Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Writing History - Mukhtaraan Mai - by Mohammad Azim Khan Keyani

Writing History- Mukhtaraan Mai
By Mohammad Azim Khan Keyani

Upon orders of village jirga was publicly gang raped
Almost naked our sister before villagers was dragged

She screamed and cried for 90 minutes in God’s name
Due to fear, to help Mukhtar Mai still no one came

From bowing down before cruel perpetrators she refused
Became icon for women who are battered and bruised

She became a brave and courageous woman also because
At global level various groups helped in her cause

When some villagers offered to her their moral support
Mukhtar Mai decided to fight back through the legal court

Although not majority, of her community it was a minority
Which wanted to change status quo, provided Mai great authority

Authorities were compelled to arrest rapists and order trial
Rigorous punishments were written by anti-terrorist court on file

When rapists from the prison managed to be released
Millions of people on this news were angry and displeased

After lot of internal and external pressures, again the police did detain
Till decision of the highest court in prison will have to remain

If all women of Pakistan fully unite, they might
Of oppressed women can help alleviate the plight

Although conditions of life are generally harsh and tight
When stood up firmly, women may get each single right

The “Great Mai” needs practical help not service of lips
She must not be stopped from making any trips

For sake of “security” her freedom should not be curtailed
Before international pressure all such efforts could be failed

Her free movements would benefit Pakistan but not damage
May build for the homeland a positive and soft image

To restrict her from travel when we make illogical excuses
Position further becomes awkward and the world confuses

Was not at all a plus point when her passport was seized
It is a positive sign that finally it has be released

The world considers this “woman’ a symbol of strength, WHY?
Because of the great courage shown by Mukhtar Mai

She stood up against perpetrators without anyone on her side
This is why the whole world in Mukhtar Mai has big pride

She did not bother about anyone, with her who could stand
Including any average and insecure man as a husband

There are thousands of bad incidences but Mukhtar Mai’s mishap
Across the face of feudal culture is of course a big slap

Mukhtar Mai is presently the gutsiest person on this earth!!
The whole world is compelled to know of her worth

From her rights to a woman no one can deprive
If she herself possesses the courage to survive

Mukhtar Mai was meant to be shamed and commit suicide
But to fight for justice with courage she did decide

Particularly, in the village culture which is dumb and dough
The illiterate and poor Mai proved to be very tough

As a brave woman she found the courage to live
To attackers in no circumstance she decided to forgive

Whatever amount Mukhtar Mai received in compensation
She started two schools for boys and girls education

She realizes to what extent education can contribute
Because it is the best way to change a person’s attitude

To educate people of the area she set as a goal
In her own school she decided to herself enroll

To support schools she did not posses any cash or gold
At time of financial crisis family’s cow she also sold

For villagers of the area who are injured or sick
She will run ambulance service for them to pick

Human beings should not be slaughtered just like cattle
She intends to start a group against honour killings to battle

Instead of spending money on flying, she feels pride
Even for long exhausting journeys simple bus or wagon ride

For women rights she has become an activist who is prominent
In defying tradition by speaking publicly, has never been hesitant

Has attracted media of whole world including famous rapporters
Particularly after setting up schools in village with help of supporters

Communities, NGOs, President, Prime Minister and all Ministers
Should contribute for health, education and dignity of our sisters

Sexual harassment, rape, domestic violence and inequality
Plus discrimination and injustice happen to be everyday reality

Instead of committing suicide or throughout life shedding tears
She decided to challenge harsh attitudes of society with no fears

Mukhtar Mai was also flooded with lot of marriage proposals
They were interested in dollars only so got back refusals

Runs own schools in native village and wants to stay there
If she moves to another place perhaps it may not be fair

In photos looks fragile and frightened since she is innocent
Those meet say a lot strength and faith in her are present
Many expected her suicide after rapes which is common
Could not guess Mukhtar Mai was not an ordinary woman
Until the time her case with full justice would settle
She intends to continue against the victims legal battle

All the time her life remains under risks and dangers
Must be provided protection by police, army or rangers
Whole nation with Mukhtar Mai practically should stand
Justice in the present case is of course a genuine demand

She has never been to school before but in her own view
In newly started projects her work must continue

Students in the schools brought colours in her life
For successful functioning the Mai is ready to face any strife

Putting herself in the public eye was a big decision This ordinary woman possesses what a great vision!!!

For whole population of country education we must arrange
By awareness about rights and duties to people it can change

To Media people, at many occasions, they could surprise
Answers by Mukhtar Mai are mostly articulate and concise

Keeping in view her future plans with utmost sincerity
Are ready to work NGOs and many institutions of charity

Although went against her own fame publicity of this style
But she felt media spotlight could help ensure her a fair trial

With whatever risks, openly, many times did say
Nowhere, but in her own village she would prefer to stay

To protect single woman, history witnesses, armies were dispatched
Mai will fight alone against army of institutions as her honour was snatched

World will only believe in our slogan of “enlightened moderation”
When justice to victims would be provided by each relevant organization

To pay tribute to Mukhtar Mai the words are not so profound
Who proved she is a woman of strong character and background

Does not demand favour from anyone or special concessions
She begs for justice only beyond promises and photo sessions

Mukhtar Mai has correctly chosen to wage a moral warWhich has made herself at world level a “SUPER STAR”

As per laws of the state and under the constitution
All citizens must get equal treatment from each institution

How many religious leaders have supported and to her visited?
Why their measure of morality to marathons is limited?

What politicians and parliament do for people who are needy?
Do they provide support to victims which is respectful and speedy?

Don’t tolerate oppression and injustice, no need to weep
Rather conscience of all citizens must awake from deep sleep

Mukhtar Mai with her own hands new history is writing
With police, judicial system, and jirgas single handedly is fighting

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