Shamila was a shy and dull student of her class, always doing her work quietly with her head down. Whenever she took part in any discussion, her timid style of talking drew laughter from her classmates.

Her mother always encouraged her to ignore what others did and focus on her efforts. She couldn’t help but become demotivated.

It was a Monday morning when her class teacher announced the programme for Independence Day celebrations on August 14. Shamila was excited to take part in it as taking part in a speech competition had been her secret wish. When she raised her hand to show her willingness, all her class fellows giggled.

“Well done, Shamila! I hope you will perform well,” encouraged her teacher.

Some of her classmates were openly critical of her decision. One said, “How can you talk in front of the whole school when you cannot speak confidently in the class?”

The remark made Shamila regret her decision. When she arrived home that day from school, Shamila’s mother soon noted that something had upset her timid daughter.

Shamila’s mother gently asked, “My dear, is anything upsetting you?”

Shamila couldn’t control herself any longer and burst into tears. As her mother hugged her, in between her sobs Shamila narrated the day’s events.

“Mama, I can’t go on the stage. I’m not confident! It is the Independence Day of my beloved country and there is so much that I want to express, but I know I won’t be able to finish a single sentence with so many people watching me.”

“My dear, it is only your fear that is stopping you. You need to overcome that. The real meaning of independence is being free from negative energy and things that restrict you. You are only independent when your heart is independent. Don’t think about what people say. Just remember this when you speak, ‘Pakistan is yours and you are for Pakistan.’ This is your chance to express your feelings for your country,” her mother said.

“Alright mama, I will do as you say,” Shamila promised her mother and started to practice for her speech.

When the day of the speech arrived, Shamila was beaming with confidence. And when she began her speech, the words seemed to flow from her lips so effortlessly — all because they were heartfelt and full of love for her country.

As she ended her speech with these words, “We are a living nation and are tied with unity, faith and discipline,” there was a lot of applause. Everyone loved her speech and even though she didn’t win the first prize, she still came second in the competition, which was way beyond her friends’ and classmates’ expectations. They were ashamed of making fun of her and apologised to her for their behaviour.

Shamila immediately forgave them because on this Independence Day, she had really become independent.

Published in Dawn, Young World August 12th, 2017