A failed attempt at celebrating "Malala Day"

November 10th 2012 observed as “Malala day” was celebrated at the Sindh assembly building earlier this morning. The sole purpose of the event was to educate and make children aware of the courageous step taken by our latest and youngest Pakistani hero Malala Yousafzai in the plight for education. Her daring stance has not only set a shining example for the current generation but also for the generations yet to come. The event commenced an hour late than the given schedule. Bearing in mind the sweltering heat, the participants ageing from five to sixteen years were made to sit and wait outside under a shabby tent which hardly provided them with any shelter from the sun as the place was more crowded and the tent was not big enough to accommodate all. A handful of chairs could be spotted which were mostly occupied by men than women. People were given placards displaying Malala’s picture just so that it could be viewed as their massive support for the cause they were celebrating regardless of the hash the event was being turned into. Nisar Khuhro – the current speaker of the National Assembly gave the opening speech which could barely be comprehended given the poor sound arrangement. Following him, were other renowned figures present at the event such as Fatima Suraiyya Bajiya – a renowned playwright who was also the guest of honour, Ameena Saiyid – the managing director of Oxford University Press (OUP) and Khursheed Haider. There were a few boring skits performed by children sporting fancy clothes which bore no connection to the theme but was made to show as a part of an activity performed by youngsters from different schools. In all honesty, all one could visibly hear was Malala’s name chanted a countless number of times without delivering a relevant message which could be understood by all. The scorching heat and the mismanagement of the event took away the real essence of the affair that it almost became impossible to sit through it. Fatima Surraiya Bajia, perhaps the eldest of all present at the event was seated near the entrance of the Assembly building being hounded by people who left the place stuffy with hardly any air to breathe. The event dragged a bit long and given it was started ahead of the given time; it became a little tedious before her time finally arrived to make the ending speech. No offense to anyone but there should have been some consideration given to her age, health and time and considering she was the chief guest, it was a bit careless and unjust on the organizers’ part to do so. All in all, today’s event presented a very appalling depiction of such a noble cause which could have been commemorated brilliantly if it was well thought of. Extremely happy for Malala for not being part of this confusion we all tried to pull in celebration of her nobility and resilience.