Updates on State of Emergency in Pakistan

I just wanted to thank everyone who has expressed concern over the recent disappointing development in Pakistan.

Things seem to be calm; internet and phone are okay for now, though all TV and media seem to be shut down. No unrest as such. At least this is what i've heard.

I can only point to one authoritative source of information and that is the blog page set up by the folks at the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA). Check out more info here, which is thankfully being updated as well.

Please keep Pakistan and Pakistanis in your prayers.

Madhuri Dixit - the legend - makes a comeback in Aaja Nachle

And the legend is back!

Madhuri Dixit - Bollywood's leading lady of the 80's and 90's - is making a comeback worth the wait! She's been gone only five years or so, but from the looks of it, she hasn't changed a bit. In fact, this video - which is hopefully reflective of the film in its entirety - is proof that wine only gets better with time.

Cant wait for the film - Aaja Nachle - to come out in a few weeks. Until then, enjoy this brief teaser and marvel at the legend that is Madhuri Dixit.

Thoughts on Ahmedinejad visit to Columbia

These may be a bit late, but some of my random thoughts have been succinctly summed up aptly in this article authored by my friend Jayati Vora, a Columbia U./SIPA alum.

I know there are divergent views on his speech both at Columbia and at the UN, so i'll save those for my visitors who can voice them in the comments section, but I will say that President Lee Bollinger of Columbia U. was in fact, the real disappointment in this whole affair. He stooped pretty low and displayed a certain arrogance that is uncharacteristic of people of such stature.

Columbia's students must be dumbfounded as to how they should feel after this interesting event on their campus.

In any case, Jayati's article sums up my views quite well.

Arsalan Iftikhar NPR radio show on 9/11 anniversary

Friends,

Arsalan has blazed a trail as one of the great voices of the Muslim American community, not just as a representative of the Council on American Relations, but now as Contributing Editor and Columnist for Islamica Magazine.

Visit this link to hear some of his thoughts on the recent 9/11 anniversary. I wish I could post more on the event, but just havent had time. Arsalan does perfect justice to what millions would like to say, but dont have the opportunity or access to media like he does.

Here's wishing him luck and success in all endeavors he undertakes!

Young Innovator in Coexistence Award: Radeyah Hack

I'm on youtube now too! Wow - this is a first! All thanks to my colleague from the CUNY Graduate Center, Marriah Star. He's taken a great interest in AID's social entrepreneurship work and is clearly vested in making it widely known and accessible to as large an audience as possible.
Thanks, Marriah!