Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who had defied the Taliban risking her own life and demanded that girls be allowed to receive education, is an inspiration for the present generation.
Co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala’s grit and determination in taking forward her campaign came in for appreciation at a programme organised to introduce the book titled Nenu Malala by the Vizag Children’s Club (VCC) on Saturday.
Students from various schools participated in the programme.
The book is the Telugu version of Malala’s work titled, ‘ I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban ’.
Those who have read the book, translated into Telugu by Saleema Mahesh Durge, are now on a mission to spread Malala’s message on human rights and the importance of education among girls.
“It is amazing to see the contribution made by the 17-year-old Pakistani girl who, despite being shot by the Taliban, stands by her mission. Malala sets an example that age is never a barrier to make a mark and contribute to society. It is she who inspired me to know about human rights,” says Goutham, a Class X student of Kendriya Vidyalaya-Waltair and one of the VCC volunteers.
Malala’s courage and unwavering commitment to girls’ education has made Aneela, a Class IX student, to see things from a different perspective.
She says, “After reading the book in Telugu, I have understood that life for girls is just not confined to the four walls of the house. Most importantly, Malala has made me realise the importance of light when we see darkness and stand up for our rights.”
The book that encapsulated the unique qualities of the young activist and her fight to light up the souls with education inspired Bharati, a student of Visakha Government Degree College for Women.
She is keen on reading out the book to children living in her colony.
“During weekends, I want to invite those aged above 11 and read out chapters of Nenu Malala to them,” she says.
