15. The Quaid-e-Azam (National Hero)

 15. The Quaid-e-Azam (National Hero)

When the deterioration and decline of a nation reach their extremes, and nothing but supplications are left to resort to, Allah produces in it such men as, with their God-gifted talent, extraordinary potential and untiring efforts change the destiny of that down-trodden nation. Such people in history are called great men. is quite natural to man because history is determined by them. The man who does not admire great men has no right to claim greatness for himself. Great men are not born daily. Humanity has to wait for centuries. Such men change the course of events and provide new channels to history. Their lives inspire us to great deeds. A post has rightly said:

"The lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives sublime"

 A hero is a man of great character. He has great courage, control and the guts to lead others. He has a strong decisive power in him. His spirits are  always high.

There are many heroes in human history. They were called heroes because they did heroic deeds. All of them had ideal characters. They devoted their lives to noble deeds. But the heroes of the Muslims outshine all of them. Out of the heroes of the Muslim world, I am charmed by the towering personality of  Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He is the man who gave a new course to the Indian history by bringing a peaceful revolution and creating Pakistan with his selfless,  sincere and untiring efforts.

Being born in Karachi on December 25, 1876 in a merchant family, he got elementary education from a local Maktab, passed his Matriculation examination at the age of sixteen and then proceeded to England for higher studies. From there, he obtained the degree of Law and returned home in 1896. He started practice as a lawyer, first in Karachi and then in Bombay. He worked so hard that soon he was ranked among the great lawyers of Bombay. In 1910, he worked hard and the Lucknow pact between the Congress and the Muslim League was signed. According to this pact, separate electorate for the Muslims was admitted.

Now the Quaid-e-Azam began to make efforts to safeguard the rights of the Muslims. In 1940, he  was elected the president of the Muslim League. Under his presidentship, the Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution. Now, he began to make efforts for a separate homeland for the Muslims. He made long tours of the country and fanned the flame of freedom in the hearts of people. He worked incessantly for his cause day and night. He had to face two enemies i.e. the British and the Hindus. He foiled the schemes of both by outwitting them so much that they had to agree to the partition of India and the establishment of a separate sovereign state i.e. Pakistan.

After creation, this newly born state was surrounded by a host of problems. She had a scattered army, little resources, no industries and not even its won flag. Quaid-e-Azam had to work by the sweat of his brow to stabilize it. This continuous over work told upon his health. He could not make Pakistan as strong as he had dreamt. The bad luck for the Pakistanis was that they were deprived of their unique leader on September 11, 1948. May his soul rest in eternal peace! Amin!

Quaid-e-Azam was a weak and thin person. He had a dignified personality. He was a shrewd and able politician. He could quickly perceive the evil designs of the Hindus and the British. Despite his failing health, he did not rest as advised by his doctors. He was a devoted, selfless and sincere person. He always said: "Work, work, and work", and he himself acted upon it. He believed in "Unity, faith and discipline" for the uplift of the  nation. He is my national hero. I am very proud of him.

14. Life in a College Hostel

 14. Life in a College Hostel

College is the place of learning and enlightenment whereas hostel is the place of its fulfilment. That is why; hostel is regarded as an integral part of a college. A student who  has never stayed at a hostel is, indeed, deprived of a valuable part of experience. It is said "East or West, home is the best." But this maxim does not hold good to the life in a college hostel because hostel is like a home, a shelter and a monastery for a student. Hostel life is the most pleasurable period of a student's life and is a world in itself. It leaves deep impressions and memories which remain alive and haunt the mind till the last moment of man's life.

Besides college, hostel also  a great hand in producing the great and the wise because hostel life gives a practical training to a student in his mental, moral and spiritual development. Here the student is not under the close supervision of his parents. He enjoys perfect independence and performs his duty in freedom under which his true worth comes to the view and he is able to make his mark as he likes. His habits become  regular and his mind is disciplined when he obeys the hostel rules and regulations.

Hostel life is very colourful, charming and fascinating. It is a wonderful life of bliss, freedom, liberty and learning. An atmosphere of competition prevails. Everyone is enhanced by this blissful atmosphere of the hostel. All kinds of young, sportive and energetic members from far and wide, belonging to different castes, colours, races and families stay here. Still they do not feel any kind of estrangement rather they seem to be belonging to one family. There is always an atmosphere of happiness and enjoyment. Cares and worries of life dare not enter the four walls of the hostel.

The superintendent runs all the affairs in the hostel. He guides and controls the students in matters of discipline. But his way of control is nominal i.e. less strict but friendlier. Still the students are afraid of him. The students elect their own perfect and two monitors who assist the superintendent in running the affairs and are responsible for discipline among students. In this way, students learn management which creates a sense of responsibility in them.

The students come to say in a hostel from various parts of the country bringing with them their own culture, traditions, languages, dress, fashion, manners, habits and styles of living. They exchange their views and share their hardships and sympathies with one another. They learn how to help and cooperate with others. and how to win others sympathies. In a hostel, a student does not like to depend on others. He has to make his own bed, polish his own shoes iron his own clothes and manage his daily affairs of life.

Hostel has certain rules and regulations for the benefit of the students. There are fixed hours for eating, sleeping, studying and outing. No one dares violate them. If some one does so, he does it at the cost of his own expulsion from the hostel and even the college. The serious and industrious students burn mid-night oil to get good marks in the examination.

There is a reading room furnished with daily newspapers and latest magazines. The students study them and enrich their knowledge. The common room is the centre of the activities of the students. They assemble there in the evening and take part in indoor games. Every common room is equipped with a TV set. Any student, who feels weariness and boredom, goes there and refreshes himself for putting even more strenuous labour in his studies. Outdoor games and picnic parties are frequently arranged. The ends and objectives of all the students are common there. Hence, no boy or girl can be selfish. All are very sincere and co-operative.

