkhana, the central religious institution for all Ismaili Muslims, holds a strong position in the community. Apart from its religious functions, it provides a central location for community meetings, festivals, celebrations, resolution of disputes and much more.
In Upper Hunza, winters are long and can become bitterly cold, though the seasoned winter traveller will see a world of immense beauty at this time of the year. Snowfall brings with it the Himalayian ibex, descending in search for grass breaking through the covering snow. Summers are hot in the north, though more pleasant than the harsh temperatures in summer are around 30 degrees Celsius. In winter the temperature remains below freezing point, further dropping at night.
Places of Interest
Approximately 2 km to the north of Ghulkin lies Borith Lake, a saline body of water occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2500 meters. The lake can be reached via a 2 km unpaved jeep route from Hussaini village, which lies adjacent to Ghulkin village. It is also accessible by a 2-3 hour trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier. The site is an important sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is a must to be included in the itinerary of bird-watchers and nature lovers. To witness the large number of ducks arriving from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, one should visit between the months of March and June. The birds rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. Similarly, from September - November, the spectacle occurs in reverse with the onset of winter towards the north.
A short trek of one hour each way will bring you to Ghulkin Glacier. Just follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake as far as the edge of the glacier, and return by the same route.
For the more adventurous, a longer walk to Passu Gar Glacier is another attraction, crossing both Ghulkin Glacier and Borith Lake. Having crossed Ghulkin Glacier by the same route, continue on the southern side of Borith Lake past the settlement of Borith Bala and the now deserted settlement of Shahabad. The lack of a continuous water supply led to the desertification of this village many years ago. On reaching Passu Gar, one finds a spectacular view of all the icy crenellations along its length. The walk takes about 4-5 hours form Ghulkin to Passu. From the glacier, a path leads down to the KKH and the Shisper Hotel.
Alternatively, transport can be obtained locally, enabling the exploration of many routes around this area from different starting points, such as Gulmit.
Trekking Routes
Ghulkin and its surrounding areas provide wonderful opportunities for trekking. One, two or three day treks exist, as well as long hikes for the more adventurous. Visits to the summer pastures such as Patundas, provide excellent short treks, with stunning views of the nearby glaciers. The proximity of three major glacial valleys, Ghulkin, Pasu and the mighty Batura glacier, provides plenty of choices for the accomplished trekker.
An important point to note here is that the forests of Ghulkin wood for fuel by trekkers and mountaineering parties. All visitors to this area are requested to arrange for alternate cooking fuel such as kerosene for their trekking group.
Camping Sites
Both the surroundings of Borith Lake and the summer pastureland of the Patundas are recommended camping grounds, set in magnificent natural surroundings.
Local Accommodation
Accommodation is available both at Borith Lake and in Ghulkin Village. A small hotel at Borith Lake has three guest-rooms. Small, simple hotels and village guest-houese in Ghulkin are also available. Food and refreshments are available at both locations.
Main Tourist Season
Tourist season starts in June and ends around mid October. This in largely because of could winters in Hunza and the fact that most visitors are en route to China, via the Khunjerab Pass, which closes in winter. For the intrepid traveller, however, the area offers many rewards to the winter visitor. As the winter snows cover the mountain slopes, the scattered villages are surrounded in vibrant while. The mountain monarchs, the Himalayan ibex, decend in search of clumps of grass on which to feed, and every the elusive snow leopard becomes less wary at this time of year in its desperate search for prey. Attacks on livestock are not uncommon nowadays, due to population reduction in its major prey species, the ibex. Unfortunately, these starvation induced attacks do nothing to help this beautiful but scarce creature and it is often persecuted as a result.
Cultural Events
Navroze on the 21st of March, is both a religious and a cultural festival. There are dances and festive gatherings to welcome spring. Prayers are offered for a good harvest season. Navroze is also the beginning of the Ismaili new year. People gather at the village Jamaatkhana to celebrate and pray for a happy new year. The celebrations take place in theoutdoors.
