Trailing End of the Middle Class at Shaadi Online My father often comments that the average Shaadi Online participant is earning 10-20000 bucks a month. He thinks that`s strange, but reminds us how life is for most people out there.

I think it`ll be worthwhile to give the link of hte website for further comments.
[b]www.shaadionline.tv[/b]. Alternately, a mirror version (which somehow has a slightly different interface) runs at [b]www.geo.tv/shaadionline[/b].

Enjoy!

Karachi Burning Simple words for the simply painful questions the mind of an ordinary Pakistani asks. Karachi ko kya hogaya hai!?

Karachi a Pawn As usual, a bloody political battle disguised as religious. But the situation remains much more complicated than oneparty vs. otherparty vying for the control of Karachi. There is the Wana situation - general spill-off from all kinds of terrorist movements - and an absolute breakdown of civic life in Karachi.

All elements are going at it at once. The dakaas (read: funding campaigns) prevail. There are men in every lane with TT`s who`ll just walk up to you, and ask you to produce everything on you - they take it and simply walk away. Can one believe it? There have been many incidences when on busy, crowded signals, a person would just walk up to a motorcyclist and ask him to hand over his cell, wallet, and perhaps even his bike... and walk away with his loot without any protest. And the threat was un-armed.

This is what`s happening in this city. There is no law. No respect for traffic signals or human life. What can one say? When we pass by a road each day, only to hear every second week that there was a blast a few minutes after you passed by, we get used to it. Nothing surprises us anymore.

The Culture of Research and Learning This may be of interest to those inclined towards research and education.

http://www.vttp.org/PDMain.aspx

VTTP National Policy Dialogue Series

on

Science, Technology & Research Policy, Basic/Primary & Higher Education Reform



The National Policy Dialogue Series is designed as an exercise in participative national policymaking and aimed at inviting societal participation in idea generation, dialogue, and implementation of bold, creative, and pragmatic solutions to Pakistan’s most contentious problems. The first step of this series of interlinked initiatives is a Policy Papers Contest —subsequent activities might include a media dialogue, a national conference of idea champions, and corporate sponsored implementation pilots. Seeking to create a national repository of creative policy proposals and ideas, 5-10 page essays/papers (concise, substantive, and specific) are sought from individuals belonging to the entire cross section of Pakistani society i.e. ALL PROFESSIONALS/STUDENTS dealing with the following suggested topics:

Higher Education Reform in Pakistan: What Went Wrong, How to Fix it?
Practical & Innovative Approaches to promoting a Performance Culture in Higher Education.
What should be the Science and Technology Policy Priorities/Actions for Pakistan?
What Topical Areas of Research, Science & Technology should Pakistan Stress Upon and why?
Practical & Creative ways of marketing Pakistan (the brand) and its Research/Technology abroad?
Practical Models for Delivering Universal Basic & Primary Education in Pakistan.
Practical & Innovative Approaches to Reforming Basic/Primary Education in Pakistan.

---

http://www.vttp.org/PDMain.aspx
for details

The Culture of Research and Learning #119: OK, the low-down.
I gave a brief thought to the possibility that perhaps I mistook the references by Zahra and you as directed at me, whereas they may be directed at someone else.
So in all fairness, I have re-read posts #44, 55, 58, 65, 66, 79.... My assumption is that #55 was addressed to me - i wonder who else ``preached piously`` without ``writing about the topic.`` There certainly were many PK retaliations, but am I wrong that only I ``delivered the sermon`` and therefore post#55 couldn`t be addressing anyone but me?

At any rate, 58 was directed as it made a pun on post # 44`s first line. #65 cleared the misunderstanding b/w you and Zahra... whereas #66 and 79 are an exchange of notes about bulls caught with their horns... bulls who can`t read very well. etc. I, being a fiesty little woman and pretty normal human myself, could not help but respond. Please note that I have offered truce from the start, and I even thanked you for pointing out in post #55 that I only preached piously, and did not write abt the topic.

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This is the situation. Still, if by any distant chance it wasn`t *I* you talked about in post#55, then pray do make it clear who were you addressing? An unconditional apology if I have been entirely mistaken. ANd BTW, I am not a fan of resolving PAK-INDIA issues on Chowk, so I have no issues with continuing a dialog with anyone. I only differ on personal basis.

At this point, I am ready to side with anyone who`ll think I am being ridiculous by dragging this on. Hmmmmm... I have broken my promise, but Sadna I`d have put this in UP but I know you don`t go there... besides that`d invite spectators over. What nonsensical circus would that be. Anyhow.... my last post on this particular skirmish. Pakka wada! Good night!