There is also a dark aspect of hostel life. Sometimes, a number of naughty and mischievous ruffians come to stay at the hostel. Many of them are idlers and sluggish fellows who have no serious aim in their lives. They do nothing than raising slogans and uproar at ear splitting treble. A few of them keep their tape recorders on till late at night. Sometimes, the boys clap hands, sing songs and dance befool every new-comer. In this way, they pollute the sacred atmosphere of the hostel and render it totally void of any pleasant thing.

Sometimes the students become indifferent to their families. they contact their parents only for monthly allowances. They adopt strange types of fashions and frequently go to cinemas, theatres, clubs, and coffee houses. Many times, they become drug-addicts and smokers. Sometimes, they take part in party politics and keep ammunition in their rooms and disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the hostel. But all these evils can be checked and curbed through strict discipline and healthy environment and hostel be made an ideal place for the students to stay in.

13. Our College Library

 13. Our College Library

        Library plays a vital role in the life of a nation. It is a treasure-house of knowledge, wisdom, experience, secrets of success, causes of failure and suggestions for betterment. It is a room or abuilding containing books for reading and reference. All kinds of books are available there to slake the thirst for knowledge. Populated libraries reflect the fertile mind of nation. Natural abilities are like natural plants that need pruning by studies and a library is the best resort for them. One should resort to a library not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find fault and discourse but to weigh and consider.

Library is a part and parcel of a college. A library can exist without a college but a college is imperfect without a library. Hence we are lucky to have an excellent library in our college. It is situated in the central block of the college and is easily accessible to all the studies of all the classes. It consists of a  hall, three reading rooms, a video spot, fifty reading cabins, a big hall for reading newspaper, journals and magazines and a room for the library staff. Book cases are stalled along the two walls. Two rows of cabinets are also stalled in the middle of the hall  that divides it into two parts. There are reading cabins along the walls. The students sit their in isolation and study the books without outside interference. There are also fine catalogue cabinets. Each cabinet contains a list of more than two  thousand books. Books in various shelves have been arranged alphabetically. Most of the new students are confused only because they are new-comers and are unable to find the book of their choice. It is the library attendant who helps all the students as he knows about almost all the books.

There are two grassy lawns in front of the library. Beautiful plants and sweet-smelling flowers in the lawns make the atmosphere fragrant. The two fountains in the two lawns keep them fresh and green.

Our college library is rich with new and old, costly and rare books on Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Ethics, Poetry and Fiction and on plays in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Persian. To the right, there are books on fiction, poetry and history. To the front, there are books on Islamic Education and research. Reference books, Encyclopedias and Atlases are placed close to the chair of the Librarian. One half of the building is meant for books and the other half for students to sit there and study.

In one corner, the newspapers, magazines and journals are placed on the table. The students read them and compare the news and views of different papers. As the students themselves cannot afford to purchase all the newspapers and magazines, only the library satisfies their needs.

Library staff consists of a Librarian, a clerk and a peon. The Librarian sits in his small but grand and well-furnished room. He issues membership cards to the students and also issues books to them on demand. A student can borrow one or two books at one time and can keep them with him for a fortnight. Reference books, periodical sand Encyclopedias can't be issued. They can be consulted sitting in the library.

Our librarian is a well-read person. He is a great lover of books and works with devotion. He guides the students in the selection of books. Our Principal inspects the library regularly and persuades the students to develop the taste and passion for learning. He also directs the Librarian to equip the library with rare and precious books.

In short, library is a great gift for the students. It is like a dinning hall furnished with all kinds of dishes. It is like a well-kept garden which provides mental sustenance to everyone. It is the best resort for those who want to learn, enjoy refresh and improve themselves.

12. Co-education

 12. Co-education

       Co-education means the teaching of boys and girls under the same roof. It also means imparting the same kind of education to both the sexes. First of all, it was introduced in Switzerland. Soon, the advanced countries of Europe adopted it. In the beginning, the Muslim countries did not like this system. With the passage of time, some Westernized institutions adopted it.

Co-education is a controversial issue. People having radical ideas are in favour of it. Their advocacy is based mainly on economic consideration. It is very difficult to maintain separate schools and colleges for boys and girls. The government cannot afford to provide funds for two separate institutions situated in small villages and towns.

Moreover, co-education is essential for modern civilization. Today women are supposed to work side by side men. They are seen in the offices, factories, mills and farms. They are competing with men in every field of life. Hence, education should also be imparted to them under the same roof and same system so that it may be easy for them to compete each other.

These advocates of co-education opine that boys and girls have to live together in society in their later age. If they are taught together, they will get opportunity of understanding each other. They will get rid of the unhealthy sex curiosity. Grown up boys would find greater stimulus in the company of grown-up girls. They will become smart, polite and well-mannered when their behavior is observed by the opposite sex. The girls also get rid of their shyness and become bold and courageous. The boys and girls develop mutual understanding which helps them a lot in leading a successful life. Co-education develops a sense of competition between the boys and girls. Both try to supersede the others. In this way, they become more hardworking, serious and studious.

The opponents of co-education assert that this system is against our religion. Islam is dead against the free intermingling of young boys and girls. This causes many complications. The students remain engrossed in the thoughts of the opposite sex. They cannot pay full attention to the work in hand. Moreover, some religious-minded people do not like to send their daughters to the institutions where both the boys and girls are educated under the same roof. Thus their daughters are deprived of the right of education. Shakespeare said;

"There is nothing good or bad,

but thinking makes it so"

The strongest argument of the opponents of co-education is that sexual corruption feared at every step. The teenagers are raw-minded, sentimental, romantic, effusive and inflammable. They do not possess the power to resist the onrush tide of emotions. They indulge in illicit love affairs. Mostly, they cannot succeed in marrying due to the opposition of their parents. As a result, the girls elope with their lovers and bring bad name and disgrace to their parents and the family. The boys become drug addicts and ruin their careers. Sometimes the girls are abducted. The parents of such girls suffer a great loss. They have to waste a lot of time and money in recovering their daughters. Moreover, the imparting of the same kind education to the girls and boys is never beneficial. The spheres of their activities in practical life are totally different. The education of girls under this system is bound to render them imperfect. It would not equip them to face the battle of life successfully. Sometimes the teacher cannot explain his point in the presence of two opposite sexes. In this way, the students' education remains incomplete. Aristotle said; 

"Never reply criticism, to do so it will weaken your own case."

