Category Archives: Culture

Strength Is Not Always Loud

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

If I could be someone else for a day, I would choose to be my grandmother.

When she got married and came into this family, she was completely alone. She had no support system, no lobby, and no one to defend her, especially since she came from a completely different family background. Despite this, she treated everyone with kindness and respect. She was extremely good to people, even to those who were jealous of her and secretly plotted against her or her children.

Many women in the family were insecure because she was more graceful, capable, and dignified than anyone else. Yet she never showed arrogance. She remained humble and carried herself with elegance. I often wonder how it feels to respond to envy and negativity with such calmness and grace.

People often tell me that I resemble her. That comparison is an honor, but it also makes me reflect deeply. I don’t feel like I am even half as strong as my dadi was. She faced difficult situations with patience and faith. She always told me to pray — in good days and in bad. She believed that prayer keeps a person steady through hardship and humble during ease. I think that is what helped her survive everything with dignity.

If I could be her for a day, I would want to understand her strength — how she stayed kind in the face of unkindness and calm while others secretly competed with her. A part of me sometimes wishes she had put people in their place. Still, her patience, faith, and quiet power are what make her truly remarkable. I would want to experience that inner strength and learn from it.

Life is never easy. It is a constant struggle. No one has it easy. Our times have become more complicated because of constant comparison, especially on social media. I prefer a simpler life — away from the spotlight, in peace, where people do not know my personal business.

I believe peace matters more than attention. And sometimes, distance is necessary, even from people related by blood. Because being family does not always mean being good.

Threads of Tradition, Pieces of Gold

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

What stands out in my cultural heritage is the craftsmanship of Balochi clothing and jewellery. The loose-fitted kurtas, decorated with silk thread embroidery and mirror work, display a level of artistry that is both unique and timeless. Each tribe has its own distinctive embroidery and jewellery style, which is what makes Baloch culture so diverse and recognizable.

Personally, I am most drawn to the jewellery pieces from the Mazari and Bugti families. Their designs have a richness and individuality that set them apart, and I feel fortunate to have inherited pieces from both through my family. From the elaborate gold headpieces to finely crafted gold clips, from heavy statement necklaces to delicate chains in different designs, and from handmade cuffs to intricate bracelets, these ornaments showcase the versatility and creativity of Baloch craftsmanship.

The inherited antique jewellery carries an irreplaceable value. The kundan work, the ruby and emerald detailing set into pure gold, and the remarkable neatness of every design reflect a level of mastery that today’s jewellers cannot replicate. Each piece was made to last for generations, and the longevity of that workmanship is something modern techniques often fail to achieve. People may try to reproduce these styles, but the originals remain unmatched in both precision and beauty.

Balochi jewellery as a whole has its own distinction. Bold and heavy, it reflects a culture that values strength and status. Clothes and jewellery together create a striking identity, instantly rooted in tradition yet varied across regions and tribes.

Yet, while these traditions hold value, it is clear that culturally and mentally there is still much that needs to change. In the end, heritage should not only be about preserving beauty but also about progressing in ways that make the culture stronger and more inclusive for the future.