Latest news with #Taqi
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'The Future of Civilisation' launched at ACP
Intellectuals, writers, and admirers gathered at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Sunday to celebrate the launch of "The Future of Civilisation: Exploring the Profound Impact of the Role of Sacrifice in Building a Noble and Humanitarian Society," the English translation of Syed Muhammad Taqi's seminal 1980 Urdu work "Karbala: Tehzeeb Ka Mustaqbil." The event brought together a panel of academics and thinkers to reflect on the book's philosophical themes - moral collapse, the crisis of modernity, and the civilisational power of sacrifice. Translated by journalist and writer Sumera Naqvi, Taqi's granddaughter, the book reintroduces to a global readership the late scholar's exploration of how modern civilisation's moral drift can be confronted through an ethical re-engagement with historical legacies — especially the enduring symbolism of Karbala. "The modern age is faced with a serious societal crisis and conflicting intellectual approaches," Taqi writes. "Thinkers seeking solutions will encounter great challenges The key to solving this problem can be found in humanity's vast cultural heritage." Held at Auditorium 2 of the ACP, the evening featured prominent voices from diverse fields. Dr Azra Raza, acclaimed oncologist and literary scholar at Columbia University, appeared via video link, describing the book as "philosophically rich and beautifully written." She praised Naqvi's translation as a rare literary achievement, stating, "Translation is a mysterious act Sumera Naqvi has remained faithful to tone and intention." Wasif Rizvi, president of Habib University, offered a trenchant critique of modern epistemology. "Epistemic hegemony, rooted in logical positivism, has created binaries in us," he said. "This may be the most non-philosophical age in human history." Dr Nomanul Haq, a literary historian and editor at Oxford University Press, lauded Naqvi's ability to convey her grandfather's complex prose into accessible English. He endorsed Taqi's central argument, stressing the urgency of universalising the moral weight of Karbala beyond sectarian confines. Veteran educationist Abbas Husain, reflecting on his personal encounters with Taqi, recalled, "His Urdu vocabulary could be overwhelming, but his philosophical insight was unparalleled. He set a standard for intellectual discourse." Renowned poet and scholar Iftikhar Arif delivered a particularly memorable address. He noted the precision and fidelity with which the translation had captured Taqi's intellectual rigor. "The language and diction in his discourse, public or private, were consistently elevated," he said. "Sumera Naqvi must be congratulated for masterfully translating a demanding text." The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Sumera Naqvi, who stressed the book's relevance in a world increasingly detached from humanitarian values. The Future of Civilisation is now available in bookstores and online, offering readers a timely meditation on the intersection of sacrifice, ethics, and the civilisational crisis of our age.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's fighting, dancing, exercise. Learn about capoeira at this Tacoma studio
In a sunny, wood-floored studio space above the shops in Tacoma's antique row lie the practitioners of a centuries-old cultural art form. At once a style of martial arts, a spiritual practice and a form of self defense, it came together from an amalgamation of dances, fighting techniques and rituals from people across Africa who were enslaved and brought to colonial Brazil. Called capoeira, it has continued to foster a sense of community and belonging for participants in Tacoma since 2011. The organizers behind the Tacoma Capoeira Center hope a new studio space at 755 Broadway in downtown that opened last month will draw more participants who will maintain the art form's traditions – all free of charge. Thanks to a sponsorship from Tacoma Creates, True 'De Verdade' Emeka teaches Capoeira Angola – a more traditional style of capoeira – to the center's wide variety of participants. Emeka said some are drawn to capoeira because of its similarity to other forms of martial arts and the spirit of resistance it's steeped in. Its origins in various aspects of West African culture meant that the art form was outlawed for a time in colonial Brazil to discourage enslaved people from continuing to preserve their culture. But capoeira has endured, and that same mission is what drives its practitioners today. 'The ways in which those aspects of culture, elements of resistance, survive despite oppression just is really salient to today's life here in America – a strong need for liberation as art, and resistance as art,' Emeka told The News Tribune during a recent interview. 