To pen off, we can say that co-education maybe useful at primary and higher level is poor countries like Pakistan because its advantages are greater than its disadvantages. But from middle to graduation level, it is harmful rather fatal.

11. Pleasures of College Life

 11. Pleasures of College Life

        College is a place of learning and enlightenment. Every school-going student dreams of enjoying himself of the college life to his fill. His dreams are not illusions because the college develops his personality manifold. That is why; the words "No knowledge without college" always remain on the lips of the collegiates. The very word college is a magical in its nature. It fills the mind with beautiful images, hopes, dreams and ideas. As the new-comer enters the college gate, his heart swells up with pride and self-respect. He feels stupefied being so near the paradise of his fancies. That is why, Charles Churchill is constrained to pronounce:

"And solid learning never falls

Without the verge of college walls."

The very first pleasure that a student enjoys at college is the difference that he finds between college life and school life. In the school, the rod of the teacher always hangs heavy on the student's head. He attends the classes with a sense of oppression and depression. He has no opinion of his own. It is the teacher who decides and determines his fate. On the contrary, the college provides him complete freedom and he can move about and act freely. He feels independent to think and do anything he likes. The professors are very friendly who try to develop his self-respect and inculcate in him the qualities of great people.

When he begins to attend classes, he feels a surprising change in himself. He experiences bliss and enjoyment everywhere. His ego finds free play. There are no restrictions in the college. There is no compulsion of attending the classes nor of preparing the lessons. There is no compulsions of attending the classes nor of overlooked or punished with appeal to the student's good sense. He is treated like a gentleman whether he is in the class room or office or library or laboratory. All these things make him believe that he is in a land of freedom and dignity.

In the academic sphere, there prevails the atmosphere of a garden where every Youngman can get the knowledge of his choice. There are experienced Professors with specialized knowledge of their respective subjects. To aid this, there is the college library with its vast reading room. A large number of books on every topic provide the students a scholarly atmosphere. He comes out of the narrow cell and develops contacts with renowned authors. He comes to know that there is a vast world of so many books. He can study books on every topic and enrich his knowledge. His outlook is broadened, vision is widened and wisdom is sharpened. He is enabled to read and think, formulate opinions and express them for himself.

There are various societies and clubs to sharpen the latent faculties of the student. The debating society motivates the student to come to the stage and face the audience. He gets rid of shyness and develops a sense of confidence. The college magazine provides him chances to express his innerself. His intellectual power is developed and literary taste is created in him. Competitions of article-writing give him impulse to write for himself. Moreover, literary meetings, social gatherings, dramatic societies and performances contribute a lot to the enrichment of his mind.

The college moulds and shapes the student's character. It teaches him manners and etiquettes. It teaches him how to speak gently, dress decently and behave decorously. It develops his sense of humour and love of beauty. It removes from him vulgarity and coarseness. It helps him to grow into a fine gentleman. It teaches him how to lead others and gain supremacy over them. The student learns how to use and protect his freedom. He learns self-help and co-operation with others. He gains first hand knowledge of the value of friendship.

The college athletics and sports add much to the pleasure of the student. He does not remain a bookworm. He participates in games and sports which are perennial fountains of health and vagility. Many of the great sportsmen of the world are the product of college playgrounds. The student learns self-respect, sportsmanship and respect for rules. He learns how to help the needy, the injured and the helpless. He becomes a balanced person. He is upright and honest. He maintains his ego. He does not hurt anyone's feelings. He learns self-confidence, self-sacrifice, self-control, self-discipline and self-restraint. He becomes a useful member of society. But all these charms are for those who enjoy the college life fully. Contrarily, many other exit as they enter.

10.Visit to a Historical Place

 10.Visit to a Historical Place

        Visit to a historical place is always very useful and valuable for us. It is a great source of reminding us of our glorious past and giving us stimulus to follow in the footsteps of our great ancestors and do great deeds. It increases our knowledge and widens our vision as it is a great source of knowledge, information, instruction and education and moulding our characters. There are many historical places in Pakistan. These places give us a glimpse into the past and tell us of the different stages of evolution of our culture.

On a holiday in summer, our class decided to spend a day at some historical place. As, most of us had not visited the tomb of Jehangir, it was unanimously decided to visit that place. The very next morning,  we gathered at the railway station and started to Shahidra.  After the journey of an hour, we reached there at 10 am. So, now the tomb was not in the imagination but its magnificent boundary wall was visible to us from a distance. A big wooden gate with arches was open for visitors.

The sky was overcast but not heavily. It was an ideal day for visit. A gust of cool fresh air greeted us as we entered the main gate. A great number of people were also there. A large number of children were running about here and there shouting and laughing holding multi-colored balloons in their hands.

The tomb is situated near the bank of the River Ravi six Kilometers from Lahore. It has four beautiful minarets which are tall enough to be discerned from a distance. The Mausoleum is situated in the park and is surrounded by a high wall. The park is so beautiful that its grandeur cannot be expressed in words. The beautiful trees especially cypress and mango, the well-kept lawns, the typical Mughal fountains, the flower-beds and the grassy lawns so different from the modern ones, cast a spell over the visitors. Ali was tongue tied with delight and admiration as he had not seen anything like this in his life.

