Where are they now? Basim

Hello, Hola, Salut, Namaste, Bonjour, Marhaba, Ciao and

Assalam Alaikum,

To all the beautiful people out there who are about to read

this article, you must wait for my introduction. You will only

know who I am at the end because that might be the most

boring bit I guess, well at least I am not boring at all in

person.

All you need to know is that I am hot!!! well I mean feeling

hot 🤣🤣🤣 The temperature here today has crossed 51 C,

"woohoo summer is here, time for some tanning at the beach”

that’s what might be going on in your head if you are in the

UK/Europe or anywhere else where it rains in summer and

the breeze comes at night. Nahh!! Not the same here. IT IS

HOT!! BOILING HOT! Sitting in the car feels like a sauna,

touching the door handle feels like touching a BBQ coal and

going out feels like a steam room, where the body gets wet

due to humidity and burns your skin like a tasty spiced up

BBQ chicken!! Oh Yeah on side note … I love eating

Chicken 🤣  (reality is - he just loves eating!!!)

Well without any waiting, many of you might have guessed

where I am from, but for those who still could not guess. I am

living in the Middle East in a country called Saudi Arabia,

this country requires no explanation, as it is one of the best

for living in many aspects. One of the best bits is we do not

pay taxes on salaries and can save a bunch of notes in the

banks. However, this is where I live and work with my

parents and siblings, a country l have lived in since

childhood.  Though I am not a Saudi, I am from Pakistan (a

beautiful paradise on earth). 

I have met wonderful people during 

my University life at Greenwich and 

they all have a special place in my

heart. Countless friends, professors,

classmates, colleagues.  However, then

there was the Lady Marvellous!!!

Yes Absolutely!! You heard it!! 

Lady Marvellous!! She is the

University Chaplain who cares about

students and organises endless 

activities that I would go to every 

single one of them. Anyone who joins 

University should meet her and attend 

at least one of her events. She is pure from the heart,

beautiful, her smile is contagious, and her laugh is

wonderful, a nature full of love and splendid hugs. Her name

is prestigious so please stand up and give her a huge round of

applause for the Marvellous Lady, Lynne Martin!! 👏👏👏

Eating 'depressed cake' at
World Mental Health Day

Last evening at TABLEtalk 

Lastly, my own introduction!! 

My name is Basim Chishty and I 

work as an Electrical Design 

Engineer for an amazing French

Company called Assystem in 

Saudi Arabia. I love my job and 

life. I graduated from University 

of Greenwich (MC) with a degree 

in BSC (Hons) Electrical & 

Electronics Engineering. I used 

to live in Gillingham, 15 mins walk

from the Medway Campus. I worked 

as an IT Assistant in the longest 

library in Europe (Drill Hall Library) and Senior Outreach 

Ambassador for University of Greenwich. Both jobs were

the best jobs a student can ever get. You got well paid, 

with the chance to meet new people, communicate,

help, support, influence and inspire

others to be a better person with the

power of education. I am passionate

about everything, a caring friend 

and an enthusiastic sportsman. 

Well a bit 'fluffy' now due to the

pandemic, so you can take the 

sportsman out of it and replace it 

with constantly hungry person.

My life advice  ...  work-hard, earn-well, never give up on

your life, friends, family and especially yourself. Stay true to

who you are and enjoy every moment in life. Advice for

students  ...  your pain is temporary but remember grades are

forever, so make them count. Sleepless nights studying can

give you a holiday with family in your career life BUT

sleepless nights playing will only allow you to wave off

someone else going on holiday with their family. You

Choose!! 

Thought for the week ...

Thought for the week ...

June 21st - too many celebrations

Did you know that June 21st each year is World Music Day and National Selfie Day  ...  and it is also Father's Day.  Hmmmmm  ...  too much choice!!

