The week commenced with the scribe being invited to spend an evening with the Guru Jee, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the NGO, 'The Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values' along with listening to Indian classical singers singing the 'Bhajjan'. The ambiance and the aura of the evening were peaceful and serene.
The arrangements were made outside at Shahnaz's place giving it an ethnic touch. Every one sat on the cemented pavement covered with a tent spread. Guru Jee is a soft spoken, unassuming and a mellow person, at peace with his surroundings and himself. I was very much in awe of him because I've attended the Art of Living programme and I believe that it has made a positive difference in my life. The 'Bhajjan' that were sung was to involve everyone present to participate so as to create a bond of love and understanding irrespective to whatever faith one belonged to. It was interesting to watch the reaction of people in such a get-together as it is an unusual and a unique happening which Pakistanis are usually not exposed to.
The people who had incorporated the Art of Living programmes guidelines in their lives were in tune with the Guru Jee and the singing whereas the others seemed a bit lost and even embarrassed as well. Guru Jee conducted deep breathing together with a meditation session. Later on, all shared a vegetarian meal. I enjoyed myself thoroughly as I'm a vegetarian and this was one time when I didn't have to worry about what I would eat as mostly meat dishes are served when attending any function or event. I heard a guest saying that "It was good that they have kept the menu simple by serving just vegetables and daals", not knowing that the Art of Living programme is an expounder of following a vegetarian diet.
Books and cassettes on the Art of Living programme were also being sold there. It was a pleasurable evening with the Guru Jee from India taking the centre stage. It was a step forward in the direction of CBMs being undertaken by India and Pakistan. If the two countries can collaborate politically and culturally, then why not spiritually as it helps in evolving a moderate and a liberal society attuned to the present times.
My next stop was at Nomad Café where the work of Nahid Raza and Rashid Arshed were on display. Nahid Raza's latest work comprised of four exhibits that were Anaar, (Chonairya) Red Scarf, Waiting and Beyond Flowers. She has used acrylic on canvas and the rich colours used give the paintings depth and meaning.
Rashid Arshed is a US based artist who has taken a step forward in calligraphic art by 'colossaling the letters.' Calligraphy is rooted in Islamic Art and his compositions are attractive and decorate the environment with a definite style and exclusiveness. He has also used acrylic and oil on canvas/paper. Seven of his paintings are exhibited comprising of Word Series Five, Word Series One, The Rising Sun, Interpretation, Toy Horse, Seal One and The Attributes.
George S Bogle, Director New Jersey Centre for Visual Arts gives his views about Rashid's work in the following words: "Time and again, on canvas and on paper, Rashid Arshed rejoices in the very art of seeing the visual procession and transformation of life. In order to paint, the artist opens the 'Window' of the canvas to the inside and at the same time to the outside. He provides us with a cornucopia of sensation, which encourages us to have freedom of thought."
The visit to Nomad Café was pleasant and I came across women who had especially come there to enjoy a cup of tea, with their little children being looked after by the maids. It is a good place to drop in with friends and if alone then to browse through the variety of magazines and reading material available there.
My third calling was to an exhibition of Lucky Bamboo symbolizing good health, wealth and prosperity. Two very enterprising ladies Sanila Javed and Anees Khan are running an organization by the name of 'Sajana' and they have introduced Lucky Bamboo to the capital. Lucky Bamboo is Dracaenea Sanderiana and is an important plant in Chinese culture and recommended by Feng Shui masters for its positive energy (Chi)...It symbolizes good fortune. Three stalks are for happiness, five for wealth, seven for good health and twenty-one for prosperity. It makes a perfect gift for all occasions, be it birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines day, Christmas, get well, or cheers up, and has been a symbol of good fortune in Asian culture. It is said that the gesture of giving 3 stalks to each guest at weddings blesses the marriage with everlasting happiness and success.
Lucky bamboo is easy to take care and maintain. It enjoys all indoor environments but dislikes direct sunlight. All you need to do is change the water once every two weeks making it a hassle -free indoor plant. It lasts a lifetime. Finally an indoor plant that never dies! There were six varieties of bamboo shoots comprising of D-shape, spiral, braided green leaf, braided variegated leaf, and dholak and braided large.
Sanila Javed said that these were imported from Thailand and have been a runaway success in the capital. She further said that the women who bought these were mostly interested in wealth in comparison to the other aspects of the good fortune. Talking about her organization she said that they catered for the flower decorations for various events and functions. They have done two wedding functions in India and one in Ireland and those have been wonderful experiences. I was impressed with the innovative manner of beautification depicting elegance and exquisiteness that is so exclusive of flowers. She was kind to gift me one of the bamboo shoots.
The capital is exposed to a variety of cultures creating an ambience of multiculturalism. The week ends on a note borrowed from Fend Shui, 'Good cheer!' and 'Good Chi!'
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