A Celebration of Vibrancy: Exploring South Asian Heritage Month

July is South Asian Heritage Month, a time to delve into the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and traditions that define this incredible region. Spanning countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, South Asia boasts a dazzling diversity, yet a shared thread of heritage binds them together.

A Culinary Adventure

Food is a cornerstone of South Asian culture. Aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander fill the air, enticing you with the promise of a flavour explosion. From the fluffy rice and creamy dals of India to the melt-in-your-mouth kebabs of Pakistan and the fiery curries of Sri Lanka, South Asian cuisine offers a journey for the taste buds. Don't forget the irresistible street food scene, with its samosas, pakoras, and melt-in-your-mouth desserts like gulab jamun.

Karachi: From Bustling Metropolis to Troubled Megacity

Karachi, the City of Lights, throbs with a vibrant energy that masks a complex past and a present etched with struggle. To understand Karachi is to delve into the layers of history it wears – a mosaic of empires, migrations, economic booms, political turmoil, and resilience.

A City in Transformation

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, offers a compelling story of urban transformation, filled with both triumphs and struggles. Once a quaint fishing village called Kolachi, it flourished under British rule, becoming a major port city and a symbol of cosmopolitanism. Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, Karachi ascended to the status of the nation's capital, a testament to its economic and cultural significance.

However, the city's fortunes took a dramatic turn in the decades that followed. Today, Karachi grapples with a multitude of issues – crime, violence, ethnic tensions, political instability, and crumbling infrastructure – making it a stark example of the challenges faced by developing megacities.

Silence in the time of genocide

              Why are notable Rohingya figures silent about Israel and Gaza?

by: Shafiur Rahman

In the realm of human existence, silence can sometimes be more profound than words. It can echo through the corridors of history, leaving us to ponder the weight of its meaning. Recently, an X/Twitter post from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum stirred a lot of thoughts within me. It spoke about the attack on Israel, but its silence on the Palestinian situation left a glaring void. Specifically, I was left to wonder why there was no mention of Israel's orders for Gaza—an action that Martin Griffiths, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described as defying "the rules of war and basic humanity." The absence of commentary on Israel’s plans, which some argue not only violate international humanitarian law but also border on genocidal intent, makes the Museum's silence all the more perplexing.

The NHS at 75: A history of challenges and successes

The National Health Service (NHS) is celebrating its 75th birthday this year. It is a remarkable institution that has provided free healthcare to the British people for over seven decades. The NHS has faced many challenges over the years, but it has also achieved great things.

The NHS was founded in 1948, just after the end of World War II. At the time, the UK was in a state of economic and social upheaval. The NHS was created to provide free healthcare to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. This was a radical idea at the time, but it was one that was welcomed by the British people.

The NHS has faced many challenges over the years. In the 1970s, it was hit by a series of financial crises. In the 1980s, it was subjected to a series of reforms by the Conservative government. These reforms led to a decline in morale among staff and the quality of care; and the NHS was accused of being inefficient and bureaucratic.