Attention everyone!
Welcome your new classmate, Gulzar Singh!
Madam Tabassum announced at the rostrum while everyone looked at the 12-year-old Gulzar weirdly. His turban made him different from others, some were gazing, and some were laughing silently. Some kids were murmuring, and others were timidly saying Hi to Gulzar. After a little introduction, he sat at the desk silently. At the same time, madam Tabassum told students to open page no. 24 of English short stories. That day went well, but Gulzar Singh was reluctant to interact with his classmates, and so were other students.
The next day, when Gulzar reached the classroom, he noticed the same eyes gazing at him. He set his bag on a desk, but Wajahat refused to sit with him. So he picked up his bag and went to the other desk; again, Aqeel said he didn’t want to sit with the new admission. In the meantime, madam Tabassum reached the class. She assessed a different air among the students as Gulzar stood while everyone sat quietly.
“Why are you standing, Gulzar? Have a seat, please.” madam Tabassum said,
Gulzar took his bag and sat down on the last bench.
Approximately one month of his admission had passed, and none of the students was friends with Gulzar. Noone was interested in talking to him because he belonged to a different religion and culture. Those who did want to interact were also reluctant.
“I just heard that a new student Gulzar Singh in your class is a Sikh by religion.” 14-year-old Rameez (Wajahat’s brother) inquired from Wajahat.
“Yes, brother, he is different and wears a turban,” Wajahat replied secretly.
“Everyone says he is not patriotic because he is not a Muslim,” Wajahat added to his previous statement.
“Yes, we live in Pakistan, and it is founded as a separate state for Muslims; I don’t know why don’t the non-Muslims go and live in their country,” his brother replied, clenching his jaw.
On the other hand, Madam Tabassum had been noticing the odd environment of the class for a month. As she was very considerate and affectionate towards her students, she called for Gulzar in her office one day.
“What is the matter, little boy? Why are you not studying properly? And I see you don’t interact with others in the class. Don’t you want to make good friends?” madam Tabassum asked him politely.
“Ma’am! The class doesn’t like me, and they think I shouldn’t be here because I am different.” little Gulzar replied.
“Do you want to make friends with them?” madam Tabassum asked.
“Yes, madam!” said little Gulzar.
Patriotism ÔÇô Komal
“Well, let’s go to your class,” she said with a smile.
The bell rang, and it was time for madam Tabassum’s class. Her teaching methodology was so interesting that the students always awaited her lectures. As she entered the class, everyone greeted her and stood up with respect. She then told them to sit down and took the rostrum.
“Today, we have an open mic competition in the class. Every student will speak about himself in front of everybody. The whole class got excited at the thought of talking about themselves.
Madam Tabassum started calling students by their names, and everyone spoke about themselves amid their peers’ cheers.
“Now, it’s your turn Gulzar; come and tell the whole class about yourself.” said madam Tabassum.
He stood up and said, “My name is Gulzar Singh. I am twelve years old. I have one brother and one sister. My father’s name is Balvinder Singh, and he serves the land as he is in the Pakistan army. On the other hand, my mother is a doctor in a government hospital. My parents have instilled in me great regard for my land, so I am very patriotic and want to serve Pakistan by doing good deeds for my people.”
“Very well, sit down,” said the teacher politely.
A few students clapped, and then madam Tabassum addressed the whole class, “My dear students, patriotism is about serving the land. In this case, it doesn’t matter if you are a Muslim or not, for all of us are Pakistani. We are united under green but don’t forget, our flag is incomplete without the white. Therefore, we cannot judge anybody based on their religion and how they look.”
Everybody understood what the teacher wanted them to, and they all apologized to Gulzar for the odd behaviour.
Madam Tabassum, happy with the students’ changed attitude and aware of the bell that had just rung for hometime, said, “Here, we end our class. Hopefully, you will all ponder what we have learnt today.”
After leaving the classroom, Wajahat went up to his elder brother and said, “We were wrong about Gulzar, brother. Patriotism demands service and well-wishing of the country; in this matter, Gulzar is as patriotic as us.”
And guess what? He is my new friend,” he adds happily.
