devdiaryedu3

Development Diary
K.T

“Have you heard? Mr. Chomsky’s coming to town.”
“Chomsky who?”
“You know, the one who writes a lot.”
“Writes a lot what?”
“A lot of things, this and that.”
“You don’t know do you?”
“Uh, um, of course I do, but he’s so deep I need to be in the proper frame of mind to remember. Besides at least I know who he is. Now help me choose what to wear. EVERYONE in Islamabad is going to be there you know. It’s the event of the season.”
“Like who?”
“Well you know, MNA bhai, Minister baji, Secretary uncle, Deputy chacha, Senator aunty etc. etc. And oh, that famous cricketer also, what’s his name?”
“And I assume these people all know who Chomsky is, right?”
“Of course they do! Well, some of them at least. But what does it matter anyway? He’s a famous American and he’s coming from India. Hmm, I wonder if I should wear my bandhni sari, just to help put him in perspective.”
“What was he doing in India?”
“Oh the usual stuff. Talking and partying I suppose.”
“What makes you think he was partying?”
“Well why wouldn’t he? Everyone who goes on “tour” parties. What do you think, they work? Which reminds me, I must get an invitation for Kiki for the dinner as well.”
“So what is he going to be talking about?”
“I don’t know, something about rich people and poor people, I suppose. That’s what these types usually talk about. Of course definitely something about America, since he’s from there. I wonder if he can tell us something about the new visa rules. I need to renew my five–year multiple fast. Choochoo’s son is getting married next month and I need to go and buy new shoes from Nine West.”
“Do you think he is going to say anything about the war in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s nuclear program, terrorism in Kashmir, the perils of globalization and America’s domination of the rest of the world?”
“My God, how am I supposed to know? I just got Fifi to get me a VIP invitation. Seems like maybe you should go too since you seem to know so much about the “deep” stuff.”
“Well I would definitely like to since I have only been reading Professor Noam Chomsky’s work for the past seven years and wrote a critique on his linguistic theory two years ago.”
“On his what? And he’s a Professor?”
“Well, he’s actually one of the most accomplished linguists and political activists in the world today. He’s also a master of cognitive sciences, philosophy, history, social activism and politics. He’s written hundreds of books and thousands of articles. Basically he is one of the most brilliant and radical, albeit ignored, intellectuals of the twentieth century. Oh, and I certainly don’t think he likes to ‘party’.”
“Well the things you learn everyday. If you like I can ask Mimi to see if she can get you an invite. Of course, not in the VIP section, you know. That’s already reserved.”
“Oh I already tried that. But since I just happen to be a university student studying International Relations and Development Economics here, I was told I wasn’t entitled to get an invitation. A security risk is what I think they said, or maybe it was because of the expensive Iftari the organizers have arranged and can’t afford to pay for too many people…”
“Don’t worry, dear, maybe next time. Now what should I wear, the green dress or the red one?”

Afterthoughts:

I happened to attend the lecture given by Professor Noam Chomsky in Islamabad on November 26, by a hair’s breath, which was preceded by a painful story of mismanagement on behalf of the organizers, which I had to endure along with many others like myself. It was tragic to see yet another case of selective elitism at play amongst our so–called corridors of power (or the octagonal Convention Center). Seats that should have been filled with students, activists and young professionals from our public universities, were instead filled with those who may or may not have anything substantial to say about Professor Chomsky (add to that 500 empty seats). A question of “quality rather than quantity” was how the organizers chose to put it. Quality of what, Kashmiri shawls and ministerial positions? Ironically, the organizers willingly chose to perpetuate an ethos which went against the teachings of Professor Chomsky himself.

It was equally tragic that the main impetus behind the event was associated with the largest university in Islamabad but the event did not even fractionally represent the students there. A personality as distinguished as the late Eqbal Ahmad (may he rest in peace), in whose memory the event was hosted, would probably cringe with embarrassment in the afterlife.
And what impression I wonder did Noam Chomsky himself get of this facade? Unfortunately, probably the wrong one (apparently Edward Said is our next guest – God help us!). We hope that at least, he gets the opportunity to meet the “real” people of Pakistan. The people who not only study him, but who envision equality, opportunity and justice in their country. Those who are struggling for the day when we ourselves will be lifted out of oppression and American domination and can rightfully be acknowledged for our own intelligence and perseverance.

Professor Chomsky, you probably did not manage to meet such people. But let me assure you, there are several of us here. With all your wisdom and experience, I hope you do not judge us too harshly. Two days in two cities (in all the wrong places) is hardly enough to form the correct impression.

Whatever Noam Chomsky’s own impression was, we ourselves need to accept and rectify our faults and weaknesses. Hiding behind the rhetoric of intellectualism and radicalism is not enough to justify our misshapen identity. I would have willingly sat on the floor of a stadium if need be, but how many of those sitting in the Convention Center on November 26 would have? It is that which we need to figure out before inviting the Noam Chomskys of our world to countries like ours.