After visiting all this, we reached the tomb. It is built on an elevated terrace. But before entering the tomb, we climbed up a tall minaret and saw the city of Lahore lay as one mass of different colors of different shades and different heights. It seemed that the River Ravi was flowing right under our feet and the valley of the river in its broadness and bareness was picturesque indeed. We enjoyed a lot and came down the tower. Then we took off our shoes and walked into the Mausoleum itself. The most surprising and aw-inspiring thing was the freshness and grandeur of the tomb which had been built more than three hundred years before. Jehangir, the great Mughal emperor of India, is lying buried all alone in the central room. Its inner scene is very bewitching and captivating. It is built of coloured bricks and marble with coloured designs. A short life history of the great Mughal Emperor is carved on the walls. At a memorable place like this, fancy and imagination could not be checked to run riot. It proved more  a study tour than a visit for us. It added to our knowledge a great.

The serenity of the place affected us strangely. The idea of man's journey from lap to grave made us realize that worldly glory is transient and mortal; only deeds are remembered forever. At last, the thoughts of getting home to have mid-day meal forced us to leave the place and reach home.

9. Science and Human Comforts

                                                   9. Science and Human Comforts

        Science is search for the truth and reality. It is the spirit of rationality, enquiry and excellence. It has played the vital role in human progress. It has brought material prosperity to man. Now, it has played become the part and parcel of our lives. If we are constrained to spend a single day without it, our lives will become unbearable. There is practically no field where science has not worked wonders. Its fruits in the shape of technology, inventions and discoveries have revolutionalised our ways of living. The impossibilities of the past have been made possible. New miracles are happening daily. It has given man a sense of confidence and power. Man has conquered the forces of universe. He is not afraid of wild animals and tempests of floods. He has explored the hidden treasures in the universe and is in search of the new horizons. That is why, Emerson says, "Science surpasses the old miracles of mythology."

        In the past, people used to travel by carts, on horse back or on foot. These journeys took months and months. The people people started the journey saying farewell to their friends and relatives with heavy hearts. But now, we can traverse the distance of days in hours and that of hours in minutes. Man has stepped on the moon and come back. He is trying fast to mount the Mars. He has set up a space station in the space. All this has been made possible because of fast moving trains, buses, cars, aeroplanes, satellites and spaceships etc. Now, there are rocket planes that travel at the speed of seven or eight hundred miles per hour. They fly faster than sound.

        Science has brought the countries closer. Telephone, wireless, radio and television connect us with the world in the twinkling of an eye. The radio and TV provide us latest information and education and record everything that happens in the world. TV with its plays, entertaining features and educational programmes enlightens and delights our minds. The telephone and telegraph have linked one part of the world to the other. Messages are flashed. Direct conversion can be carried on. Wireless has shortened distances and thus the world has shrunk in size. Science has established and strengthened the bonds of friendship and love between the nations of the world.

        Science has produced electricity which works as our maid-servant. It heats our rooms in winter and cools them in summer, washes our clothes, sweeps and cleans our houses, freezes and stores things, lights our houses, irons our clothes and cooks our food. It runs our machines, vehicles and industry. With the help of its power, we can now change the course of unruly rivers, demolish the heaven kissing mountains and cultivate the dry barren lands. Without it, the whole progress of industry will come to a sand still.

        Science has modernized agriculture. It has given us machinery which sows seeds, grows, reaps and threshes the crops. We can complete the work of days in minutes. Now we are getting not only more food but also better food. Per acre production has increased with the help of pesticides and fertilizers.

        Science has changed our old methods of the treatment of diseases. Fatal diseases are under control today. Epidemics break out rarely. Surgery has worked wonders. Every part of human body can be operated upon. Even eyes, kidneys and heart can be transplanted. Nothing has remained impossible. Treatment by X-Rays and radium is one of the greatest wonders of science. Vaccination has made small pox a forgotten story. Antibiotics have completely removed the danger of infection. Now we are living healthier, wealthier and longer lives.

        Computer is the greatest wonder of science. It does lengthy calculations in seconds. It can keep the record for centuries. It is used in banking, business, industry, engineering, sports and many other fields of life. It has made the world a global village. It sends information or mail through Internet to all the corners of the world within seconds. The businessmen can do transactions and dealings throughout the world. Therefore, we can rightly call science a friend of man.

8. A Picnic

 8. A Picnic

        Picnics, whether held within a family, at a school, college or university, serve to create cooperation and love-bestowing environment among the members of the group. "Women," says Russell, "are more frustrated than the past because now they get less opportunities of freeing themselves from the drudgery of household routine." Thus, picnics removing a man away the web of every day troubles and worries do decrease this frustration if not cure it fully. Healthful, playful and enjoyable respites of picnic provide us with new zest for life as sleeping at night rubs out fatigue and refreshes us for the whole day's work.

Last Sunday, Anwar, Iqbal, Abuzar, Hamza, Ahmad, Muneeb, many of my cousins and I thought of having a picnic party. It was unanimously decided to go to the Lal Suhanra National Park. So, we went to the bazaar and bought some fruit, sweets, cakes, milk packs, potatoes and meat. We arranged all the required utensils and packed them in the basket. All the other things were packed in bags. Thereafter, a cart was hired and all the articles were loaded on it. Muneeb was requested by all of us to accompany it. It was very amusing to see him sitting on the cart among the heap of articles. He looked like a person who had quite recently vacated his house and was in search of a new one. After one and half an hour's march, we reached the park and felt ourselves landed in the lap of Nature. The spacious lawns welcomed us when we were in search of a safe place to set up our headquarters. We were no less than Wordsworth when he says:

"Oh, there is a blessing in this gentle breeze

That blows from the green fields and from the clouds

And seems half-conscious of the joy it gives."

