Zeneshe Bomanji, defends Pakistan abroad.

The girl, who made her country proud, Zeneshe Bomanji from Multan, Pakistan.

For Pakistanis living abroad, usually the most disturbing element is, the improper perception of their native country, by others . Most of them find themselves incapable of answering, if something is said against it. But, here we have a shinning example of a twelve years old brave heart, Zeneshe Peshotan Bomanji, who always felt, her country, Pakistan was not being properly projected to the world. Specially in England, where her family lives now.

This beautiful Parsi family, originally hails from Multan. Where, their family name 'Bomanji' serves as a milestone. There is a prominent square in their name, 'Bomanji chowk', in cantonment area, next to their ancestral home. Now, an enormous plaza, 'Bomanji square' is also being constructed. An exquisite masterpiece of classic architecture, which speaks volumes about, how this name has transcended history and is to grace the future of the city of saints.

Zeneshe is the daughter of Havovie and Peshotan Bomanji. A couple, well loved and admired by Multani-ites. Their children, spent their early childhood in Multan. But as Havovie is a British national as well, the family decided to educate Zara, Zeneshe and Zahan, back in Britain.

The sensitive, little, patriotic Zeneshe kept defending Pakistan, whenever somebody pointed a finger at it. She loved her country and always wanted to present the positive side, of the land of her parents and grand parents to the world. She remained in search of such chance, when she could talk to a bigger audience, specially to her class mates and school fellows.Finally, one day she discovered there was a speech competition at her school, with a topic;

                                                 " It's Far More than That"

And that was it. She immediately decided to speak about Pakistan is 'far more' than how the world perceives it. She went through several rounds and came out as a winner. Also, secured first prize in the final declamation contest. She convinced everybody in the audience about the positive features of Pakistan that many of them, including the judges and the chief guest of the contest, walked up to her mother and admired her patriotism.

Following is the speech of this little girl. Which is sure going to provide many Pakistanis living abroad, points to speak in favor of their country. And even more, inspire a spirit of patriotism, if a twelve years old can defend her with words, there is a lot that others can do.                                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                         Zeneshe's speech
                                                        
Good Evening Judges, Ladies and Gentlemen!

How many of you associate Pakistan with violence, terrorists and bomb blasts? Well, don’t get me wrong Pakistan has it's dark side like any other country, but there is much more to this country than the media hyped stereotypes.

So, I’m on a mission to prove that Pakistan is not just a country of hard-line Islamic fundamentalists, terror training camps, subjugated women and cricket cheats. It’s far more than that.

Just to let you know that even though I’m from Pakistan, contrary to popular belief, I don’t have a gun in my pocket, I am not planning on blowing up your home or school and no, I did not know Osama Bin Laden! And yes, these are all things I have been accused of, albeit in semi jest since Primary School. ( Audience broke into laughter, as Neshu delivered those lines with cool, calm, dry humour, that had people listening so intently you could feel the atmosphere in the auditorium change)

So, let me now tell you what I see in Pakistan. And what I have witnessed to be true. It is a land of stark contrasts where extreme wealth lives alongside abject poverty. Top brand designer stores, 5 star hotels, private beaches, luxury homes and affluence co exist with beggars, perpetual daily electricity cuts, overcrowded slum areas and squalor.

All women do not walk around wearing a long black bed sheet, a burka.... And nooooo, women do not have to walk 10 paces behind a man or obey his every command, very far from it !

Pakistan has several female politicians with the most famous of them all being Benezir Bhutto who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan in two non-consecutive terms .

Women head up major international companies, and excel in the highly competitive corporate, business, medical and fashion fields to name but a few. Many women wear western clothing, or their highly fashionable national dress, the shalvar kameez and Pakistan’s fashion industry is at a all time high with original designs from young and older designers making their fashion mark.

Educated women from liberal homes are not always forced into arranged marriages but many can date and choose their own partners in their own time. If anything some women have become so successful and strong that some of the more insecure men find them rather intimidating ! (Again, another round of laughter erupted)

Pakistan is a nation where family and friends are loved and the elderly are respected. Elderly people are not sent to live in nursing homes, but are kept at home and looked after with love in their own familiar surroundings.
Pakistani hospitality is legendary, no simple cup of tea and a biscuit, if you are invited round. A full blown dinner will almost always be laid on no matter who you are and Pakistan’s social scene is one that would be hard to beat anywhere ! Even if out in the countryside and walking through a village, the poorest of the poor would invite you in to share a meal with them and whats more, they consider it a blessing to do so.

Pakistan is a cricketing nation. Yes, we have been accused of cheating, but in all honesty, which country has not been guilty of that one, even if they were never caught!
Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup championship with the charismatic Imran Khan as their Captain. The Pakistan Cricket team also won the ICC World 20/20 tournament in 2009.
On Pakistan's 1992 tour of England, England had no answer to the reverse swing, a new phenomenon to them. Pakistan won the series 2–1. The series was controversial one as the Pakistani team were accused of ball tampering, particularly being discriminated against by the English media. However, it was later proved that the Pakistani bowlers were simply ahead of their time with their reverse swing creation. Sadly, the media show Pakistan in a permanently poor light. It’s like showing parts of run down Brixton and saying this is how the whole of England is, of course it isn’t and likewise neither is Pakistan.

Yes, a fundamentalist element is there but it is a small minority and not a true reflection of the honest, hardworking Pakistani on the street. Sadly, the violent actions of the few, impact on the nation as a whole.The average Pakistani abhors violence and they are victims of terrorism themselves, but the media declines to highlight this.

There is so much more I could say but time doesn’t permit me. I have tried to show you Pakistan in a very different light from the one the media exposes. If your opinion on Pakistan has changed even slightly, then my mission is accomplished. Thank you all for taking the time to listen to my speech this evening"
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                                   Well done Zeneshe! We are all so proud of you.

Zeneshe with her mother Havovie Bomanji.

Mr. Peshotan and Havovie Bomanji, proud parents with their children.

Zeneshe, Zahan and Zara Bomanji.

Mr. Bomanji with his son Mr. Peshotan and grandchildren.