The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

I am from Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan State in India, a peaceful and beautiful place. I have practically lived all my life here, except for the 4 years I was in college in Pune. I love to travel and read.

I started my site (http://aydiv.wordpress.com ) on a whim as the name suggests (Accidentally on Purpose) , one of my friend had started a photo blog, so he inspired me to start a blog of my own.  The site is all about me, my thoughts , my feelings  , my rants. I don’t stick to a topic, anything I strongly feel about I write, so it’s  a personal site.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

Yes, I do. Sometimes I look back to my older post and cringe, the writing is so bad, but then I’m glad I continued,  the quality  has definitely improved , though I have far to go. Now it’s easier for me to put my thoughts on writing, previously I had to struggle to do it.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

The best part is I get to read some wonderful blogs.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

I leave a comment in their post, I am a member of IndiBloggers.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

Technology has changed the way elections are fought. The immediate example that comes to my mind is how the US President used the internet to gather fund for his campaign, it was such an innovative way. The politicians can nowadays directly communicate with their voters through blogs and social networking sites like Facebook etc . With the elections due in India we see many of the political figures having websites of their own, which is really good, because if they want to connect to the youths of today they need to try and be tech savvy. It’s also easier for us to understand their agenda and decide upon our choice of leader.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
Yes, people are more aware now.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I don’t know if it is any different from many sites around, I just write what is in my heart and I’m honest about my thought. I can claim that whatever  I write is my own.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Hardwork is the only thing that brings success in life, and honesty in what we do. I am honest at what I do , and I’m working at the hardwork part J

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
Every human being has ups and downs in life; it’s the same with me. I believe that everything happens for a reason and something that looks  bad today may actually not be so. So I don’t categories them as happiest or gloomiest.

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?
I would love go on a Safari in Africa

New Zealand, the movie Lord of the Rings left a big impression on me

Machu Picchu in Peru

What is your favorite book and why?

I am a total book worm, I love to read, be it fiction, or biographies or magazines, and it’s so difficult to pick a favorite.

I like The Lord of the Rings, I can read it again and again. I liked the books by Khalid Hossini too.

Recently I finished reading “Tuesdays withMorrie” it’s a wonderful book.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Appearance, attitude, and also the vibe I get from the person.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you couldn’t write?
I am my own worst critic, I never felt I could write, I still feel the same , but I somehow got over the initial fear and started the blog. Now I’m happy I did,  I have improved my style and vocabulary.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Maybe through advertisement, but  I have never done it so I don’t know how to go about it.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

I think this question is for someone who is a successful blogger.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

The blogging community is huge and the reach is immense. This can be used to create positive atmosphere. The biggest problem in the word is people don’t understand  or try not to understand  others view point.  There is lack of communication.  Bloggers  have a great medium to communicate , but the blogging community should also be responsible.  We can all working together to forge understanding and love.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

As such I don’t have favourite blogger, but I love to read my friends blog

http://ringchen.com then there is http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com I love reading their blog , its amazing that they are in their  80’s .

I generally click on the next button on wordpress , that way I get to read a variety of blog.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

Can’t think of any

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

Pakistan and India have come out of the same womb. Before 1947 we were the same country, so we all cannot be so different can we? I was looking at an advertisement of the largest cellular service in Pakistan that is shown in BBC, I was marveling at how similar the landscape , the people and the culture is.  If the two country could work together, in peace, we could have the world at our feet.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

Not really, but I do blog surf a lot, I like post with humor.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
The difference is in the standard of living. But there is a double standard by the developed countries in dealing with the developing countries. They created the mess that is called Global warming , but now we all have to pay  for it.  Also their perception that everything they do is right. Look at some of the programs that has failed miserably in the 3^rd world or developing nation. It’s because of the policy makers of the developed countries not understanding that every problem has a localized solution, and something that works in Europe and America may not work in India or Sudan or Somalia.

What is the future of blogging?
Blogging is here to stay, we will have more people joining in.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Not really, I am the same.
What are your future plans?

Regarding the blog, its here to stay, I’ll always try to take time out to update my post.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

Thank you for reading the interview and please do visit my blog , comments are welcome.   And peace to all.