'That's what gets me into it. That's what keeps my heart.' Syed Taqi, or Mestre Syed as he is known to his students, first discovered capoeira as a teenager in Seattle and came to the art form after leaving a harsh childhood in Chicago. The center's work to keep capoeira classes in Tacoma free, he said, is part of his effort to give back to people who come from poor and working-class backgrounds as he did, so they might also benefit as he did. 'It was just so different from what I was used to, and just learning about the history, what it was about, profoundly changed my outlook and life,' he said. Taqi, who founded the Tacoma Capoeira Center, said a typical class includes both movement and music, where students practice particular moves or techniques and also learn to sing in Brazilian Portuguese or play the berimbau, a single-stringed traditional Angolan musical instrument. 'Without music, there is no capoeira, and it would end up becoming more of like a fight,' Taqi told The News Tribune. 'The music helps create the environment of a game, and we listen to the music and to the pace music, so we play to the pace of the music.' Others are drawn to it for the coordination, movement and exercise it promotes. Israel Alvarez, a regular student at the Tacoma Capoeira Center, said he began learning capoeira when he was serving in the military in South Korea and practicing other forms of martial arts in his spare time. When he was later stationed in Washington, Alvarez switched to the Tacoma Capoeira Center, and has been there ever since. Not only has he enjoyed the community, it has served as a form of calisthenic exercise for him. 'It supplements my regular training, because it keeps me very agile, keeps me thinking in an unconventional way,' Alvarez said. The Tacoma Capoeira Center offers classes two to three days a week for kids, teens and adults. Visit to learn more and sign up for a class.
Daily Tribune
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
BBK and Batelco by Beyon launch exclusive offers
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), a leading retail and commercial bank in Bahrain, has announced a strategic collaboration with Batelco by Beyon. This partnership introduces special fiber internet deals along with smart home packages to customers who secure Mortgage Loans during the 'Innovation in Social Housing' Summit. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event is convened under the theme 'Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions,' underscoring the pivotal role of digital transformation in shaping the future of the housing sector. As part of this initiative, BBK and Batelco are offering three exclusive smart home solutions, each designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern households. The Basic Package includes a Smart Switch, Dimmer, and IR Controller. The Advanced Package expands on the Basic Package by adding a Curtain Motor. The Premium Package includes all components of the Advance Package, in addition to a full suite of smart sensors. Commenting on the launch of this partnership, Mr. Ahmed Taqi, General Manager of Retail Banking at BBK, emphasised that the collaboration represents a strategic step toward introducing homeowners to the concept of smart living at a competitive cost, and stated. 'Smart home technologies are increasingly becoming a standard expectation in modern residences and BBK is committed to ensuring access to cutting-edge solutions that meet the aspirations of Bahraini families.' Mr. Taqi also highlighted that the initiative aligns with BBK's broader mission to enhance customers' quality of life by offering intelligent home solutions that contribute to comfort, convenience, and security. 'Smart technologies have become essential elements of contemporary living, responding to the demands of an increasingly digital society. Through this initiative, BBK aims to provide a unique opportunity for summit visitors to explore the latest in smart home innovations, while benefiting from an integrated experience supported by a strong technological and financial infrastructure,' said Mr. Taqi. Ms. Aseel Mattar, General Manager – Consumer Division at Batelco, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a model example of inter-sector cooperation designed to serve the local community. 'This partnership with BBK, forged on the occasion of a landmark national event, reflects a unified commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Bahraini families through seamless access to advanced digital solutions. Batelco remains steadfast in supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation journey and making smart technologies more accessible and impactful across the housing landscape.'
