Monday 20 February 2017

#Sparkistan showed that anything is possible if you have the conviction and the SPARK

Some of us are born knowing what we want to do, some of us learn later what we are meant to do. But to achieve what we really want to, we have to put in such struggles. Ask the person who’s about to sit in an exam, or the one who’s an inch away from securing that promotion. Even though most of us try to work our ass off to get what we want, we sometimes go astray. It is in those times when we need stories. Stories of people with conviction, the will to finish what they started. I found my latest dose of inspiration from the heroes around us highlighted by Atlas Battery in their latest campaign Sparkistan.

Sparkistan is a movement featuring stories of doctors, activists and record breakers who made impossible, possible. The name comes from the idea that people who have what it takes give this nation and its people the ‘spark’ needed to survive challenges of life.



The campaign has so far featured and brought to limelight, the stories of the following:

Dr Naeem Taj, a Guinness World Record holder of removing the largest gall bladder from a human body. Dr. Naeem Taj wanted to be a vocalist but his father pushed him to become a surgeon and made him believe in himself. It is due to that faith that he became a sensation.



Mohammad Ali who got motivated by a bunch of alarming societal issues like cases of missing children and abuse etc. created Roshni Helpline which caters to the problem. Through his initiative hundreds of missing children have found way back to their homes. He has also managed to pull transgenders to support the cause too.



Samar Khan, a young Pakistani daring lady who is the first woman to cycle her way up Biafco Glacier wanted to do the unconventional. Despite being a Pakistani girl, Samar was unstoppable. She wanted to be unconventional and prove that women can do things as great as men, maybe even better. With conviction, she proved herself. Oh and she has it all sorted.



What is great is that these are common people, people like us. Whenever I look at such achievements of people, I tell myself ‘when they can do it, why can’t I?’ and that basically keeps me going.

I am glad to be a part of this country where people are literally crazy, crazy to follow their dreams and keep their spark alive, making Pakistan, ‘Sparkistan’. It is true: a home is known by the people that dwell there.

International Comedians making an entry to the Pakistani Comedy Scene with Comedy Masala

Comedy Masala, as it debuted in Singapore is a movement of numerous International Standup comedians coming together for the common purpose of entertaining audiences. Over the years, it has emerged as a brand in itself.

Comedy Masala is about to make its entry in Pakistan. As a part of the launch (first event being held on 23rd February 2017), Comedy Masala will create 6 shows, and will include 3 entertainers from the USA: Paul Ogata, Dwayne Perkins and Matt Davis. Comedy Masala organizer and Pakistani artist, Umar Rana, is the force behind this initiative. Advance month to month shows have been planned for April, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2017, with each show highlighting an alternate line up of international humorists.



This is the first time ever Pakistan will experience thrilling performances by international comedians and many are looking forward to it. The news has already caught attention of many and the organizers are hoping to make it the talk of the town.



Meanwhile us, the regular peeps hungry for quality entertainment, await the wittiest and the most f’awesome thrilling experience. Hope the organizers and the performers live up to the expectations.

For more details and schedules, you may check out their website www.comedymasala.com/pk or the event page. Want to get in touch with them? The Facebook page is the answer.

P.S. Stay with my Twitter for updates on the event.