Inspiration from Around the World: A Review of Muhammad Yunus’s Banker to the Poor, Micro Lending and the battle against World Pover




It is no secret that Muhammad Yunus, head professor of Economics at Chittagong University, shook the world with his innovative and breakthrough theories on micro-financial lending. Founder of the successful banking institution the Grameen Foundation, Yunus became responsible for bringing much needed attention to the dire state of poverty in his native of Bangladesh.

However, the accomplishments which he writes about in his autobiography, Banker to the Poor, were certainly not met without difficulty. In fact, Yunus’s original inspiration behind tackling poverty was a natural progression derived from his many life experiences. Together, the events discussed in his book illustrate an intriguing account of the life of a simple man’s journey, and his dream becoming a reality through relentless effort and dedication.

The following article is a review of his acclaimed autobiography, Banker to the Poor: Micro Lending and the Battle against World Poverty.

Yunus’s literary work easily trumps the average written biography we are used to seeing in bookstores and libraries. Banker to the Poor offers readers an exciting journey alongside Yunus in his adventures from being a young boy caught in the whirlwind of a revolutionary era, to an intelligent young student with exceptional academic skills and active participation in politics and government. Born in South Central Bangladesh, Yunus was raised under his parent’s strong beliefs of educational achievement and religious spirituality.  Being the third of fourteen children (with the exception of five whom passed away during infancy), Yunus was brought up from humble beginnings living in the second floor of his father’s jewelry workshop.

Banker to the Poor can be categorized into two parts. It first begins with an intimate account of Yunus’s personal life as a curious child growing up amidst the chaos of the Second World War, the Pakistan Movement, along with the Bengali War of Liberation. Unique to his story are the events which will surround and affect his childhood, adolescent and adulthood life. His insatiable need for the advancement of his educational background brings light to the countless unique positions he acquires throughout the book. This includes teaching positions, international scholarships, along with several leadership responsibilities during the Bengali road to independence. Yunus’s ever changing environments eventually lead to the second half of the book, which tells a riveting tale of the inspiration and lengthy process behind the birth of the micro-financial lending system that is Grameen.

Upon his early years as head of the Economic department at Chittagong University, Yunus sought practical ways of implementing his teachings to bring about positive change to the poor and destitute. However, through the author’s narration readers will quickly discover the societal barriers placed upon those less fortunate, thus isolating them from participating in the banking system. Not only is poverty one of the most definable aspects of life in Bangladesh, it is also virtually impossible for poor families to exit their current state of living, simply because they are unable to obtain financial loans or credit. The Grameen Foundation was first established by Yunus to counter-act these issues through unique methods described in his book. After years of experimenting and trials of implementation, it soon launched as the first international organization of its kind with profound success behind the specific cause.

If you are looking to get back into the habit of reading, or if you are on the search for a worthy read, I strongly recommend this book. Issues not only within Bangladesh, the ideas behind Grameen were a result of the global characteristics of poverty which the author observed within much of his country’s geography. Furthermore, a critical analysis into the life choices and decisions of Yunus will uncover his helpful nature and consistent drive to assist people by providing them with the proper resources to build improved livelihoods and remove them from the cycle of poverty. We are individually blessed with unique life experiences, but this book will offer the inspiration to make the most out of them.

Approximately seven years after the publication of Banker to the Poor, Yunus went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Years into the international legacy of the Grameen Foundation has shed an innovative perspective on the stigma of credit loaning to individuals in poverty-stricken areas of the world.

Chaque année et en mois de Ramadan, Ahmed Choukairy ne cesse de nous surprendre avec ses idées innovantes et originales pour présenter et revivre l’esprit de programme de Khawater. En effet, Cette émission est considérée comme une fenêtre qui s’ouvre sur les civilisations anciennes, où les téléspectateurs peuvent apprendre davantage sur leurs coutumes et traditions, et les utiliser dans leur vie quotidienne. Parmi ses objectifs,  la contribution à la croissance de la conscience des musulmans vis à vis de tous les problématiques constatées.
Contrairement aux six éditions précédentes, Khawater 7 était une saison spéciale pour trouver et suggérer des solutions plus fiables et pratiques à mettre en vigueur afin de progresser le monde arabe avec tous les évènements survenus au cours de 2011 (printemps arabe). L’émission Khawater 7, vient suite au grand succès des anciennes éditions. Ahmed a choisi de voyager vers 9 pays à savoir la Chine, la Turquie, l’Espagne… et en retirer des leçons, pour orienter les peuples arabes vers un monde meilleur et saint, à travers des comparaisons très intelligentes entre ces peuples et le peuple arabe.

