Quack! Online

By Aasim Ahmed TS3

The article consists of excerpts from what was witnessed being said by various invigilators and teachers during the recent class tests.

Here's what one of the invigilators said when he saw some students cheating.

Allah Allah! Tauba Tauba! In donon ko ainda kabhi saath nahee baithnay doon ga! Iss baar kar lo ainda dekho kya ho ga!

Here's another scenario. Half an hour into the paper a faint murmur erupts in the class. The invigilator, noticing it quietly walks out of the classroom, leaving the students unattended. We know all too well what happens next. On another occasion a teacher spots a couple of students discussing answers and the following conversation takes place.

Teacher: Yes you! What are you doing?
Student: Sir, no sir, I was just mumble, jumble, blabla!
Teacher: No, I saw that! You will lose marks
Student: Sir please, my GPA. My scholarship!
Teacher: Ok don't do it next time.

When confronted by peers, here's how the students justify their act!

Hum cheating thoree kartay hain. Hum to sirf answers tally kartay hain!

Such incidents are a part of the norms. It is unjust by any means. Let alone the students who refrain from such activity, it is also unjust to those who happen to get a fair invigilator while their peers appearing for the same paper get one who is morally unsound.

I leave you with the words of one of our teachers. A statement accompanied by one of the most flustered expressions I've ever seen, a statement that goes unheeded every time it is heard during an examination.

Dekhein beta please, cheating to mat karein!

Posted by Aasim Ahmed at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

By Hira Saiyed TDT1

Ramadan's in full swing here. It's currently 3:30 pm and I've come to the point that even the sludge in the lake seems extremely appetizing... I hope I get over this stage very quickly, because the last thing I plan to do is die of cholera.

Anyway, life in TIP is moving on by fits and starts. The beginning of Ramadan saw one of the worst natural disasters in world history. The earthquake that rocked half the nation causing the death of thousands came as a completely unforeseen tragedy, and it is to the credit of the Pakistani nation that we are coping with it as maturely as we possibly can. Many of our students took the time to go to the PAF museum and lend a hand in anyway possible. Those who couldn't go contributed as much as they could...needless to say, everyone did all that was in their power to make a difference and though it obviously isn't enough, at least we can say we tried.

In fact, the entire world, it seems, is getting a proper beating from Mother Nature. Hurricanes hit the United States of America, Earthquakes rocked South Asia and floods drowned areas of China and Bangladesh. I remember watching a movie (" the Day After Tomorrow," I think), and getting pretty freaked out by the hurricanes, floods and ice storms hitting the earth. Well, it seems that for once, Hollywood actually is foreseeing the future; too bad it couldn't have foreseen something cheerful.

But all that is beside the point. What I was planning to get at eventually was that it's events like these that bring out the best, and the worst, in people. The best saw thousands of people going to the PAF museum to contribute their time, money and effort; and the worst saw people giving away expired medicine, torn and damaged clothing or simply being indifferent to the cause. You see, there are a lot of people in this world, and not all of them are particularly good.

There are some, for example, who find it amusing to torture and then kill lizards. I hear it's the latest trend among the so-called men at TIP to find lizards and murder them in the most inhuman way possible. Just recently I walked out of class to see one hanging by its neck from a tree, and a crowd standing around looking pretty pleased with itself. On asking a member of my class (I will conceal her identity out of common decency) why this atrocity was carried out, I get the reply, "don't you know, it's sawaab to kill lizards and girgits. Go look it up in the Quran."

Which is what I did. Here are the results:

Ayaats pertaining to the killing of lizards: zero
Ayaats concerning lizards: zero
Ayaats allowing the torture and killing of any animal: (yes, you guessed it) zero.

There is nothing in the Quran that permits the purposeless killing of any animal whatsoever. In fact, even the hunting of birds and animals for the sake of game is strictly prohibited. Considering that Islam is the sort of religion that forbids the cutting of large trees, it defies logic that it will allow the killing of any creature, be it halaal, haraam or anything. So why did these people blame their act on God?

Let me wax philosophical for a bit: isn't it becoming a habit of ours, as Muslims, to blame everything we do on either Islam or the West? For example, right now we can say that it's sawaab to kill a lizard, it's in the Quran... further on we can also cry out that it's sawaab to bomb London, it's in the Quran (in fact, I think that's already been done.) I don't know, but when God drops us in hell, He'll probably blame us for not reading the Quran properly.

Posted by Hira Saiyed at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

By Abid Omar TS4

It's wonderful to be a final year science student. The semester had been going very smoothly with a nearly non-existent course load. Due to someone's goof up, we ended up with only 3 courses (rather than the prescribed four) at the start of the semester, resulting in a very happy and relaxed beginning to our final academic year. But then, when some students realized that they would have insufficient credit hours to graduate with this course load, TIP's administrative machinery swung into action in their usual glacial pace, and a month later a compulsory course called "Industry and Environment 409" was pulled out of thin air and thrust upon the students.

