Beydaar, the word speaks for it. Awakened and aware, the kind of society I crave and also playing a part in creating one. My aim to bring social, moral, and educational change in the world led to an invitation from Beydaar Society, a youth-led organization working tirelessly to create awareness and civic sense in the Pakistani people through their projects for the marginalized and oppressed members of the society.
When I received an invitation to attend AMN QAYAAM, a three-day residential training organized by National Youth Coalition for Peace (NYCP) and Beydaar Society, I was excited to be a part of it. Training took place in Bhurban, a hill station located approximately 11 kilometres from Murree city, Punjab. It was an opportunity to escape the scorching heat of summers. Therefore I took no seconds to accept the invitation.
Day one of the Amn Qayaam, NYCP training program had five sessions. It was the most valuable and insightful day ever. The first session was by the esteemed trainer, Mr. Munir Ahmed that focused on ‘Conflict and the Need for Peace. The second one by Dr. Tanvir Anjum on ‘Understanding Mysticism’.
Session 3 was beyond interesting. Digital storytelling for a message for peace by Ms. Haya Fatima Iqbal and talk on ‘Peace Through Mysticism’ by Mr. Peer Syed Mudassir Nazar Shah exposed me to the role mysticism can play in achieving peace, a cause very close to my heart. Finally, a session on ‘Culture & Literature for Peace-building’ by renowned Dr. Kumail Qazlbash’ provided me a new perspective on the role literature can play in achieving peace.
Day two revolved around Digital Storytelling, a tool for peace-building by Emmy Awards winner Ms. Haya Fatima Iqbal. Winning Battles through Performing Arts by Khanzada Asfandyar Khattak, and Amn Kahani: Rumi to Bulleh Shah by Dr. Ali Kumail Qazlbash.
The day again provided a fresh perspective on the role art plays in paving the way to achieving peace. It turned more exciting when I had the opportunity to learn more about my mother language Pashto through the eyes of Asfandyar.
After this, a panel discussion on the Role of Youth, Civil Society & Policy-makers in Peace-building with fellow panellists, Jahangir Khan Bazai, Kainat Riaz, Syed Shahid Kazmi, Nazia Raja. I took this opportunity to share my life story to inspire others around me to take charge of their lives and dedicate it towards working for the social and moral integration of the world we live in.
Truly thankful to the Beydaar Society and NYCP for inviting me to AMN QAYAAM. They made it a part of my memory and gave me the much-needed motivation to work for the cause of peace, which is an acute need of the world we are living in.
I believe that we come to this world with nothing, but it is up to us what we leave behind. And I want to leave behind peace, happiness, education, and health for every person on this planet earth.
