Pakistan seems to be caught in a whirlpool for a long time now. The multiple crises of security, energy and national identity have been weighing heavy on the countrys social fabric as well as its celebrated economic resilience. That there seems to be no way out should serve as a reminder that too much time has been spent talking about personalities rather than discussing ideas.
The discussion of ideas, and later action, depends on platforms, where distinguished people can interact and share their experiences and learning, offer their two cents worth. One such platform was provided last Saturday in Rawalpindi by the ambitious organisers of TEDxMargalla.
TEDxMargalla represents the twin cities of Rawalpindi & Islamabad, and is a licensee of TED, a US-based non-profit organisation. Since 1984, TED has been inviting doers & thinkers from various fields to share their ideas and experiences. Groups such as TEDxMargalla, TEDxCairo, TEDxKarachi, and TEDxLondon independently organise events in their respective cities to talk about ideas worth spreading.
This was TEDxMargallas second conference in less than two years, and this time it was centered on the idea of Rethinking Pakistan. Based on their stories and experiences, an extremely diverse pool of speakers built their talks around this idea.
For Asad Umar, Chairman of the Engro Corp, social justice and citizen welfare are central to rethinking Pakistan. Stressing the need for public education, Umar - who himself went to government and semi-government schools for 16 years - noted, "Today, my taxes are many times over that public investment in my education".
Prof Adil Najam, the vice chancellor of LUMS, focused his talk on climate change and the individual capacity of a Pakistani to fight the development quagmire the country is mired in. He urged more investment in knowledge-creation to achieve human development, but submitted that "Development is not about economic growth or GDP; development is about dignity."
Khalida Brohi, a young social entrepreneur, talked about women empowerment as her idea of rethinking Pakistan, and highlighted encouraging results from her Sughar Women Programme. "Rethinking Pakistan is about rethinking YOU", was the intriguing idea offered by Flora Mehmood - an Islamabad-based, UK-born distinguished academic and performing artist - based on her own life experiences.
In between witty puns and satirical observations, Sami Shah - Pakistans first English-language standup comedian - deftly conveyed the importance of humor and how one can take the sting out of bad things by laughing them off. The well-choreographed mime performance by The Thespian Alliance, a local theatrical talent, portrayed the obstacles one encounters in the society while reforming oneself.
Altogether, it was a stimulating gathering, and the organisers must be appreciated pulling off this event, with an inspiring lineup of speakers and at a great venue (a cinema). Though the blackouts during the event were a constant reminder of the situation Pakistanis are living in, but apparently that wasn able to dampen the optimism and cheerfulness visible on the faces of those in attendance.
More than anything else, it is the ideas that will shape the future. Therefore, such events must be a regular feature in communities across the country. There are many unknown, yet very inspiring stories to be told by obscure Pakistanis in different fields and social strata. Here is hoping that they, too, will be able to tell their tales one day and inspire others to think differently, do more, and get more out of life!