From
Hunza Horizons to Global Heights:
A
Tale of Resilience, Transformation, and Legacy
(Darvesh
Karim)
Fast forward
to the present, my father, now in his 90s, embodies the legacy of strength and
adaptability passed down through the ages. Similar to his forebears, he spent
his early years immersed in the laborious tasks of farming and herding in the meadows
of Hunza Valley. However, a pivotal shift occurred in his 40s when he
courageously redirected his path and delved into the realm of business.
Grateful to the Almighty, his enterprise thrived amidst the breath-taking
landscape of Karimabad in Hunza.
The
transformative journey did not conclude there. Fuelled by the demands of his
burgeoning business, my father became a regional traveller, navigating the
complexities of commerce with routine journeys to Gilgit and neigh boring
cities. Propelled by a vision that transcended his own experiences, he invested
in the education of his children, recognizing the transformative power of
knowledge.
Under the
nurturing guidance of my parents, I emerged as the ever first academically qualified
individual in my family, broadening my horizons as I traversed the diverse
landscapes of Pakistan all the way from the Hunza Valley to Karachi. My
professional journey unfolded in various capacities, each experience
contributing to the mosaic of my life. Presently, I find myself contributing to
the educational landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan as a teacher educator with a
prestigious university.
In a
seamless continuation of the forward-thinking mindset instilled by my parents,
I too invested in the professional education of my own children. Thanks to the
blessings of God Almighty, this investment has transcended national boundaries,
propelling my children into the vast realms of international opportunities. My
eldest daughter, Sheeba Karim, has emerged as the pioneer in our family by venturing to the
UK, opening doors to international opportunities not only for herself but also
for her siblings. We express our immense gratitude for this blessing with a
heartfelt "Alhamdulillah!"
As I reflect
on this journey from the simplicity of the Hunza Valley to the global stage, I
am reminded of the enduring strength, adaptability, and vision that have
defined my family's narrative. The story, shaped by the hands of hardworking
farmers, resilient shepherds, and now, forward-thinking entrepreneurs and educators,
stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that unfold when one
generation builds upon the foundation laid by the last. Shuker
Alhamdulillah!
December 01,
2023