Wingus-tue (Marriage of the Sparrow) falls in March. Villagers gather together to eat and pray. Kitdith is an additional event to Wingus-tui. Dried meat left over from the winter season is eaten on this occasion and people pray for a productive planting season.
Cheneer is a local event which marks the beginning of the harvest season, extending from July-August.
Taghum is a two day event, taking place in the ploughing season during March.
Local Handicrafts
Sharma and Pattu are the traditional local handicrafts of the area. Pattu is a hand-made product, made form sheep's wool. It is used to make local caps, sweaters, gloves, waistcoats, blankets and a variety of jackets and coats, all of which are available locally. Sharma is also made locally from wool spun from goat hair. Sharma is used to make local carpets of an extremely durable nature. The production of handicrafts is an important area of development as it supports financial equity and empowers people. Purchasing such items directly benefits these communities. All these products are hand made.
Historical Places
For a small fee, visitors to Ghulkin Village may have a look at the oldest house in the settlement, know as Busing House, named after one of the original settlers. This small museum packed with artifacts of varying degrees of antiquity, is a fascinating journey in time. The house itself is known to be over 700 years old. Your small contribution will help the owner in his task of restoring the building, which has suffered the ravages of time. Nearby in Gulmit, those with an interest in the rich cultural heritage of this area, can pay a visit to the old residence of the local Mir.
The Mirs were the rulers of the micro kingdoms found along the Hunza River until as recently as the early seventies. The Gulmit Museum is still home to many possessions that tell the story of those years. Intrepid travellers from Central Asia arrived bearing gifts for the Mir such as carpets, swords and traditional brass teapots, which lie amongst the exhibits.
Flora and Fauna
The trees that make up the depleting forest mainly belong to the juniper species. In other areas, wild rose, willow and birch add their soft beauty to the landscape. In spring many fruit trees blossom, transforming the harsh look of winter into a utopia of delicate scents and pastel whites.
The mountainous areas to the west of Ghulkin and Gulmit are home to the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, wold, red fox and hares. Red foxes and hares are common sights on the walks and treks outside the village, especially at dawn and dusk. Longer, high altitude treks offer increased chances of spotting the Himalayan ibex, although keen eyesight and binoculars are essential possessions. The ibex are relatively common in this area; the best time to visit in order to see them starts from January through to May, in the nullahs near Ghulkin. You are fortunate if you spot the elusive snow leopard. Look out for its footprints as you move on. Locals report having seen two snow leopards in the Ghulkin catchment area on the same day, at two different locations.
Birds
Common birds of the area, which a trekker would stand a good chance of seeing during a week around Ghulkin, include: Wagtail species, the beautiful Golden Oriole, House Sparrow, Hoopoe, both Red-and Yellow-billed Chough (or Rock Partridge), Ram Chukkar (Himalayan Snowcock), Snow Pigeon and Magpie.
Games
Ghulkin is a small village with a few facilities This does not stop the local community from happily taking part in games such as volleyball, football and cricket. These games are played in the central area of the village, agricultural fields or in gardens. Children can sometimes be seen improvising upon a game of polo, but without the all too expensive horses!!
borith lake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, searchBorith Lake
Location Northern Areas
Lake type saline
Basin countries Pakistan
Surface elevation 8500 ft
Borith Lake is a lake in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Borith is a hamlet in the surroundings of the Borith Lake to the northwest of Hussaini, a village near Gulmit, Gojal, in the upper Hunza. The altitude of Borith is roughly 8500 feet above sea level.
It lies approximately 2 km to the north of Ghulkin, a saline body of water occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2500 meters. The lake can be reached via a 2 km unpaved jeep route from Hussaini village, which lies adjacent to Ghulkin village. It is also accessible by a 2-3 hour trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier. The site is an important sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is a must to be included in the itinerary of bird-watchers and nature lovers. To witness the large number of ducks arriving from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, one should visit between the months of March and June. The birds rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. Similarly, from September–November, the spectacle occurs in reverse with the onset of winter towards the north.
A short trek of one hour each way will bring you to Ghulkin Glacier. Just follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake as far as the edge of the glacier, and return by the same route.
