The writer is the maternal grandfather of Iqra Noor, a disabled girl by birth. I am proud to briefly narrate amazing story of her struggle and success for others to learn and follow:
Iqra is the only surviving baby, disabled by birth with a large boil on her hips. As usual with our social system, the birth of a handicapped baby was not welcomed. The homely atmosphere became ferocious and they cursed fortune of their son and pitied for having a child who was nothing but a liability. Unmindful of this offensive tirade, Iqra’s mother remained strong nerved, resolute and determined and focused only on nurturing her baby whatever the obstacles were to be. On advice of Doctors, Iqra Noor was immediately airlifted to Karachi where she was operated upon and the boil on hips was removed. By the grace of Almighty Allah, the operation was successful and Iqra recovered in a short time.
The environment at home continued to be hostile. I consoled and advised my daughter to be passionate and fight all odds to prove that a mother can change the destiny. It was contented to observe that she was undeterred and highly spirited for the future of Iqra. The little Iqra, now of schooling age, appeared very excited and always received me with her little arms firmly holding around me. In such a tender age, she was very outspoken and was always ready to narrate a story or a poem in her melodious voice. I thanked Almighty Allah as It was, for me, an indicator of her great talent. The efforts and sacrifices of her mother were evidently bearing fruit.
Living with disability was not an easy task in our society. We also faced many problems as most of the normal schools were hesitant to take a disabled girl.
Nevertheless, Allah helped us and a renowned school accepted her foreseeing the hidden talent. True to expectations, Iqra produced excellent academic results. Audacious as she was, Iqra participated in stage dramas and debates, which introduced her widely. While such performances won her many awards, there was visible change in attitudes too. The environment of ridicule and humiliation gradually changed to sympathy and praise. The joyous moments made her more confident and determined
Iqra’s reputation as a speaker/debater had already travelled to college that she joined. She was well received in college from where she qualified ICS and later B. Com in 1st Division. Imagine the will and determination of a girl who was unable to climb and board a bus, has been commuting to and from school/college for many years purely on the strength of her strong resolve and willpower. I sympathized with her for excessive struggle, but she took everything as a challenge to annul the impression about her and bring some solace in her mother’s life.
During her college education, she was introduced to STEP (Special Talent Exchange Program), an NGO engaged with noble objective of empowering disabled persons through training and counselling. The platform of ‘STEP’ opened many avenues of advancement for her. She was given opportunities to participate in seminars and workshops as a motivational speaker. In a short period, her contributions as a social activist were recognized and she was given membership of renowned organizations like UNDP (UN Women), Disability minister at SYA, SAYAA Association, Aurat Foundation and Federal Member, PYA, Islamabad. Her reputation as a social activist and motivational speaker had now widely travelled and recognized. The University of Lahore invited and sponsored her visit for a lecture in the University. She was
also invited by prominent NGOs as a Guest Speaker. All these activities were reported in the print media which attracted the attention of leading TV owners. She was invited and participated in live morning shows on ‘Geo’, ‘Samaa’ and ‘Hum’.
The family was proud that Iqra was now extensively known in the country and quoted as a role model. She won many awards but the most notable being the prestigious ‘Khadijatul Kubra award 2019’. This award is decided by an international jury and is awarded in recognition of and to honor the prodigious contributions for the empowerment of women with disabilities in Pakistan. The award was presented by the 1st lady, the wife of the Honorable President of Pakistan in Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The ceremony was attended by ambassadors, government functionaries and capital elite. I and Iqra’s mother also participated. It is difficult in words to explain how joyous we were to see Iqra on the stage and receiving the award. Tears flowed on to my cheeks in festivity and my head bowed before Almighty Allah who showered His innumerous blessings on us and enabled us to see this glorious day. It was very pleasant to see the VIPs present on the occasion, meeting Iqra and congratulating her for achieving a milestone glory. The condition of her mother was more sentimental. She made tremendous sacrifices and I congratulated her for her efforts and struggle in bringing up Iqra, which paid dividends in a very nice way.
Iqra Noor was also blessed with remarkable skill of blog writing. The following blogs were published in international journals:
- “Touching Horizons” by Blog name of “Floret Desert” published in social media like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn,
- Article on my achievements in UN Women titled ” IQRA’S STORY”
- Article in international Monthly Pakistan Special titled “MY STORY”
Unfortunately, Iqra’s parents separated and Iqra opted to accompany her mother. Both shifted to my house (maternal grandfather’s) house. The tragic incident was shocking, but she endured it with fortitude and courage. The episode ignited more spirit in her and she started job with a Company to support her mother. She has great zest for higher education and is doing MSc Administrative Science from AIOU and is now in the last semester. She is introduced internationally through her blogs and lectures, and I am confident, Almighty Allah will create more avenues and a Divine call will, one day, place her in PhD program of a foreign University.
Indeed, Iqra changed the whole scenario. Those dubbing her a waste material were forced to eat their words. Not only the family but whosoever heard of her story, praised and complimented her. But the real force behind her incredible achievements has been her mother who faced onslaught from in-laws and society with courage and fortitude. She sacrificed her today for Iqra’s future. Therefore, while Iqra deserves all the praise and admiration, I salute his mother (my daughter) for her valiant struggle to make Iqra what she is today.