Though we all talk about how great our founders were, we have deviated from their path....
THINK PAD
I love my country. That’s why, I feel bad when people remember they love Pakistan only on days like 14 August, 23 March or 6 September. I think everyone knows that founders of Pakistan envisioned a place where justice would reign supreme and people would be free to follow their dreams. Though we all talk about how great our founders were, we have deviated from their path.
Let me tell you why I am lamenting the state of my beloved country which is beset by a never-ending spate of misfortunes. I went to visit my grandmother on 14 August. She is 92 years of age. She is very feeble, but is in full control of all her faculties, and her long-term memory is excellent. I wished her happy Independence Day, but she did not wish me back. Instead, she asked me the meaning of independence. Of course, I gave her the dictionary meaning and a chapter and verse about Pakistan’s independence from the British Raj. She heard me out in silence, then sighed. ‘Words don’t get things done, my dear. It’s action that is required to achieve our goals. All I hear now are speeches. I don’t see anyone doing anything for Pakistan.
‘I was about 17 when we migrated to Pakistan. My family settled in Karachi, which was a beautiful and clean city. People were kind to the immigrants, and helped them a lot.
‘Over the years, kindness has changed to cruelty. We all have become full of hatred and bias. And do you know what is even worse? We have become indifferent – we don’t care about anyone and anything.
‘I want you to do something for our country, even a very small thing that you can do will go a long way. When you make new clothes, always take out what you don’t need and give them to people who need them.’
I told my grandmother I would do it, but what struck my mind was her assertion that we have become indifferent. I thought she was wrong; my father gives zakat; people get free food from charities like Sailani and Panahgah. So obviously we are not indifferent.
However, I couldn’t help thinking more about my grandmother’s words and realized she was right. You see, I was watching the flood coverage on TV, when my elder sister changed the channel mumbling that she was already depressed and didn’t need more depression.
I know we all are depressed but can we even compare this depression to the plight of flood victims who have lost their loved ones, their homes and even all their belongings?
I do see camps collecting donations, but can we trust these people? How do we know our donation will reach the deserving people? We just give something as donation to make us feel we are good people, but do not think about taking the time out and investigate the charities and select those we can trust.
Am I boring you, dear Us readers? You know, I felt somewhat bored when my grandmother lectured me about the state of the country and what people sacrificed to get Pakistan. But her words now haunt my dreams. What are we doing for our country? Nothing! My grandmother told me to start with a little something, so here is my attempt at creating awareness. Please help the people around if you can. And, instead of trying to reform the society, just focus on becoming a better human being. One drop of water is negligible, but these little drops of water when combined make water bodies. Our individual reformation will help Pakistan come out of its present woes.
