Picture Courtesy AFP
…ذرا سی نم ہو یہ مٹی تو بڑی زرخیز ہے ساکی
(All I needed to be an opportunity this land is indeed very fertile)…
Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal was so right in penning this thought in his poetry, and whenever the news of any accomplishment comes up out of nowhere this poetic verse comes to my mind. This morning is one of those when I recall these words and feel to be proud for my green passport, in fact more proud as I normally am proud of it. Now when I am writing this after my morning walk there are a few old Welsh fellows (old in age) around me, as usual, but today an unusual proud is accompanying me. I am talking about the Oscar award that goes to Pakistan for the short film “Saving Face”. Pakistan won its first Oscar Award and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy must be thanked and congratulated for this success. It was first time in many years that a Pakistani film was nominated for Oscars, moreover, a film that was made by a woman.
Pakistan a society where even after many years of development a girl is not allowed to have any ambition higher then becoming a mother, and a loving wife. However, there is a lot more women can do along with these two roles and achievers like Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy prove it repeatedly. The short film “Saving Face” is about acid attack one of the curses that our male chauvinist society showcases. We have won award for a film that highlight this bitter fact, many argue we should not be proud on this award because it has been won by showing a bitter side of ours. Is it good to remain in state of denial? Of course not, it is a reality and it is better to fix the problem rather than refusing to face it.
This short film was an attempt and now this award is not just a glory that is reaching Pakistan but also a message that what we need to fix. If our problems can be award winning then we should bring award winning solutions as well.
Once again, thanks to Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and her team that gave this depression driven nation a reason to smile and a point to ponder. Moreover, thank you for a short, simple, yet inspiring acceptance speech. Congratulations to Pakistan and thanks to Almighty Allah who is the biggest planner, this award might be an indication from Him that what we need to fix.
zara nam hu tu ye metti bhadi zarheez hy saaqii..