Oct 10, 2014

On the occasion of Malala getting the Nobel Prize for Peace (albeit a year later than deserved), am posting a poem that I had written on Malala’s life, for my daughter, Adviti  to recite at school…is meant for children, but possibly can be enjoyed by all!!

Waking up the Malala in us

In the tough region of Swat

Where there was no food or television,

This brave girl started fighting

Asking for Children’s Education.

“How dare you ?” asked the Clergy

And members of Taliban

Girls need to cook, get married

This is the teaching of Quraan.

Not one to give up easy

The girl read the Holy Book

And found respect for women

Not only wash, clean and cook.

The Girl put forth this learnings

To Family, Teachers and Friends

People started understanding

Children following her trends.

The Taiban got furious

To show her what they got

One day as she went to school

They had the poor Girl shot.

Battling for life for days and nights

Millions prayed for her good health

“God, please help this brave Girl

She’s your own – your true wealth”.

She recovered, thanks to the prayers

And addressed the United Nations

And spoke to children of the world

On virtue, love, peace and patience.

She had no ill-will for her shooters

Passed to them her best wishes

Praying that their children too

Learnt well, not cleaning streets & dishes.

This is the great Malala

Who was put to the toughest test

We all have a Malala in us

Let’s wake up, do our best !

The best for the ill and the poor

Wiping away tears of the needy

To make this world a glorious place

I know It has to start with Me !!