Dear PTC members:
we are very excited about the outcome of our annual get together at Lake George, NY ( may 11-12). we want to thank Allah for giving us opportunity to hold such forum where we can invoke critical and positive thinking.
everyone who participated deserve congratulation. the members drove many hours from their homes with their families, spent their own money and energy to make this event a success. the speakers were phenomenal and explained the concepts and projects of PTC.
I will give a brief summary and feedback on my behalf. we would like to receive such comments and summary from each family that participated the event.
Hotel arrangements: excellent. the arrangement were done by Asim. he did a very good selection, shopped around and contacted every member for consultation. thanks Asim for everything!
food: the families brought food that was mainly prepared at home and was consistent with PTC health and nutritional principles ( as much as could have been possible). the ladies under the leadership of Kouser , Shmaila and Mrs. Asim made these arrangements. well-done Kouser, Mrs. asim, Shmaila and all our sisters who brought food!
babysitting: again Shamaila , Mashal and other participants. well-done! the children were well disciplined.
Recreational activities: boat and hiking. again the arrangements were done by Asim. Fuoad and Noman took some young members for hiking
sessions: the first session started with recitation of Quran by Juvaria. she has a high taste of reciting Quran with devotion. she enjoys the beauty of quran while reciting it.
the first speaker was Dr. Taimore Khan. His topic was : PTC : a spiritual journey. he explained how PTC would minimize distractions by adopting a simple lifestyle and maximize our efforts to help others for the sake of Allah. these two are the main components of spirituality. the connection with our creator can be established through the ways of prophet and improving the lives of human being. this talk was especially good for those who want to label PTC as islamic movement. PTC can complement and fill in the blanks for the work of most of islamic movements. on one side, it promotes a simple lifestyle that unburdens a person and reduces distractions. it also provides a forum for alternative economic model, a riba free system where honesty and efficiency is the hallmark of business. Dr Taimore spoke scientifically with thought provoking ideas.
The second speaker was Asim Mansoor : PTC : a source of self-development. he highlighted 4 actions. how by doing 4 actions consistently can lead to a gradual self-development program. the 4 actions in everyone’s control and is minimum a person can do. without 4 actions, PTC cannot move forward. the commitment to 4 actions is the first thing a PTC core member does.
the third talk was : PTC: organizational Nut & Bolts by Faisal Hashmi. without organization and discipline, no movement can be effective. people listend and embrace ideas once they see the members with commitment and in an organized fashion. he explained the vertical and horizontal work. all the ingredients of vertical work are in a member’s control and there is left no excuse for not doing PTC work. 90% of PTC work is vertical work. this includes doing four actions, and keep good link with your uplink and next links. links with the other local chapter members is 10 % of PTC work. the meeting of a local chapter can be arranged in a simple fashion.
the fourth talk of the session was by Ms. Kouser Izhar : PTC- a movement of lifestyle. a very courageous speaker and leader of PTC. she is the head of women section. her speech reflects her enthusiasm and clarity of her concepts. being a woman, she understands the complexity of work of changing one’s lifestyle. she addressed the social issues and motivated the men and women towards setting new tends in personal life. this session ended with Q&A session.
after Maghrib: the session was dedicated to children and youth.
the recitation of Quran by Hamza Naim Malik. and different speeches were done by children. among the youth, Anum presented the benefits of positive living. very nicely made power point presentation and well calculated accompanying speech. she is our new PTC leader who has great potentials. she is also manifestation and reflection of PTC parenthood. We are proud of you Anum! may Allah make you the peace and cool of your parents’ eyes!! source of goodness and blessings for ummah!
Komal also presented the summary of her PhD thesis and also new house design that has consumption of zero fossil fuel energy. she also presented her website that has been designed to connect youth in USA for the welfare and help of other human beings. Komal is another source of inspiration for young people to have a purposeful career and direction. She is focused, committed and has great understanding of PTC concepts.
the best of the evening was song by Faizan and Hamza: Dil Dil Pakistan. I cannot express my happiness and gratitude to Shmaila. she has done a great job in training children. the song by children invoked emotions among participants. May Allah make these children a source of happiness for sister Shmaila and her family.
the second day at Lake George: May 13
After Fajar Prayer, a women only session was held. there was brainstorming about how ladies can play their role more effectively and consistently. this was very interactive session. all the participants gave their ideas. the interesting and encouraging suggestion came from women members. Mrs. Noman who is of Chinese origin also gave her input and was welcomed by the participants.
After Breakfast: the next session was presented by Fouad Khan: alternative recreation project for youth in Pakistan. he presented the details of this project. the establishment of a gym, library, media and debate club at each chapter with sports clubs is relatively easier and feasible. this will not cost much infrastructure and the club will attract the youth of the area. now we need committed members from each chapter so that we can start this project by the end of the year.
solar cottage industry was presented by Noman Khan as jamshaid could not participate physically the meeting. however jamshaid was online and gave his comments.
role of women in PTC movement was presented by Uzma Aslam in a unique way. she emphasized that women has to do more than their traditional role. her presentation forced participants to think seriously about the movements and their commitments.
PTC is a movement of inclusion, not exclusion. people with different points of views can come together and listen to one another and have a meaningful dialogue. however they have to have a common purpose; setting trends for changing lifestyle and establishing an alternative economic model.
the second day 4 sessions were about projects and ideas. participants were full of energy and determinations when leaving the meeting.
the final theme of the meeting:
- every member will be a chapter by the end of the year. ( 2012).
- one chapter means 10 core members at one place.
- our upcoming projects are youth club, solar cooker and solar cottage industry
send me your feedback about our annual meeting.
