A tribute to Poppy

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has lost one of its most passionate citizens, an entrepreneur, an intellectual, a patron of arts and culture, a mentor and a friend to many.  

Shayan Afzal Khan, fondly known as Poppy, lost a 14-year battle against cancer in London Saturday night.

Originally from Karachi, Poppy was based in Islamabad for the last few years. In 2007, she launched her book "Unveiling the Ideal: A New Look at Early Muslim Women." She graduated with a degree in history at Girton College, Cambridge in 1985.

In was in 2010, however, that she realised her lifetime dream and founded Kuch Khaas (KK) -- a centre for art, culture and dialogue.

Over time, KK has become a hub of cultural activity in the city, hosting concerts, recitals, workshops, music and dance classes, storytelling sessions, farmers markets and much more.

It also provided young people a platform to nurture their creativity, many of who have gone out to carve out a niche for themselves in their chosen fields.



As condolences continue to pour in, friends and acquaintances of Poppy remember her for her multi-faceted personality as well as her commitment to the numerous causes she supported.

"Poppy did what few would dare do in terms of speaking, writing and acting for the weak and the vulnerable," said Harris Khalique, poet and activist. "I don't call her a social entrepreneur like some others do for her founding KK, I call her a dedicated patron of culture and art, of pro-people politics and civil rights campaigns. Her embrace was wide and her contribution incomparable. To me, it's a great personal loss and the city has lost of one its most passionate citizens," he added.

Tülin Khalid-Azim, theatre actor and core team member at KK, recounted the first time Poppy had invited her over. "She started off by saying, "Why haven't you started working here already? Start right away!" Poppy's guidance in all matters was essential until you understood her vision, said Azim, adding that and once you did, there was no turning back.

"Poppy saw possibilities in our youth; in people who wouldn't otherwise have gotten a chance. Only she could have had that much faith in someone else, and helped them restore faith in themselves," said Azim.

On a lighter note, Azim said: "She'd put us to shame with her social media and tech savvyness, and what the "kids are into these days", she was way ahead of all of us! She was disarming, charming, and a true lady. Poppy, you've left a giant void in all our hearts, which I know no one can replace," Azim said.

To her, Poppy was full of grace, but also playful and cheeky. "She'd make you think, question, and also laugh till your belly ached. I will never meet anyone like you again, but your girls have so much of you in them, and it gives me hope. I can't believe I was so lucky to get to know you and call you my mentor and friend. I hope I can make you proud. I love you so much."

In an era when arts, culture and dialogue had taken a backseat, Poppy became an enduring symbol of hope. "I remember when I had my first art exhibition as a fresh art graduate, Poppy was there and she was the first one to buy my painting. She enriched our lives and that is how she will live on," said Mobeen Ansari, photojournalist and artist.

"As two people from India trying to find their feet in Islamabad, Poppy opened her home, her work and her heart to us. She went out of her way to include me to be a part of KK, which in turn changed my life for the better," said Ruchira-Hoon Phillip, chef and food blogger, who worked at KK, while her husband was posted in Islamabad. "Engaging with her was always so much fun. She'd throw ideas at you and see what you could do with them. But most of all she loved food. Good food. Our conversations were always about the latest trends; what are the things we can resurrect and how certain things should taste. She had a vision for the food world in Islamabad, especially The Lime Tree. She wanted it to become like Ottolenghi -- a bistro that would serve wholesome food. But more than all that, Poppy was someone who could talk about anything -- politics, art, culture, food -- and you'd still learn a thing or two from her."

Lime Tree Cafe at Khuch Khaas. PHOTO: facebook.com/Kuchkhaas/

Social-media entrepreneur and TED Fellow Saad Hamid said that with the limited interaction he had with Poppy, she had been a great mentor. "She gave me the opportunity to host the first-ever TEDx event in Islamabad and what I learned from her is that our community is a reflection of who we are and I see that in form of KK. I really hope her legacy lives on to create an inclusive society where everyone is invited to participate in intellectual and progressive discourse and dialogue. Thank you, Poppy -- you will be missed."

Thali CEO Zoone Hasan remembers Poppy for being big-hearted. "Her love for charity, art and culture will keep her alive for all times to come. Her endless support to Thali gave us the courage to move on and stand against all odds. She taught us what passion is: continuing doing what you love and continue loving no matter what."

Zoone's husband, Hasan Sultan, credited Poppy for being a pioneer of instigating a change in society. "She created KK which has become a platform for ideas and dreams, giving people the opportunity and courage to speak out in the form of music, theatre, dialogue, learning and performance. There is a renaissance of sorts, if not an actual birth of cultural scene in Islamabad."

"She will be missed immensely, but we will celebrate her life because of her spirit, which continues to inspire and encourage others to dare to dream."

Musician and songwriter Arieb Azhar said Poppy's loss was deeply felt by the entire artist community of the city. "Poppy, despite all odds and advice of close friends, managed to create the only arts-centric cafe of Islamabad, KK, and doggedly kept working at it to keep it afloat. It would be difficult to understate Poppy's almost single-handed contribution to the cultural scene of Islamabad."

Activist Ali Kazmi saw Poppy as a mentor after Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer was assassinated and Citizens for Democracy was formed. "Poppy encouraged me and liked my enthusiasm. She once told me she was working on a book on Islam and feminism. I had hoped to read it because Poppy was an intelligent and brave woman. She spoke out on issues few others have the courage to and devoted a lot of her time and resources into making Pakistan a better place. Poppy was a generous patron of the arts and a lot of people owe some of their success and fame to her. She was a very fearless activist who stood up for the rights of the oppressed and supported very good and noble causes. The world is a poorer place without this very good and brave woman."

Photo: facebook.com/Kuchkhaas/

Musician and graphic designer Shahbaz Zaidi was introduced to Poppy through friends, but in a matter of days they became family. "Poppy was not just an inspiration -- she was a great friend, someone you could truly trust. I cannot tell you how much I miss her."

Poppy was an extraordinary human being who faced adversity with immense strength and fortitude, remarked journalist and author Raza Rumi. "Never in the past three years did I see her defeated or bitter about her illness. Her progressive vision and quest for a progressive Pakistan is best represented by KK, a place she lovingly built and which will her shining legacy, always."

Irfan Rafique, an office boy at KK, said Poppy was extremely caring to her employers, especially the underprivileged. She had all of them medically insured, which gave them access to free medical treatment. "She loved Pashto music and would become completely entranced by it," he added.

Poppy has been quoted for saying: "As for death, no point worrying about something we have no control over – any one of us could die today or tomorrow or in decades, who knows when or how? What I do know is that I have been blessed – getting cancer has made me appreciate my life even more, it has brought me closer to the people I love and who love me. It has made it easier for me to sift out negative emotions and negative forces in my life and has brought me closer to God. Being forced to face my mortality has made life even more worth living.”

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