Pakistan

Pakistani female researcher wins firsts prize in Chinese essay competition

Published

4 years ago

January 23, 2021

Editor

BEIJING, Jan 23 (APP): This month, Sarah Mazhar, Pakistani PhD student from Beijing University of Technology (BJUT), who has formally learnt Mandarin since September 2019, bagged first prize in an essay competition for international students in Beijing.
Sarah was serving as Lecturer in Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
in National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad.

Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (The BPAFFC) and related organizations jointly organized the 2020 ‘Beijing and I’ Theme Essay Competition for foreign students in Beijing to enhance the interest and ability of foreign students in learning Chinese.

Aimed at strengthening people-to-people friendship, the competition is being organized after every two years, and 2020 is the fifth competition, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

“I recommend all Pakistani people to learn Chinese,” Sarah said. “In fact, Chinese has started to be taught in many schools in Pakistan. We love China as our brother, so we want to communicate with Chinese people and get to know the country more. As most Chinese people prefer to speak Mandarin, rather than English, so it motivates us to learn Mandarin for better communication.”

She also shared her experiences in learning Mandarin with reporters. Sarah believed that Chinese is quite different from Urdu, “Chinese, a symbolic and tonal language as the meaning of a word changes according to its tone, is difficult to learn by heart ‘at first’. But once you get to know how to study the language, it will be easy,” she commented.

Sarah said learning Chinese has opened many doors for her to explore the vast world, “Through learning Chinese we will be able to better understand all the peculiarities and prospects of CPEC. For example, Pakistanis can communicate and cooperate with Chinese engineers and everybody involved in the project in a more effective way.

Moreover, if Pakistanis learn Chinese from childhood just like learning English, bilateral relations will come very close. Meanwhile, we can do the positive portrayal and representation of CPEC worldwide,” she remarked.

“Learning Chinese will play an important role in understanding the culture. Cultural exchanges between the two countries are a token of love. If the countries know about bilateral culture, their people will be united and the way ahead of bilateral relations will become clearer as well.”

College of International Education (CIE), is the major teaching faculty that offers high quality Chinese courses to international students who study at BJUT. Apart from credits Chinese courses, CIE also offers Chinese courses after school time to all international students who are interested to learn Chinese.

Dr. Li Yi, the Mandarin teacher of Sarah in BJUT, spoke highly of the performance of the Pakistani students. She said, “In my Chinese class, many international students are from Pakistan. They have impressed me with their hard work and positive attitudes.

They come to talk to me during the class breaks and they tell me how much they enjoy learning Chinese. I would always encourage them to use the Chinese they have learnt in class in daily life.”

Pakistan

“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

EDITOR

a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.