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| * Picture of Malala, taken from google |
In October 2012, when a teenage girl, Malala Yousafzai was shot in Pakistan, I struggled hard to find coherence of thoughts in my deeply enraged state of mind to write about that barbaric, inhuman attack. I confess, I could not succeed then because it was beyond my comprehension to grasp how could any religious belief condone a fourteen year old child being singled out for a deliberate execution-style assassination? I am dismayed that a young girl could end up being shot at point blank range because she dared to insist upon her right to education in her very own country!
How can anyone, in name of religion lose basic human instincts towards fellow human beings turning depraved and savagely cruel, in order to exhibit supremacy over others? Why does one need to explain need for right to education as an equal opportunity in 21st century?
It is shocking that the government that claims to have democratic principles does little about extremist organizations that flourish on its soil; turning blind eye to the blatant truth that those organizations are controlling entire regions of the country, exerting their orthodox dictate over people, vanquishing them against their will to a life of fear and repression!
Fortunately, Malala has survived and become a global icon of courage, hope and woman power. Her innocent eyes and wisdom of simple words are haunting. Last week, when she addressed the U.N, one could feel beauty of her soul! Her profound words are reflection of unflinching determination, forgiveness, deep understanding, maturity, compassion and kindness. I am completely bowled over by her speech at the U.N and feel so proud of her! There is a lesson to learn for each one of us as we live in politically turbulent times and are subjected to climate of unrest and violence that creates vicious circle of hatred and negativity. Malala's words bring great hope and faith in my belief that goodness always wins.
Time will tell if this tragic incident of attempt on Malala's life would serve as tipping point to change anything in Pakistan and its politics and future. Malala's speech at the U.N is worth reading and deep contemplation without forgetting the fact that those are words of a young girl, barely sixteen, from a country where anyone who suggests reform of the draconian blasphemy laws risks death! Isn't it difficult to believe that someone could even think of harming a beautiful soul like her? Here are some gems from Malala's speech at the U.N:
"I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand and he was standing in front of me, I would not shoot him. This is the compassion I have learned from Mohammed, the prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha. This the legacy of change I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
This is the philosophy of nonviolence that I have learned from Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learned from my father and from my mother. This is what my soul is telling me: be peaceful and love everyone."
"One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first."
Malala said that the Taliban's attack on her nine months ago changed nothing in her life, except that "weakness, fear and hopelessness died."
Malala Yousafzai, salute to you girl! Thanks for being candle in the wind and igniting hope! God bless you!
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