Un grand travail chaque année, une équipe très dynamique, de très bons sujets qui nous donnent l’espoir pour améliorer de plus en plus notre vie.

Et enfin, on n’oublie pas la participation spéciale de Maher Zain, le jeune chanteur dans la chanson du générique dans cette septième édition de Khawater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0MDHRd-0sw

_ I really loved Walt’s Disney’s movie Tangled which was released in 2010. I know I’m a little late for this review but I recently watched it again and was inspired to write this review.

The main storyline goes like this: there is a magical flower that has the ability to heal the sick and injured. An old evil woman named Gothel finds this flower and uses it to retain her youth. One day the Queen of the Kingdom who is pregnant becomes very ill and so the people of the Kingdom search for the flower. Once it is found it is fed to the Queen who delivers a baby girl named Rapunzel. It seems that Rapunzel’s hair has absorbed the magical qualities the flower possessed. Gothel finds out about the child and steals her and takes her to a tower far away and raises her. When Rapunzel is eighteen she dreams of seeing the golden lanterns that are released every year, but she is forbidden to leave the tower.  That is when her saviour comes into the picture- Flynn Rider who is wanted by the kingdom because he is a theif, a very charming and handsome theif. Rider, looking for an escape, sees the tower and climbs it. After confronting Rider, Rapunzel realizes that she will never get another opportunity to see the lanterns so she hides the item he has stolen and forces him to take her to see them. Grothel is not in the tower at the time so the two take their leave peacefully and their day is filled with adventure. So what happens next? Yes, you guessed it, they start falling for each other. But while their love is developing, Grotel has found out that Rapunzel has left the tower and so she plans a way to bring her back. Her plan is to get Rider arrested and put in jail so it will seem that he has betrayed Rapunzel. Rider is taken to jail and Rapunzel back to the tower. However Rapunzel comes to realize that she is the lost princess and that is the reason that lanterns are released every year on her birthday.  She tries to escape but is tied down by Gotel and that is when Rider breaks out of prison and saves her. Reunited with her family, Rapunzel and Rider get married and live happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this film and I especially loved the scenery and the golden lanterns. However, my feelings towards Tangled are bittersweet. This movie is quite misleading and the ideals it presents can become harmful for the child audience. This review is not one which praises Tangled rather it is about taking a close look at the different ideas presented within it.

Tangled is very stereotypical in terms of gender. Rapunzel is innocent, naive and needs to be saved. That’s when the strong, well traveled and hunk Rider comes into the picture. Rider always saves the day with his strength and quick thinking and he falls for this naive girl who needs to be protected from the bad world. Generally girls will grow up thinking that they will need a man to depend on.

The concept of beauty presented in this movie is deeply troubling. Rapunzel embodies the ideal as she has big green beautiful eyes, luscious red lips, perfect teeth, beautiful blonde hair, shinning light skin (she doesn’t even have an acne problem, like seriously she’s eighteen!), she is quite skinny and of medium height. She is perfect! Or is she?  Flynn Rider is also the perfect image of a man. Rider is light skinned, tall, muscular (seriously I though his shirt was going to rip in some scenes because of his muscles) and he doesn’t seem to have an acne problems either! Yay! Also they both speak perfect English. The world is so perfect. Double yay.

Disney has been portraying this image of beauty for so long and it is the ONLY image presented. Almost all of the women in Disney movies resemble Rapunzel which has become the standard. Yes, sure Disney has tried to save its image so there is Jasmine and Pocahontas, the two token women. But Disney repeatedly fails to portray in their characters that beauty is present in all different forms, sizes and colours.  How do they just get away with it? I mean this movie was made in 2010 yet the ideas of Disney have not changed. They are rigid in stone.

