I hope that the protesting Grammarian families take greater ownership of this city and become more involved.
KARACHI: I am an ex-Grammarian who left the school after my O Levels as I felt it was a breeding ground for snobs. I haven’t joined the Old Grammarians Society. My core problem with the institution is that it doesn’t lead by example and simply hasn’t become the role model that it should have, given its influence and power. I am enraged that most ‘Grammarian families’ appear to be apathetic and have little interest in integrating and interacting outside their comfort zones. The only time I have seen Grammarian parents rise up was when the US Consulate was to be built next to the school. They were successful in halting construction and it made me fantasise about the impact we could make if they joined hands with us on innumerable social injustice causes.
Now, the parents have risen up again. Thanks to Abira’s article, I finally understand the facts. This time too, it’s selfish. But, as she says, maybe this will be a turning point. The critical matter here is to take on the builders’ mafia. I hope that while the protesting Grammarian families fight their personal battle, they decide to take greater ownership of this city and become more involved in human rights issues and countless other causes that need the support of intelligent, smart, influential people.
Sabeen Mahmud
Founder/director PeacheNiche and T2F
Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2010.
