Islamabad Tea House

 Ajrak is a traditional block-printed textile with considerable cultural and historical significance in Pakistan's Sindh province and parts of India. Its history may be traced back centuries, and it is still a beloved icon of Sindhi culture. The term "Ajrak" is thought to derive from the Sindhi phrase "Azrak," which means "blue." Blue is the most common color utilized in the production of Ajrak, however, other colors have been included in the designs over time. Ajrak's origins can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley, notably the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa cultures. These civilizations were famed for their superior arts and crafts, and some of the techniques used in Ajrak printing are reputed to have originated during this time period. The art of Ajrak printing has been passed down through generations of artisans in the Sindh region. The complex block printing technique involves expert craftsmen using wooden blocks to apply...

The story of Mehrgarh is a fascinating journey through time that uncovers the ancient civilization that thrived in the region of present-day Balochistan, Pakistan. Mehrgarh is one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia and offers valuable insights into the prehistoric past of the Indian subcontinent. Around 7000 BCE, during the Neolithic period, the ancient people of Mehrgarh began to settle in the fertile plains of the Kachi Plain, near the Bolan Pass. The region's fertile soil and proximity to a nearby river made it an ideal location for early human settlement. These early settlers were some of the pioneers in the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. The people of Mehrgarh were skilled farmers who cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and other domesticated plants. They also domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, and goats, which played a crucial role in their agricultural practices and daily lives. With the ...

 Morgan Housel, a seasoned financial journalist, and investor, wrote "The Psychology of Money." The book dives into the frequently ignored psychological components of personal money, as well as how our behaviors and emotions influence our financial decisions. It was released in 2020 and quickly became popular due to its smart and practical approach to money management. Summary: The book begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding that money is not just about numbers and figures; it is deeply intertwined with human behavior, values, and emotions. Housel argues that to make sound financial decisions, one must understand the psychological factors that influence our financial choices. Time and Compound Interest: Housel emphasizes the significance of time and compounding in building wealth. He highlights how small, consistent contributions and long-term investment strategies can significantly impact financial success more than trying to time the market or chase get-rich-...

  "Raj: The Making and Unmaking of British India" is a historical non-fiction book written by Lawrence James. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the British Raj, the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947. It delves into the political, social, and economic aspects of this era and discusses the impact of British colonialism on India. The book begins by examining the events leading up to the establishment of the British Raj, including the East India Company's presence in India and the subsequent transfer of power to the British Crown after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It explores the motivations behind British expansion into India, such as the pursuit of trade and resources, and the subsequent consolidation of power by the British colonial administration. Throughout the book, Lawrence James provides insights into the policies and practices of the British Raj. He discusses the administrative structure put in place by the British, inclu...

"Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" is a book written by Yuval Noah Harari, published in 2015. Building upon his previous work, "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," Harari explores the future of humanity and the potential directions our species might take in terms of technological advancements, societal changes, and the challenges we may face. The central premise of "Homo Deus" is that as humans have gained mastery over the traditional problems of famine, disease, and war, we are now entering a new era where we seek to overcome the limitations of our biology and become god-like beings. Harari argues that with the rise of science, technology, and data, humans are increasingly focusing on attaining immortality, bliss, and god-like powers. The book is divided into three main parts. In the first part, Harari examines the shift from a human-centered world to a data-centric world. He explores how data and algorithms are becoming increasingly important i...

  "Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty" is a book written by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, published in 2012. It explores the factors that contribute to the success or failure of nations in terms of their economic development and political institutions. The book presents a comprehensive theory that challenges traditional explanations for why some countries are wealthy and prosperous, while others are plagued by poverty and underdevelopment. The central argument of the book is that the key determinant of a nation's success or failure lies in its political and economic institutions. Acemoglu and Robinson propose two types of institutions: inclusive and extractive. Inclusive institutions, characterized by property rights, rule of law, and equal opportunities, encourage economic growth and innovation. Extractive institutions, on the other hand, concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, stifling economic progress and perpetuating pover...

 A family of four; parents & two sons; Charlie the elder, young was Olson.   Every blessing of World , every favor imagine was provided to them in abundant fashion.   But something tormented Pa from inside, Peeled his flesh was Charlie's pride.   Dearest to him, was upshot of his dreams boorish & angry, with demands in extreme.   A connection suggested: 'be friends with your sons, 'you still have time, this gap is grave concern'.   Thought of intervention for the younger son, do not imitate my boy Olson.   Spare sometime my dear son share your matters, for a friendship long run   Some interests to relate, love, and delight Share daily chors , or whatever is in sight.   'Feel free to tell secrets, I am your friend And father felt feather light, thought relations all mend.   That Young soul took all this  to heart. Green & unfledged, thought of a friendly start. ...

Like moths drawn to flame, they flutter near—  these restless souls who carry weight of unspoken longings in their chests,  their whispered words a prayer  for something they cannot name. What drives them to this circling dance?  Perhaps the same force that pulls  the ocean toward the moon,  that bends the sunflower's face  toward light it cannot touch. In their borrowed anger lives  a mirror they refuse to hold—  the reflection of their own  unfinished becoming,  their own untended gardens  where envy grows like wildflowers  in soil they've forgotten how to tend. I have become their meditation,  their mantra spoken in reverse—  each harsh word a step closer  to the truth they cannot bear:  that I am not their enemy,  but the embodiment of dreams  they've convinced themselves  they're too broken to pursue. And so I dwell, rent-free, in the sacred spaces of their minds, not as conqueror, b...

Renowned author and religious expert Karen Armstrong has written extensively on a variety of subjects related to religion and spirituality. "A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam," which was initially published in 1993, is one of her best-known publications. In the Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, "A History of God" examines the notion and development of the idea of God. The book explores the historical, cultural, and philosophical factors that have molded these faiths' conceptions of God throughout millennia. Because of its thoroughness and academic rigor, Karen Armstrong's book has earned a lot of praise. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of monotheistic ideas and the many conceptions of God found in the three major faiths. Armstrong examines the theological and philosophical ideas that shaped the development of the concept of God by delving into the lives and teachings of signi...

  Yuval Noah Harari's book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind is thought-provoking and enlightening. It offers a fascinating look into the evolution of the human species, from the time Homo sapiens first appeared in Africa until the present. History, anthropology, biology, and sociology are just a few of the subjects that Harari expertly combines to provide a thorough perspective of our species evolution. The book is broken up into four main sections, each of which focuses on a significant historical turning point: The Cognitive Revolution , the Agricultural Revolution, the Scientific Revolution, and the present Challenges to Humanity. One of the book's merits is its capacity to simplify difficult thoughts and concepts into comprehensible form, which makes it an enjoyable endeavor for both academic and lay readers. Harari skillfully weaves up historical occurrences with more general issues like the influence of social norms , cultural myths, and technological progr...