A Walk Into The Gardens Of My Mind

I'm sure most of you, including myself, have given death some thought, some point in your life. Death is a world-wide shared fear amongst many of us. But may I ask, how many have you contemplated dying on another planet, notably, Mars? Zero to none I'm assuming. Well, some people on our planet have started to do just that, that is, contemplate their life ending on another planet. Mars One is an organisation based in the Netherlands, with the contextual aim to colonize Mars, permanently by 2025. The leader behind this remarkable mission is Dutch entrepreneur, Bas Lansdorp.  It is believed that thousands of applicants applied to be of the lucky four to be the first humans to inhabit Mars. Further to this, a reality television is being softly spoken about, which will be responsible for mirroring this journey to us fellow Earthlings.                                         ...

                                          A selfie Labour MP Ivan Lewis took with me and the young people who attened the Shape Your Future Event. The House Of Commons is a beautiful building that has an air of superiority and elegance about it, walking in .. me and the young people that attended the ' Shape Your Future ' event, had to go through a number of airport security checks. Although I am quite sceptical about policing these days, I became transfixed with the police officers guarding the building. I can't really explain it, but everyone within the House Of Commons suddenly became as interesting as a character who jumped out of a childhood fairytale book would be. You get the point right, well you should now! The event started with everyone being asked to write down on a piece of paper what first springs to mind when they hear the word 'politics'. Everyone started wri...

                                                 Picture from The Guardian I don't know if it is my distrust in the policing system and the overtly militant personality exercised by officers which makes me detest bully vans .. but, I am starting to wonder how and if the Met are being innovative in their approach to gain the public's trust and support. On and around International Woman's Day (which falls on March 8th), thousands of women gather from the UK and beyond to protest for an environment in which women can live safely, without being threatened by male violence. The Million Woman Rise (MWR) is a protest organized solely by volunteers, which has been running over the past seven years. Over the years the Metropolitan police have backed ...

From as long as I can remember, I have been a trainer freak, the thought of heels now excites me into planning a matching outfit with it. However, I must say, due to my unfortunate anxiety about falling over in them (I remember a time when I slipped in my kitten heels on the main road in Brixton) a few years back. And till this day, it creeps up on me and I feel anxious when I contemplate wearing heels. I am now 21, and I am starting to think differently about my image. Always had a thing for branded sweaters and hoodies, trainers and just embracing the masculine mind (informally learning how most men think, due to conversations I have had with male friends), but in my own feminine way. But now I view myself as a woman, rather than a girl .. and quite frankly, believe that as much as I admire my urban edge and appearance, maybe I ought to make an effort to feel 'girly'. So today, I went to visit a John Frieda hair stylist, who gave me a haircut that was much needed and dese...

You know the feeling of admiration you get when you witness a baby walking for the first time, well I felt that when my dad began walking again. Now, before any of you do jump to conclusions, its not some sort of miracle story (but then again, I guess if we take the optimistic stance, I guess you could argue, that every good thing is a miracle). Let me not begin the process of waffling, that I do seem to find myself in the process of quite recently .. Back to the topic of my dad walking again, he wasn't in a wheelchair and he wasn't born with any such problems, he was just diagnosed as having severe sciatica. For those of you who are not aware of what this is, sciatica is a nerve problem that causes pain all over the body, affecting the back, hip, lower back and legs. My dad is quite well known in the local doctors surgery, as he often goes to complain about the lack of effectiveness of his current medication in addition to his ongoing health problems. Now as a result of this...

With the recent depiction of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a French satirical magazine that caused terrorists attacks, in additon to a woman today lacing a holy bible with heroin, which she sent to an inmate in Hamilton County Jail in the US .. I am speechless at the lack of respect and dignity showed by the majority of the public for religious people's beliefs. Before someone who suffers from Islamphobia takes a jab at me, I would like to declare that I condemn the massacre in Paris as a result of Charlie Hebdo's feature of a cartoon of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) . As much as everyone should be entitled the basics human rights of freedom of speech, restrictions need to be put in place, in order to have consensus in society. The same way we all have a multiplicity of thoughts and ideas in our minds, but know better not to share all of them, the same ideals need to be practices in line with sensitive areas such as religion. Islam explicitly preaches no imagery portray...

As we begin the new year 2015, I know I am not the only one pondering a new year resolution/s. With so much basic principles disguised as new year resolutions to mould us into a better and productive being, we are often spoilt for choice to select what we will be able to commit and adhere to. As someone who is in love with the religion I follow (Islam), one of my new year's resolutions is by no doubt to become a better Muslim. I do understand within myself that I may be faced with obstacles along the way, which will test my patience and obedience, so I have broke it down to this syntax 'try to be as best of a person as you can be '. For me, that means yearning to be as kind, forgiving, loving and productive in every moment I experience. In addition to this particular new year's resolution, I also have decided to act as an advocate for detoxification of my mind, body and soul. I aim to do this in a number of ways, firstly to eat more healthily (less of chicken and ch...

