In this episode of Circle of Stories – Season 5, we continue our theme “The World We Live In” with Annum Sadiq — Co-founder and CEO of @Edkasa , Pakistan’s most-watched online learning platform. A Fulbright Scholar, Education Pioneers Graduate, and Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, Annum has taught over half a million students and is on a mission to reimagine education for Pakistan’s future.In this conversation, we explore:- Her journey from elite education and global fellowships to grassroots change- What she had to unlearn about how education works- Building Edkasa to close critical learning gaps — and keep quality at scale- The challenges and opportunities of being a woman founder in edtech- How she hopes to transform learning for rural Pakistan by 2040
Watch here.
We begin with a thought-provoking conversation with Tofiq Pasha Mooraj—a social and environmental activist, educator, and the founder of Pasha Farms, a family-run space rooted in organic farming, ecotourism, and environmental education. Since the 1970s, Pasha has championed a more conscious relationship with nature, advocating for urban farming, water conservation, and sustainable living. A lifelong advocate for the environment, he continues to inspire others to take personal responsibility for the world we live in—believing in the quiet, transformative power of everyday action.
Watch the full episode here. #sukhanofficialpk #sukhan #circleofstories #season3 #TofiqPashaMooraj #climatechange #urbanfarming #pashafarms #environment #watercrisis #nature #greenliving #pakistan #webseries #theworldwelivein #foodsecurity #advocacy #humanity
In this podcast, we sit down with renowned translator and scholar Dr Asim Bakhshi, who is a computer engineer and literary polymath. Dr. Bakhshi holds a PhD in cardiosignal analysis (UET Lahore) while actively working in NLP and machine learning. As a translator, he received the Urdu Science Award (2017) for rendering Charles Peirce's philosophy of science into Urdu under the Templeton Foundation. His literary works include the poetry collection Shahrah-e-Shawq and Dubidha - winner of the 2022 KLF Best Urdu Prose Award for its exploration of philosophical dualities.
We explore:🔹The Translation Paradox: "Fidelity" vs. "Creative Betrayal"🔹Translation isn’t just swapping words—it’s about capturing meaning, tone, and cultural context.🔹Should the translator’s voice disappear? Or is their role more like a musician interpreting a composer’s work?🔹 Borges’ Radical Idea: Can a translation surpass the original?🔹The most difficult text Dr. Bakhshi ever translated (and how he survived!).Watch the episode here.
This week, Qudsia and Hammad tackle the big question: Why are men struggling—and how can we fix it? From mansplaining and emotional unavailability to patriarchal conditioning, we break down the roots of toxic masculinity—and what BOTH men and women can do to change it. 💡🔹 Why do men struggle to open up?🔹 How does patriarchy backfire on men too?🔹 The real issues destroying modern marriages.🔹 What’s expected of men now vs. outdated stereotypes.🔹 How women can support change (without doing the emotional labour for men).Time to unlearn, heal, and grow—together. Watch here.🎧 #breakthecycle #toxicmasculinity #emotionalintelligence #modernrelationships #podcast #toxicmasculinity #modernmen #feminism #GenderTalk #marriagestruggles #selfawareness #emotionalhealing
In this week’s podcast episode, Madiha and Hammad talk all about living mindfully in a busy world! From practical tips to bring calm into your day to exploring zero-waste living, setting boundaries, and stepping back from the social media validation trap, we cover it all. Plus, we dive into the difference between just adapting to life and truly growing from it. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is packed with insights and good vibes to help you live more intentionally. Tune in, relax, and join the conversation! Watch here. #lifeunfiltered #sukhan #sukhanofficialpk #mindfulness #podcast #zerowaste #selfcare #mentalhealth #sustainableliving #personalgrowth #socialmedia #mindfulliving #boundaries #selfimprovement
Join Mahnoor and Tayyaba in this deep and thought-provoking conversation about the beauty of writing, self-expression, and the power of creating worlds through words. From the meditative act of putting pen to paper to the escapism and emotional release that writing offers, this video dives into the personal and profound reasons why we write. Watch the episode here.
Welcome to the ultimate Gen Z hangout! In this episode, join Aabgeen and Iman, two young, bold, and unapologetically real Gen Z girls, as they dive into a fun, raw, and thought-provoking conversation about everything that matters to their generation. From navigating the chaos of careers and education to breaking the stigma around mental health, they’re here to spill the tea, share their experiences, and drop some serious wisdom (with a side of laughs). Watch the full episode here.