For the more adventurous, a longer walk to Passu Gar Glacier is another attraction, crossing both Ghulkin Glacier and Borith Lake. Having crossed Ghulkin Glacier by the same route, continue on the southern side of Borith Lake past the settlement of Borith Bala and the now deserted settlement of Shahabad. The lack of a continuous water supply led to the desertification of this village many years ago. On reaching Passu Gar, one finds a spectacular view of all the icy crenellations along its length. The walk takes about 4–5 hours form Ghulkin to Passu. From the glacier, a path leads down to the Karakorum Highway and the Shisper Hotel.
Alternatively, transport can be obtained locally, enabling the exploration of many routes around this area from different starting points, such as Gulmit.
Jump to: navigation, searchBorith Lake
Location Northern Areas
Lake type saline
Basin countries Pakistan
Surface elevation 8500 ft
Borith Lake is a lake in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Borith is a hamlet in the surroundings of the Borith Lake to the northwest of Hussaini, a village near Gulmit, Gojal, in the upper Hunza. The altitude of Borith is roughly 8500 feet above sea level.
It lies approximately 2 km to the north of Ghulkin, a saline body of water occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2500 meters. The lake can be reached via a 2 km unpaved jeep route from Hussaini village, which lies adjacent to Ghulkin village. It is also accessible by a 2-3 hour trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier. The site is an important sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is a must to be included in the itinerary of bird-watchers and nature lovers. To witness the large number of ducks arriving from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, one should visit between the months of March and June. The birds rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. Similarly, from September–November, the spectacle occurs in reverse with the onset of winter towards the north.
A short trek of one hour each way will bring you to Ghulkin Glacier. Just follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake as far as the edge of the glacier, and return by the same route.
For the more adventurous, a longer walk to Passu Gar Glacier is another attraction, crossing both Ghulkin Glacier and Borith Lake. Having crossed Ghulkin Glacier by the same route, continue on the southern side of Borith Lake past the settlement of Borith Bala and the now deserted settlement of Shahabad. The lack of a continuous water supply led to the desertification of this village many years ago. On reaching Passu Gar, one finds a spectacular view of all the icy crenellations along its length. The walk takes about 4–5 hours form Ghulkin to Passu. From the glacier, a path leads down to the Karakorum Highway and the Shisper Hotel.
Alternatively, transport can be obtained locally, enabling the exploration of many routes around this area from different starting points, such as Gulmit.
a ghulkin's daughter
Gulshad, The story of a Ghulkin daughter Aug 18, '07 10:16 AM
for everyone
Gulshad (PAKISTAN 17)
40
Occupation
farmer
Location
Shimshal
Date
29 July 2000
summary
Gulshad, the mother of three children is originally from the village of Ghulkin. She came to Shimshal 26 years ago when she was married there, aged 14, in accordance with the wishes of her father, who had relatives in the village. She is an articulate narrator, and during her testimony she offers some thoughtful insights into a range of issues. These include education, the division of responsibilities and relations between men and women and how these have changed during her time in Shimshal, health and family planning, the importance of livestock as a source of income, the system of nomus (donation towards community project in the name of a relative) and volunteer institutions in the community.
Like many of the narrators she feels strongly about the importance of education, and explains that despite being mocked by other villagers her father sought to educate her: “these remarks disheartened us but my father encouraged us and advised us not to take the remarks seriously. He further said that there was nothing to be worried about as it was the era of education and those who get education would enjoy a better life.” She now serves on the education committee and is educating her son and daughters, sending the former outside to his uncle in order to “get the best education”.
She comments on the way attitudes towards women – and their responsibilities – have changed over the years. In the past women were unable to take part in public meetings and events. Now, with the recognition “that women and men are like the two wheels of a vehicle and the vehicle can only work if the wheels are balanced”, women are represented in the community institutions, although she feels that they should be given yet more opportunities. She has clear ideas about the ideal attributes and skills a woman should possess – including embroidery and agricultural skills as well as good household management.
