Page 6 - Urdu Link - May 25, 2018

P6 – PAKISTAN LINK – MAY 25, 2018 OPINION
n By Dr Akbar Ahmed Sushmita, My Kamboj Student plexities and charms of South Asian history.
Washington, DC He shared little gems of knowledge every day
— while watching a movie, while reading the
hen Sushmita Kamboj joined my 2017 and insisted on returning to school early their shared features and cultural connections. news or while passing by an old building. By
World of Islam class as a student to help with my book, Journey into Europe. I was impressed by how she quickly began to the time I was a teenager, I had become a vora-
Wtwo years ago, she spoke of the In her email, she said, “In light of the recent zero in on what I consider to be a viable topic cious reader like him. All this helped me shape
vast distances between Islam and Hindu- atrocities around the world, I have thought for further anthropological study, and I en- my own interest and catalyzed my desire to
ism in India. Growing up in about your confident and restless nature that couraged her excitement in and dedication to delve into academia.”
Yamunanagar, about three believes in changing whatever you do not like uncovering the history of this tribe and how Sushmita also reflected on the shaping
hours north of New Delhi, in this world. The philosophy of self-creation political divisions have altered their tribal cus- of her academic interests: “Though I had pas-
she recalls, “In school, every and self-assertion that you practice also re- toms throughout history. sion for academia, I needed to further de-
joke was about a Pakistani. minds me of Iqbal’s philosophy of khudi. I I asked her to explain why this project is velop my understanding and build confidence
The news constantly showed remember learning about it from my grand- so meaningful to her. She replied, “It has al- in my ideas. I feel that my work with Profes-
Pakistan and its people as the father, who himself embodied that philosophy ways pained me as a lover of history that no sor Ahmed allowed me to hone my abilities.
enemy. We would go to the and shared it as his last words to me.” It gave me direction, purpose and confidence
border between India-Pakistan and shout She returned with impressive energy and “For me, the most glorious which was critical for my acceptance in a
to the other side during parades. In that en- commitment to scholarship: she assisted with prestigious program such as the one in Uni-
vironment, it is easy to believe that one is the book, my forthcoming play and peace- moment was when I gave my versity of Oxford. Professor Ahmed showed
indeed very different.” building exercises. She also wrote a strong father Journey into Europe, and me where to look but never compelled me on
This summer she became instrumental in piece about the Quaid-i-Azam and Mahatma saw him not only read it but also what to see; it is because of this he is my guru.”
closing those gaps. Gandhi titled, “Building Bridges with the Oth- later in the day share bits from the When I asked her about how her interest
She had gone home taking a copy of my er (ed),” which was published in the Huffing- book with family and friends. My in bridge building emerged, she responded,
book Journey into Europe: Islam, Immigra- ton Post. “My interest in bridge building was inspired
tion, and Identity with her. It was well received: During my conversations with Sush- father has a knack for sharing what by Professor Ahmed. After seeing him work
“For me, the most glorious moment was when mita, I became particularly intrigued by her he reads in books. He shared with tirelessly to promote better understanding
I gave my father Journey into Europe, and ancestral history as a member of the Kamboj fascination Islamic contributions among people of different faiths, I began to
saw him not only read it but also later in the of India, which she often spoke about with to Muslim society and his friends see the value in it myself.” She added, “I knew
day share bits from the book with family and great enthusiasm. I advised her to dig deeper listened wide-eyed and struck very little about Islam even though I had many
friends. My father has a knack for sharing what into her tribal lineage and encouraged her to Muslim students in my school. It was in col-
he reads in books. He shared with fascination pursue a study of the Kamboj through anthro- with wonder. Now, this is a rare lege after seeing Muslims from all over the
Islamic contributions to Muslim society and pology. Initially, she was hesitant. However, as sight in a Hindu household and world and meeting Professor Ahmed that I
his friends listened wide-eyed and struck with she worked on my research team, she began for me, this epitomizes Professor got to learn about Islam. My misconceptions
wonder. Now, this is a rare sight in a Hindu to see the discipline ideally suited her inter- about the religion began to disappear.”
household and for me, this epitomizes Profes- est in studying South Asia. She additionally Ahmed’s influence and impact.” After she applied to do an MA in Anthro-
sor Ahmed’s influence and impact.” took great interest in my work on the Pukhtun pology at Oxford University, I waited anxious-
Sushmita saw the impact of building people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which helped ly for the official response until she sent this
bridges extend beyond her family, noting, “Af- her build the necessary confidence to pursue a clear picture emerges of the social history or breathless message:
ter sharing Journey into Europe, I witnessed study of her own heritage. development of the people across the territo- “I must talk to you. Once I stop shaking.
many family friends also begin a very positive Sushmita soon began to focus her re- ries of eastern Afghanistan to New Delhi and It is only because of you. Only because of you!
conversation about Muslim society. Suddenly, search interests on the modern day descen- beyond. There is no other populated region in Thank you so much, this means so much. It
the negative connotations attached to Muslim dants — kom, kamboh, and kamboj people the world in the recorded times in respect to is really heartwarming to have your support
societies began to disappear.” — of the ancient Kambojas spread across which we have to mark so astonishing a gap in both in my academic pursuits and outside the
She had done it: this young student had Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. These de- knowledge.” classroom in my career.”
built bridges on the basis of knowledge and scendants still carry remnants of their origi- She was inspired in her studies by the Sushmita promised, “Your students will
scholarship. nal name and ancestral occupations, but live love of reading shared by her grandfather and work for a more prosperous and united sub-
Sushmita’s commitment to the pursuit separated by national boundaries, linguistic father, of whom she writes: “One of my most continent since you have lit a fire that shall not
of knowledge was evident when she wrote to traditions, and religious identities. By studying vivid childhood memories is of captivating stop. I hope for a more stable and strong
me from home during her summer holiday in them, Sushmita seeks to help in identifying conversations with my father about the com- STUDENT, P24

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