Biz Bahrain
24-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
BBK and Batelco by Beyon provide exclusive offers to Mortgage Loan customers during the 'Innovation in Social Housing' Summit
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), a leading retail and commercial bank in Bahrain, has announced a strategic collaboration with Batelco by Beyon. This partnership introduces special fiber internet deals along with smart home packages to customers who secure Mortgage Loans during the 'Innovation in Social Housing' Summit. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the event is convened under the theme 'Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions,' underscoring the pivotal role of digital transformation in shaping the future of the housing sector. As part of this initiative, BBK and Batelco are offering three exclusive smart home solutions, each designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern households. The Basic Package includes a Smart Switch, Dimmer, and IR Controller. The Advanced Package expands on the Basic Package by adding a Curtain Motor. The Premium Package includes all components of the Advance Package, in addition to a full suite of smart sensors. Commenting on the launch of this partnership, Mr. Ahmed Taqi, General Manager of Retail Banking at BBK, emphasised that the collaboration represents a strategic step toward introducing homeowners to the concept of smart living at a competitive cost, and stated. 'Smart home technologies are increasingly becoming a standard expectation in modern residences and BBK is committed to ensuring access to cutting-edge solutions that meet the aspirations of Bahraini families.' Mr. Taqi also highlighted that the initiative aligns with BBK's broader mission to enhance customers' quality of life by offering intelligent home solutions that contribute to comfort, convenience, and security. 'Smart technologies have become essential elements of contemporary living, responding to the demands of an increasingly digital society. Through this initiative, BBK aims to provide a unique opportunity for summit visitors to explore the latest in smart home innovations, while benefiting from an integrated experience supported by a strong technological and financial infrastructure,' said Mr. Taqi. Ms. Aseel Mattar, General Manager – Consumer Division at Batelco, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a model example of inter-sector cooperation designed to serve the local community. 'This partnership with BBK, forged on the occasion of a landmark national event, reflects a unified commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Bahraini families through seamless access to advanced digital solutions. Batelco remains steadfast in supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation journey and making smart technologies more accessible and impactful across the housing landscape.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BBK and Batelco by Beyon provide exclusive offers to Mortgage Loan customers during the 'Innovation in Social Housing' Summit
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), a leading retail and commercial bank in Bahrain, has announced a strategic collaboration with Batelco by Beyon. This partnership introduces special fiber internet deals along with smart home packages to customers who secure Mortgage Loans during the 'Innovation in Social Housing' Summit. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the event is convened under the theme 'Towards Innovative and Sustainable Housing Solutions,' underscoring the pivotal role of digital transformation in shaping the future of the housing sector. As part of this initiative, BBK and Batelco are offering three exclusive smart home solutions, each designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern households. The Basic Package includes a Smart Switch, Dimmer, and IR Controller. The Advanced Package expands on the Basic Package by adding a Curtain Motor. The Premium Package includes all components of the Advance Package, in addition to a full suite of smart sensors. Commenting on the launch of this partnership, Mr. Ahmed Taqi, General Manager of Retail Banking at BBK, emphasised that the collaboration represents a strategic step toward introducing homeowners to the concept of smart living at a competitive cost, and stated. 'Smart home technologies are increasingly becoming a standard expectation in modern residences and BBK is committed to ensuring access to cutting-edge solutions that meet the aspirations of Bahraini families.' Mr. Taqi also highlighted that the initiative aligns with BBK's broader mission to enhance customers' quality of life by offering intelligent home solutions that contribute to comfort, convenience, and security. 'Smart technologies have become essential elements of contemporary living, responding to the demands of an increasingly digital society. Through this initiative, BBK aims to provide a unique opportunity for summit visitors to explore the latest in smart home innovations, while benefiting from an integrated experience supported by a strong technological and financial infrastructure,' said Mr. Taqi. Ms. Aseel Mattar, General Manager – Consumer Division at Batelco, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a model example of inter-sector cooperation designed to serve the local community. "This partnership with BBK, forged on the occasion of a landmark national event, reflects a unified commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Bahraini families through seamless access to advanced digital solutions. Batelco remains steadfast in supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation journey and making smart technologies more accessible and impactful across the housing landscape."
