KARACHI:
George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion continues to hold remarkable relevance in today’s society. Being an educationist, I have often felt and observed that the central message of the play remains as meaningful today as it was more than a century ago. Shaw brilliantly exposes how people are judged by their language, accent, appearance and social background rather than by their character, talent and potential.
Unfortunately, this attitude still exists in many spheres of our lives. In educational institutions, workplaces and even on social media, individuals are frequently valued on the basis of superficial impressions instead of their abilities and integrity. Such prejudice discourages capable people and widens social inequalities.
Through the transformation of Eliza Doolittle, Shaw demonstrates that education can change a person’s life. However, the play also teaches us that real change is incomplete unless society abandons its prejudices and learns to respect every individual with dignity. As we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable society, the timeless lessons of Pygmalion deserve renewed attention. Educational institutions should encourage students to challenge stereotypes and value people for who they are rather than how they appear or speak.
M Ahmad Muzakki
Kasur
