Book Launching: “Alchemy of Mind”

What is consciousness, and how should we understand the mind? Can neuroscience fully explain subjective experience, or do philosophy, spirituality, and emerging technologies offer additional perspectives? As artificial intelligence advances and scientific discoveries reshape our understanding of the brain, questions about the nature of consciousness have become more relevant than ever.

“Alchemy of Mind” explores these questions through an interdisciplinary lens, bringing together ideas from neuroscience, psychology, evolutionary biology, quantum mechanics, mysticism, and artificial intelligence. The book examines how different traditions and disciplines approach the study of consciousness, inviting readers to consider both scientific explanations and philosophical reflections.

Join us for the launch of “Alchemy of Mind” and a conversation with the author on the intersections of science, philosophy, spirituality and technology. The discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges of thinking across disciplinary boundaries, while reflecting on one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring questions: what does it mean to be conscious?

About the Author:

Syed Durr-e-Shehwar Naqvi was born and raised in a remote region of Kashmir. A clinical psychologist by training, she has worked extensively in the development, health, and education sectors and currently serves as Deputy Director Schools (Girls) in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Education Department.

During her career, she has contributed to several major development initiatives, including projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and played a leading role in establishing a counseling center at the Health Services Academy to provide psychological support services.

Drawing on her background in psychology and public service, she writes on human behavior, mental well-being, education, and personal development. Alchemy of Mind is her first independently authored book. Through her work, she seeks to make complex psychological and philosophical ideas accessible to a wider audience.

About the Panelists:

• Syeda Durr-e-Shahwar Naqvi
  (Author, Clinical Psychologist, Deputy Director: Education Department of Azad Jammu and Kashmir)
• Jamshed Iqbal
  (Writer, Editor, Translator, Trainer)
• Usman Qazi
  (Polyglot, Globetrotter, Post Crisis Recovery Advisor)
• Hashir Irshad
  (Writer, Educationist, Financial Analyst)
• Waqar Ahmed
  (Psychologist, Producer, Anchorperson — Moderator)

This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.

The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
Click here for Google Maps Location