WRITER-PSYCHOTHERAPIST-HUMANITARIAN-LIFE-LONG LEARNER
I am a female writer, a psychotherapist and an idealist- trying to be an agent of change through my writing. I live between two different countries-Pakistan and Singapore. Hence, am aware of the clash and the merging of hybrid beliefs in my own multicultural experience and narrative. My novel, Invisible Ties-which is being published by Rupa Publications and out in late August this year-carries the universal message of being flexible in our world-view, and the need for peace across all boundaries and borders.
In Invisible ties, I have tried to explore characters of different ages, races, gender, religions and cultures. Then gradually, given them life to grow into individuals who are unique in their own right and evolve with the changing circumstances and the world around them. Identity is a fluid concept, whether it is being a female and her right to express herself as an independent woman-capable of making her own choices and taking charge of her life.
The book has multiple themes- including the dilemmas and the balancing act of the immigrant experience. It is the constant act of juggling between adopting and adapting-between the norms and values of different landscapes- which interests me and motivated me to write about it. The world is full of diversity, different colours and modern technology has indeed made it a smaller place. However, today’s world is also fraught with chaos and stereotypes, which are constructed without reasoning and sheer ignorance. Hence, it is important to deconstruct these labels, and be open to learning more about ourselves and others around us.