Indian expat's book on Malala a hit in Dubai

Indian expatriate community in the UAE is praying for the quick recovery of the 15-year-old Pakistani girl Malala Yousuf - a victim of a terrorist attack. The teenager from Swat area of Pakistan is currently undergoing treatment at a London hospital. A leading Indian radio jockey in Dubai has expressed his solidarity with Malala Yousuf, by writing and publishing a book dedicated to her. The 100-page book in Malayalam titled Vediyundakalkku Munnilolru Shalabham [Malala- a Butterfly In Front of Bullets] narrates the young Pakistani girl’s plight and ideology. About 1,000 copies of the book, released last Friday by Kerala Finance Minister KM Mani in Dubai are already sold and the author is planning the second edition with additional inputs. Achu Ommen, daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, received the first copy. “I used to write about Malala Yousuf in Indian newspapers and later decided to publish a book about her because there was space limit in a newspaper. Malala is a representative of about 61 million children all over the world, especially in the conflict-hit regions, who cannot attend school due to a number of reasons. In Swat area of Pakistan alone, nearly 100,000 children cannot attend school due to violence and war,” says Baiju Bhaskar, News Editor, Asianet Radio, Dubai. He was earlier with Ras Al Khaimah Radio and Oxygen FM Radio Stations. The book comprises extracts from her diary and website, her interviews and speeches. “I am a Muslim and Islam allows maximum freedom to women. We start with Iqra, reading and learning and many students could not attend school due to many reasons. Even in India many girl students cannot attend school because of financial constraints. Education is crucial for development, “said Punnakkan Mohammed Ali, President, Chiranthana, a socio-political organisation that published the book. “With this book, we have expressed our solidarity with young girls. We stand against terrorism and support girls’ education,” he added. This is the 17th book published by the socio-cultural organisation. All over the world, there is a sympathy wave for the injured girl, struggling for life in the hospital bed. Malala was airlifted to the Queen Elizebath hospital in London after she was attacked on October 9 for promoting girls education. The book in Malayalam language reflects his dedication and admiration for the teenage girl, who is currently undergoing treatment in London. All over the world including India, support groups have sprung up to praise the young bold girl and if newspaper reports are to be believed, a Hindi movie is going to be made about her life. Malala has been identified as a symbol of courageous fight against militancy that stood for the rights of female education. The United Nations Organisation declared November 10, 2012 as Malala Day, as symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of female education “This book highlights our dedication to education of the female students and in our own country girls cannot attend school due to lack of fund,” he said. Punnakkan Mohammed Ali, President of Chiranthana, a socio political organization that published the book said: “The book is based on the diary entries of Malala Yousuf, who has been outspoken through her television programmes, blogs and other community activities. “In India, various political parties and youth groups like the Indian Students Unions and Democratic Youth Fronts have organized Malala solidarity meets and Malala Days on November 10, 2012. “I have finished the book on November 10, 2012. About 1000 copies of the book are already sold and only fifty copies are left,” Biju Bhaskar said. The gun attack victim is reportedly recovering from the severe bullet wounds. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari recently visited her in the hospital bed and her father Ziauddin Yusufzai, has been named the UN Education Ambassador for Global Education.