To Bedadi with

In 2013, I went with my family to Bedadi — a small village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mansehra district. Amidst the endless cups of chai and overwhelming hospitality, I noticed the blinding darkness that engulfed the village as soon as the sun set. This darkness would bring a sudden end to life here — it was discomfiting.

Back in Singapore, where I live, I had been active with a group called "happy people, helping people" on Facebook. We helped out cardboard collectors in Singapore and others in need in Southeast Asia. I, therefore, had some skill and resources that helped me decide my next project for Bedadi: "Light and Life".

Over the course of the next two years, I began hunting for fundraising opportunities and suitable sources of light. I met Firdaus Marzuki and his wife Nur Hidayu Mas'od through an event that we hosted for needy people in Singapore, courtesy of the aforesaid Facebook group. Firdaus and Hidayu indicated their interest in exploring Pakistan's rich culture. It was the perfect chance encounter because I was planning a trip there as well, we immediately became a trio.

Later, I met Siraj Aziz through a fundraising event for Rohingya refugees. He had generated funds for the victims of the 2010 super floods in Pakistan. I proposed the project to him, he agreed and soon our trio became a foursome. Subsequently, 'Unstitching Boundaries' was conceived.

love, 'Light and Life'