While she regrets some of the changes that have occurred – for example, the loss of respect for the mother-in-law – and clearly feels strongly that Shimshal should hold on to its traditions such as nomus and the community institutions, she also stresses the need to move with the times. She explains: “Though I am not educated enough yet I try to act like the modern people because today there is a need of good education, good dress and cleanliness. So it is my desire to keep pace with the time.”
detailed breakdown
You will need a password from Panos to view the full transcript of the interview. To apply for a password, click here.
Once you have a password, click here to go to the beginning of the transcript. You can also click on any section of the breakdown of content below and go straight to the corresponding part of the transcript.
Section 1 Interviewer’s introduction: it is the first day of Chaneer (harvest festival) – “When I set out from Aminabad, weather was quite pleasant and the blue sky over the lush green valley with waving and blooming fields was offering an exiting scene”. Narrator’s background: she was born in Ghulkin and has two brothers and two sisters. Her elder brother is a carpenter and the younger one a teacher.
Section 2 She was married and moved to Shimshal when she was 14 according to her father’s wishes “as his mother was from Shimshal and Shimshal was his maternal grandfather’s village…” She has a son and two daughters, all are in school. Describes how her father educated her despite people making fun of him: “He advised us not to be worried about what people say but instead we should think about and plan our futures in the context of the changing world, in which illiterates would be of no value.” Explains it was difficult to study regularly due to having to help her mother with household activities.
Section 3 People mocked her father for his liberal thoughts regarding religion and education. Describes the clothes and activities in Shimshal when she arrived: “Almost all the people were related to agriculture, the trend towards education was very less. Then slowly people started changing their thoughts regarding cleanliness, education and other development activities.” Comparison between Shimshal and Ghulkin. The responsibilities of men and women in the home at the time of her marriage: “whatever household tasks the men would assign to the women, they would obey their instructions. The mother-in-law shouldered all the responsibility of the household affairs. She would issue rations to her daughter- in- law and would instruct her to prepare food for the family.”
Section 4 Men’s and women’s activities: “The activities of the men were mainly to bring firewood from the forest, water the fields and the forests and other agricultural activities…the women were instructed to do the works such as making fertiliser from animal waste and some would fetch firewood. Despite the scarcity of kerosene oil the women would sit the whole night in the light of the fire and card wool by hand.” Describes the procedure for making woollen cloth. Domestic arrangements today: “the house management system today is quite contrary to that in old times, ie a mother-in-law has no importance in the house today, instead the daughters-in-law runs the household affairs on their own.” Although she likes the old system “also I want to keep pace with the people of this modern world.”
Section 5 Services to the community: “I serve the community as a volunteer and I am also a member of the village education committee.” Importance of education: “I request the new generation to give more attention to their education…[they] should also learn the norms of the society such as way of living in society, cleanliness of environment, respect of elders, respect of teachers and parents...” Her hopes for her children: “For my daughters, I want them to study and choose the profession of teaching or nursing.” She sent her son out of Shimshal to live with his uncle to study. Marriage: in the past the consent of the boy and girl was not sought – “the girls were forced and sometimes even physically tortured if they refused for the marriage.” Now “unless the boy and the girls are willing and they like each other parents do not take any decision.”
Section 6 Festivals: “there was a time when people lost interest in these festivals then our Imam (the Aga Khan) emphasised retention of the cultural heritage because festivals are the living proof of a society.” The attributes of a good woman: “she should keep her home neat and clean and should also respect the elders. In addition should also possess some skills, for example, different kinds of embroidery works… For example, if we stitch a woman’s cap, tablecloths, bed sheet and pillow covers and sell them in the market, we can earn a handsome amount.” Suggestion for other women: “instead of wasting their time in leisure, they should do something productive so that it is marketed and the money earned in such a way is invested in the education of their children.”
Section 7 Nomus: “Almost everyone in the village in the name of their forefathers does this type of charitable work. This has been a good tradition of our village.” When her mother-in-law was seriously ill she “promised her that we would offer nomus in her name in recognition of her sacrifices and services. She was then satisfied.” After her death they constructed an office building for the tariqa (literally, the way; religious education) board. Other nomus works carried out in the village: “When AKRSP (Aga Khan Rural Support Programme) undertook the construction work of the Jeep road to Shimshal many generous people offered their wealth as nomus for this noble work.”
