This month my weekly column "Shifting Images" celebrates its first anniversary. The column started fortuitously when the Editor and Publisher of this paper asked if I could write about unfolding events pertaining to social issues from the perspective of a Bangladeshi immigrant living in the USA. For a while I pondered over the offer given the enormity of the challenge. After all, it is quite intimidating to face a readership that is perceptive, erudite and discerning. But, I decided to take the plunge into the world of writing since it offered enormous opportunities for finding a voice --even if a feeble one -- to express an opinion on contemporary social concerns and controversies.
Today, looking back on the past year I believe that, overall, it's been a beautiful journey of self-discovery! Ordinary happenings, which I always took for granted, became sources of inspiration and introspection. Each blossoming bud heralded a new idea and each falling leaf triggered a brainwave. My new vocation helped me to look at the world with renewed empathy and wonder: empathy for the squalour and wonder at its magnificence. And, best of all, I learned to stretch my imagination to untested boundaries.
True to its intention, "Shifting Images" is a kaleidoscope offering the reader images of the varied and shifting patterns of our daily existence. I have consciously tried to steer away from heavy, analytical pieces on politics or economics or religion. I try to write about mundane, everyday occurrences in the lives of ordinary folks seen from the prism of my limited exposure to diverse cultures and peoples. Not preach or judge, but simply present a perspective that might be somewhat different, coming from someone who has firm roots in her country of origin and at the same time appreciates the freedom and flexibility in the country she has adopted.
For me this column has been an incredible adventure of sights, sounds and introspection. Reflecting and writing about the cherry blossoms in spring and the falling autumn leaves, I connected with nature. In my endeavours to transform these rare images into words, I spent hours soaking my soul in the sound of the pattering rain and the silence of the azure sky.
At times, some of you may have felt that reading about life in the United States may not be directly relevant to the issues and problems that are encountered in Bangladesh. I am conscious of this and have tried to project aspects of human life that relate to the common man, wherever he may be. I sincerely believe that no matter what, compassion and camaraderie should not be dictated by national and cultural boundaries. Despite the many issues that divide nations and races today, thankfully, we don't need a passport to transport goodwill. Sharing information and knowledge about different people and cultures succeeds in breaking artificial barriers of mistrust. Whether we live in DC or Dhaka, most of us aspire for lives where we are assured of our basic needs and a hassle-free, secure existence.
Just as writing a weekly column is a rewarding experience with limitless opportunities to be creative, it is also a painstaking task that requires discipline and unwavering commitment. We columnists live by tight deadlines and need to satisfy the high expectations of our readership since each week we are under the critical gaze of our audience. As soon as Monday arrives I experience an underlying anxiety to search for an appropriate topic and wonder if I will be able to find the inspiration to finish the piece in time. Thankfully, nothing concentrates the mind better than stress and very soon I get cracking. By Thursday the column is sent shooting through cyberspace…across continents… to the Op-ed Editor at The Daily Star, whose encouragement and patience has sustained my enthusiasm in this venture.
Finally, there remains an unfulfilled desire. I miss the direct feedback from my readership, since the process of writing is not interactive. However, the limited positive and constructive suggestions I receive once in a while has been a great source of strength and encouragement. I am realistic enough to understand that I cannot bring about an earth shattering change -- I will be happy if I can continue to create a tremor or two. And, if somewhere along your daily routine, my columns give you cause for reflection and raise some incisive questions, I will have achieved my goal!

The writer is a renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent and a former employee of the World Bank.