The Culture of Research and Learning #113: I do not wish to stay into this any longer. I am tempted to go back and copy/paste the entire relevant thread.... but then I know ramifications, explanations, accusations will follow... and this will become another classic Chowk mess. The interested can do their own backing-up and follow the thread...

Whatever, *shrug* I don`t really care any longer. I am fine with being a bull or a kite or a piety-filled hypocrite. I don`t mind this, and I don`t mind you. Qissa khatam.

~~~~~
I hope that I can return to continue discussing the rsrch thing itself.... Dagny, I thought we were onto something? No further thoughts?

The Culture of Research and Learning #106: If I post HERE, then I am a low-flying bull with my horns in the mud, missing ironies, and in need of complete help. If I display courtesy enough to respect you and Sadna despite the persistent attitude from you (but not from Sadna) - and also respect for Murtaza`s space - and move the discussion to Unplugged, this is rubbish. What am I now? A low-flying bull-with-horns-stuck-in-the-mud in a catch22 situation?

(Nevertheless, it was a great lung exercise as I thoughtof my new description last night while doing my daily think-of-something-funny-that-happened-today. LOL)

And now, let me tell you something Zahra: I am not a man in white suit drivelling at the feet of Paki Princesses. In other words, do not assume you can tell me off and I will oblige. I am an empowered woman with opinions myself, and perfectly able to cut anyone down to ribbons. Though this is a tone that I did not wish to use, you have been asking for it repeatedly. If not courted again, I will not return to this. Perhaps the next time, if there are no aimless hysterical fits (what got you going in the first place anyway? what was that romantic exchange about stupid bulls all abt?), I can have breathing space enough to detail my POV which largely aligns with your own.

The Culture of Research and Learning RSRCH Cont`d....

I `lost` another post in cyber space, not sure if it`ll re-appear here in some time. Continuing #80... I have an example to share from the media world. For reference, it`s about the capacity of the value chain to absorb a technological import.

Many of the TV Channels have aquired the `latest tech` or are at least miles ahead of the state-owned media. Based on the support of highly-equipped outdoor broadcasting (OB) vans, high speed info transfer, networks, etc.... the channels raised the bar in terms of quality and quantity of output. The equipment can run longr hours... channels can work 24/7... news are faster. Very quickly, that led to a demand for 24/7 content from viewers. On the news side, ppl now expect and demand live coverage.

So far so good. BUT NOW - the value chain. Where is the CONTENT for this immense demand? Where are the trained ppl to man the equipment n properly leverage the investment made on it by using it in high-return productons for instance?

So now the channels are backward integrating. Some of them have to revert to strengthening the suppliers... do the rsrch themselves which shud ideally be available to all players.... but still, it`s a long shot. Perhaps in a way, this actually PROVES your point, Dagny which is that import of tech/expertise will lead to improving the value chain.
However, there has been ill preparation at least in this one case, and there will continue to be issues of quality, since that`ll be the first to be compromised in order to meet the programming needs.

I predict that there will be `corrections` in this sector, and overall we`ll come out much better than in the past... but still not justifying the tech we have. That merits perhaps an article of it own.... and I guess that`s another topic altogether.

I dunno, but if there is no rsrch and learning at least in the case of media, there will be no clear direction, and technology/ people`s expertise will not be fully leveraged.

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#83: I think I promised as much. Keep acting in whatever manner you wish, b/c that does not reflect on my character. ~~~ Similar for you, Ralph.
#79: ...However, this one has hurt me Sadna. Apparantly you did not read through the unplugged post, if not, plz do. I will not bring that discussion here, ex-burger bull as I may be. I will however not come back with a taunt.

The Culture of Research and Learning
Dagny,
Thanks, magar aap mujhay marvayen ge. If I don`t get shot down by those who think I have an agenda this way or that, it`ll be my newly inflated ego that`ll get me.
My delusions of persecution aside - I slightly disagree with what you stated in #69. How can we adapt to what we import if we do not have original research? Perhaps it is better if you differentiate between the kinds of research in terms of technological R&D... primary/secondary, etc. ``Groundbreaking`` remains a vague term.

Actually in certain fields, we can simply adapt and adopt from anywhere in the world. VERY broadly speaking, research involve the human factor (e.g. org behavior, biz, communication) is easy to transfer across borders. Technology, however, is severely limited in its application; it`s very restricted geographically... it has layers of cultural and scientific evolution limited to the experience and demands of a certain type of ppl... and therefore not a great idea to transfer it that too without research.

