THE LYSIAST H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E L Y C E U M

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9I S S U E 1

Faculty Patron: Ms. ZehraRazaSenior Editors: Adil Alvi andRania NasirEditing Dept: Hajra Hasan(head), Aisha Rafiq, AkanshaThakur, Alize Hassan, AmnaIrfan, Arisha Saif, BareerahBilal, Mariam Naeem, MeharKhoja, Mubashra Shoaib,Rameen Salman, Taha AlamHead of Writing Dept: IshaShafiqDesign Dept: Eman Farhan(head), Rameen Salman,Sarah Salman, Haya Haris,Tahira Fatima

THE TEAM

Climate Marchby Marium Aunali and Sakshi Hundreds of people, marching,chanting, protesting, for onesingle cause that affected them allin their own ways. This was theClimate Action March, held onFriday, 20th September 2019,4:00 pm onwards, in its truestessence. Where peopleotherwise, divided by trivialdifferences like class, gender,race, ethnicity were all united totake action against the climatecrisis - a threat to their commonhome.The Climate March was a muchneeded movement that coincidedwith the Global Climate Strike, amovement started by GretaThunberg, a 16 year old climateactivist, to take action againstclimate change. It showcased thetrue essence of unity amongst thecitizens of Karachi- students,businessmen, fisherfolk - allgathered to fight for their rights,demanding that the governmenttake strict action. More than 33cities all across Pakistan marchedwhich showed that the ClimateMarch was not only a well-planned event but a means ofstarting conversations aboutclimate change. With more than5,000 people in attendance, theKarachi Climate March featuredvarious vulnerable communitiesincluding the farmers who aresuffering due to a lack of water.

Be it talking about inappropriatewaste disposal system or the lackof public transport options, theattendees analysed climatechange in their own meaningfuland personal ways, highlightingtheir concerns on colourfulposters. The most notable ofthese were the ones made ofsustainable materials like Chataior reused cardboard.

"The March gave us all a united voice and it was unlikeanything I have ever witnessed before."

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Cries loud enough to be heardaround the entire city, theseenthusiasts paved their wayfrom Frere Hall alongAbdullah Haroon Road andalso orchestrated a ‘die in’ (afamous form of causingdisruption) by laying in front ofthe metropole. Despite theheat wave (climate change isreal!), The protesters marchedonto securing a better futurefor this beautiful planet.The March left those like mein awe, making me realisethat, we as the public, havesuch an amazing ability tomake change for the causeswe believe in but that is only ifwe try hard enough. Throughthis hard work, we achievedthe ability to demand change,and to make it clear that wewould not be deterred unlessa substantial change takesplace. The March gave us all aunited voice and it was unlikeanything I have everwitnessed before.

Independence Day

On the 14th of August, The Lyceum school celebratedIndependence Day with a lot of excitement andenthusiasm. The day was characterised by the soundsof ‘milli nagmay’ and Allama Iqbal’s poetry. It wasinitiated with the national anthem and a flag hoistingceremony. This was followed by various performancesfrom the Mashal and Homeschool children, a sight whichwas enjoyed by our current students, teachers and ouralumni alike! Afterwards, everyone indulged in somedelectable Halwa Puri. In the spirit of giving back to ourhomeland, there was a tree plantation that took place atClifton Park, an initiative that is to continue throughoutthe year. This made the Independence Day a uniqueone as it will leave a lasting legacy.

by Sarah Hussain

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The Future Following Brexitby Namrah Ashfaq

Brexit – the word that encompasses the dreaded departure of the United Kingdom fromthe European Union – is a phenomenon that follows everyone closer than we are inclinedto think. To begin with, the EU’s been reported on several accounts to be Pakistan’sbiggest export partner. A large reason for this trade-friendly occuranceis the support we’vereceived from the UK, which explains why the exporters are terrified upon learning ofBrexit’s potential hostile aftermath between the two parties causing our stock market a hitof over 1400 points. Despite numerous sources stating the effect should be at micro-level,the panic hasn’t been subdued.Additionally, with the passing of the EU Blue Card in 2007, it was made significantlyeasier for qualified non-EU citizens to work in European countries.Now, it wouldn’t be astretch to assume that with the UK’s exit, it will be extremely inconvenient to Pakistanislooking overseas for job opportunities.Despite our many predictions, the uncertainty of the future after Brexit is still soemthingwe have to consider. It pops one question in the onlooker’s heads: Is it all really worth it?