*Articles*
Editor's Note Cover Story Learning from Chomsky UR On... Noam Chomsky Open Letters Icon of Liberation Wakeup Calls & Inspirations Voice of the Voiceless Final Analysis Other Articles Main Articles Subscribe now		Development Diary K.T “Have you heard? Mr. Chomsky’s coming to town.” “Chomsky who?” “You know, the one who writes a lot.” “Writes a lot what?” “A lot of things, this and that.” “You don’t know do you?” “Uh, um, of course I do, but he’s so deep I need to be in the proper frame of mind to remember. Besides at least I know who he is. Now help me choose what to wear. EVERYONE in Islamabad is going to be there you know. It’s the event of the season.” “Like who?” “Well you know, MNA bhai, Minister baji, Secretary uncle, Deputy chacha, Senator aunty etc. etc. And oh, that famous cricketer also, what’s his name?” “And I assume these people all know who Chomsky is, right?” “Of course they do! Well, some of them at least. But what does it matter anyway? He’s a famous American and he’s coming from India. Hmm, I wonder if I should wear my bandhni sari, just to help put him in perspective.” “What was he doing in India?” “Oh the usual stuff. Talking and partying I suppose.” “What makes you think he was partying?” “Well why wouldn’t he? Everyone who goes on “tour” parties. What do you think, they work? Which reminds me, I must get an invitation for Kiki for the dinner as well.” “So what is he going to be talking about?” “I don’t know, something about rich people and poor people, I suppose. That’s what these types usually talk about. Of course definitely something about America, since he’s from there. I wonder if he can tell us something about the new visa rules. I need to renew my five–year multiple fast. Choochoo’s son is getting married next month and I need to go and buy new shoes from Nine West.” “Do you think he is going to say anything about the war in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s nuclear program, terrorism in Kashmir, the perils of globalization and America’s domination of the rest of the world?” “My God, how am I supposed to know? I just got Fifi to get me a VIP invitation. Seems like maybe you should go too since you seem to know so much about the “deep” stuff.” “Well I would definitely like to since I have only been reading Professor Noam Chomsky’s work for the past seven years and wrote a critique on his linguistic theory two years ago.” “On his what? And he’s a Professor?” “Well, he’s actually one of the most accomplished linguists and political activists in the world today. He’s also a master of cognitive sciences, philosophy, history, social activism and politics. He’s written hundreds of books and thousands of articles. Basically he is one of the most brilliant and radical, albeit ignored, intellectuals of the twentieth century. Oh, and I certainly don’t think he likes to ‘party’.” “Well the things you learn everyday. If you like I can ask Mimi to see if she can get you an invite. Of course, not in the VIP section, you know. That’s already reserved.” “Oh I already tried that. But since I just happen to be a university student studying International Relations and Development Economics here, I was told I wasn’t entitled to get an invitation. A security risk is what I think they said, or maybe it was because of the expensive Iftari the organizers have arranged and can’t afford to pay for too many people…” “Don’t worry, dear, maybe next time. Now what should I wear, the green dress or the red one?” Afterthoughts: I happened to attend the lecture given by Professor Noam Chomsky in Islamabad on November 26, by a hair’s breath, which was preceded by a painful story of mismanagement on behalf of the organizers, which I had to endure along with many others like myself. It was tragic to see yet another case of selective elitism at play amongst our so–called corridors of power (or the octagonal Convention Center). Seats that should have been filled with students, activists and young professionals from our public universities, were instead filled with those who may or may not have anything substantial to say about Professor Chomsky (add to that 500 empty seats). A question of “quality rather than quantity” was how the organizers chose to put it. Quality of what, Kashmiri shawls and ministerial positions? Ironically, the organizers willingly chose to perpetuate an ethos which went against the teachings of Professor Chomsky himself. It was equally tragic that the main impetus behind the event was associated with the largest university in Islamabad but the event did not even fractionally represent the students there. A personality as distinguished as the late Eqbal Ahmad (may he rest in peace), in whose memory the event was hosted, would probably cringe with embarrassment in the afterlife. And what impression I wonder did Noam Chomsky himself get of this facade? Unfortunately, probably the wrong one (apparently Edward Said is our next guest – God help us!). We hope that at least, he gets the opportunity to meet the “real” people of Pakistan. The people who not only study him, but who envision equality, opportunity and justice in their country. Those who are struggling for the day when we ourselves will be lifted out of oppression and American domination and can rightfully be acknowledged for our own intelligence and perseverance. Professor Chomsky, you probably did not manage to meet such people. But let me assure you, there are several of us here. With all your wisdom and experience, I hope you do not judge us too harshly. Two days in two cities (in all the wrong places) is hardly enough to form the correct impression. Whatever Noam Chomsky’s own impression was, we ourselves need to accept and rectify our faults and weaknesses. Hiding behind the rhetoric of intellectualism and radicalism is not enough to justify our misshapen identity. I would have willingly sat on the floor of a stadium if need be, but how many of those sitting in the Convention Center on November 26 would have? It is that which we need to figure out before inviting the Noam Chomskys of our world to countries like ours.