                                     Managing Director of Access UK : Nana Ageyman With the recent report into the unfortunate situation in youth unemployment, I am delighted to introduce to you 'ACCESS UK'.  Founded in  2014 by Nana Ageyman, this organisation focuses pre-dominantly in directing ex-offenders and ex-gang members into appropriate employment. Ageyman boasts 15 years of experience in the welfare to work industry, being appointed in many influential positions. He has previously worked as a youth worker, mentor, and as manager and senior employment consultant for numerous work providers in the UK. Access UK specifically aims to assist those from BAME (Black and minority ethnic groups) as well as those whom are NEET (not in education, employment and training) and are between the ages of 16-24. The organisation is very pro-active in its approach, by presenting their...

                                                  Picture from The Independent In exclusive reports published today, we receive a somewhat pretty alarming and concerning ordeal in relation to young people and unemployment. More than 50,000 young people have "gone missing" from official statistics and are receiving no support. One highlighting claim was that, NEETS (people not in education,employment and training) are a bigger problem than the authorities anticipate and it is going un-noticed. Forgive me for my annoyance at those in authoritative figures, but this is yet another reason why I have a lack of trust and belief in the system. I have four younger siblings, all under the age of 18 and one sibling whom is 19 years of age. I can't help but feel worried about the current state of the competitive job market and the lack of opportunities for those w...

A lone gunman reported to take people hostage in the early hours of today, in a Lindt Chocalat Cafe in Sydney, Australia has created moral panic in the country.  There are claims that he ordered two female hostages to put their arms up in the air as well as displaying a black jihadi flag in the window of the cafe. An enormous police operation is underway and about 5 people out of the 15 have beeb thought to have escaped. It is unclear whether or not they were released. Prime minsiter Tony Abbott has been reported to tell the people of Sydney to "go about their business as usual". He is also reported to say that even now, it is particularly hard to figure out whether this act was politically motivated or not, although there is some indication. It could be argued some took this literally. The Daily Mail online posted pictures of people taking selfies in a time of such tragedy, smiling at the camera, and ensuring they got TV crews and equipment into the background of thei...

As part of a casestudy for nationality paperwork, Mr.Vine (Chief Inspector And Border Of Immigraton ), shed some pretty alarming concerns to light. It has been discovered that the Home Office has been blamed for dismissing criminals as people worthy of British citizenship. Some of the alarming examples of British citizenship being granted are ,one person who had a record of working in Britain illegally for a period of 13 years, as well as to someone else who has stabbed someone. According to BBC News, they 'did not have routine access to paper records relating to individuals'. In this way, it is ddemonstratedhow casweorkers experienced failings in their investigations. What is particularly bothering me at this moment, is not that these so called criminals (subject to interpretation of cases) are being looked down upon for managing to secure British citizenship, but the fact that there is still stigma around immigrants and asylum seekers. We already live in a multi-cul...

Prisoners and their loved ones will be delighted to know that after much trivia, the ban on books for prisoners has now uplifted. In November 2013, The Ministry Of Justice introduced a ban on books being sent to prisoners by their families and friends. How can they hold a title with the word 'justice' in it if what they planned to do, was beyond an injustice to basic human rights. We often hear people in government and prisons discussing rehabilitation, but the very core of it lies in the education prisoners should receive. Books are an element of education, what is the need to fast prisoners of its magic? Well, The Ministry Of Justice claimed books are considered as perks , which prisoners should be denied. Chris Grayling had appropriated this in a regime to reducing the flow of drugs into prisons. Prisoners were said to have limited access to books, having to utilise their own funds to purchase books and also earn the right to do so. How unfair is that? What we all need t...

When I tell my friends that I have to be back at home by 7PM everyday, most of them think I am on a police curfew. Little do they know, it is a household rule set up by my parents that I've had since I was 17. Now, I'm 21 Amongst my people, I’m renowned for being outgoing, loud and just full of life. So, when I tell people that, yes, I am 21 – but am still on a parent curfew, they’re left shocked and speechless. I’m literally the  last person that anyone would think has a curfew, especially at my age. I am basically living the life of someone on an electronic tag, without being on a tag. The majority of the time I speak in slang with my bredrins (and switch it back to the Queen’s English when in a job interview, or a professional environment) makes people think I’m rebellious and road. With my addiction for big hoop earrings and beanie hats, people often assume I have a lot of freedom because of the way I dress, particularly since I am a Muslim girl. I don’t wear the hija...