The main audience of Disney films are children. Children must have loved the scenery and the story must have appealed to them. But what is the message that has been embedded into their minds about beauty and gender? That is what is truly scary not the old witch, Gothel. Clearly Disney in their movie state that the good people look a certain way and so a child might think: what if I don’t look like that? Does that mean I am bad? Why is my friend repeatedly represented in movies but I’m not? Children will likely conclude that in order to be considered beautiful they must become the standard.

Overall we can enjoy and watch these movies but we should be mindful and critical of the issues and ideas presented within them.

For hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike, HBO's 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic is a must-see.

It gives everyone the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the NHL and its players.

In the first episode, Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov philosophizes about the universe.

He says, "Solar system is so humangous big, right? ...If you see our solar system, it was so small, you can't even see our galaxy." He then concludes his thoughts by saying, "So don't worry, be happy."

The series takes fans right into the lockerroom, where you can see coaches pumping up their teams and players bonding. This includes the Flyers' victory dance, something all of the players get into.

It also takes you on the ice, since players are mic'd. You can hear the chirps, the words of appreciation among teammates and the cheers from the players themselves.

But the show also humanizes the players.

Another part shows Rangers captain Peter Callahan meeting his grandmother after a game. His grandmother quickly tells him that a penalty he received in the game wasn't his fault and that if she could, she'd go down to the ref and tell him herself.

So if you want a different look at hockey, be sure to check it out. Be warned though: there is a lot of cursing.

If the weather outside doesn’t match your mood for winter holidays and is more ‘delightful’
than ‘frightening’ then you should type in the following on Google’s search bar: let it snow.
Snowflakes will fall all over the screen and gradually cover the Google result page in snow and
white fog of digital blizzard. If you eventually reach a complete virtual white-out, don’t worry
there is a de-frost button provided by Google too. Then the mouse button can be manually held
to de-frost and wipe off some of the white stuff and can be used to make images just like on a
frosted glass or window.

Another Google Easter egg, “do a barrel roll”, became quite popular earlier this year, completely
rotating Google’s search results. Google regularly swaps its traditional multi-coloured logo towith 'doodles' celebrating key dates or the lives of cult or influential figures

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

(‘Let It Snow’ is commonly considered a Christmas classic although the song doesn’t mention
Christmas at all.)

After watching the Apple iPhone 4 ‘Face Time’ commercial, I believe happiness is an intrinsic emotion expressed through connecting with people who may be transcendently far away but very close to one’s heart. A feeling symbolised by a smile, the repetitions of showing jolly faces supported the frame in a frame strand depicted through box-like images of the furniture including those shown within the iPhone screen. Earthy tones and soft colours of the scenes, brought about feelings of homeliness and comfort, associated with someone at ease and peace with their surroundings. The binary of focused bright light on the iPhone screen images versus the blurry background displayed the commercial aspect of this video, bringing the audience attention back to the gadget and its power of developing, binding and tying relationships. This commercial lays emphasis on the fact that happiness and its cherished moments when shared with close ones fosters a greater sense of life’s worthiness by creating lasting memories. It bridges the gap of space and time as it allows the user to choose the right instances at significant stages and phases in their life.

Asim Hussain is the author of the new book, Khadijah Goes to School – A story about You.  Following six months of rigorous writing which underwent over one thousand edits and over three hundred people who refined the work by reading it and rereading it, the book is finally here! Khadijah Goes to School has been out for three months and has sold well three hundred copies. It has gone into some libraries, hospitals and the near future plan is to get it involved with social justice organizations. 

In its simplest form Khadijah Goes to School is a storybook about a girl named Khadijah (yes, you guessed it!) who is quite reluctant to go to her new school.  However, as time passes she begins to learn the importance of discovering and being true to herself. More so she learns the importance of education and understands that she must go to school because she will “learn so so so much”. The book states that a person is not simply educated if they go to school or have a degree but rather learning is a life time venture and so every moment is a life lesson from which great things can be harvested.

 Asim Hussain says that, “life is helping yourself and helping other people™ ” (this is a phrase he came up with while he was developing the project) and he believes that it is through ongoing learning that we can achieve this goal. He believes that if we can help ourselves by discovering and being true to ourselves we can then move onto, “helping our community and ultimately making society better.” Therefore, he says that, “we need to question ourselves and our lives. We may believe that we have degrees but in reality, how much do you really know? We don’t even know what we know, and what we know we cannot quantify. Our actions are situational.”  Thus, one of the messages Asim Hussain wants to convey is that learning is a continuous process and you are forever on that journey, “no matter who you are or what you already know.”