At last, we set up our headquarters under the grove of pine trees, took rest for a few minutes, appointed a watchman to guard our things and set out to visit the park. The sky was overcast but not heavily. It was an ideal day for a picnic. Gusts of cool, fresh air welcomed us again and again. A number of people were already there. A large number of children were running about, shouting and laughing holding multi-coloured balloons in their hands. The park was so beautiful that we could not find words to express our admiration. The well-kept lawns, the typical fountains and the different flower-beds cast a spell over us and hence Hamza was tongue tied with delight because he had never seen anything like it in his life.

Then we went to watch the wild life set in the natural surrounding. All of us were greatly frightened to watch the tiger which seemed rushing to us from a distance. We entered the maze without a guide as we were much confident of our wisdom but had to repent when we were lost in it and came out only when the guide took pity on us. Then we took off our clothes and began to have a bath in the swimming pool. A few of us began to row the boats and sing songs in delight. The lulling water of the waves and the strong wind drew our boats far away. We were so lost in merry making that we forgot everything.

After boating and bathing, we were feeling hungry. So, our cooking started. We had taken no cook with us . Everyone was to perform his duty. Two of us started peeling potatoes which slipped from their hands and caused great enjoyment. The other two began to knead the flour. They were boxing the flour, fighting with it and panting and gasping. Abuzar went to wash the meat in the running water and lost more than half in it. We put more salt than required and the curry turned bitter. Then we put a lot of water in it and it became worth-tasting. Chapaties refused to be round and took different interesting shapes. We could learn the geography of the world from them. Then we had the meals cooked by ourselves and enjoyed it more than ever before.

In the meantime, black clouds appeared in the sky. Seeing it, the other people began to collect their things and return. Soon, it began to rain cats and dogs. Showers of rain and a basket of mangoes provided us a pure delight when there was great fighting and snatching. Then we gathered again, made tea, ate sweets and took tea. Now, it was the close of the afternoon and the inception of evening. So, we hired a Tonga and started back to our homes singing and clapping hands and enjoying to our fill. It was a very pleasant ride home. Thus, a memorable day ended.

7. My Hobby

7. My Hobby

            In this age of materialism, worries and anxieties, man remains busy from dawn to dusk. After his day's rat race, he wants to relax and restore himself and soothe his taut nerves. If he does not relax, his life becomes dull and gloomy and he himself becomes peevish.

William Davies mourns such a way of man's life in this way:-

"What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to stand and stare."

                Ordinary remedies prescribed for the avoidance from worry and mental overstrain fall into two broad categories -----gaiety and retreat. The object of both is to strengthen the tired parts of the mind by giving them rest. The first group contributes to the end by active process of recreation; the second by the passive method of repose. Outside the scope of both, there is a third method of achieving the same objective. It is done by using the remaining parts of the mind ----- those other than the tired ones. This method of restoration comes to be known as hobby. A hobby is a work which we do in our spare time not for money but solely for recreation and relaxation. It is an alternative occupation for the brain worker to restore his psychic equilibrium. Sir Winston Churchill defines hobby as "alternative mental activities."

                   Different people pursue different hobbies according to their tastes and inclinations. Hobbies such as fishing, boating, small games and hunting can be classed as being exclusive for men. Hobbies like knitting, needlework, interior decoration or home management are generally taken up by women. Hobbies like stamp collecting, singing, dancing, gossiping, photography, painting, wood carving, picture collecting, coin collecting and reading books can be pursued both by men and women. Hobby, being a personal pursuit, undertaken more in isolation than in company, may vary from person to person in accordance with individual taste, temperament, nature of occupation and resources. Sir Winston Churchill pursued painting as his hobby. Lord Salisbury's hobby lay in chemical laboratory; Einstein's hobby was to play upon the Violin; while Bernard Shaw was immensely delighted in growing vegetables.

                I pursue stamp collecting as my hobby. I started it is in my late childhood. Once, when I was ten years old, I happened to see an album of stamps with my elder brother's bosom friend. An urge prompted me and I also started collecting stamps. But I didn't know how to classify and categorise them. I talked to my father who guided me how to arrange them systematically. Since then, I have been devoting my spare time to it.

                 Some people consider it a very costly hobby as according to them, much of money is spent to buy stamps. But to your great surprise, I have never spent a single penny on purchasing a stamp. My father works in Embassy. He sends me stamps of different countries issued on different occasions. One of my uncles lives in Great Britain. He also keeps sending me stamps of different countries. Once, he presented me an album of stamps on my birth day. Since then, I have added to them three times more. I have friendly terms with the postman of our colony. Whenever a new and rare stamp is issued, he provides it to me whatever he may have to do. So, now, my albums contain two thousand stamps of different countries and of different times. I have fixed ten pages for each country. I have arranged the stamps country wise, year wise, month wise and date wise. After returning from college, I spend an hour in arranging the stamps to get ever new enthusiasm. All tiredness of the day's work vanishes and I feel refreshed and recharged, delighted and elated when I am in the company of my stamps.

            I have pen friends all over the world with whom I exchange stamps. I ask them curious questions about their countries which has increased my knowledge greatly. I have come to know of the the cultures, customs, manners, traditions and habits of the nations of the world. I have learnt the history and geography of many countries.

                My stamps open before me a vast world of information and knowledge. They tell me the history of old people, old nations and old traditions. They tell me the stories of old times, old empires, old things and old places. I can see the rise and fall of nations of the world. I can visualize the emergence of Pakistan on the map of the world. I can discern the sacrifices made by our ancestors for Pakistan.

            In short, stamp collecting is a very cheap still royal hobby. It is an informative, recreative, educative, instructive, stimulating as well as instigating hobby. I always remain in touch with the whole world. I can enjoy the company of great writers, poets, authors, playwrights, dramatists and story writers. I get information, recreation, education and instructions remaining at home without stirring from my chair. I forget all the cares and worries of life when I am in the company of stamps.