Breaking barriers and building futures! Join us in this inspiring podcast episode with Faiza Yousaf, a trailblazing software engineer with over 14 years of experience in tech, as we dive into her journey of empowering women in the industry. From identifying gaps in women’s participation to launching transformative initiatives like WomenInTechPK, CodeGirls, CaterpillHERs, and serving as a country ambassador for CryptoChicks, Faiza shares how these programs are driving financial independence and career growth for women in Pakistan.We’ll explore the challenges, the measurable impact, and the critical role of DEI in the tech ecosystem while discussing how to bridge the gender gap and foster economic inclusion. Plus, gain firsthand insights on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting impact from a serial founder who’s paving the way for change.💡 What more can policymakers and ecosystem players do to support women in tech? Let’s unpack it all! Watch the full episode here. #sukhan #sukhanunplugged
Join us for a candid conversation with our friend Naima Ahmed, a lawyer by profession and a wise soul by experience. In this episode, we delve into the realities of our mid-30s, sharing our honest reflections on life, career, and personal growth.We discuss:- The unexpected lessons learned in our 30s: From prioritizing self-care to embracing vulnerability.- The importance of community and chosen family: How friendships have helped us navigate life's challenges.- Redefining success: Moving beyond external validation and finding joy in the present moment.This is a raw and honest conversation about navigating life's complexities and finding meaning in the journey.Watch the full episodehere.
Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation with renowned Pakistani author, Awais Khan, whose gripping and thought-provoking novels have captivated readers worldwide. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of writing and explore Khan's captivating narratives. Discover what inspires him to tackle thought-provoking themes, how he crafts relatable and complex characters, and the importance of the setting in his novels. Learn about his writing process, the challenges he's faced, and his experiences with the publishing industry. Watch the episode here.
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Muhammad Hassan Miraj—an accomplished writer, playwright, and storyteller known for his deep exploration of history and culture. Miraj, a published author and communication expert, shares insights into how his upbringing and family stories shaped his interest in history, leading to the creation of his acclaimed book, Rail ki Seeti. We delve into the challenges of maintaining creativity in a disciplined profession and discuss the significant misconceptions about the partition of India, a recurring theme in his work. Miraj offers a unique perspective on the role of storytelling in healing and reconciliation, particularly in the context of partition, and its relevance in today's world. We also explore his thoughts on the current state of Pakistani literature, the rise of emerging writers, and the challenges authors face in an increasingly visual-driven world. Watch the full episode here.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of religion, peace, and conflict. In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of Islamic intellectual history with Dr. Aurangzeb Haneef who is a scholar of Islamic history, focusing on the early centuries of Islam. Dr. Haneef offers a unique perspective on the Quran as a historical text, exploring its ambivalent nature and the interplay of peace and violence within its verses. We discuss the significance of the Covenant of Medina, the role of religious leaders in fostering peace, and the challenges of religious extremism in Pakistan. Additionally, we explore the Middle East conflict within its broader socio-political, economic, and religious context. Watch the episode here.
Join us as we delve into the complex world of primary education in Pakistan with Dr. Anjum Altaf. We explore the burning question: Should classrooms be taught in English or mother tongues? Dr. Altaf, a renowned education expert, shares insights on the impact of language policy, the Single National Curriculum, and successful multilingual education models from around the world. Discover how language shapes young minds and influences educational outcomes. Watch the episode here.
Step into the vibrant world of contemporary visual art with the acclaimed artist Sana Arjumand in the latest episode of Circle of Stories. We delve into Sana's artistic evolution, discussing how themes like gender, identity, mysticism, and spirituality influence her work. Learn about her creative process, the use of powerful symbols like the Moon, and the impact of cultural influences on her art. Sana also shares her thoughts on the future of contemporary art and how emerging themes are shaping new creative directions. Whether you're an art lover or an aspiring artist, this conversation offers deep insights into the world of visual storytelling. Watch the episode here.
Join us for the new "Circle of Stories" season as we chat with Maria Umar, the visionary founder and president of the Women's Digital League (WDL). Since 2009, Maria has dedicated her career to empowering Pakistani women through digital literacy and online work opportunities. Discover her challenges, the importance of digital literacy for women in Pakistan, and the transformative changes WDL has brought about. Learn about the importance of digital literacy, the success stories of women entrepreneurs, and Maria's vision for a brighter future for women in Pakistan. Watch the episode here.