At first glance this book appears to be a children’s storybook; I am guilty of thinking this as well. But, once you read it and contemplate upon it you realize that this book is so much more than just a straightforward children’s book! It can also become quite overwhelming (in a good way) at times due to the many concept and topics addressed and discussed within it. It’s almost as if you find something different and new each time.

Some of the topics Khadijah Goes to School deals with are human rights, women’s rights and empowerment. The main character, Khadijah, “a young girl who is like any other girl, lovely, curious and ultimately confident, is contrary to the belief of some, of the stereotypical oppressed Muslim woman who is ignorant of education.”  It showcases diversity. There are different languages and characters from various backgrounds (Arjun, David, The teacher) and as Asim Hussain tells me, “There is beauty in diversity and there is diversity in this book.” Most importantly this book is about the importance of INCLUSION!  He says, “This book reflects ideas of pluralism via its entire presentation, an attestment of its inclusiveness.”  Therefore, this book is not simply for Muslims and is not something you will only find in Islamic bookstores, Khadijah goes to School is mainstream!! Asim Hussain says that it is, “a book with a universal message”, so it includes all types of people in some way. He believes that this book just translated into the form of a storybook but it transcends any boundaries created by age, race etc. It is a book for all and that is why I truly love it because it also represents those that are constantly underrepresented in our society. Overall it is a very complex book!

Asim Hussain used the format of a children’s book is because he wants people “to ask questions and not simply judge.” The format of this book is a little misleading and we are quick to assume that it is just a book for children and nothing more, however, Asim Hussian says that, “this is precisely the reason he chose this format.” He says, “Pretty much everyone thought it was a children’s book and I really wanted people to question, How could one just instantly judge a book, anything, by its cover?  It really goes deeper; do we judge people by their cover?”  We all do this from time to time and so this book is, “speaking to you, the reader. It connects with you.” You might be wondering how this book is able to do this and the answer is that it is simply about the human condition, about human experiences and it is these experiences that unite us all. Asim Hussain says it is like a bundle of “shared advice”.  So even though Khadijah Goes to School appears to be a children’s book, you now know it is so much more! AND MAYBE NOW YOU WON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER (maybe....).

All in all this is a very ‘Canadian’ book because of the portrayal of as the “Canadian flag, mention of Terry Fox, and talk of native Canadians.” Thus, it is about the experiences of a Canadian who is proud of his identity and he wants to share his stories with other Canadians. Asim Hussain believes that Khadijah Goes to School is a “tool which will prompt the reader to ask “Why?” for so many different reasons, which could lead to effective dialogue that can ultimately challenge stereotypes. And so it is time to go past these stereotypes we have of people and really learn about one another.” 

This book is quite ‘unusual’ in many ways because it surpasses the ‘normal’ conventions of an archetypal book. One such example is how it reads right to left and Asim Hussain did this because he wants to show people that, “there are many ways to look at something and so there isn’t one way to do things.” In Canada there are so many different cultures and he believes that this is one way difference can be celebrated. Moreover, people are aware that there are many different cultures in Canada but one does not notice this unless they see something visual and this book is a, “multilayered graphical production”. Therefore, Asim Hussian believes that is it like a “primer, which is a starting point to start discussion and so  he says, “ it is a bridge where we can meet and exchange identities, learn about each other, discuss ideas, and re-analyze ideas.”


You might be wondering why it’s called Khadijah Goes to School and not some other name like Rabia Goes to School (which might have been slightly cooler, just sayin’) but seriously why did Asim Hussain choose Khadijah? Why not some other name? Well the answer is quite simple and he says that it “I actually do not know.  It’s still a mystery to me. There is no Khadijah in my life. No relatives. Nothing!  The name just came to me.”I know you all wanted the title to be Rabia Goes to School, but maybe next time folks because Asim Hussian plans to do more writing!!! He is planning to write another book which he says “is along similar lines but it will definitely be a little different”.