6. A Roadside Accident

6. A Roadside Accident

            Roadside accidents have become very common occurrences of the present day life. The newspapers daily carry tragic news of fatal accidents. These are, no doubt, the gift of the modern advanced civilization. The modern age has given us fast modes of transport which have not only made the journey fast and easy but has also increased the ratio of horrible accidents. These accidents occur due to the careless and reckless driving of the unlettered and untrained drivers, bad condition of roads, narrow and risky turnings, violation of traffic rules and corruption in the traffic police. They take a heavy toll of lives rendering many others crippled for life and cause huge loss to property. I also happened to be an unfortunate witness to such a fatal accident.

            Last month, I had to head for Multan. Reaching the coach terminal, I got into a long queue awaiting tickets. Luckily, I got air-conditioned automobile with comfortable seat as the biggest advantage. The coach was full to its capacity. All the passengers were in gay mood and were chatting happily. The driver did not seem veteran of the Pakistani highways. His overtaking seemed hesitant and his moves a bit reckless. However being passengers, none of us deemed it proper to give him any sort of instruction. When we were only ten miles from the city, we met an unexpected horrible accident.

                A car overtook our bus and vanished in a flash. It raised clouds of dust. The bus driver was in a carefree mood. A truck was coming from the opposite direction. The bus and the truck driver could see nothing in the thick clouds of dust. The next moment, there was head on collision. After colliding against the truck, the bus struck against a cart standing on the roadside. Then it crushed a cyclist and turned turtle into a ditch.

            The accident was very horrible and fatal in its nature. Most of the screens of the bus were broken. Most of the passengers received severe injuries and were bleeding. It was a tragic scene. There was a great hue and cry. The pick-pockets availed themselves of the opportunity and robbed most of the passengers of their money and valuables. Every passenger was in a hurry to get out of the bus. In this rush, a few women and children were crushed to death. I also got skin injuries. But I did not care for my injuries and began to help the people.

            The cart driver and cyclist were crushed to death. Bot of them belonged to the neighboring village. Many people in the vicinities reached there for our rescue. They also began to pull the dead and the injured out of the bus. That was great  moaning and crying, sobbing and sighing with very few to console. The bus driver had joined the majority on the spot. The conductor and the helper succeeded in escaping leaving the injured at the mercy of Allah. Someone contacted the rescue 1122 on the mobile. A police party with a doctor reached there in five minutes. The doctor began to give first aid to the injured. Most of the injured were advised to shift to the hospital.

            The tragic sight of a woman passenger filled me with pity and horror. She was widow with only one son of five years who had joined the majority. His lifeless pure, innocent body lay on the ground bathed in the pool of blood. The woman was raising loud screams and calling to her son with his nickname. She was beseeching her son to talk to her once and only once in life. But he was past all these cries and sympathies. It was a heart-rending sight. The poor widow lost her senses. She was put in the ambulance and taken to the hospital. The cries of the woman still echo in my ears.

            I saw the police recording the statements of the eye-witnesses of the fatal accident. I postponed my programme of heading for Multan, boarded another bus and returned home sadder than ever before. I shall never be able to forget what I had witnessed especially the poor widow with her dead son. The terrible incident has left a dreadfully awful influence on my mind which will haunt me for long.

5. Technical Education

 5. Technical Education

        Modern civilization is dominated by science and technology. As a result, specialization in certain branches and industrialization have become an essential aspect of scientific education. That is why; technical education has been in demand these days. In the earlier days, education was meant for spiritual cultivation and disciplining of emotions and thinking. With the passage of time, education became broader in its embrace and more significant in organizing the society. But now-a-days, education is becoming more and more job-oriented. That is why; technical education is assuming greater significance.

It is the education about machines and their repair. It is practical application of the general principles and methods of scientific studies to some practical and manual work. It includes training in trade, industry, commerce, promotion of product and sale, agriculture, manual labour and inventions of science.

Someone has rightly said that there are only three ways of earning one’s livelihood: “Working, Begging and Stealing”. If a man fails to earn by working, he would naturally earn by begging or stealing. Therefore, if a youth fails to seek a job and earn by working, he must inevitably turn out to be either a beggar or a thief. The question is: Who is responsible for producing these beggars and thieves? The answer is “The want of technical education in our schools and colleges.” Hence, if we do not want to produce beggars and thieves, but honest, upright gentlemen who earn their living by the sweat of their brows, we will have to impart them technical education so that at the end of their educational career, they may earn their livelihood through honest means.

4. My Hero in History

 4. My Hero in History

        When the deterioration and decline of a nation reach their extreme, and nothing but supplications are left to resort to, Allah produces in it such men as, with their God-gifted talent, extraordinary potential and untiring efforts change the destiny of that down-trodden nation. Such people in history are called great men. That’s; love for great men is quite natural to man because history is determined by them. The man who does not admire great men has no right to claim greatness for himself. Great men are not born daily. Humanity has to wait for centuries. Such men change the course of events and provide new channels to history. Their lives inspire us to great deeds. A poet has rightly said:

“The lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime”

A hero is a man of great character. He has great courage and control and the guts to lead others. He has a strong decisive power in him. His spirits are always high.

There are many heroes in human history. They were called heroes because they had all the sterling qualities of head and heart which make one a hero. All of them had ideal characters. They devoted their lives to noble deeds. It is a fact the heroes of the Muslims outshine all of them. Out of the heroes of the Muslim world. I am charmed by the towering personality of Sir Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He was on of the greatest and most respected literary figures of the 20^th century. He played a vital role in the political history of the pre-partitioned India.

He was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He had got a sound religious background because his father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, a mystic, was a religious-minded person. He learnt Arabic and Persian from a great scholar of his time called Mir Hasan. He did his F.A. from Murray College Sialkot. Then he sought admission to Government College Lahore where he was greatly impressed by Professor Arnold who infused in him the quest for philosophy. He detected his hidden potential and advised him to develop his poetic talent. Iqbal followed his advice and started writing poetry.

