It
is a touching tale of a 13-year-old girl from a rundown locality in the
Old City, who has achieved national fame, but remains almost unknown in
the neighbourhood.A strange irony because for a girl who remains
another face in the madding crowd nearer home, she is on her way to a
week’s study tour of Japan, a trip that has come her way, thanks to her
brilliant writing abilities.
Like
any girl of her age, Mahjabeen Unnisa is studying IX standard in Urdu
medium at the equally inconspicuous Government Girls High School that is
situated at Falaknuma. Her father, Mohammed Khadeer, makes ends meet as
a plumber.However, being the studious kind with a flair for improving
her command over language, Mahjabeen entered the national essay writing
competition that is organised every year by Petroleum Conservation
Research Association (PCRA).
The
theme for this year was pretty emotional-Mera India Bachao.
Competitions were held separately in 23 languages, including Hindi,
Telugu, Urdu and English. The penmanship of Mahjabeen was of such lucid
calibre that she brought instant fame to Telangana State. Her piece was
declared the best in Urdu language from among contenders drawn from
government and private educational institutions.
A
moment of pride was when she received the award at a special function
organised at the DRDO Bhavan in New Delhi in January.She received a
citation acknowledging the performance, a laptop and a cash prize of Rs
30, 000. The bonus was an all-expenses paid study tour of Japan to all
23 national toppers.
As
the students are currently burning midnight oil in preparation of their
annual examinations, the tour will take-off in May. Not to miss out on
the ‘historic once-in-a-lifetime moment’ Khadeer has just applied for
her passport.The obscure dwellings, notwithstanding, the young and
humble girl has firmed up her career choice.
‘I
wish to become a doctor and serve people,’ is her avowed ambition. One
hopes that the authorities and those keen on helping the
economically-deprived will come forward to take ‘achievers’ like
Mahjabeen Unnisa on board and support them so that they can realise
their dreams and aspirations, in course of
Regards,
E.R.Iyer
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