I am a 19-year-old boy. I belong to a middle class family. I have done Intermediate from Commerce College, Karachi. These days I am thinking about my career choices.
I want to be a chef
Salam Guru,
I am a 19-year-old boy. I belong to a middle class family. I have done Intermediate from Commerce College, Karachi. These days I am thinking about my career choices. Though I have got good grades in my subjects, I don’t want to do B.Com or B.B A. My teachers, friends and even my family have suggested that I take IBA’s entry test for BBA, as they think I am brainy. Guru, they are right, but I have other plans in my mind. I want to become a chef. I am naturally inclined towards cooking and whatever I cook, it is liked by my family and friends. I keep on trying new recipes and different cuisines. I watch all the cooking shows enthusiastically and want to become a Master Chef of Pakistan. Now, the problem is that my parents have come to know about my intention of becoming a chef, and they are in shock. They don’t believe that their only son wants to choose a line which is (still) not considered a respectable job in our society. My father is totally against it. He wants me to do BBA, then MBA and eventually to get a job in a multinational company. He says that I can cook as a hobby but not as a profession. According to him, there is little scope for chefs in Pakistan. Guru, how can I persuade my parents to let me do what I really want to do? Cooking is something I am really passionate about and is close to my heart. Can you suggest me some reputed culinary schools in Karachi? Your guidance in this regard will be highly appreciated.
An Ambitious Cook
Dear Ambitious Cook,
About 20 years ago, the image of a chef among general public was not the glamorous one it is now. Over the years, things have changed to a great extent. One of the driving forces of this is food television. The direct sharing from chef to at-home cook has resulted in many more at-home cooks striving to be chefs. And you are one of the inspired ones who want to become a chef. But, you need to know that an in-depth knowledge of food, innovation in the kitchen, and hard work are essential ingredients leading to a chef career. If you are ready for hard work then there is nothing that can stop you from becoming a chef. You need to persuade your parents with reason. Tell them that now becoming a chef is considered prestigious and there are chefs who are earning more than MBAs. Do you know that celebrity chef Mehoob is an MBA? He studied from US and chose to become a chef against his family’s traditions. You can quote his success story to your parents. I am sure they will come round when they see your determination.
There are three major culinary institutes in Karachi, offering programmes for both culinary arts and hospitality management. The most well-known is PITHM (Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management). PITHM is an internationally recognized training institute developing professionals for tourism & hospitality industry since 1967. This institute has highly qualified and experienced faculty imparting training as per international standards.
The second is COTHM (College of Tourism & Hotel Management) which started its Karachi chapter in Jan 2013. The newest institute catering to the area is NICAHM or the National Institute of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management. NICAHM currently offers programmes ranging from six weeks for certificate courses to 12 -15 months for diploma courses - the courses are designed for students aiming for a professional career in the food and hospitality industry. You can also check their websites for a clear and detailed picture. Good luck!
I don’t feel like celebrating Eid
Dear Guru,
I am a 14-year-old girl from a well-to-do family. We are two sisters. My elder sister is 23 years old. She got married last year. Her husband is settled in the UK so she went there about three months ago. I was very attached to my sister so I was very upset when she left. Now, Eid is approaching but I don’t feel like celebrating it without her. I am not doing any Eid shopping this year. My parents are really worried. They try their best to cheer me up but I am really sad. I want to be with my sister. What should I do?
Pampered Dolly
Dear Pampered Dolly,
I can understand your feelings for your sister but you need to understand that she is married now and you cannot be with her all the time. Think sensibly; she is in the UK and is happy with her husband. Think about your parents. Their elder daughter is away but they portray a brave front because of you. Don’t be a party pooper, be a sport. Go for Eid shopping, celebrate and share your happiness with the ones who are around you. Happy Eid