He did his M.A.in philosophy from Government College Lahore in 1899 and joined the teaching staff of the college immediately afterwards. Then he proceeded to England and Germany for higher education. There he obtained the degree of Law and degree of Doctorate in Philosophy, came back to Lahore in 1908 and started practice as a Lawyer. But he was not satisfied with this profession although he was a noble representative of the Muslims of the Punjab. He left it and began to devote his energies to poetry.

 

3. My Aim in Life

3. My Aim in Life

        Life is not a bed of rose. It is a bed of thorns. It is full of hardships. We have to face calamities and catastrophes at every step. It is often said that life is a challenge and struggle. So, in order to make our lives great and comfortable, we should make strenuous efforts. If we want to lead a successful life, we must have a clear aim in view because no human being can live without ambitions and desires.

Aim is very important in life. It provides direction to our energies. It strengthens and emboldens us. It gives us stimulus to work and act. It is the main source of inspiration. Robert Browning says, "The aim if reached or not makes great the life." The aim is a motivating force. It determines the course of action of one's life. It is a guiding principle. It urges man to head towards his goal of life. Without aim life is like a desert where no flower blooms.

There are as many aims as men. Some people want to be civil and military officers; others wish to be engineers and doctors; many aspire to be lawyers and politicians. Some people like to be world-renowned poets and novelists; some others want to be artists and architects. Somme noble-minded persons like to be teachers.

Aims differ according to the tastes, choices and inclinations of the people. So man should choose his aim that suits his taste and inclination; otherwise he will be an utter failure. My ambition in life is not wealth, nor power or nor high social status. I am too modest a young man to aim at any of these things. My ambitions very simple enough to become a Lecturer.

There are many reasons for my choice. The best people are those who teach others, who guide others, who enlighten others' abilities, who launch a crusade against ignorance and who determine the destiny of the nation because the destiny of the nation rests upon their shoulders. It is the Lecturer who can perform all these tasks. A Lecturer is like a lamp that spreads light every where. He is like a ladder that remains at its place but helps others go higher and higher. He  is like a guiding star that leads people to the right direction. He brings people out of ignorance and takes them to the heights of glory. He is the maker of a nation. He is a silent revolutionary. Other people work on the bodies of men but he works on the minds and souls of men and leads them to Allah. He prepares the young men for practical life. He instils in them the moral virtues of truthfulness, honesty and sincerity of purpose. He makes them useful and responsible citizens who may shoulder the responsibilities of life.

He is an honorable and respectable member of a society. He is the model for his nation. He is highly qualified. He draws handsome salary. He belongs to the intelligentsia of the nation. His character is always flawless. He is free of any kind of lucrative thinking. That is why; I am charmed by the life of a Lecturer.

A doctor, no doubt, serves the suffering humanity and alleviates their miseries but his own life is in no way enviable. He is all the time surrounded by crying and signing people. A police officers, no doubt, enjoys a life of glory and authority. But just imagine the environments in which he has to live. He has to deal with criminals and  culprits like pickpockets, thieves, robbers, scoundrels, rogues and decoits. What a sharp contrast with a teacher's gay life! He is always surrounded by active, cheerful faces with high hopes of life. He remains ever young, ever active, ever energetic and ever smart and  never grows old though age may creep on him.

I am interested in Urdu. The very verses of Urdu haunt me. Besides this, it is my national language. I am a true patriot and therefore, I aspire to devote myself to the development and progress of Urdu as it is a very pleasant and vast language. I shall be able to express my innerself in Urdu and serve my nation. That is why; I yearn to become a Lecturer in Urdu.

I know lofty aims require hard struggle. Bacon says "The mould of man's fortune is in his own hand." I shall put in my best efforts to make my fortune. I intend to do my M.A. in Urdu with distinction from the University of the Punjab and become a Lecturer. Then, I shall lead a hard and active life. I shall work day and night for my nation and try my best to eradicate illiteracy from Pakistan. I shall be contented to think that I am making real contribution to the national cause.

2. My Last Day at College

 2. My Last Day at College

        Parting is always associated with gloom and grief. The place on loves to stay at cannot be easily forgotten. Thus it haunts the mind in the years to come. The good past days come to mind and their remembrance makes us sometimes sad and many times delighted. Hence, in the store-house of my college memories, enriched with many pearls and pebbles, collected over the last two years, the last day at the college occupies a very conspicuous position. It has mixed feelings of sadness and bliss. During my two years' stay at the college, I did never feel that I had developed so strong and deep association with the college. Hence, the very idea of last day at college makes me sad and gloomy.

On my last day at college, I got ready early in the morning and reached college at about 8;00 am to spend the whole day at the college campus. It was a chilly but sunny day. The students of First Year had arranged a farewell party in honour of the out-going students. It was to be held in the big Hall of the college. The farewell function started at 10;00 am. All the students sat very peacefully with the worthy Principal and the Professors. First of all, a student from the first year rose to speak. He appreciated our behaviour and dealings with them. He enumerated the good events and good days spent with us and hen bade us farewell. Then, I, on behalf of my class ,was asked to speak a few words. I thanked the first year students for arranging so  grand a party. I also thanked the teachers and office staff for their guidance and cooperation during our stay at the college and hoped that they would guide us in future as well.