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CCA FAIR

by Mehar LodhiOn September 13th The A2 students ofthe Lyceum hosted the CCA Fair in orderto their juniors to the societies that theycould join . As we stepped in, a passportwas given to everyone in order to keep arecord of all the society stalls theyvisited. The passports made us feel likewe were a part of the school and createda sense of comfort within us.

Stalls of all the societies were beautifully set up to highlight their best features. Students interested in publicspeaking were seen at the debate stall, learning about the pastachievements of the team whereas foodies where found at theLyEat stall where the mesmerising treats made everyone’s mouthwater.

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Seven Days of Serenityby Areesha Saif

Peace Week was celebrated at the Lyceum from 20th to 27thSeptember 2019. The campus came to life, decorated withbanners and messages of peace and paper cranes danglingfrom strings. The peace week activities commenced with a yogasession at the Old Clifton park with Dr.Tapal as students learnedto bring their mind and body in sync to attain peace. Studentswere mindful of not forsaking the climate crisis and manyparticipated in the Climate March.Guests like Suhaee Abro left the audience awestruck with hersoulfully delicate movements, enacting the dance of life,displaying a parallel between peace and chaos and preachingmutual respect for all. Arieb Azhar’s powerful voice left theaudience with a lingering sense of peace as they listened at thevarious songs he sang.

Many societies at the Lyceum joined in the celebrations; Lyterati set up a stall,“Literature Through the Ages” and Lyslam delivered poetry focusing on peace.Lytunes mesmerized everyone with their music, remembering the light of theKashmiris and dedicating a song to them. Lycorp displayed students’ storiescarrying the themes of diversity and the Honors Society introduced PeaceGrams, which involved writing heart-felt messages on fallen leaves, to lovedones, while LyEat kept us stuffed with their delightful treats throughout the week.

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Humans of Lyceum

“It may sound rather cliché but, I’ve always wanted to bringabout a change in the world.My parents brought me upwithout any restrictions; they taught me to interact with allstrata of society and let me access all media outlets, fromnewspapers and magazines to desi soap operas andNetflix. Thus, I have a deep understanding of society andI’m able to empathize with people. Some believe beingempathetic is a bad thing because it makes you toosensitive but, I consider it a blessing as my empathy fuelsmy desire to make a change.I want to become a socialist,an activist, and a politician and I want to help everyone bornwithout the same privileges as me. I just wish to make theworld a better place.” - Kashaf Ali

Music’s in my bloodstream. My grandfather's massiverecord collection, love for Elvis and my mother'sinfatuation with Brian Adams and Tracy Chapmanmade me fall for music. I learnt what a beautiful worldmusic takes you to. When I was 6, I was keen to learnto play music. I forced my brother to teach me whenhe got lessons. There is actual footage of methreatening to beat him for trying to steal the piano asI played. Music transports me to a universe whereonly I and the musicians exist. It makes me happywhen nothing works.What inspires me now, to makemusic is the opportunity to give people the feeling thatsomeone out there "gets it". Making others feel goodthrough music makes me happy. Music is a unitingfactor and is free of prejudice. It’s the power to savethe world. Don’t worry if you haven't figured out yourcause. "time lagta hai yaar". Also, stop using plasticbags and save the earth. Thanks for coming to myTed talk.

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The Irony of Naya Pakistan

by Adil Sayeed

September 2018 was thedawn of my time as astudent at the Lyceum, asit was for PakistanTehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) asthe newly electedgovernment. Just as mypeers and I imagined whatthe Lyceum would bring tous, Pakistanis around theglobe, hungry for progress,salivated in anticipation ofwhat ‘Naya Pakistan’would bring to the table.