So, I turned to students and asked for their help in creating this particular post.  Here are the responses I received:

"I used to work as a secretary and one of my main tasks was to jot down minutes of executive meetings. By the end of the day after I had to listen to conversations and discussions for like six hour straight, I felt I could no longer listen to any more verbal speaking and the only thing I wanted to hear was music. It is fascinating how verbal expression when beautifully selected and integrated with rhythm and instrument sounds can be moving and uplifting, contrary to the humdrum of verbal exchange! Happy World Music Day!
Your Song by Elton John
Pattamanan  (Thailand)

Cerys from Ireland writes. "I'm always grateful to my Dad, I know I don't say it as often as I should but I love him dearly and I always will. There are so many things I realise now looking back, that he did for me and my brothers that we never gave him credit or thanks for. Though I feel like there is nothing I can do for him that could even come close to all that he has done for me, I hope he knows that I am forever grateful and thankful that he is my dad and I wish him a very happy Father's Day :)"  
Cerys' piece of music is by a Korean groups called BTS (I know there are some other fans out there).  She says, "The group themselves are genuine, lovely people and spread positive and uplifting messages through their music, particularly in this song when you read the translated lyrics. The melody and rhythm of this song I also adore, I'll never forget the first time I heard it and no matter how many times I listen to it, i love it just as much as I did the first time around."  Have a listen ... Mikrokosmos by BTS

Some of you will recognise this face  ...  it's the loud and lovely Humphrey from Zambia 😀Humphrey's favourite piece of music is 'Three Little Birds' by Bob Marley.  Humphrey has memories of his late father dancing around the house, singing at the top of his voice.
The Legend that was Bob Marley

"I was 5 years old when I sang “You are my sunshine” for my dad. I didn’t know what I was saying then but as I grew and watched my dad love me day in and day out- I realise he is truly my sunshine in every sense of the way.

I am proud to be his daughter. Thank you for being the love and guidance I always needed.  Happy Father’s Day!"  Sakshi (Mauritius)
You are my Sunshine

Amira, from Egypt used to study with a music background of Omar Khairat, one of the greatest composers in Egypt. This piece of music always brings good memories and helps to put her in a good mood.   Omar Khairat


On a completely different end of the music spectrum is Jeff's choice by the Scottish band Alestorm  ...  be warned, you need to be in to heavy metal for this one.    Alestorm

"Dad, it’s my second Father’s Day far away from you. I want to say thank you for making me the woman that I’m today, for helping me to achieve my dreams and for giving me the best of you. My sister and I have the privilege to have you in our lives."  Lina (Colombia)

Here's a selfie Ahmed (from Egypt) took of himself at the Medway Campus (just incase some of you have forgotten what it looks like).  He used to listen to this piece of music every morning on his journey from Greenwich to Medway.        Cairo Steps

"Perfection is not a valid term in the world of humanity. Therefore, I do not have idols in my life as I do not see us as humans being perfect. However, I do strongly appreciate the deep influence that someone can make in our lives. 

My father’s influence in his turn took a huge role in shaping who I am today. The relationship that connected us is not only a genetic and biological relation it is further deeper and stronger. I have so many beautiful images of my father back in my mind. there is always the image of his dedication and integrity in his attitudes as a father, husband to my mother and leader at his work. My dad dedicated his life in working to educate his siblings according to my grandpa's will and he was happily committed to it. He is a determined, affectionate, caring person and a music lover. Another image of his endless support can be summarised of him always pushing us to limits we did not know that we could ever reach. He is a kind of person who teaches us good principles and values from his actions. All the appreciation goes to him as he taught us so many lessons of life.  I wouldn’t say my father is my idol, I would rather say his great impact is immortal and will live forever in me."

Afaf from Jordan

Sonali sent this lovely photo of her and her Dad
at her graduation from Warwick University.
I know how proud and blessed she is to have
him walk beside her.

Manuela (from Italy) writes, " This is my Granpa. He is always happy, very creative, fixes everything, and even though he couldn't finish school because of WWII, he is super curious and reads anything, from physics, to history, to philosophy. That has taken him to learning many many more things than I know, even if I have three university degrees!!"

Kuntal (from India) sent this great selfie, along with her chosen piece of music which she is actually singing:  Shayad - Love Aaj Kal

And finally, a wee word from me ... these are the faces of two people who have been 'home alone' for three months.😢  We've both found it hard, so it was big smiles all round when I drove to be with my dad on Friday, June 19th 💖  It's great to actually be here to say thank you for all the ways my dad has supported me over the years.  He couldn't decide on a favourite piece of music and in reality my musical tastes are sooooooo broad, I can't decide either. BUT, I recently came across this track from the classic film 'The Blue Brothers' starring John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd. It put such a big smile on my face, I watched it twice; and I think dad will approve.     Blues Brothers

Thought for the week ...