Esp. in Pakistan - my experience and observation say - that ppl never really match up to an imported technology. Why? first, there is never a change mgmt plan in practice which a recipe for disaster. then ppl aren`t familiar with tech... the society isn`t ready for it as a whole. Most critically, from a business POV, the VALUE CHAIN isn`t ready to absorb the tech. ROI is hardly justified. I`ve been involved with the ``IT revolution`` among other things, and the conclusion is that without knowing where one wants to go, it`s useless to haul in tech/expertise to get there.

I.e. we need a mission (WHERE DO WE WANT TO GO) first, then a strategy (HOW). Research & learning will then best answer HOW TO GET THERE.

---

Notes:
1. Today is a forced chutti ka din for me, hence I am soooooo NOT LOGGING OFF.
2. Sorry for the crazy posts, have a network prob that prevents me from posting smoothly. It`s just one reason why, b4 i can carry out my argument on a thread, it`s gone from THE TOPIC to THE BORDER. BTW, #68 was AFTER #71,72.

Hoping, Without Hope First Comment:
Dear writer and others -

Karachi, despite all the Shi`a-Sunni-Shi`a killings is cautious and wary at the moment. The question that the ordinary citizens (who largely outnumber any ``bad`` elements) are asking: where is this leading us to? And isn`t that exactly what we should NOT be led into? That is, rioting, mindless mob attacks, panic, chaos. Apart from the perpetual discussion about Mush, terrorists, cross-border hangamas, etc., there is another angle to these particular KHI incidents - which is of ``planted`` riots.

If you study the pattern of the incidents you will note that.... there is no pattern! Sadly, the situation is a little worse than any one or two parties fighting each other out. All at once, this is political, religious, economical, and simply a civic situation. The rioters out there - they have varied motives. And they are instigated by varied elements.

There are no clear agendas. Most of what is happening is by the mindless, for a thoughtless purpose. At once, there are many elements that are active - terrorism has been franchised and branched out far and wide. On the one hand it is supported by mindless folks who only use religion as their only reference to authority and the only-worthwhile-thing-they-did-in-their-otherwise-idle-lives... and on the other hand, by the equally shapeless panic and fright of the sufferers.

What can one say? It is a sad if not hopeless situation.

The Culture of Research and Learning Sadna, Ralph, ZahraJ - the ``off-track`` comments on this discussion thread are in the unplugged area, off-the-wall, same heading.

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MurtazaH, there is little that I can add given that many interactors incl. Malik, HP, ballu, sadna, sridhar, and others have pretty much covered the issues. Briefly, these are my thoughts:

1. Curiosity is not nurtured in our environment. Why not? Ballu`s/HP`s answer explains most of it. I feel that it is the ``Chosen One`` attitude - the feeling that we`re already there - fatalistic notions - that are to blame.
2. But that`s not the only thing. Let me throw in a curve - I also feel that there is a general lack of ``energy`` in people. The lethargic attitude... the will to do nothing, and no will to do anything. Is lifestyle to be blamed?
3. Pandora`s Box: It is amazing where this curiosity-killing comes from as far as Muslims are concerned. Isn`t the every other line in Muslim scriptures an invitation to ``think?`` And to observe? I would recommend that as a charter of any research-driven university!

Life is fairly like a movie with a certain ending, or at least one that is certain to end. Still, we read books through and through, and watch every other predictable movie. Why can`t life be lived as a curious person who pokes around and explores... why does it just slip us away? I am thinking aloud here, though there are many private conclusions that I have reached. More later, duty calls!

The Culture of Research and Learning Sadna, Ralph, ZahraJ - the ``off-track`` comments on this discussion thread are in the unplugged area, off-the-wall, same heading.

---

MurtazaH, there is little that I can add given that many interactors incl. Malik, HP, ballu, sadna, sridhar, and others have pretty much covered the issues. Briefly, these are my thoughts:

1. Curiosity is not nurtured in our environment. Why not? Ballu`s/HP`s answer explains most of it. I feel that it is the ``Chosen One`` attitude - the feeling that we`re already there - fatalistic notions - that are to blame.
2. But that`s not the only thing. Let me throw in a curve - I also feel that there is a general lack of ``energy`` in people. The lethargic attitude... the will to do nothing, and no will to do anything. Is lifestyle to be blamed?
3. Pandora`s Box: It is amazing where this curiosity-killing comes from as far as Muslims are concerned. Isn`t the every other line in Muslim scriptures an invitation to ``think?`` And to observe? I would recommend that as a charter of any research-driven university!