What is Naya Pakistan? The adjective ‘Naya’ or‘new’ refers to something that did not exist before.In 2018, when Mr. Khan fulfilled and became PrimeMinister, everything was supposed to change orbecome ‘naya’. Fourteen months into governance,we fail to sate our hunger for progress. Why?In 2015, more than 20 ministers from opposingparties joined PTI, and this number increasedbefore the 2018 general elections. A NayaPakistan-with many old faces in office. The PTIElection Manifesto of 2018 can help usunderstand what Naya Pakistan ought to be. InChapter 2: Transform Governance, regardingcensorship, the PTI Manifesto states: “We arecommitted to maintaining a vigorous freemedia, which will evolve its own rules to ensureresponsible journalism both in the electronicand print media”. In contrast, apart from themultiple arrests of leftist journalists across thecountry, Naya Pakistan ranks 142nd on the2019 Press Freedom Index.

Chapter 3: Strengthen the Federation,states: “PTI will protect the civil, socialand religious rights of minorities; theirplaces of worship, property andinstitutions as laid down in theConstitution.” The removal of Atif Mianfrom the Economic Advisory Council,hailing from a religious minority, isanother example of the government goingagainst its own words.

In Chapter 4: Inclusive Economic Growth,one of the major components is “MakePakistan business-friendly.” This brings usto Naya Pakistan’s most criticized element.The economy. Since the inception of NayaPakistan, the budget deficit has worsenedand inflation has ballooned, not to mentionthe constant policy changes. If any countryis holding a giant banner saying ‘Don’tinvest your money here’, it’s NayaPakistan.

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“There is no irony. This is aNaya Pakistan”As we move from aisle to aisle insupermarkets, shocked at the elevatedprices, we remain hopeful. We have to trustNaya Pakistan. There is no irony. This is theNaya Pakistan.

To Rain or Not to Rain?by Ayla Adnan Syed

"Rain Rain go away" is one sayingKarachiites were not used to but due tothe volatility of the weather, one minutecan be clear skies whilst the next is a“blitz storm”.

In the course of the last three months, 40lives- and counting- have been lost, homesruined and drainage systems haveoverflowed.All during the recent monsoondownpour.Whilst shaky poles and badelectrical wiring could be to blame, one mustquestion K-electric- that monopolises theelectrical industry of our nation. Why areinitiatives not taken to fix seemingly trivialfaults that eventually cause lives to be lost?

These unexpected thunderstorms alsoended up damaging a known animal shelter,Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF), thatprovides a home for neglected, stray orinjured dogs, cats, donkeys etc. However, allhope was not lost. Through the power ofsocial media, ACF received help fromindividuals who were willing to drive to theirlocation and give a temporary home to theanimals while the animal shelter got rid ofthe water with eradication pressure pumps.

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As unpredictable as this city’s weather is,we don’t know what could come next.However all one can say is, ‘stay safe’.Help out where you can and give shelterto the animals you see on the streets asthey have no way to save themselves fromthis rain.

Short Story: Wingsby Alize Hassan

"Time heals" they say. However sometimes Life, he chooses to preserve certainmoments, some of the most painful ones, to haunt us for the rest of time.In her most prominent memories, there was not only the pain and darkness, caused byone person, but also happiness and colour.She found a butterfly once, on the concrete front porch. She remembered recreating itwith paint on her fingers, red, vermillion and pink. This wasn't the only time shecreated art. Hence not the only time she was free, like the butterfly. But soon after, it all fell apart.She had only stepped into the room and all around it was splattered, watery paintfrom her paint tray- which lay snapped in half on the bed in front of her.All around the floor were pages that had been torn and crumpled with a vengeance.The paintings like shattered images of her happiest moments, lay covered in paint andfeathers.She slid down to the ground and a broken paintbrush pressed into her knee but sheignored it. With a trembling hand, she moved the torn-open pillow-case, revealing theonly intact painting left. Her butterfly painting.She held it up before her eyes that incessantly spilled tears. Some red paint ran off thepaper, down her elbow and tainted a white feather. She could do nothing but stare atthe deformed butterfly, touched by violent hands- its Wings fell off the page in crimson;broken. Through a mirror, a young girl could be seen kneeling on the ground,shoulders slumped. The magnificent, white wings that grew out her back lay on theground before her, cut off- their feathers tainted crimson.

