Written by: Farheen Abdullah
Posted on: February 16, 2018 | 
| 中文
Khalid Anwar with his listeners at the front, Noor Muhammad at the back
In today’s world, many consider reading to be a time-consuming and boring task. The concept of talking books, however, presents a perfect blend of reading and conversation. Primarily inspired by the Human Library Organization, and aimed at building positive relationships between strangers through dialogue, this concept allows volunteers to serve as animated books. Visitors can borrow a person and listen to their life story. On 11th February, 2018, TDF (The Dawood Foundation) Ghar in collaboration with Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP) arranged an event along the same lines called, ‘Breathing Books.’
NOWPDP was established in 2008 as a disability inclusion initiative. Striving to promote inclusivity in the areas of education and economic empowerment, NOWPDP works with all kinds of differently abled individuals. Their mandate focuses on capacity building at an individual, institutional, and societal level, and raising awareness about challenges faced by persons with different needs. Breathing Books is their most recently launched project.
“The goal was to let people listen to the real, raw, and moving stories of persons with disabilities,” shared Aamna Imam, Associate External Management at NOWPDP. “Breathing Books stems from the premise of an unconventional library, where attendees borrow humans instead of books. Hopefully, such interactions will help dismiss stereotypes regarding differently abled people, as well as create dialogue.”
Even though the library only had five ‘books’ to offer, the chosen humans had much to offer in terms of art, music, and inspiration. The readers were left in awe, admiring the courage, will power, and talent demonstrated by the individuals. One such individual was Noor Muhammad, who has set up a profitable business of wallets through the assistance of NOWPDP.
Sahiba Rani, the only female book on the occasion, took her listeners on a journey which started off with her begging on the streets to make ends meet for herself and her sick husband. After struggling for years, Rani began selling combs and other accessories on the sidewalk. Now, Rani cycles each day to Gulf Market, Karachi, where she sells shawls. Since her husband is too sick to work, he serves as the homemaker, while Rani earns; she is challenging stereotypical beliefs regarding people with disabilities as well as traditional gender roles.
The two books on art, Nabeel Siddiqui and Khalid Anwar, demonstrated the strength and power that comes with being an artist. Nabeel, who has a hearing impairment, sat in a corner of the TDF Ghar drawing sketches of visitors who volunteered. Khalid, who has a deteriorating vision, occupied another corner. He was singing, rapping, and even using his armchair as a drum, to entertain his readers. Even though a translator was present to assist Nabeel while he described how his enthusiasm for art led him to Indus Valley School, it was his paintings which proved that words aren’t always needed to fulfill dreams. In contrast, Khalid expressed himself best through spoken word and original songs. Since the tender age of three, Khalid felt neglected due to his deteriorating eyesight and broken English. A journalism student, Khalid wishes to join the media and become famous, in order to make up for these hardships.
Perhaps the most inspirational story was that of Imran Ghanchi, who hasn’t allowed his physical impairment or criminal record to define the course of his life. Turning his weakness into his strength, Imran has designed bikes, rikshaws and cycles, which can be operated using only upper body limbs. While he also knows tailoring and plumbing, Imran currently serves as a motivational speaker for students on behalf of NOWPDP. Along with his friends, he has also started a private initiative, Baithak, which allows them to visit different areas of Karachi and conduct awareness sessions.
Through this creative idea, NOWPDP has taken the first step towards building a more sensitive and inclusive society, and presenting differently abled in a positive light. Such events not only serve as reminders to be more empathetic to the less privileged, but also as cues to pay more attention to the struggles of our loved ones.
To support Nabeel visit: Deaf Nabeel Art Gallery
https://web.facebook.com/nabeelahmedsxz25/
To support Khalid visit: K-Town Adolescents
https://web.facebook.com/K-Town-Adolescents-1685060461707062/
You may also like:
