Changing mindsets
“We like children for the first of all because they are ours; prolongations of our luscious and unprecedented selves. However, we also like them because they are what we would but cannot be—coordinated animals, whose simplicity and unity of action are spontaneous, whereas in the philosopher they come only after struggle and suppression. We like them because of what in us is called selfishness—the naturalness and undisguised directness of their instincts. We like their unhypocritical candor; they do not smile to us when they long for annihilation.” Will Durant
Nature has created a gambit for the endurance of a child by diluting the various cruel hazards of atmosphere. But it is the human being which knowingly or unknowingly tries to harm this innocent yet potential species of him. It is the school going strata of the society who’s if socialization occurs properly can revamp the fate of the nations. All the developed countries put a lot of efforts to fine tune the school going children and students. There are a number of research articles and studies which stipulate the notability of investment on children, which is actually the key to national progress. Basic requirements of children include better education, nourishing atmosphere, better quality of food and conducive environment free of harassment and mental torture.
The provision of these things is the responsibility of the government.
The situation of children in Pakistan is worse in this regard. Pakistan is ranked 2nd when it comes to count the maximum number of children not going to schools in Pakistan. Similarly children in Pakistan are in danger of child labour and sexual abuse—the Kasur incident and the Javed Iqbal case. The plight of the children of Tharparkar is another example. The nation as a whole appears to fail in gauging the importance of the children in the progress of the country.
In this regard very heart breaking news came when a police officer, newly posted in Raiwind within first few days of his posting, raided a farm house where students of a private varsity were celebrating their farewell function. He along with heavy force arrested students most of whom were girls – the force was devoid of lady police. The said officer brought them to Police Station in the police vehicles and longed FIR of misusing the loud speaker. This is very strange and shows the mentality of our generation towards students/children. One must ask if the police has eliminated all other heinous crimes or is it just a way to gain cheap popularity. This is the reason why police force; despite of having great martyrs like Captain Mubeen and Zahid Gondalhas failed to gain popularity among the ordinary people.
Mere changing of uniform and expensive advertisements on media does not change the culture. It is the mentality which needs to be changed.
Students are to be supported instead of being brought to thanas like criminals. The current DIG Lahore has started a number of programs to provide relief to the general public. I am amazed that how this incident went unnoticed by the seasoned and capable DIG operation Dr Haider Ashraf. This is really sad!
But the picture is not all grim. A very positive initiative is taken by the Punjab food authority. The authority once declared Lahore as a place where people are eating donkeys. The authority at that time (without creating awareness) destroyed the businesses of a number of restaurants and hotels. The moves of the authority at that time were nothing but a way to get cheap publicity. The authority used media especially social media to defame Lahore internationally. But the new management of Punjab Food Authority under the leadership of Noor ul Amin Mengal is doing some very excellent projects. One such project is the food control for the better health of children. The Punjab Food authority by its enactment has categorised the food in three categories i.e. Green, Yellow and Red. The Green category of food includes potable/ clean drinking water, seasonal fresh fruit juices, seasonal fruits, cream chaat, fruit chat, channa chaat, salads, roasted fried, grilled and steamed vegetables, bread/ toast, pasta, rice, pizza, milk, fortified dairy products, flavoured milk, milk shakes, yogurt, lassi, smoothies, sandwich, egg, meat balls and sausages. These are the food items which according to the notification of the Punjab food authority would always be on the menu of the canteens of schools, colleges and also around the hundred meter radius of the educational institutions. And the canteens are bound to provide. The yellow category includes processed food like tea, coffee, biscuits, ice creams and sweets. They can be kept for the children by the canteens and those who are selling the products within 100 meter radius of the educational institutions but in less quantity. Similarly the last kind is Red which includes cola drinks and purely processed material. These foods are prohibited in schools and also around it.
This is a remarkable, constructive and creative step taken by the Punjab Food Authority unlike its previous image of creating terror among the people—especially in Lahore– regarding the type of meat being used. Parents should also help in making this plan successful for the betterment of our new generation. This is the right way to mend the affair of state as far as the children are concerned. This is a step in the right direction – and all the other institutions should also learn a lesson from the Punjab Food Authority.
