Interview with Blogger Hamza Ahmad Qureshi
By The Pakistani Spectator • Feb 21st, 2009 • Category: Interviews • No ResponsesThis is Hamza Ahmad Qureshi and I am a student of Business and Information Technology at Punjab University, Lahore.
My interests are all over the place and I have this unquenchable thirst and curiosity to know everything. On countless times I have tried to shrink the list of my interests but new things keep popping, leaving me master of none of the trades.
The url of my blog is http://wurdsalad.blogspot.com/
Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
There are so many things happening around you about which you want to write. Now you cannot simply jot it down in some journal and shove it in a dusty old cabinet. The feedback is very important and it makes all the difference. Sharing views and being a part of this amazing blogosphere were perhaps the reasons behind by my decision.
What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
I think a third person would be a better judge. I just try to keep it simple and straight from the heart as much as possible.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
I rather tell you what brought me failure. It was lack of discipline and inability to prioritize.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Loyalty, truthfulness, integrity, faith in God; whenever I’ve come across these virtues, it made me very happy. On the other hand my own weaknesses and inability to put my complete trust in God has made me most unhappy.
Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
I am not very confident about their future. The amount of original work being produced in Urdu is not satisfactory when compared to English. Translations done are also not very enjoyable. With such situation prevailing, I am not sure whether Urdu blogs would capture youth’s attention in the coming days. The Urdu scenario is not a very great one in print and electronic media. There has been a generalized decline in the amount and caliber of Urdu publications in literature or journalism. We failed to realize that a clean and ‘pure’ language was vital for our identification. But perhaps this comes in the area of vision and the people at the helm of the affairs lack in it.
If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?
Paris, Rome, Athens/Granada
Always a tricky question! I guess ‘The picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde would be the one. It was the one which introduced me to classic literature and also got me hooked to books in general.
A binge eater like me can hardly choose. I truly respect all foods.
I don’t have any particular favorites when it comes to dresses. Jeans were made for all times.
I just love watching all of them. It’s a different story when it comes to playing.
It must be the general behavior because I absolutely don’t remember what the person was looking like after a day or two.
Definitely English, Urdu blogging I am afraid might remain limited.
I don’t foresee any financial benefits coming out of this practice. Perhaps if an independent body starts encouraging bloggers by holding competitions and giving out rewards for minor or major achievements…it is too farfetched though.
Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?
It is very rare that I come across a blog which is dedicated to a particular subject or hobby. Mostly blogs provide a vent for day to day feelings. I don’t think Pakistani bloggers are to be blamed; this type of self-centered approach is inherent in the very nature of blogging.
What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
It is catching up. Still a long way to go but I am sure that people would start entering this arena as there is so much to say and so little platforms to do so.
I have been following these blogs for some time now.
http://saadjaved.blogspot.com/
http://awaisaftab.blogspot.com/
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
No, I am still waiting to be stunned.
What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
The future is definitely bright. Awareness about reading, writing and keeping abreast of world is spreading and blogosphere is just the right place for that.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
It had a significant impact. On the personal level I have become more observant of things around me, constantly on the look for topics and issues which might be of interest to people at large. Looking at older posts helped my analyze myself and examine how my ideas are evolving. Blogging made me a part of a community where I found likeminded people from all over the world and it has been a wonderful experience. On the professional level I can’t think of a noteworthy effect.
What are your future plans?
On a broader scale I want to live my life learning and contributing to the society, making sure that I don’t hurt many people along the way.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Have faith in God, dare to know, remain modest, be original, stay away from jealousy and yes, the golden rule; What you do not want others to do to you, do not do unto others.
Trackback URL
|
|
|
Click For More Articles By The Pakistani Spectator
A candid look
All posts by The Pakistani Spectator
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
