Hope, it seems, has become such a rare commodity in the pages of our press that a few people even commented on the articles to that effect. How sad when something positive or hope-filled becomes an anomaly.
That’s why we need events like TEDxKarachi (and subsequently inspired TEDxRavi and TEDxLahore coming in July). They bring to light ideas and projects being run by private sector companies for the betterment of the Pakistani people. Surely that’s something to smile about? This is nothing new of course, and there are plenty of excellent homegrown charitable institutions that are working hard to improve the lot of those in need here at home, though maybe sometimes these projects don’t get the press that they deserve as they are beaten out of print by reports of terrorist attacks and human depravity. And that’s exactly what the terrorists want, to take away our hope. And that’s exactly why we can’t let them.
Nor is charitable work the exclusive domain of hope. Hope comes from a sense of well being about our work, life and our environment. Groups and institutions are slowly forming all over the country dedicated to helping the citizens experience the wider world around them. These places offer a forum for people to get together and experience art and culture and to engage in discussion. Often, an engaged mind is much more fulfilled than one brooding on the inequities of life.
Further, it’s not evil or selfish to desire a comfortable living for oneself. To know that one can work successfully in Pakistan and provide for oneself and one’s family is a great comfort and incentive for our best and brightest to stay, and not abscond for greener pastures abroad. Recently I’ve heard of two great financial success stories in Pakistan. In Lahore a recently minted multi-millionaire is enjoying the success of an internet based company that sells discount tickets to Americans. Meanwhile in Karachi a group of smart, talented individuals support some of the most sought after financial management software in the world. These are accomplishments to be proud of.
These are just a few examples of what is going on around the country that might offer some hope to readers that all is not lost. The trick is to actualise that hope and help others share it. To do that we all have to leave our homes and engage with the world, and work to better our society and economy. It may not always be an easy thing to do, but it’s better than handing the enemies of Pakistan the keys to our country. And it can be done. This week I feel hopeful.
Published in the Express Tribune, June 12th, 2010.
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