Life is fairly like a movie with a certain ending, or at least one that is certain to end. Still, we read books through and through, and watch every other predictable movie. Why can`t life be lived as a curious person who pokes around and explores... why does it just slip us away? I am thinking aloud here, though there are many private conclusions that I have reached. More later, duty calls!

The Culture of Research and Learning All economic conditions kept constant, there is a dire need of research - that includes biz research and theoretical research (which must ultimately lead to tanglible economic benefits). One of the issues that organizations are facing in PK today is the break-down of value chain at many levels... As a manager in a fledgling organization, I, among other PK mngrs, see this issue in the face. Forget about rsrsch, there is hardly any info OR even data to be found. Finally the organization has to resort to do its own rsrch for every little thing, but this goes against the basic economics sense. What a waste of resources!

Here I`d appreciate that the Indians are far ahead ... and there are many insitutes that are mining and shaping the data. Great information resources.

Like MH, we also reached the conclusion that the schools and students need to be enabled and involved. B/c on the other hand, students are crying out for real assignments. There is a lack of a match-making mechanism... a clearing house for demand and supply.... and sadly this ``match-making`` is absent at many levels.

True, that some organizations are still afraid of rsrch; yet by and large the PK mngrs are realizing that self-defeating nature of this attitude. My personal experience has been that if we Ivy-types care enough to sit down and explain to the seth the virtue of rsrch, they do listen, and they do act.

About the culture of rsrch: Some instances

* On an interest-based yahoogroup, an MBA finalist asked ``Hey guys! this is my final semester. Wanna do a paper on advertising, but no idea what to write. Can anybody tell me what topic to do my reasearch on. Thnx.`` Surprised at receiving this msg from Planet Ignorance, I beamed back that it was horrible to be so clueless at this stage of
one`s MBA and to get someone to do the assignment (picking the rsrch ques was part of the assignment). This person must be knowledgeable enough to know what problem may he choose to rsrch on. I would certainly not like to hire him! Surprisingly, it was I who ``got it`` from the group, with only tacit support.

* I met a grad `rsrchr` undertaking a rsrch on media preferences. She asked me to fill a questnre. I pointed out that most of the questions were leading, and the rsrch was completely biased, even nonsensical. (Also, the grammatical mistakes and absence of directions, etc.!) Her reply: ``Oho, doesn`t matter. Mark anything. I`ve already made my
report.`` I balled up the paper and threw it in the bin.

* Paper on e-banking, submitted by an MBA finalist. Despite my hours of training spiced with warnings that I will know if there is any copy/paste, fake rsrch job, this is what I got on page 3:
``CityBank also offers this blah-blah online service. For more information, click here.``
- and this came from the ``top business school`` ki student.

The Culture of Research and Learning This is a thoughtful article which could have led to some useful discussion were it not for the mindless interference of some individuals.

Dear Indians-with-issues (and only those): All right, Pakistan has issues. Can we please discuss our way out of them? And you stop forcing us in to the corner while we try to do the same? Also, why does anyone assume that once a person is provoked and humiliated, they will not retaliate in a manner appropriate or not? Please also refer to the following para.

Dear Pakistanis-with-issues 1: You know, it will help if you stop being an apology for yourself. Guess what, even though many of us can vote with the feet, there are many who cannot, and it is simply NOT their fault. Please realize that any person/nation with issues is NOT expecting a told-you-so, and that too ALL THE TIME. Articles like these, and an attempt to discuss them SHOW that Pakistanis (are beginning to) care. What else do your types want?

Dear Pakistanis-with-issues 2: These are the immature ones who do not grip the basic laws of conversation that children are familiarized with.

*Insult, and be insulted.
*Agar koi ganda bacha tumhain gali de, toh agay se gali na do.
*etc. Refer to common sense.

I am serious. This non-sense must end. And esp to the Indians - except for a person here or there, Pakistanis on this site have been receptive to you. Yes, stuff like what Mishra has said *has* a point. But the likes of these articles show that we got this point.

Please refer to any basic manual of good manners... and some advanced info on how to beign out the better in another person, how to resolve conflicts, and how to simply be quite when there`s no invitation for you to speak and destroy an argument.

Care Taker Agree with you, khammy. May be I am a stickler for form, but this is disturbing.

Care Taker Wait! this sounds like an exercise in: correct punctuation, insert articles, and otherwise edit the whole thing. Uffoh! Am outta here.