Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
PO is the best newspaper
Even though I’m not from Pakistan or any of the nearby Arab countries, I still read the online edition of Pakistan Observer (as I am unable to get the print edition), as it is one of the largest circulating dailies in the whole of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Observer also does not contain yellow journalism and it publishes news from all over the world, including that of my very own India. If it is in my luck, I will someday visit Pakistan and visit the editorial office of Pakistan Observer with a box full of goodies from India for the editorial team and the staff.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Karachi
language barrier
The linguistic diversity of Karachi has its own set of tuneful challenges but as a Sindhi from Dadu who knows Urdu and English, I have mastered the city with a reasonable level of comfort. Nonetheless, I have come across those who have not been so fortunate. A considerable number of Sindhi and Baloch migrants experience problems in addressing Urdu-centric services, and Pashto and Kutchi speakers fall under such barriers as well.
Even regional sub-languages such as Memoni and Gujrati sometimes bring about ambiguity. Even with my abilities in a number of languages, I have been on a few occasions noticeably out of tune. In educational institutions, Sindhi students sometimes struggle to keep pace with Urdu-medium instructions. In professional settings, language biases can influence opportunities. However, I have had the privilege of being multilingual and being able to connect with people. I have translated for my Sindhi-speaking relatives, assisted my Urdu-speaking friends with the regional speakers and interacted with my English counterparts successfully.
Karachi’s language dynamics are bewildering but in my case, it appeared that such diversity could be used for greater comprehension and inclusion.” This barrier causes community division, which is not healthy for a nation, but this can be turned into unity if we try. Respectively, I beg to state that things are not easy for everyone. There should be more communication between people who come from different backgrounds to create a perfect community.
SINDHIA KHAN
Karachi
Salute to
unsung workers
Dana cyclone was scheduled to hit the Eastern coast of India on the intervening night of 24th-25th October – – both the dates being full fledged working days. Yet thousands were set to rush for Digha sea beach to witness the incoming of the cyclone and rising of waves! Yes when lakhs of people in the coastal areas were trembling in apprehension how to survive the fury of the nature, save their huts crops and cattle; the tourists were set to invade the sea town to click the spectacle from the safety of their hotels and post it in social media to “prove” their “bravado”!
That the administration had prevented the enthusiasists from entering Digha is another issue; but it’s a wonder how could they have planned to hit the shore on working days! What about their studies, business, office or domestic responsibilities! Are they so bereft of constructive work or simply do not perform their duties! On the morning of 25th October when Kolkata was immersed due to continuous heavy rainfall; responded to the bell to notice in astonishment that the waste collector of our residential complex is as usual calmly waiting for our garbage by somehow wrapping himself under a raincoat and yet turning half-wet thanks to the continued deluge! Also the daily newspaper was found outside our door early at dawn as usual throughout the year!
When “educated” privileged fun-lovers were ready to rush to Digha by shirking their duties and work places for sheer pleasure and showmanship, the unsung people lying at the lowest rungs of social hierarchy continue with their duties by braving all natural adversities and ignoring all artificial insensitive “amusements”! Salute to the true human beings roaming around us each and every day by retaining sense of duty dedication and dignity at its highest order!
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