Section 8 Livelihood activities: “It is part of our tradition that we herd livestock (cow goat, sheep and yaks etc) and we prepare fertiliser from these animals…. Then we cultivate our fields. When the cultivation is completed by the end of May, half of the population migrates to the pasture along with the livestock.” Describes the activities that take place at Pamir(Shimshal’s mountain pastures), re-emphasises the vital role of livestock in producing fertiliser: “If we do not produce sufficient fertiliser we would not be able to get maximum production from our fields as we can not transport the chemical fertiliser from the down country due to unavailability of road.”
Section 9 The road: “With the construction of the road the village will develop as the development caused by the road links in the down valley, it will also happen here. But the freedom of life, which we are enjoying today, this liberty will no more exist when the road will link.” Treatment of disease: “When there were no doctors available in the village then there was the local way of treatment.” Describes traditional treatments for different illnesses. Now “medical science is quite advanced and the allopathic way of treatment is mainly used to combat diseases because today we have access to the doctors and modern medicines.”
Section 10 Family planning workers in Shimshal: “They are doing a wonderful job. They educate the people to think about their resources first, as to how many children they can afford, and then go for the children… It is quite difficult to feed and raise the children properly. Therefore it is advisable to go for three children so that they are easily looked after.” Community institutions: “there exist a number of institutions in the village. These institutions are the women and men volunteers, boy scouts and girl guides etc. These institutions extend all possible help to the orphans, widows, poor and needy people of the society.” Tourism: “the influx of tourists is beneficial to the community, it provides the opportunity for the unemployed people to earn their subsistence…but at the same time there are some disadvantages associated with them.” Tourists may bring disease and have a negative influence on their youth. However, one “advantage is that our children learn English language from them”. Women used to be confined to their houses.
Section 11 More discussion of women’s activities and restrictions in the past: “It was generally believed that women are to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner only and their activities were confined to preparing meals…Women were not allowed to talk in a gathering or take part in the meeting /gathering. Nobody would dare to photography the women.” Explains that “This was due to lack of knowledge and illiteracy because they would not understand the things” Now it is recognised that “women without men can’t do anything and in the absence of women men are helpless.” There is increasing female representation in the institutions but women “should be given more chance and access to the institutions as there is no difference between the son and the daughter - both are equal - so both should be given equal opportunities for education.” Justifies this by saying: “If there is a son in the family, he is married in a good family and he supports his parents; on the other hand, if there is only a daughter in the family and when she marries she come to settle along with her husband in her parents, house to support them. In this way both are equally important for the parents.” Foods prepared in the village.
Section 12-13 Description of how various local dishes are prepared. Describes what is done on the day of Tagam (sowing festival): “Everyone goes to the Tagam field very well dressed. When all gather in the field one man, the Shogoonpathok (person designated for inauguration of festivals) dressed up with poosteen (overcoat made of animal hide) upside down, wearing an ugly face mask and looking like a ghost. He comes forward and climbs the top of fertiliser mound and offers prayers. Then we take the new born babies near the oxen and make them touch the plough. This is the formal inauguration of cultivation. All the oxen are gathered in one place and the seed is sown.”
for everyone
Gulshad (PAKISTAN 17)
Sex
female
40
Occupation
farmer
Location
Shimshal
Date
29 July 2000
summary
Gulshad, the mother of three children is originally from the village of Ghulkin. She came to Shimshal 26 years ago when she was married there, aged 14, in accordance with the wishes of her father, who had relatives in the village. She is an articulate narrator, and during her testimony she offers some thoughtful insights into a range of issues. These include education, the division of responsibilities and relations between men and women and how these have changed during her time in Shimshal, health and family planning, the importance of livestock as a source of income, the system of nomus (donation towards community project in the name of a relative) and volunteer institutions in the community.
