Window to Gilgit-Baltistan

Syed Shams Uddin During my student days in the late 1960s at Government High School Gilgit—later known as F.G. Government Boys School—I had the privilege of being taught Urdu by the revered Maulvi Raji-ur-Rehmat, affectionately known in literary circles by his poetic pen name, Nazar. He was not only a dedicated educator but also a towering figure in Urdu poetry, admired for his extraordinary gift of spontaneous composition. Maulvi Raji-ur-Rehmat possessed a rare poetic intuition. It was not uncommon for him to break into an impromptu couplet during the course of a lesson, captivating his students with verses that were at once witty, profound, and beautifully crafted. These spontaneous poetic expressions would often be met with delight and admiration from all of us, a testament to his effortless command over language and his innate poetic brilliance. His verses carried both substance and elegance, revealing a natural gift that could neither be taught nor imitated. He was a livin...

By Syed Shams Uddin Concluding our memorable sojourn in California, we began our journey back to Pakistan on the evening of May 23 (California Standard Time), once again choosing the reliable services of Qatar Airways. With a sense of both fulfillment and nostalgia, we boarded our return flight from San Francisco International Airport, carrying with us not only our belongings but also a trove of cherished memories accumulated over the preceding weeks. As the aircraft ascended into the Pacific skies, leaving behind the golden state of California, a bittersweet sentiment settled in—one marked by gratitude for the experiences we had enjoyed and an awareness that we were heading back to the demanding rhythm of responsibilities and daily life in Pakistan. Our travel itinerary involved a relatively short layover at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar—a modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly hub that provided just enough time to refresh and prepare ourselves for the second leg...

By Syed Shams Uddin A Soulful Sojourn to Santa Cruz – 18th May 2025 Setting Out: A Drive Beyond Distance On the early afternoon of May 19, 2025, beneath the warm embrace of a golden Californian sun and the whisper of a gentle breeze, we set out from Dublin, California. Our destination was the storied coastal town of Santa Cruz—but this was no ordinary trip. It was a journey of transition: from suburb to sea, from motion to stillness, from the familiar to the profoundly felt. But before the road unfurled its scenic poetry, we paused for a different kind of experience—one of culinary and cultural significance. A Taste of Home at Bundoo Khan: Subcontinental Flavors in the Heart of America Just fifteen minutes from downtown Dublin and conveniently located off the freeway, Bundoo Khan welcomed us with the rich promise of home. More than just a restaurant, Bundoo Khan is a vibrant cultural outpost—an establishment bringing the authentic flavors of the Indo-Pak subcontinent to American s...

By Syed Shams Uddin Based on our journey on May 11, 2025, from Dublin, California, toward San Francisco—where we passed Caldecott Tunnel but had to return before reaching the Golden Gate Bridge—I’ll highlight the notable tourist spots, lakes, bridges, and other landmarks along our route that are worth mentioning. 🔶 1. Caldecott Tunnel Location: Connects Orinda and Oakland via State Route 24. Significance: This is a key passage through the Berkeley Hills, easing travel between the East Bay and Oakland. It has four bores, with the newest completed in 2013. Experience: It marks a transition from the more suburban landscapes of Contra Costa County into the urban East Bay. 🔶 2. Lake Temescal Location: Just west of the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland. Significance: A historic reservoir and now a scenic urban lake and park, ideal for picnics, fishing, and walking trails. Noteworthy: One of the first man-made lakes in the East Bay, with trails offering views of Oakland's hills. 🔶 3...

By Syed Shams Uddin Burushaski: The Mysterious Language That Defies Time and Classification In an era where languages vanish at an alarming rate—some disappearing without leaving behind a single speaker—Burushaski stands as a linguistic marvel, a living monument to endurance, mystery, and cultural pride. Spoken in the lofty valleys of Hunza, Nagar, and parts of Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, and by a proud tiny diaspora in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Burushaski is one of the world’s most fascinating and least understood languages. What sets Burushaski apart is its classification as a language isolate. This means it has no known linguistic relatives—neither in the neighboring regions nor across the broader linguistic families of Asia or Europe. While most languages of South and Central Asia fall under well-mapped families like Indo-European, Turkic, or Sino-Tibetan, Burushaski appears to have emerged from a linguistic lineage entirely its own, unconnected to any other tongue on Earth. Fo...

Syed Shamas Uddin Mount Diablo – A Sunset Sanctuary of the East Bay Nestled in the heart of Contra Costa County, Mount Diablo rises to an elevation of approximately 3,849 feet (1,173 meters), making it one of the most prominent peaks in the San Francisco Bay Area. On May 7, 2025, we had the opportunity to visit this majestic landmark, located about 17 miles southeast of San Ramon—a short yet scenic drive that led us away from urban rhythm and into serene wilderness. Unlike its usual reputation for drawing flocks of sunset admirers, our visit was surprisingly tranquil. As we zigzagged our way up the winding mountain road, we encountered only a vehicle or two descending from the summit. An equal number of cyclists could be seen pedaling steadily uphill, their silhouettes etched against the backdrop of rolling hills and chaparral slopes. The climb itself was an experience—quiet, reflective, and filled with the crisp scent of spring foliage. Upon reaching the summit, the sense of solit...

By Syed Shams Uddin A Trio of Lakes: Reflections from River Islands to San Ramon Three Lakes, Three Worlds: Exploring the Spirit of Water in Northern California The first week of May 2025 brought a sequence of serene and contrasting visits to three remarkable water bodies in Northern California—each unique in character and experience. From the thoughtfully engineered waterways of River Islands to the tranquil wilderness of Lake Del Valle, and finally to the quaint charm of San Ramon Lake, the journey offered an enriching glimpse into the interplay between natural and manmade landscapes. 🏞️ May 3, 2025 – River Islands, Lathrop Our first stop was the expansive, master-planned community of River Islands in Lathrop. Located along the San Joaquin River delta system, this residential haven features a network of engineered lakes and canals woven seamlessly into neighborhoods. While its lakes are artificial, they serve multiple roles: stormwater management, flood control, and recreationa...