This amazing and complex book at the core has a very simple and beautiful message and so it is one that anyone can relate because Khadijah Goes to School is “a story about you.” If you are interested in this book please visit the website, join the Facebook page, follow it on twitter and BUY THE BOOK its 10 dollars and can be purchased on khadijahgoestoschool.com or amazon.com. If you buy the book, please write a review on khadijahgoestoschool.com or amazon.com. 

·         Official Khadijah goes to School website: khadijahgoestoschool.com 

·         Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/khadijahgoestoschool

·         Twitter: @studentasim

·         Email Asim Hussain for question/inquires: info@khadijahgoestoschool.com

   C’est en  quittant ton pays d’origines qu’un sentiment assez fort et naissant commence a provoquer un état de manque.  Un manque qui nous donne envie forte de se retrouver au cœur de notre propre famille entourés autour d’un grand plat de Couscous, sentir ce chaleureux soleil nous caresser avec ses bels rayons, sentir l’odeur du pays des Rifains.

   C’est en regardant une mission intitulée « Expédition impossible » que cet étrange sentiment a su s’agrandir. Une émission qui a su montré les paysages les plus beaux qui puissent exister au Maroc. Regarder ces gens s’aventurer dans mon pays m’avait donné une forte envie de les rejoindre au plein cœur de l’aventure. Marcher sur le sable en découvrant ce fameux désert dont tout le mode parle, ainsi que marcher sur la neige, escalader les populaires montagnes d’Atlas et  s’aventurer au plus profond de Ouad Om Rabir. C’est ce que j’appelle avoir de l’adrénaline et voir le danger juste devant vos yeux.  Si ca vous tente de voir à quoi ressemble mon pays, je vous conseille mes chers amis de jeter un cou d’œil sur la beauté de ce pays que les Français l’ont appelé Le pays des merveilles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5VhgE9s-XU

Edgewalk at the CN tower was opened to the public on August 1, 2011. It is the CN tower’s most thrilling and amazing attraction in its 35 years. Edgewalk allows those who crave adventure to walk on the 1.5 meters wide ledge encircling the tower’s main pod, it is 116 storeys above the ground which is 1168 feet.  Edgewalk is the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk. Edgewalkers usually walk in a group of 6-8 people while they are attached to an overhead safety rail which is then attached to a trolley of harness systems. Trained Edgewalk guides are there to help the adventure lovers push their own personal limits. The $175 ticket gives the visitor access to the lookout post, glass floor, sky pod, movie and the motion theatre ride. Each Edgewalker gets a video of their walk, a photo and a certificate of achievement. 

Being an employee of the CN Tower, the famous Anas Ingar had the opportunity to be one of the few people to try the Edgewalk before it was open to the public. Below is Anas Ingar’s story in an interview style. His explanation of the breathtaking and almost indescribable view.

Rabia: When did you do the Edgewalk? Date and Time.

Anas: Before it opened to the public, so on July 26, 2011 at 4:00pm.

Rabia: Is it colder at the main pod?

Anas: Yes, by 10 degrees.

Rabia: How long does the Edgewalk last?

Anas: 30 minutes

Rabia: How did it feel knowing that you would be one of the firsts to do the Edgewalk?

Anas: It felt scary. It almost felt as if I was a guinea pig, but I was assured that it was safe.

Rabia: Hmm. Since you work at the CN tower when the Edgewalk was being built, what was the environment like at work?

Anas: There was a lot of excitement and still is and people were in a mad-rush to sign up. So eventually there was a waiting list created.

Rabia: Employees got to try it first eh.

Anas: Yes, we got to try it out first; it was very nice of them. The day I did the Edgewalk I saw the Stanley Cup. Sean Thorton from the Boston Bruins was holding it.

Rabia: Oh wow! Did he take it up to the Edgewalk?

Anas: He wanted to take it up to the Edgewalk and did but he didn’t do the whole walk, he just took it out there for a little while.

Rabia: Awesome! Can you tell me about the outfits you had to wear.

Anas: We had to wear red suits which were attached to a harness. We had to get rid of everything and put all of our personal belongings into a locker. Including hijab pins, so most hijabies tie up their hijabs in a knot. You can’t have hair pins either, nothing metallic. This is because they don’t want anything to fall off the edge.

Rabia: Hmm. I didn’t know that, so it must be kind of hard if you’re wearing a hijab. I mean it can fly off.