Loneliness Awareness Week

June 15th sees the start of

Loneliness Awareness Week.

All of us feel lonely from time to time. Feelings of loneliness are very personal to everyone, so all of our experiences will differ.  In this season, in particular, when social/physical contact is limited and relational needs aren't met, the sense of loneliness might feel overwhelming.
It's important to note that loneliness is not the same as being alone. One can feel lonely in the midst of a crowd or the busyness of life. 
Feeling lonely can have a detrimental effect on our physical, emotional and mental health.

The sense of loneliness can result from many different circumstances:

• Being geographically away from family, friends and all things familiar
• Being estranged from family, or an argument with a close friend
• Bereavement
• Physical disability
• Discrimination or abuse of some form
• Social anxiety
• Poor self-esteem

MIND is an excellent charity and their website is full of helpful advice and resources.
MIND - for better mental health

Why not reach out today to someone
you know might be feeling lonely.
Let them know that you care.

Thought for the week ...

World Environment Day

June 5th each year is recognised by the United Nations

as World Environment Day.

Thought you might like this story ...

The Green Thing
(The Environmental Issue)

In the queue at the supermarket, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The elderly woman apologised and explained, "I’m really sorry, but we didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The cashier answered, rather rudely, "Well, that's our problem today.  Your generation did not care enough to protect our environment."

He was right - the older generation didn't have the green thing back in their day.

Back then, they returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the shop or off licence. They sent them back to be washed, sterilised, refilled and re-used. So the same bottles were used over and over.  Bottles weren't plastic, so didn't need to be recycled.

They walked up stairs, because there weren't lifts and escalators in every shop and office building. They walked to the local shops and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go to a supermarket.

They bought fruit and veg loose, not pre-packaged, and washed them at home. They didn't have to throw away bins full of plastic, foam and paper packaging that need huge recycling plants fed by monster trucks all day, everyday.

Back then, they washed their baby's nappies because they didn't have the throw-away kind.  They dried clothes in the garden on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up KW's -  back then, nature's wind and solar power really did dry the clothes.

Kids got hand-me-down (mostly hand-made or hand-knitted) clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing shipped from the other side of the planet.

Indeed, they didn't have the green thing in those days.

Back then shops repaired goods with funny things called 'spare parts' - they didn't throw the whole item away because a small part failed.

Back then, they made do with one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room.  Back then, the TV had a screen the size of a handkerchief, not one the size of Wales.

In the kitchen, they blended and stirred and mixed by hand because there weren't machines to do everything for you.

When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they made use 0f wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't burn petrol or electricity just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power and hand clippers for the hedges.

Yep, they didn't have the green thing back then.

People exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a brightly lit, air conditioned health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity and then drink litres of that special water from those plastic bottles.

They drank from a water fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a plastic cup or a plastic bottle every time they needed a drink.

They refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new plastic pen, and they replaced blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole plastic razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their parents into a 24-hour taxi service.

Most rooms only had one electrical outlet, rather than an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.  They didn't need a computerised gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest fish & chip shop.

But isn't it sad that the current generation laments about how wasteful the old folks were just because they didn't have the green thing back then?

Volunteers Week

Volunteers Week is celebrated between 1st - 7th June every year in the UK. It is a week in which we can say thank you to all sorts of volunteers for the contributions that they make to their communities and to the lives of others.

It is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of volunteering and the diverse volunteering roles that are available.

Volunteering  ...  Connects you with other people  ...  Improves both physical and mental health  ...  Makes you feel good  ...  Provides a sense of purpose  ...  Improves future employment opportunities  ... and so much more.

Interested in Volunteering??
Here are a few ideas ...
Are you currently fit and healthy and got some time on your hands? Could you offer to shop and deliver items to those in need? Would you be willing to befriend those who are lonely and isolated by becoming a telephone buddy? 
Why not check out the links below for more information about how you can help and serve others:

The Good Neighbour Scheme

Befriending the Elderly










Helping the Visually Impaired

United Nations Volunteering