Dive deep into the legal labyrinth of Palestine with Dr. Nimer Sultany, a distinguished Reader in Public Law at SOAS, University of London. With a stellar background including a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Harvard Law School, Dr. Sultany is a beacon in constitutional theory, comparative constitutionalism, and Israeli jurisprudence. His accolades include the British Academy Fellowship and the Peter Birks Prize for Outstanding Legal Scholarship. This riveting episode explores critical topics such as citizenship, nationalism, and minority rights within the Palestinian context. We unpack the contentious issue of genocide and its legal implications, ponder the role of international law in addressing human rights violations, and scrutinize the impact of landmark cases like one by South Africa on the Palestinian cause. Join us for an enlightening discussion on how scholars and activists can contribute to shaping a brighter future for Palestine. Watch the episode here.
We are in conversation with Saddam Hussain, captain of the Pakistan National Football Team who plays for Sui Southern Gas Company in the Pakistan Premier League, previously playing for Kyrgyz club FC Dordoi Bishkek, Isa Town FC, Gençler Birliği S.K. & Khan Research Laboratories, as a central midfielder. He has previously played for Pakistan International Airlines and led PIA to third place in the 2010/11 season. He then moved to Khan Research Laboratories during the 2012 season and won the Pakistan Premier League and the Challenge Cup in his first season at the club. Later he moved to Dordoi Bishkek during the 2014 mid-season and later won the league title, league cup, and Super Cup. He has played for Isa Town FC, Gençler Birliği S.K., and currently plays for Sui Southern Gas and Oman. He made his international debut for Pakistan in March 2011. You can watch the episode here.
Step into the dynamic world of co-working spaces with our latest episode of Sukhan Circle of Stories, featuring Saad Idrees, the CEO of Daftarkhwan. Join us as we delve into the origins of Daftarkhwan and explore the vibrant co-working ecosystem in Pakistan. Saad Idrees, a tech consultant-turned-entrepreneur and a LUMS graduate, brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for music, squash, and self-improvement to his role. As the CEO of @daftarkhwan, Saad has played a pivotal role in shaping the co-working landscape in Pakistan. In this episode, we uncover the secrets to success in the co-working industry as Saad shares valuable insights and tips for those aspiring to start their own co-working space. Discover the importance of defining your identity, values, mission, vision, and reason for existence, and how they contribute to creating a thriving community within a co-working space. Watch the full episode here.
Step into science and education with our fourth episode of Sukhan Circle of Stories, featuring the remarkable Lalah Rukh, founder and CEO of Science Fuse. Join us as we dive deep into her fascinating journey and explore the transformative power of science communication. Lalah Rukh, an educator trained in molecular biology and biotechnology, aims to make quality science education accessible to marginalized students in Punjab, Pakistan. With Science Fuse, her social enterprise, Lalah challenges social norms and strives to engage more girls in STEM education. Her passion and dedication have already reached over 47,000 students, and her impact continues to grow. Discover how Lalah's personal journey led her to found Science Fuse and gain insights into the role of science communicators in bridging the gap between knowledge and understanding. Explore the impressive progress and successes of Science Fuse, as well as the possibilities for further advancement in the field. Watch the full episode here.
Step into the world of Pakistani drama with Asghar Nadeem Syed in this captivating episode. From his humble beginnings to becoming a renowned drama writer, he takes us on a journey through the evolution of Pakistani society and the country's political landscape. Discover the transformation of Pakistan's state television and the role it played in shaping the nation. Explore the powerful female characters portrayed in his iconic TV plays and delve into the significance of quality content production and consumption. Asghar Nadeem Syed, a prominent Pakistani drama serial writer, has made significant contributions to Urdu literature. His famous play "Chaand Garhan" has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling. Syed's work reflects social injustices, showcasing his keen insight into societal issues. With extensive experience as a media consultant, he has served Pakistan Television, private TV channels, and various NGOs. His remarkable achievements include the President's Award of Pride of Performance and numerous accolades for his exceptional writing. Asghar Nadeem Syed's impactful work has solidified his position as a respected figure in Pakistani literature. Watch the episode here.