Anas: That’s the fear; it’s quite windy up there.

Rabia: A side question what if you get to the Edgewalk and you suddenly get scared, can you hold on to the person beside you?

Anas: You can’t hold on to the person next to you. You could possibly hold on to their hand. But they wouldn’t be able to do all the things like lean off the edge etc.

Rabia: Okay. How many people were in your group?

Anas: There were 4 people all together but usually it’s a group of 8.

Rabia: Do you think the Edgewalk is less scary if you have someone you know with you?

Anas: Yes and more enjoyable. I had my mom.

Rabia: That sounds great! So once you were harnessed and almost ready to begin the Edgewalk what was going through your mind? How were you feeling?

Anas: I was feeling excited and was fine with walking around the edge.

Rabia: So when you started walking around the edge how was it?

Anas: I was scared a little that I would blow away, but I was tethered in.

Rabia: LOL! How is the view?

Anas: It’s an amazing view and it’s really fun! You get the hang of it after a while and on a clear day you can see very far! And you can even shout at the city if you want.

Rabia: It sounds really amazing! Well, what’s one thing you didn’t expect you would be able to do on the Edgewalk?

Anas: I didn’t know we could lean that back. But it was definitely a highlight and it was fun!

Rabia: So did you lean back and forward? Which do you like better?

Anas: I did both, leaning back is easier and feels safer. Leaning forward feels like you’ll fall off the edge or the wire will snap. But it’s not for that long, only a few seconds.

Rabia:  Sounds scary! So using three words can you describe how it feels looking down at the city?

Anas: BEST VIEW EVER

Rabia: go on...

Anas: That’s 3 words.

Rabia: No Anas! I mean how did it feel?

Anas: It was scary and exciting.

Rabia: Awesome. How does it feel not having any type of barrier in front of you? How does it feel knowing it’s just you and the city?

Anas: Incredible. It’s the actualization if freedom, minus the ropes that tether you in.

Rabia: Wow I think you said that perfectly!  It’s almost as if words can’t describe the feeling and that you have to experience it to really understand it.

Anas: Yea.

Rabia: Although the Edgewalk is pretty scary, what keeps you going up there?

Anas: I’ve only been up there once.

Rabia: K What I mean to say is what encourages you to finish the Edgewalk and for that moment shun your fear of heights?

Anas: The thrill of seeing new aspects of the city and the exit.

Rabia: LOL! So then how does it feel when you finally reach the exit?

Anas: You feel sad because you just sort of got used to it and it’s over.

Rabia: Hmm. Do you think that Edgewalk will become really big in Toronto?

Anas: It’s expensive, but if they lower the price they will get a lot of people. Though currently all the trendy people are booking up the spots.

Rabia: What`s one thing you would say to someone who is considering Edgewalk?

Anas: Enjoy the moment, be afraid of heights later. Besides how many times do you get you do something so cool. I would encourage people to do it, it’s fun!

Rabia: Thanks Anas for sharing your experience!!

Anas: You’re welcome!

This is how the story unfolds.

As a birthday present my brother promised that he would get me Jafar Alam’s book, Almond Eyes Hears the Dove`s Cries. He ordered it online so I waited patiently for it, knowing that it might take a little while. I was really excited to read it. One day, not very long after my brother had ordered the book there was a package that arrived in the mail. I was so excited:  all smiles, I might even have jumped up and down holding the package in my hands.

Dismissing the To and From sticker, I carelessly opened the package.

What beheld me: Disappointment.

It wasn’t Jafar Alam’s book. It was a game my brother had ordered. K

After that a few other packages came, I lost interest. As well, the postal strike happened which delayed the book even more so.

One day in mid July, I came home from work and there was a package on the table, I didn’t heed it any attention until my mom said that it was for me.

Yes, you guessed it. The book was finally here. I guess, all good things come to those who wait.

                                                                                 .................
 
Almond Eyes Hears the Dove’s cries, is an exceptional book of 170 poems beautifully weaved together and written in different styles. Each poem is infused with so much emotion and passion that the message within it resonates with the reader. To find out the meaning of the title you will have to read the book!  Jafar Alam has been writing for five years and he says that, “these poems were written over a period of 4 years. And compiling it into book form took about 6 months.” I asked Jafar Alam what specifically inspired him to put this book together and he said, “My need to want to give myself. My need to connect to people. To try and get closer to humanity. The humanity that connects us all together. I believe books are a passionate affair . And a collection of them is an affair of passion.” He manages to do just that.