Living in London does not mean I'm rich. Yes I'm telling you that, but if I retold those very words to my cousins, close and distant back home, they'd laugh at me and claim I'm ungrateful. Up till this day, I have vivid memories of the poor at the Bangladeshi airport harassing me and my family for money, literally going on their knees and shaking mugs in our faces to put money in. Stuff like that haunts me till today. After the ordeal at the airport and feeling extremely bad for not being able to afford to donate to all the needy people there, back in the village, we are bombarded with everyone asking what we got them. Though this is a memory, I am recalling and revisiting it for the purposes of clarifying that I, Lilufa Uddin, am not rich. With my cousins abroad getting upset with me not calling them often and me explaining that I don't always have credit, it is often embarrassing and they don't seem to get the message anyways. Yes, I live in London, but ev...

Let me tell you about something personal that I had encountered earlier on this year. Me and my friend had travelled to The Old Bailey court to collect some money from friends nearby. It just so happened, that the day we decided to go there, the Lee Rigby case in relation to the Woolwich murders was commencing. I remember seeing a group of white people stood outside the court, chanting ‘ Justice for Lee Rigby’ , holding up banners and posters. While this was going on, I made the observation that a lot of press had arrived at the scene. There was cameras everywhere. As I enjoy being in front of the camera, I hurried along to where the camera man was along with my friend. A white woman, who was part of the group of Lee Rigby’s protestors, gave my friend a poster to hold up and encouraged my friend to participate in the chanting. I felt a little bit out of place, just standing there, google-eyed, so I joined in the chanting as well. As I did so, a white man remarked, ‘F*** you’ . ...

Before I begin my argument, I would just like to establish that I am in no way, shape or form a fundamentalist. In the modern day time where drinking alcohol every weekend is the norm, and pre-marital relationships between the opposite genders encouraged, for some, religion does not seem to have any significance in their lives. And this deeply saddens me. How can you be so immersed in the creations of God and man-made things (made by the creations of God) and not be moved in recognition of the creator himself? What is growing apparent to me is that people who do actually believe in God, are afraid to challenge non-believers in an attempt not to be labelled extremist or radical. I'm sorry, for the love and faith in my religion and God, I would most happily take that risk. I do not care how many degrees you have, whatever your academic background may or may not entail, who your dad is, how much money you have in your bank account, how many countries you have visited, the depth o...

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Duke Of Cornwall , is soon to receive his well-deserved seat on the throne and play the role of King. And though there is public anxiety about most figures in power, luck seems to be on the cards for Charles, as those far and close to him have faith in his power to reign. With his known advocacy in voicing the opinions of the public despite the controversy raised in relation to his status in society and campaigning for various issues, his consistency and philanthropic nature is admired. Sources including a person who is said to have known Prince Charles for years, has told The Guardian , "He will be true to his beliefs and contributions," . While this is something to be comfortable about and celebrate, I cannot help but stress on the thin ice Prince Charles is skating on. Reports identify that if his 'black spider memos' are leaked and show an inking of going against government policies, then his post as King could be held at s...

A new report revealed by the Association of teachers and lecturers has discovered that the number of students in private schools 'is rising at its fastest rate since the financial crash of 2008' . And while there may be a huge debate around whether or not, private school tuition is worth the money, for the most part I believe it is, due to the social and financial investment it can bring to a child's life. Many a times I have overhead parents having conversations amongst their peers, stating clearly that they would have sent their children to private school, had they been able to afford to do so. I think the expensive fees put parents off private schools and therefore this negative perception fuels a discourse around this type of tuition which acts to deter others from opting for this option. But there is many advantages that private education can bring for both students, the workforce and the economy. Ultimately this is portrayed in the way that private school st...

How important is it for us to celebrate and commemorate the army members that were killed in World War 1? How significant is Armistice day to the younger generation, who may be less willing to relate and empathise with the cultural meanings of this day of remembrance. These are some of the questions I have been contemplating about on the lead up to the 11th of November (Armistice day). Lets take the cultural artefact of a poppy for example, why do people decide to buy this and wear it and why do some choose not to? I, for one, have always admired the red poppy as something quite serious and sentimental, but I have never bought one or wore one. Me not wearing a poppy however, I believe is the least of the publics' worry in comparison to an authoritative figure or someone with a good following and scope for mass influence. News presenters and reporters are a prime example of industry figures that would be looked down upon for not wearing the poppy, out of respect. And this is wha...

I'm not sure where to disclose this, but my blog seems the best bet, as I don't feel comfortable notifying people about any emotional baggage.Quite frankly I don't think anyone other than Allah genuinely cares. Rewind back about three years ago, I suffered from severe depression. I just remember crying, crying on my way to college, sometimes for no reason but mostly for some reason or the other. I had a lot going on at home and outside as well that triggered huge stress on me and I started to loose my appetite and my weight went down. Anyway, to cut a long story short, after talking to a close friend, I realised the drugs (medication-anti-depressants) that I was taking were not helping me to solve my problems but merely giving me a fake illusion of happiness during certain intervals in the day. So I stopped taking the drugs of my own accord and telling my GP two weeks later. My GP dramatically told me that I would end up in a mental home as a result of withdrawal symptoms...