My feelings at that time were a mixture of gaiety and sadness. I was gay at the thought that the first phase of my college career had been successfully completed. I could not help feeling sad also because I was going to leave behind the institution where I had passed two gleeful years of my life. I was so overwhelmed with passions that I moved to tears and a wave of sadness ran across the whole atmosphere. Even nature seemed shedding tears with us. Then the Principal rose to speak. He told us various valuable precautionary measures and practical tips beneficial for the examination. He guided us how to attempt the paper, finish it well in time and revise it. He reminded us of our duties as students and citizens of the state. He stimulated us to fight against evils like bribery, corruption, nepotism, jobbery, adulteration, smuggling and black marketing etc. and make Pakistan an ideal state. He advised us to remain staunch Muslims and true Pakistanis wherever we go and whatever we do. He quoted my precedences from the pious life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and our national heroes to lead a successful practical life. He urged us to work hard and bring good name to our Alma Mater, our parents and the country so that a positive image bout Pakistan may emerge in the comity of nations. At the end of the academic reference, an elaborate dinner was show. The students sang songs, performed skits and other fun-fair items. Then we were bade farewell formally. But I could not move off without having a last glimpse of the college.

I went to the Union Office ands at there for a few moments. I recalled the last election of the College Union. I remembered how we formed a new organization to beat the old organizations. Hundreds of students moved about enthusiastically day in day out to secure votes for their candidates. What a period of bliss, delight, fervour and enthusiasm! Then I moved to the library. I remembered how I had access to the rare and valuable books. I walked along the rows of almirahs and shelves of books and looked at the countless books wistfully. Afterwards, I went to the laboratory. I recalled the happy instructive hours spent there. Now, the memories of the classroom were stirred u. How often did I feel bored? How often did I dislike some of the professors for being too much serious about their lectures? How much did many of us hate a professor or two for their strictness about percentage of attendance and laboratory work? How often did we speak ill of the Principal for his strict discipline and turning down some of our requests. But on that day ,all of those feelings had transformed into love, respect and regards. I was so lost in the memories and thoughts that I did not realize the late afternoon. In the meantime ,Mr. Hamza stroked at my shoulder and we started to the gate. My mind was crowded with the thoughts of friends, kind, affectionate professors and the fatherly Principal.

1. My First Day at College

 1. My First Day at College

        My first day at college is a memorable experience of my life. It is marked with excitement, nervousness and fears. So, it will haunt me forever in the years to come. As soon as I appeared in the Matriculation Examination, I began to dream of a free, independent and interesting life of the college. My cousin would often say tome, "Life in a college is more a fun than a serious effort to get education. Moreover, college is a place for making friends and chalking out programmes to go to the pictures or picnics."

At last, the result of the Matriculation Examination was declared and I came out with flying colours. I decided to seek admission to Government college, the biggest college in the town. So, I submitted the admission forms. After ten days, I was informed that I had been granted admission. I went to the college to deposit dues. I was nervous and afraid. But surprisingly enough, many of students' organizations were welcoming the new comers and guiding them very kindly and compassionately. I was very happy and satisfied. Our classes were to start on 7th September. I was feeling proud of being collegiate.

On September 7, I got up early in the morning, established prayers, took a heavy bath and got ready for the college. Meanwhile, my mother prepared breakfast. I took breakfast hurriedly and came to the bus station where many other class fellows had also gathered. We formed and started to the college because we wanted to defend ourselves against first year foolery. When we reached the main gate of the college, a group of senior students was waiting for us. Firstly, they greeted us and then raised the slogan "First Year Fools',' Zindabad'." We got suddenly nervous. They had chalked out their own plans to make the new-comers indulge in some vulgar type of activities. However, we decided to act together to avoid their practical jokes. Some of the senior students in a much larger group approached us with an air of superiority and made us subdue instantly. They made us stand in a queue and march. They ordered us to sing ridiculous songs and do monkey pranks. My ego did not allow me to act according to their wishes but being helpless before such a host of ruffians, I had to obey.

After getting rid of them, I moved to the notice board to note the time-table. Our first period was that of English. It was to be held in room number twelve. I did not know where the room was. Catching sight of an innocent, gentle looking senior student standing in the corridors, I approached him and requested him to guide me about the room. He encouraged me and escorted me to a room. No sooner did I enter the room than there was a roar of cheers and laughter. It was girls' room. I rushed out with the feelings of shame and insult and began to fight with him in anger. A man of short stature tried to separate us but I had got so furious that I slapped on his face. All the boys dispersed in no time. Only two of us were there on the scene. Many professors reached there in an instant. I was seized and taken to the office of the Principal and was charged with being rude, insolent and disobedient. The fellow whom I had slapped was also occupying a chair. It came out that he was not a student. He was the Chief Proctor of the college. I felt ashamed of my mistake and apologized to him fearing of my rustication from the college. He took pity on me as the first year and pardoned me.

Now, all the first year students were asked to assemble in the hall where the Principal delivered a moral lecture and advised us not to take part in party politics rather to pay full attention to studies to achieve our goals. Afterwards, a professor guided us about the time-table and we went to the classrooms.

When the professor came, all the boys stood up to greet him. Firstly, he introduced himself to us and then began to take the roll-call. Different boys answered the roll-call in different ridiculous manners. Some were saying "Yes Please." Many others were crying, "Lubback." A few were answering "Hazir Janaab." But the professor did not mind it. He was very kind, polite and courteous. He did not teach us but only advised us about our future life. He stressed us that we should not misuse the liberty but we should make full use of the opportunity to develop our personalities and also to achieve our goals. In this way, all the professors spoke on the importance of education and discipline. They highlighted the value of the subjects they were to teach. They talked to us in  a friendly manner quite differently from the school teachers. We were much impressed by their attitude and behavior.

When all the classes were over, we started back to our homes. We were again encountered by the seniors who were ready to pounce upon us as their legitimate prey. They caught us and stamped us as "420" "Beat me if you can," "First Year Fool, please hit me!" and what not else. They boxed, pinched and kicked us. They sprinkled liquid of different colours on us. They tore our clothes, snatched our pens and note books and teased us as much as they could. We bore all this patiently because we knew that every black cloud has a silver lining and because it is a common practice followed in every college. Thus, my first day at college came to an end with new rays of hope for the next day.