Friday, January 28, 2005

The Alchemist

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho




In the fable told by Paul Coelho, the character Santiago is a shepherd boy who dreams of treasures in Egyptian pyramids and leaves spain to make his dreams turn true. During his adventure, he learns many lessons on way and experiences the truth 'To listen to own heart' It knows all and explores to fulfil dream desires. Santiago meets many people but among them is a Alchemist who has a wise preach to Santiago. When Santiago confides in the Alchemist what he thinks, the Alchemist says that the fear of suffering is more than to actually 'suffer'. The fable is an inspiration to live upto dreams and live life fulfilling desires. If you do not dream you cannot reach for the stars and so does Paul Coelho has sound advice to make the most of inner aspirations and pick the pearls in life. Paul stress on importance of life and listening to our heart. We travel life's path once and hence, our aim should be higher to grasp and reach the goals to fulfil our dreams desire. A very good message and worth a Read - A great pick!

Paul Coelho's column appears in The Asian Age. Explore!

-ilaxi

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Rights of Women in Islam - A book

Rights of Women in Islam by Ali Asghar Engineer




Ali Asghar Engineer has been conferred the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award', also known as 'Alternative Nobel Prize' by the Swedish Parliament. The Award was given to him in November for his contribution to maintenance of Communal Harmony and brotherhood. Expressing his disdain at the misuse of the concept of Jihad, Dr. Engineer said that according to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, "true jihad is to express the truth on the face of evil". He added, "even those are the true mujahideen, who fight against environmental pollution and those who dare to write the truth" He also said, "Jihad is not about using lethal weapons because those who want to establish a better world don't need such weapons".Dr. Engineer had started working towards the promotion of Communal Harmony during the Bhagalpur Riots in 1961, which left a deep effect on him. Ali Asghar Engineer says, "People should abstain from commenting about religion since it either becomes a prejudice for us or it becomes a path for vested interests. The Swedish Communist Leader informed Dr.Engineer that the 'Right Livelihood Honorary Award' is said to be the 'Alternative Nobel Prize' because it denies the pro-establishment stance of the Nobel Prize Committee. He said, the Nobel is conferred on only those who represent the establishment or are in favor.Dr. Ali Asghar Engineer was recently felicitated in Mumbai for his Achievement. Dr. Ali Asghar is a pride of Bohra community Reformist, an Author of over 40 Books with Islam and the 21st Century being the latest release.