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Book Review: The Alchemistby Ayesha Amjad

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come truethat makes life interesting.” A book I recently got the pleasure of reading andwhich has become one of my favourites, is TheAlchemist by Paulo Coelho. Exploring themes ofmagic, alchemy and philosophy amongst manyothers, the plot revolves around an Andalusianshepherd boy - Santiago - and his journey to finda treasure in the Great Pyramids of Egypt guidedby a king, who holds the knowledge of the world.The book reflects on the trials and tribulations anindividual faces to accomplish their ‘PersonalLegend’ as the protagonist leads readers throughhis journey, making them feel happy, conflictedand determined at the same time. A prominentlesson from the story is that it is not only thedestination that matters but the journey leadingup to that specific destination.

Album Review

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?17-year-old Billie Eilish, with her debut album, ‘When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’broke out not only in sales but also in the music charts. She might have been only 16 whilerecording this album but she brings topics such as loneliness and vulnerability to theforefront.Her brother as well as her producer and co-writer, brought in the hush sound ofher voice, tying it with the somber acoustic and fun EDM effects.From her #1 hit single onthe Billboard Hot 100, ‘Bad Guy’, to the less main stream songs on her album like ‘ilomilo’,she makes you feel a variety of emotions with her lyrics and sound, capturing you with theintensity and power in her voice, as well as the intimacy of it.Being hailed as one of the bestalbums released in 2019, it shows us how the future isn’t quite done being female just yet.

by Ayra Bhurgri

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Movie Review: 12 Angry Menby Aisha Rafiq

This brilliant courtroom drama does not fail to impress. Writer Renigald Roseand Director Sidney Lumet’s genius shines throughout the exceptional act,bringing yet another masterpiece to the table.The plot focuses on a jury of 12 men gathered to decide the fate of a teenagedefendant accused of murder. With Henry Fonda, Juror no. 8, taking the lead,the jurors navigate through the case all the while working on clearing theirjudgement of any prejudice to come to an impartial decision. The vote mustbe 12 to nothing, for conviction or acquittal of the alleged murderer inquestion.12 Angry Men is truly a memorable, thought-provoking production: a mustwatch for anyone looking for fruitful melodrama. It won’t disappoint.

Playlist of the Month

by Mehar Khoja

R&B FOREVERMy Bad-KhalidComing and Going- AmaalIn Ur Dreams-Asi KameraReal Thing-RuelNew Ting-Leanne RobinsonCan We-Phonte. Pacific Time.Someway Somehow-FARRO.W.M (Only Want Me)-Terrell MackeyIf it’s Love-Tatum Lynn

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PoetryIt’s All Over

By Areesha SaifThat cloth you knitted thread by thread,mastered each of its stroke over theyears, treasured its fabric like your most prizedpossession, sowed it together with the hopes youheld, locked in your safe;it is tearing apart,it’s ripping into pieces,collapsing on the ground;that thread of words is fading;they no longer provide you comfort,they no longer provide you solace,in the chaos of this unfamiliar abode,words have deserted youthe letters have disintegrated,when words no longer descend ontopaper and emotions no longer empty intoexpression, the writer knows; it’s all over

At Ambiguity’s gateby Huzaifa Moin Arif-and because not knowing Isn’t always that bad-A herd at the station, a mellow countrysidelies ahead,Blocked by the thuds of mighty tomes.Rattlinginside. Rigid and planned, every blink bytick.Imprisoned by a ripple, fueled by idle fear.Trickling dry sand, the topper has beenspun.Their faces ablaze and dragged withswollen eyes.Living the touch of Midas, the bite was yetto come.walk by the tracks, the sweet-smellinggrass. Perceptions do sparkle.At Clarity's last stroke, theFates strech'd and snip'd.A dot would arise and cry,alas the spell is broken ‘fly”The air lay silent in the sky.

Note: Photos have either been taken by students, or have been taken from societyinstagram accounts and the Lyceum's official instragram, @lyceumkhi.

Illustrations by Eman Farhan and Rameen Salman.