Like many of the narrators she feels strongly about the importance of education, and explains that despite being mocked by other villagers her father sought to educate her: “these remarks disheartened us but my father encouraged us and advised us not to take the remarks seriously. He further said that there was nothing to be worried about as it was the era of education and those who get education would enjoy a better life.” She now serves on the education committee and is educating her son and daughters, sending the former outside to his uncle in order to “get the best education”.
She comments on the way attitudes towards women – and their responsibilities – have changed over the years. In the past women were unable to take part in public meetings and events. Now, with the recognition “that women and men are like the two wheels of a vehicle and the vehicle can only work if the wheels are balanced”, women are represented in the community institutions, although she feels that they should be given yet more opportunities. She has clear ideas about the ideal attributes and skills a woman should possess – including embroidery and agricultural skills as well as good household management.
While she regrets some of the changes that have occurred – for example, the loss of respect for the mother-in-law – and clearly feels strongly that Shimshal should hold on to its traditions such as nomus and the community institutions, she also stresses the need to move with the times. She explains: “Though I am not educated enough yet I try to act like the modern people because today there is a need of good education, good dress and cleanliness. So it is my desire to keep pace with the time.”
detailed breakdown
You will need a password from Panos to view the full transcript of the interview. To apply for a password, click here.
Once you have a password, click here to go to the beginning of the transcript. You can also click on any section of the breakdown of content below and go straight to the corresponding part of the transcript.
Section 1 Interviewer’s introduction: it is the first day of Chaneer (harvest festival) – “When I set out from Aminabad, weather was quite pleasant and the blue sky over the lush green valley with waving and blooming fields was offering an exiting scene”. Narrator’s background: she was born in Ghulkin and has two brothers and two sisters. Her elder brother is a carpenter and the younger one a teacher.
Section 2 She was married and moved to Shimshal when she was 14 according to her father’s wishes “as his mother was from Shimshal and Shimshal was his maternal grandfather’s village…” She has a son and two daughters, all are in school. Describes how her father educated her despite people making fun of him: “He advised us not to be worried about what people say but instead we should think about and plan our futures in the context of the changing world, in which illiterates would be of no value.” Explains it was difficult to study regularly due to having to help her mother with household activities.
Section 3 People mocked her father for his liberal thoughts regarding religion and education. Describes the clothes and activities in Shimshal when she arrived: “Almost all the people were related to agriculture, the trend towards education was very less. Then slowly people started changing their thoughts regarding cleanliness, education and other development activities.” Comparison between Shimshal and Ghulkin. The responsibilities of men and women in the home at the time of her marriage: “whatever household tasks the men would assign to the women, they would obey their instructions. The mother-in-law shouldered all the responsibility of the household affairs. She would issue rations to her daughter- in- law and would instruct her to prepare food for the family.”
Section 4 Men’s and women’s activities: “The activities of the men were mainly to bring firewood from the forest, water the fields and the forests and other agricultural activities…the women were instructed to do the works such as making fertiliser from animal waste and some would fetch firewood. Despite the scarcity of kerosene oil the women would sit the whole night in the light of the fire and card wool by hand.” Describes the procedure for making woollen cloth. Domestic arrangements today: “the house management system today is quite contrary to that in old times, ie a mother-in-law has no importance in the house today, instead the daughters-in-law runs the household affairs on their own.” Although she likes the old system “also I want to keep pace with the people of this modern world.”
Section 5 Services to the community: “I serve the community as a volunteer and I am also a member of the village education committee.” Importance of education: “I request the new generation to give more attention to their education…[they] should also learn the norms of the society such as way of living in society, cleanliness of environment, respect of elders, respect of teachers and parents...” Her hopes for her children: “For my daughters, I want them to study and choose the profession of teaching or nursing.” She sent her son out of Shimshal to live with his uncle to study. Marriage: in the past the consent of the boy and girl was not sought – “the girls were forced and sometimes even physically tortured if they refused for the marriage.” Now “unless the boy and the girls are willing and they like each other parents do not take any decision.”
