Dinshaw Avari- Trying my Hand at Blogging!

April 17, 2019 Karachiites have a fantastic appetite for philanthropy; and many times, it’s not advertised – these are the true “unsung heroes” of the day! HARMONY IN HELPING HANDS is an informal music group started by Rashna Gazder and which includes her piano pupils and guest performers.  Having a large group of budding & talented pianists, she realised she could use their talent alongwith her own in encouraging genuine causes in Pakistan. As a group, they not only raise funds with concerts but also visit institutions regularly during and after the fundraiser.  As a teacher, she was keen to instill the desire of “giving back” - to give love and care to the less fortunate - in her students.  Rashna’s husband Percy and two sons – Dr. Darayus & Dr. Noshirwan - work very hard behind the scenes in supporting her rehearsals and donation drives, in spite of their own busy work & college schedules.  In all these recitals, Darayus co...

( Image source courtesy- https://www.google.com/search?q=profit&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjNmpuOvsfhAhUQlIsKHSlmDEYQ_AUIDigB&biw=1422&bih=652#imgrc=DgUdcZ0TJmCpBM: ) April 11, 2019 Business and family groups are defined by their philosophy and values under which they operate. We have 4 core philosophies under which our family operate, one of which I’ll take up here - We are in the business for profit BUT AT THE SAME TIME, we have a responsibility towards our employees & society.  It is our moral obligation to assist our employees where necessary. Somehow, here, “profit” is a dirty word.  Why? If we don’t make a profit, how can we plough our resources back into employee welfare & engagement and social uplift & charity!? If we don’t make a profit, how can we support our own team members’ genuine issues and society’s charitable endeavors!? We have a “womb to tomb” philosophy – that doesn’t mean w...

(Title c atchphrase from the original television show & film series “Star Trek ”) April 1, 2019 What's worse than having a hangover but isn't an hangover ?   A 27 hour travel to Vancouver and then add 4 hours for the return journey.   I wish it had been a hangover instead! We traveled from Karachi to Doha- so that’s 3 hours; with a 3 hour wait in Doha.   We then had a 15½ hour journey to Los Angeles.   That was followed by a 3 hour wait.   Finally, another 3 hour journey to Vancouver… 27 HOURS! Returning was exactly the same- except we had to add 2 more hours for the wait in Los Angeles; and 2 more hours for the wait in Doha… 31 HOURS! Being in Economy didn’t really help either! To top if off, coming over the Pole, not only did we overpass Vancouver (almost) to LAX but after our stop there, we had to fly back up North again to Vancouver.  Same on the return- we flew south out LAX only to fly by Vancouver on our way to Doha!...