The first one in this series was a session with Yusuf Bashir Qureshi who is one of the city’s pivotal thinkers when it comes to fashion and the environment. YBQ dressed in his usual getup of a white dhoti and beads around his neck inaugurated the talk-a-mete session at Café Ciao, much to the excitement to the huge gathering of young boys and girls who had gathered there to talk to him.
“I think such events are extremely successful in providing young boys and girls with an opportunity to exchange ideas and have lively discussions,” said Yusuf Bashir Qureshi, an enigmatic and lively personality who is a favorite with students who tend to hang on to his every word. “I am a teacher at heart, and this is why such activities are very close to my heart.”
The youngsters gathered at the event loved the Talk-a-Mete and wished that such events would happen more often at such cafes. “I think this is such a neat idea and I hope Café Ciao continues with such activities,” said Rabiya Mumtaz, 22, who had heard of the event through facebook and really enjoyed hearing YBQ’s thoughts on art. “And Mr. Yusuf Bashir is such an enigmatic personality that it was truly an honor to talk to him.”
“This was one of the best Friday evenings I have ever spent,” said Ahmed Arsalan, 18, “and it was truly inspiring to talk to YBQ and learn so much from him.” The owner of Café Ciao Ovais Naeem said he was eager to see Café Ciao develop into a true café where people would congregate to discuss ideas and have riveting conversations. “I am looking forward to hosting many such events at Café Ciao,” said Ovais Naeem, “ and I think Café Ciao is just the place for such activities.”
