We all know Malala Yousafzai — the young girl from Mingora, Pakistan, who was shot in the head for talking about the right to education but rose like a phoenix, commanding global attention. The youngest Nobel laureate, Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize at age 17 in 2014, and is the only Pashtun to receive this honour. Her advocacy for children’s right to education has made her an international role model. An Oxford graduate, Malala addressed the United Nations at 16 and continues her remarkable efforts to promote education for children worldwide.
On Malala Day today, My Kolkata spoke to human rights activist Piya Chakraborty, academician Sahana Bajpaie and feminist scholar Samragnee Bandyopadhyay to hear their thoughts on Malala Yousafzai and her incredible journey. Read on to know what they had to say…
‘This day celebrates not just Malala but each and every woman fighting for her right to education’
Piya Chakraborty is a human rights activist and head of Voices programme at Anjali NGO Instagram
“Malala’s life story — every time I hear it — ignites my activist soul,” says Piya Chakraborty, human rights activist and head of the Voices programme at the NGO Anjali. Malala Yousafzai’s journey fills Piya with hope, courage and resinstates her core belief — to stand up for justice, no matter what.
Piya, who interacts with people from all walks of life through her own work as an activist and social worker believes that “in today’s world, ‘human right’ has become a controversial term for no justified reason”. However, for today’s youth, Malala’s Nobel win underlines the importance of the right to education, she says.
July 12, Malala’s birthday, is globally known as Malala Day. From an activist’s viewpoint, “this day celebrates not just Malala but every woman fighting for her right to education. It reminds the world that brave young women will continue to challenge patriarchy,” says Piya. According to her, “the day is a powerful symbol of feminist struggle”.
Malala’s book — I Am Malala — is on Piya’s reading list. She hasn’t met Malala yet but admires Begum Rokeya and her remarkable work for women’s right to education. It’s no surprise Malala’s story resonates deeply with Piya.
“We may romanticise Malala’s journey, but we can’t ignore the fact that she was attacked and almost lost her life in her battle. It’s crucial to remember that the path to justice is fraught with danger,” she adds.
On Malala Day, Piya hopes to learn more about “not just Malala but many other lesser-known activists fighting for women’s right to education.”
‘Malala’s journey and Nobel win are significant as they highlight the importance of education and gender equality’
Sahana Bajpaie is a music practitioner and academician from Santiniketan Instagram
“Malala’s story is deeply inspiring as it embodies the courage, resilience, and determination I wish to instil in my daughter,” says eminent music practitioner and academician Sahana Bajpaie.
Malala was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize with Kailash Satyarthi. From being shot in the head in 2012 to becoming an international role model — Malala’s journey has inspired many. “Her journey and Nobel win are significant as they highlight the importance of education and gender equality. They inspire today’s youth to believe in their power to effect change,” she further states.
Academician and teacher Sahana Bajpai, who shapes young minds, sees Malala Day as a reminder of the ongoing global struggle for girls’ education and women’s rights, urging us to support and advocate for these causes.
Sahana has three takeaway lessons from Malala’s story:
- Courage in adversity
- The transformative power of education
- Persistence and resilience
An avid reader, Sahana Bajpaie, who has recently completed her doctorate degree in music from King’s College London, feels that I Am Malala is a compelling account of her experiences, demonstrating the power of courage and advocacy. Sahana finds it “an essential read for understanding the fight for education and equality”.
On Malala Day, the singer who spreads hope and love through her mellifluous voice all around the globe, adds, “Let’s celebrate young activists and continue to support the fight for education and equality. Change begins with us.”
When asked if she has met someone like Malala in her life, Sahana shared, “I know a young girl in our community who, despite many challenges, is determined to pursue her education. Her resilience is a constant source of inspiration.”
‘I’m looking forward to meeting many more fighters like Malala and listening to their stories’
Samragnee Bandyopadhyay is a poet, screenwriter and feminist scholar Debarshi Sarkar
“Malala’s life story inspires me a lot! Although I know Malala’s willpower and spirit are something we may not attain, the fact that such a young girl exists in this world, fighting and working for girls’ education, is reassuring because it reminds us that Vidyasagar’s spirit lives on,” says poet, screenwriter and feminist scholar Samragnee Bandyopadhyay.
Samragnee, who vociferously writes about women’s rights through her poetry and film scripts, believes Malala’s Nobel Prize is extremely significant because it has allowed her story to reach the entire world. “Many young girls, all around the world, look up to Malala as a role model, and her journey is also a battle against fundamentalism, which the world needs now,” shares Samragnee, drawing strength and hope from the experiences of such resilient voices.
To Samragnee, celebrating Malala Day is like reminding youth of the world that “if you have the fire in you, get up and show it to the world — fight for the right cause because someone has already shown the path”. The author believes that age is just a number, and fearlessness and resilience are innate qualities. She urges everyone “to celebrate Malala even more by first celebrating your daughters, sisters, and daughters-in-law, ensuring they receive the education and rights they deserve.”
“I have honestly not met any Malala in my life yet, but yes, I have met many who are trying to fight in different fields — one of them is Ratnaboli Ray fighting for mental health,” adds Samragnee. She is looking forward to meeting many more fighters and listening to their stories.