And with no formal announcement, some students learnt about this new compulsory course after the first class was already over. Anyway, it's a very pressing concern, this environmental business; to quote from our prospectus, "a major focus of public concern." And thus a teacher was assigned to teach this course of 'major concern.' We've had three classes so far, and all I've learnt is that to do well in this course, I must throw all my concerns about the environment out the proverbial window and focus on rote-learning the prescribed reading material (which I should be able to pick up from the reprographer a good 24 hours before the first hourly, which happens to be in the next class).

So what my issue with this course? Well, I'm sure our teacher can't offer anything more substantial than what is contained in the textbook - no personal experiences, no real world examples. And if you happen across one of the textbooks (which would be difficult because there is only one copy of it in the library), you would wonder how it was ever approved for publication.

What about assigning an equally important teacher to this important subject? Someone knowledgeable?

Posted by Abid Omar at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Exactly a month back, the university was in uproar about the state of the cafeteria. And this was when things weren't too bad, when we the students thought this was a good time to make things better. We talked about better food in "An Open Letter to the Country Club Management," about better hygiene in "Filth Affairs," and about a better system in "Is the Cafeteria to Serve the Students or the Clock?" And we weren't even complaining. We were looking for improvement.

All this fervor resulted in a visit by the Country Club's Catering Manager the very next day, followed by a meeting with TIP's Cafeteria Committee the day after. I happened to be present at that meeting, where we had endless discussion based on the whims and fancies of those present. "All I want for breakfast is a cup of tea," commented one present, and "that should be enough for the students." Then again, two-thirds of the faculty representatives of the Cafetaria Committee were not present, so maybe we could dismiss these remarks. And the one that happened to be present, I dare say she never uttered a single word. We talked about hygiene, though to an observer it would sound more like bickering. What is there to argue about cleanliness, you're either hygienic or your not. However, the meeting did leave us with higher hope - we expected to see changes the very next day. It was also decided that the hostel students would finalize a menu for Ramzan, which they would pass on to the Country Club the next day for costing and approval.

But we're a democratic institution, and it took a week to finalize the Ramzan menu ("Yaar Abid, in cheezon main time lagta hai," said those in charge). This menu was probably studied by the Country Club and the TIP Cafeteria Committee (if they bothered), and was summarily dismissed, resulting in a staple diet of unda paratha for Sehri, and pakoras and clotted milk (they claimed it was yogurt) for Iftari for the thirty days of Ramzan.

Sometimes it feels like hitting your head against a brick wall over and over again, a wall we fondly call TIP. What was the purpose of that Cafeteria Committee meeting? Where are the results? Could I see the meeting minutes to see what was discussed so we could hold people accountable?

Posted by Abid Omar at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Cricket Hungama

Wednesday, 26th October, all night at the TIP cricket ground. Come watch the wickets fall.

TIP Photo Society

Interested in improving your photo skills? A revolution in photography, coming soon to your campus. Ask Fakeha Naeem or Abid Omar for details. Its photography, baby.

Stud or Dud Fall 2005!

Will the real stud or dud please stand up! On notice boards all over campus. Vote for your man of the semester on the Quack website at quack.offroadpakistan.com. Contact Abid Omar for details.

Publications Deadline

The deadline for submitting your work for Talking Textures 2006 is 30th November, so please contact Arsalan Ahmed or Adil Marvi to learn who's the man.

TIP Book Club

Bored during your Eid break? Make good use of your time. Read some of our listed books and participate in discussions. Look out for a readers' list by Thursday, October 27, 2005. For more, contact: Abid Omar, Kamran Mohsin, Farrukh Sham or Aasim Ahmed.

The TISF is cooking!

The TISF entertainment people are cooking up plans to bring you something exciting immediately after Eid. Don't try finding out what it is. It's a surprise!

Posted by Aasim Ahmed at 03:49 PM | Permalink

The successive round of earthquakes that has struck various areas in Pakistan, (Azad Kashmir, N.W.F.P and Punjab being most badly affected) has caused immense turmoil, loss, and deprivation. As I pen down this article, some 18,000 people have been reported dead, several are homeless, and of those that have survived an innumerable amount of people are homeless, hungry and severely injured.

It is at times like these that we as a community should come forward and help those that lay helpless. True, the aftermath of the earthquakes is unimaginable for most of us, but the little that each of us can do in the form of donations must be done as soon as possible to provide immediate relief to the affected people.

The Rotaract Club of T.I.P requests you to please bring packed food items, medicines, clothes, quilts etc with you to university tomorrow. Monetary donations too are welcome, although food items, milk, water, and medicines are preferable. Please do make sure that the donations you give away are properly packed and taped least they be damaged along the lengthy route. The donations will be properly sorted out at the end of the day, loaded onto the four buses that go past the P.A.F museum, and sent directly to the areas that most require them.