Jafar Alam has a very beautiful style of writing. He says grand things in simple words. I believe his poems are quite intimate in the sense that the reader can connect with them in one way or another because they present experiences which are familiar to the human condition. I asked him to describe his own writing style and he told me this, “My friend once told me that when people are in need of soul food, they don't need something complicated. Just something simple, that goes straight and direct to the heart. I would say my writing style is refreshing and original with a range that's horizon wide.” Indeed, his poems reach the heart easily. His use of imagery of elements related to nature makes one smile and it shows you that life is simple but we complicate it. In his poem titled, ‘In the Arms of Midnight’ he says the following,

                                                                      Start your journey

                                                                     If they ask for you

                                                                             Tell em

                                                                   They can find you

                                                        Waiting in the dimple of a moon

                                                             In the arms of midnight

                                                        Dancing to the whistle of the wind

I believe that everything Jafar Alam writes has a way of connecting with you. I remember reading the dedications page of his book and getting teary eyed and wondering how I would make it through the entire book. Rest assured, I did make it! Every poem brings an array of emotions and many make you teary eyed because of the beauty of his and the topics he chooses to write about. But that is what good poetry is, it’s supposed to at times in some sense overwhelm you with emotions. This book speaks so much about Jaraf Alam. His memories. His experiences. I asked him if this was the case and he said, “Most definitely, I did give people a glimpse into my world. I think the book was well received because of the fact that it was raw and honest.  I kind of look at it as a diary written in the form of poetry. I don't mind sharing myself with the world. I think the connection between the poet and the audience is a communion. And I think the audience or the reader is very much an important part of the poem. I used to feel that my purpose in this world was to experience all this pain, so that I could share it with others through my poetry and hopefully give them something where they wouldn't have to suffer in the way that I did.”  Jafar Alam writes if, I may say so quite colloquially in a way that is, ‘so real’.

Jafar Alam tells me, “I write because of my emotional need to. Writing is a very painful process sometimes. The root of why I started writing is very organic. There was never an intention. I never set out to be good at it. I kind of did it cause I thought of it as survival at the time. Poetry, unlike many other art forms, its primary base is the fact that you're vulnerable. I mean, you have to be in a vulnerable place in order to be effective. It embraces all the ideas about vulnerability.” One of my favourite poems in his book is titled, ‘Looking for God everywhere’ and I love this stanza from it,

                                                                     We are all born to die

                                                                     In between the two

                                                                We are all looking for God

                                                                            Everywhere


Jafar Alam’s poems are about many different topics and some touch upon global issues. His poem titled, ‘Handala’ speaks about the condition of Palestine and this is one of his favourite poems. He says that it stands out because, “I feel it speaks to so many who are voiceless. And because I was able to use a piece of my late friend Ahmed Hussain's poem as the opening verse.”


Through his poetry Jafar Alam presents a solution to fixing many of the world’s problems and that is to help, understand other’s experiences, standing up for justice and most importantly loving. He tells me that through his writing he wishes to convey the following message, “I want people to be unafraid to examine their convictions. To always recreate themselves. To get out of the exile. To love yourself enough to lift each other up. To trust the divinity of life.” I asked Jafar Alam if he plans to write another book and he said, “God willing, yes. I'm almost finished writing my second anthology of poetry, and I intend on writing several more books of, not only poetry, but novels and short stories as well.”

For more information on Jafar Alam’s work please visit his website at www.jafaralam.com, his Facebook page at Jafar Alam Poetry or on twitter at: jafar_alam. If you wish to purchase his book locally please contact him. All proceeds of his book sold locally go to an orphanage in Bangladesh.


I leave you with Jafar Alam’s words from his poem titled, ‘Don`t be afraid’

                                                                        Don’t be afraid,

                                                             Dive deep into the Ocean

                                                      Dive deep, and forever be drenched

                                                             With the sweetness of love              

I encourage everyone to read Jafar Alam’s compelling and amazing book of poetry.