Mahatma Gandhi inspires me: Malala Yousafzai

Islamabad: Pakistan's brave heart and revolutionary girl, Malala Yousafzai turned 16 on July 12 and the whole world observed the day as 'Malala Day'.

Malala, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' right to education in Pakistan, addressed an inspiring speech at the United Nations. Thousands of youth leaders from across the world were gathered at the UN on the occasion of UN Youth Assembly.

In her maiden speech at the UN, Malala thanked everyone who prayed for her fast recovery, including all the doctors, nurses and the hospital staff in Pakistan as well as Britain.

The young activist asserted that it was not just her birthday, but it was a day of "every boy and girl who have raised their voice for their rights".

Lambasting at the Taliban, she said, "On 9th of October, 2012, Taliban shot me. They thought the bullets will silence us, but they failed...out of that silence came thousands of voices."

As spreading awareness about women education is Malala's top most priority, she said, "I am here to speak up for the right of education of every child...I also want education for the children of the Talibs who attacked me and other terrorists across the world."

Malala said that she learnt the philosophy of non-violence from Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa and also said that she got her power from world leaders like Martin Luther king, Nelson Mandela and Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Malala, added, "Lets pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in life, except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, courage and fervour was born."

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Various seminars, conferences and other ceremonies were held across Pakistan to pay tribute to Malala who fought for girl's education in Swat valley against the Taliban. But the day went unnoticed in her home district Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where more girls than ever are in school since she was attacked by the Taliban.

OneIndia News