KARACHI: In February 2019, a seventh grader at a local school in Korangi wowed the audience at an inter-college university speech competition at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) hosted by the Social Students Forum (SSF). Malaika Qureshi, 12, a student of Taj Tarbiyat Project School, secured the first position. This wasn't her first.
The young speaker has won several speech and debate competitions, has appeared on the radio and on television in her short year-long career. Armed with thoughts on politics, society and religion, remarkable public speaking skills and a taste for the spotlight, Malaika is set to become a public figure.
Put your best foot forward
Debate and public speaking help instill confidence, says Malaika. "It teaches you to put your best foot forward. You are groomed with the etiquettes of debate, learn proper pronunciation, understand how to present your point of view in front of others."
These are skills which are useful in personal and professional relations as well, says the seventh-grader, who first appeared on a public platform in 2018 at a private TV channel's Ramazan transmission. She delivered a speech on Hazrat Ali's (RA) life and personality to resounding applause from the audience. Her parents knew then, that Malaika's talents destined her for success.
Her parents had initially envisioned naat recitation as Malaika's stepping stone to public life. Seeing her deliver that speech, however, they were compelled to hone her public speaking and debate skills alongside. They enlisted her for training with Shehzadi Kanwal.
Since then, she has gone on to win the first prize at a city-wide speech competition at a private school in Gulshan-e-Maymar with her speech on Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW), at a competition organised by the Voice of Youth at the Sindh Boy Scouts Auditorium where she competed with around 105 contestants and at other competitions organised by the Mustafvi Students Movement and the Youth Forum Kashmir. She also stood second at competitions hosted by FM 93 Radio Pakistan and DMC Central. She is currently a participant at a speech competition hosted by a religious TV channel which has over 80 young speakers from across Pakistan. Malaika has made it past three rounds and is now preparing for the final round, determined to win.
A young voice, strong opinions
The 12-year-old says she's disappointed with the way politicians and other public figures conduct themselves on TV. According to her, a good debate requires vast knowledge and a good speaker must deepen their relationship with books as they move forward.
The use of slang, colloquial English, and language 'deformation' besides slandering and defaming others during debate saddens her.
"Talk shows on news channels are devoid of manners and patience. Political leaders on TV, even in the parliament, slander and use immoral sentences for others," she says. This is a sore point with her particularly because she sees her peers picking up on these habits.
This is exacerbated by the lack of educational and informative content on national media for children.
Malaika believes that for a society to be constructive, children should be provided opportunities to express their views and exhibit their talents. What is shown on the TV channels and other media platforms helps shape the views of children? They also adopt mannerisms and accents from what they hear on the media and at home.
As Malaika points, children tend to pick up on the obscene language used by politicians to address their opponents which normalises certain behaviours and makes children susceptible to wrong doings in society. "Politicians should remember, kids, are also watching them speak on TV. Their manner of speaking is promoting negative behaviour in society."
Shoot for the moon
Inspired by philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, Malaika wishes to serve humanity. Her talents in debate and public speaking will certainly help her. Even in her short career, her thoughts reflect that she understands the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
Her father, Rehan Qureshi, says that Malaika has become an aspiring example for her peers. "The family and our friends rejoice in her success and encourage other children to follow her footsteps." Older students, who have heard her speak at different competitions also seek her advice, he adds beaming.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