From the editor

Dear all,

Now that the spring is in the air, people are anxious to shed the languor that takes over everyone during winters. Basant is the most talked about topic nowadays, and 24 February has been declared a local holiday in Lahore. Well, Lahor, Lahor hai, and we can only envy the Lahoris for getting one extra holiday to celebrate the Jashn-e-Baharan in style. But, are we right to celebrate it? Should we shun it completely? What are the implications of celebrating it? Is it just harmless fun, or doom in disguise? Let's read F.D. Sheikh's cover for an in depth analysis!

'Where to begin' by Iqra Asad shows her ability to get over heavy ground lightly! She brings out the evils of our ways in a very interesting manner. Bilal Tanweer continues his 'history doses' and his interest in the Great Mughals is pretty infectious. As usual, he has done a commendable job, and we are sure that you will enjoy the second part of The Naughty Mughals. We all did, and have become great pankhas of Akbar the Great ;-p

Before ending the editorial, we would like to say a few words to our youth who are very enthusiastic about celebrating Basant. Guys, it's your right to have fun on this occasion, but don't go about it in a reckless fashion. Fly kites, but instead of opting for deadly twines, use the ordinary strings. Don't run after the stray kites. Your life is a million times more precious than those worthless kites. See that your 'tafreeh' doesn't become a nuisance for others. In fact, what we suggest is that the Lahore government strictly bans all kinds of metal strings, or any other type of strings that can be dangerous for people. Moreover, steps should be taken in order to ensure that young kids don't fall victims to the deadly manjha.

Enough of sermonizing for the time being! So we sign off with the hope that you all have a very nice day reading Us!

Till next week,

Allah Hafiz

Dear editor

What say you, guys?

AoA Ed!

First of all I want to comment on Mohammad Ali Baig's letter (February 16, 2007). What I think is that there is no need of this net-friendship page. We are already fed-up of this net stuff. 'The road taken..." by Naeema Akram was a good effort. I completely agree with her. The point is why do we always remember our weaknesses and failures? Why don't we think about our achievements? We should be optimistic. I really appreciate the article 'Soft image' by Rehanuddin. He has got a good power of observation, and he has put forward a problem which we all encounter in our daily lives. We don't fulfil our responsibilities, which we are supposed to do as responsible citizens.

Then I would like the Us readers to pay heed towards this saying of our Holy Prophet (PBUH): 'Do not seek

to be a ruler, for, if you are given the authority of ruling without your asking for it, then Allah will help you; but if you are given it by your asking then you will be held responsible for it.' Hey guys, do you think that Allah will help our leaders and politicians?

Labeeb-ur-Rehman, Islamabad

Write about Islam

Salam Ed,

The mag is doing a fabulous job for the youth. I believe that all the Us readers will agree with me when I say that this mag is shaping the thoughts and actions of our youth in a very positive way. Those who share their feelings, thoughts and views through this mag are also doing a good job. But, I think, writers should write on Islam, as I believe that our youth is totally or partially ignorant about the teachings of Islam, Islamic way of life, Islamic culture and tradition. That is why they are blindly following the trends set by the West. This, in my opinion, is the basic reason behind the widespread discontent, dissatisfaction and depression among the youth.

Amna Hanif

Kudos to Naeema!

Hi Ed!

Naeema Akram's article 'The road taken...' (February 16, 2007) forced me to write this letter of praise. It is rare to find such beautifully written articles that depict and address the problems faced by the youth. Kudos to her for bringing up this issue. I would like to add that in my view it is mostly the intellectual class, the young people with a philosophical temperament that is plagued by this pessimism, or should I say it is those who are of the view that life is absurd. I suppose a brief glance at the 'poets' corner' would substantiate this prevalence of gloom among the creative youth. Albert Camus wrote, 'There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.' And I truly believe that Naeema's proposed solution of 'Know Thyself' and embarking on the journey of self-discovery is one of the best approaches to tackle this issue.

Muhammad Awais Aftab, Lahore

Dear Ed,

The cover story 'The road taken...' by Naeema Akram (February 16, 20067) was simply great. I agree that the youth of today is prone to pessimism. They get tensed, depressed and heart-broken very quickly and that, too, over petty issues. Another thing is that instead of encountering their self-created mental traumas bravely, most of them lose hope and start considering suicide as the only option to get rid of their mental agony. It is also a common observation that youngsters are not happy with what they are, or what they have. They would look at those who are better than them and would long for what others have. I think that youngsters should consider themselves luckier by comparing themselves with people who are worse off than they are.

I believe that we, the readers of Us, are among the luckiest persons of the world because we are blessed with opportunities to get education, we are sane and healthy, have enough food to eat and have friends who love us. A large number of the population of the world is deprived of all these necessities of life while we, on the other hand, enjoy 'luxuries'. Also, Naeema is very right when she says that the past has passed. There is no point in perturbing your mind about happenings that will not recur. Youth should focus on today and plan for a better future. I strongly recommend that Us should continue printing such thought-provoking articles!                                        Sehar Sheikh  

Praise for Us

Dear Editor,

I've been reading Us mag regularly for almost two years. It's simply amazing. Besides, Friday is a holy day for us and Us makes this holy day more pleasant. I liked the article 'Soft Image' (February 16, 2007) by Rehanuddin.

Asif Shah, Nowshera

I don't get Us!

Dear Editor,

I used to read your newspaper at the place where I worked. Now I am no longer working there and am studying these days. The sad thing is that I don't get your magazine in my area, as it's not available here. I live in Landhi, and it is a famous place in Karachi. I was surprised to know that your magazine is not available in my area.

Please ask your Circulation Department to look into the matter and supply your newspaper to Landhi. Otherwise you would lose some devoted readers of your magazine, like my friends and me. I am waiting for your reply.

Kanwal, Karachi

The News is circulated in the Landhi area through the depot at Main Qaidabad Road. We have, however, referred your letter to our Circulation Department.