Posted by sHd at 01:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

By Hira Saiyed TDT1

It's been a month now since I found myself boarding a yellow bus that would take me out of Karachi to a place I'd only read about, and it's been a pretty interesting month. Firstly, it's nice being able to breathe without taking in a lung full of diesel smoke (on the other hand you can't breathe here without taking in a lung full of cigarette smoke, so there's not much difference), and secondly, I got to experience life in a hostel (yes, the freedom went to my head)

Certain things about hostel life I had trouble getting used to, for example, I realized that I was a grasshopper magnet. That all the grasshoppers of the locality would fall over themselves when I walked past, and make lines to enter my room. I also still haven't gotten used to having the filter right besides the bathroom (I'm not sure, but I think that's unhygienic) and sharing the shower stall with a colony of ants. But there are moments I wouldn't trade for a truck full of chocolate. It's unbelievable how the Fauji fertilizer plant changes at night (It's popularly known as the Titanic) and the Ahmed Habib walkway seems straight out of a calendar shot. And to tell you the truth, it's great being around people who, if not exactly your soul mates, share the same feeling of excitement at newfound independence. Right, I'm being over dramatic, so I'll stop.

You learn a lot here. For example, the first night I had an unfortunate encounter with a giant grass insect which helped me realize that I HATE insects. Sadly I had told a friend that I loved all animals and thus made a complete fool of myself. Also throughout the first week I stayed I was afraid of walking to the designing studio at night. Who wouldn't be? I'd nearly stepped on three frogs, I honestly had no idea what was lurking in the grass (which, by the way, wasn't cut then) and the cafeteria man wasn't giving me any food ("khatam ho gaya hai." Convenient). But now, thanks to the lessons learnt and a much stronger immune system, I can live without worrying about.

A) Giant grass insects

B) Frogs

C) Serial killers

D) Cafeteria ka khaana

This basically proves that every weak-hearted person should spend at least one week in the TIP hostels. If not to build yourself up, then to learn things, perhaps about yourself, that you didn't know. For example, I got to learn that you can never tell what lurks on the cafeteria counter, it could be remains of spilt Miranda or a dead ant's funeral or worse still, the cafeteria waala sprawled over it; and I also learned that the best sleep comes on the library couch (I'd suggest holding a large hard-covered book, just in case). Hmm…and I guess you also learn how to rhyme. So that's about it. When do you plan to move in?

A reminder though, smoking causes cancer but it seems that nobody here really cares. Your lungs are your own responsibility, beware.

Posted by Hira Saiyed at 02:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

By Kamran Mohsin TS2

Don't worry, I am not calling you to participate in a jihad against terror, nor do I want to utilize your hidden skills protesting against government policies. Yes, you may take a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief; I'm just calling you to work for the goodwill of TIP.

A lot of people come here just for amusement. Yes, indeed I am not saying you should not enjoy your stay at TIP but rather I'm emphasizing the seriousness at work. Do your best in the area you are standing weather its academic, sports or extracurricular activities.

The knowledge and your interpersonal skills are more important in your upcoming life so parallel to your concentration in studies do something to build the "soft image" of yourself and of TIP. As we owe this institution. Its reputation is ours. You'll be proud to be a TIPian if there is a strong recognition of this institution across Pakistan and worldwide.

You people know that being an academic institution our contribution in research work whether its textiles or marketing is disappointing. Even with a best infrastructure (although there is an immediate need for improvement in faculty), we are not doing to our best extent. To my knowledge there is no publication weather in research /thesis work or in general is up to that standard that could be recognized as a prominent and outstanding effort.

You are right this is not achievable within the days. But instead of doing lip-service you can take initiative by simply writing a story, poem, article or anything you would like to share.

Impossibilities are merely things which we haven't yet learned. (Charles.W.Chenutt)

You can publish your work in the upcoming "Talking Textures" or work to organize a seminar in which you can invite different scholars for personal development or any reputed intellectual under the handing of your course title. These measures will help you to enjoy and build your personality that is ultimately your goal of studying here.

Posted by Aasim Ahmed at 08:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Who am I? Why I am your voice, your right to be heard! Long ago, when there wasn't much to be said, the cows said moo and the cats said meow, along came our mascot, the goose, and said quack, and someone said quack! And everyone said quack! And along came "Quack!" Textile Institute of Pakistan's student newsletter.

The TIP student newsletter, initiated by Mansoor Qureshi (1999), has been around since before the first batch graduated in 1998. "Weekender" as it was then called, was indeed popular amongst the relatively small TIP community. However, in the passage of time people seemingly lost interest and the voice faded away. In 2001, it was once again brought to the notice boards by Rabya Shah (2002) as Quack! and has been around since.
Quack! Online was setup in 2003 by Abid Omar to encompass a wider audience and receive feedback from the expanding community of TIPians. Quack! thus became accessible to all. Anyone could write. Anyone could post comments. And yes everyone, and I do mean everyone, was heard!

In just the past two years, the Quack! website has generated over 250 articles, 1700 plus comments and gets an average of 19872 hits everyday. People from students to the president of TIP, have voiced their concerns on issues ranging from Ragging to Snowfall in TIP and their opinions have had a lasting impact on many.

Quack! offers the students as well as the faculty a voice. It is a medium for you to express your opinions. If you wish to be heard, get in touch. There's enough room for everyone.

Posted by Aasim Ahmed at 01:13 AM | Permalink