For those living abroad and fretting about us Karachiites let me hasten to assure you that life is getting busier by the day and nothing daunts our spirits. With Moharram having started when most festivities come to a halt, I had thought I'd have time for a breather, but that is far from the case. Between office work, gearing up for Pursukoon Karachi initiated by the artists fraternity, attending the Board of Governors meeting of TRC-IECE, working on my next book which is an encyclopaedia and preparing for PBCW at the end of the month, not to mention attending majlis at night -- and this is just today's happenings -- life couldn't get more jam-packed! Or perhaps, it could! Look out for more updates on what I am up to! 

Just returned from TDAP - great showings on the whole. It's heartening to see so much talent! Clothes were funky and fun, and choreography slick. Pity there were so many empty seats -- a lot more people could have been invited and enjoyed the show on both days.

<a href="http://www.edibleexperiences.com/p/51053/GastroSalon/9002/GastroSalon">
<img src="http://www.edibleexperiences.com/blog_review/51053/9002/icon" Bina Shah mentions my book at this event

I believe famous Pakistani author, Bina Shah spoke at the event I have provided the link for and mentioned Food Prints, after which many people immediately purchased it on-line from Amazon!! Yeaaaaa!

Book launch in London

I have to say that God has been very kind indeed to me. First, I land up writing a book that is a first of its kind in Pakistan -- a comprehensive study of Pakistani cuisine -- and then I get the opportunity to launch it in a high-profile event in the historic building of Frere Hall, complete with delicious snacks mentioned in my book. And now, I have just returned from my book launch held in London in a place no less than Lincoln's Inn, which I am sure was also a first for any book launch, where the ambiance was amazing, the eats delightful and the turnout great as it was part of the opening ceremony of International Women's Alliance Congress, celebrating Pakistan. What more could one ask for!

an article on the interior of our home in News you.mag@thenews.com.pk

Am really excited -- my book, Food Prints, is scheduled to be launched in London in September during the APWA congress. I hope that it goes well as it is a wonderful opportunity to project Pakistan's heritage, culture and cuisine in front of a large audience.

Interviewed Shehzad Roy today

Had heard so much about the great work Roy was doing, but today I saw the government school he has adopted and turned around as a role model -- and boy, is it impressive! I have seen many government schools but never one so huge, all-encompassing, well-maintained, and well-stocked. Complete with massive grounds, laboratory facilities, huge library, computer rooms -- separate ones for primary classes and secondary classes -- hobby room, chess room, teachers' resource room art room, auditorium, conference rooms, staff-room, breakfast room, day-care centre and what not, the school is comparable to any good private school. And it is totally free for the 2500 students that study there. Working within the system, and yet fighting against all odds is never easy, and one has to hand it to this young, determined man that he has succeeded in making a difference and doing what he has set out to. Let's hope more people follow his role model.

All my childhood I would read comics in which someone or the other would land up with a black eye, and wondered if that was sheer exaggeration. Now I know! After fainting from acute food-poisoning and falling flat on my face, I have been nursing a black eye -- very literally -- and a swollen face! Believe me guys, black eye is no euphemism.fe I read