Thankfully, times have since improved. Skin tights, unicolours are socially banned in urban areas. Sticky, oily hair now bears refreshing, likeable cuts and noisy sandals are left only for wedding parties. The range of footwear worn today is altogether different from the 80’s. Makeup, its sense has vastly improved. In general, the standard, texture, design and aesthetics of dressing has changed considerably and for the better. The 80’s style is now best left for villagers and domestic servants.

And I also beg to inform you that, yours truly has been promoted to the next rank by Government of the Punjab. So, double strike in December.

Unfortunately, I know little about Mir Shams-ud-Din. He was of course, and there is little to doubt, a pious person who contributed towards uplift of Muslims. A man with vision and a heart big enough to do charity.

Mir Sahib had two sons. Mir Rehmat ullah, a Court Minister to King Amaan ullah of Afghanistan and Mir Habib ullah, the younger one. I have heard so much from my father about Mir Habib ullah (his maternal grandfather) that i can draw his virtual pen picture.

The picture above is the tombstone of Mir Shams-ud-Din, located inside Islamia College, Lahore. I stake no claim to his legacy merely on basis of lineage. By standing next to him, I only seek inspiration to follow in his foot steps. May he rest in peace. Aameen!

The course was designed well, but fell short of my expectations due to its timing. Such courses for initial promotion are meant to be conducted in first 4-5 years of service, and not after a decade. However, the stage provided a re-union of batch mates and exchange of ideas. We had some fun, and we also had some boring time. Most of the guys seemed well settled in life, socially and financially. The line of latest model cars parked outside, spoke a lot for those who have eyes which can see, ears which can listen, and minds which can interpret.

In the midst of intense heat of June and humidity of July, I was somehow able to pull through the 8 week course. I never liked listening lectures (that too of mango عام category), and the belief was only re-enforced in this course. The only bright spot of the course was the Chinaberry tree دھریک, where we used to smoke and chat in the break. This tree was the only place free from artificiality.

The کوچوان (taxi driver) is a character. He is dressed in loincloth دھوتی ,  a loose shirt کرتا and wears a narrow head cloth پٹکا. You can see a half smoked cigarette perched over his ear or a coin stuffed inside. When the tonga is overloaded, he takes a seat on the foot paddle or the bamboo bar. On the way, he makes distinct sounds (which only he and the horse understand), yells obscenities and occasionally whips the horse. The tonga does not have brakes, therefore, the کوچوان (taxi driver) keeps the path clear by warning the other pedestrians and motorist in advance. باو جی دیکھنا ۔۔صاحب جی بچنا (watch out sir) are common phrases heard from him. In case you are sitting in front, it is likely that you will witness the horseshit and will get a feel of the swing and thickness of pony tail. Since, horse is king of the road, therefore, she has a superior right to shit on roads at her sweet will, any where and at any time. It is, therefore, not advisable to sit or stand near a horse. Finally, when you reach destination, the tonga comes to a graceful stop. The rider exits, tonga swoops upward and the horse gets away.

I’ve lived a reasonably contented life. I’ve often thought about what it is that makes people happy—what one has to do in order to achieve happiness.

First and foremost is good health. If you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial, will deduct something from your happiness.

Second, a healthy bank balance. It need not run into crores, but it should be enough to provide for comforts, and there should be something to spare for recreation—eating out, going to the movies, travel and holidays in the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be demoralising. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lowers one in one’s own eyes.

Third, your own home. Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of a home that is yours for keeps. If it has garden space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers, see them grow and blossom, and cultivate a sense of kinship with them.

Fourth, an understanding companion, be it your spouse or a friend. If you have too many misunderstandings, it robs you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than to be quarrelling all the time.

Fifth, stop envying those who have done better than you in life—risen higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others.

Sixth, do not allow people to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.

Seventh, cultivate a hobby or two that will fulfill you—gardening, reading, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks, or to meet celebrities, is a criminal waste of time. It’s important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied meaningfully. I have family members and friends who spend their entire day caring for stray dogs, giving them food and medicines. There are others who run mobile clinics, treating sick people and animals free of charge.

Eighth, every morning and evening devote 15 minutes to introspection. In the mornings, 10 minutes should be spent in keeping the mind absolutely still, and five listing the things you have to do that day. In the evenings, five minutes should be set aside to keep the mind still and 10 to go over the tasks you had intended to do.

Ninth, don’t lose your temper. Try not to be short-tempered, or vengeful. Even when a friend has been rude, just move on.

Above all, when the time comes to go, one should go like a man without any regret or grievance against anyone.