Section 6 Festivals: “there was a time when people lost interest in these festivals then our Imam (the Aga Khan) emphasised retention of the cultural heritage because festivals are the living proof of a society.” The attributes of a good woman: “she should keep her home neat and clean and should also respect the elders. In addition should also possess some skills, for example, different kinds of embroidery works… For example, if we stitch a woman’s cap, tablecloths, bed sheet and pillow covers and sell them in the market, we can earn a handsome amount.” Suggestion for other women: “instead of wasting their time in leisure, they should do something productive so that it is marketed and the money earned in such a way is invested in the education of their children.”
Section 7 Nomus: “Almost everyone in the village in the name of their forefathers does this type of charitable work. This has been a good tradition of our village.” When her mother-in-law was seriously ill she “promised her that we would offer nomus in her name in recognition of her sacrifices and services. She was then satisfied.” After her death they constructed an office building for the tariqa (literally, the way; religious education) board. Other nomus works carried out in the village: “When AKRSP (Aga Khan Rural Support Programme) undertook the construction work of the Jeep road to Shimshal many generous people offered their wealth as nomus for this noble work.”
Section 8 Livelihood activities: “It is part of our tradition that we herd livestock (cow goat, sheep and yaks etc) and we prepare fertiliser from these animals…. Then we cultivate our fields. When the cultivation is completed by the end of May, half of the population migrates to the pasture along with the livestock.” Describes the activities that take place at Pamir(Shimshal’s mountain pastures), re-emphasises the vital role of livestock in producing fertiliser: “If we do not produce sufficient fertiliser we would not be able to get maximum production from our fields as we can not transport the chemical fertiliser from the down country due to unavailability of road.”
Section 9 The road: “With the construction of the road the village will develop as the development caused by the road links in the down valley, it will also happen here. But the freedom of life, which we are enjoying today, this liberty will no more exist when the road will link.” Treatment of disease: “When there were no doctors available in the village then there was the local way of treatment.” Describes traditional treatments for different illnesses. Now “medical science is quite advanced and the allopathic way of treatment is mainly used to combat diseases because today we have access to the doctors and modern medicines.”
Section 10 Family planning workers in Shimshal: “They are doing a wonderful job. They educate the people to think about their resources first, as to how many children they can afford, and then go for the children… It is quite difficult to feed and raise the children properly. Therefore it is advisable to go for three children so that they are easily looked after.” Community institutions: “there exist a number of institutions in the village. These institutions are the women and men volunteers, boy scouts and girl guides etc. These institutions extend all possible help to the orphans, widows, poor and needy people of the society.” Tourism: “the influx of tourists is beneficial to the community, it provides the opportunity for the unemployed people to earn their subsistence…but at the same time there are some disadvantages associated with them.” Tourists may bring disease and have a negative influence on their youth. However, one “advantage is that our children learn English language from them”. Women used to be confined to their houses.
Section 11 More discussion of women’s activities and restrictions in the past: “It was generally believed that women are to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner only and their activities were confined to preparing meals…Women were not allowed to talk in a gathering or take part in the meeting /gathering. Nobody would dare to photography the women.” Explains that “This was due to lack of knowledge and illiteracy because they would not understand the things” Now it is recognised that “women without men can’t do anything and in the absence of women men are helpless.” There is increasing female representation in the institutions but women “should be given more chance and access to the institutions as there is no difference between the son and the daughter - both are equal - so both should be given equal opportunities for education.” Justifies this by saying: “If there is a son in the family, he is married in a good family and he supports his parents; on the other hand, if there is only a daughter in the family and when she marries she come to settle along with her husband in her parents, house to support them. In this way both are equally important for the parents.” Foods prepared in the village.
Section 12-13 Description of how various local dishes are prepared. Describes what is done on the day of Tagam (sowing festival): “Everyone goes to the Tagam field very well dressed. When all gather in the field one man, the Shogoonpathok (person designated for inauguration of festivals) dressed up with poosteen (overcoat made of animal hide) upside down, wearing an ugly face mask and looking like a ghost. He comes forward and climbs the top of fertiliser mound and offers prayers. Then we take the new born babies near the oxen and make them touch the plough. This is the formal inauguration of cultivation. All the oxen are gathered in one place and the seed is sown.”
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