Javid Ahmad
This is in response to the article titled, “Rotten Meat Scandal: A Betrayal of Health and Faith in the Valley” by Malik Nazir. I wanted to further elaborate by discussing one more menace in our society-the menace of show-off. The problem of show-off has deeply entered our society. We often do things not out of need, but to impress others. This attitude is visible in many aspects of our daily life.
Take the example of how we entertain our guests. A family living next to the Sheikh Naag at Kaloosa or the Astaan Naag at Onagam has access to clean and fresh spring water. Yet, they serve bottled water bought with their hard-earned money—just to show they can afford it. Ironically, people from far-off areas travel in vehicles to fetch that same spring water for their homes.
In the past, we welcomed our guests with simple, homemade items like traditional tea, eggs, and other local foods. Now, many prefer to buy expensive dishes like Ristas and Kababs from the market, not because guests demand them, but because it looks grand. This is not hospitality—it is competition and pretence.
If we truly want to improve society, the change must start at the family level. We need to free ourselves from this culture of showing off. The best way forward is to think simple, speak simple, eat simple, and drink simple. This does not mean being less hospitable—it means being genuine and sincere.
Even in our speech, show-off is common. When addressing a gathering of people who are unlettered or semi-literate, some choose to speak in American or British English, or in highly ornamental Urdu. The purpose of speaking should be communication, not self-display. Simple language connects people; complex words only create distance.
True respect comes not from expensive displays, but from honesty, warmth, and simplicity. If each family adopts this way of living, the roots of show-off culture will weaken, and society will slowly return to sincerity and humility.
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