Daily Times

Once upon a time there was a young girl, Zara. She was very talented but lacked confidence. She was afraid of facing audience. No one paid any attention to her and her fear kept growing stronger. Only Iqra, her close friend, supported her.

One day, a new teacher named Munaj came to Zara’s class. On the very first day, when Munaj saw Zara, he was impressed by her outstanding performance. Munaj saw potential in Zara and started paying attention to her.

The school conducted various ceremonies for the encouragement of the students. The students would participate in speeches, singing, dramas and many more. Munaj wanted Zara to take part in speech competition but she was hesitant. “S….Si…..sir…. I?” She stammered.

“Yes Zara. You are very talented and I wish to see you on stage,” said Munaj. Zara was looking for an excuse to refuse. “Sir, I am sorry I can’t take part. Please sir, I can’t do it.” Munaj gave her a day to think about it.

Zara came running down the stage and hugged Munaj tightly for believing in her. He had seen a spark in her that no one ever did

Munaj spent his whole day thinking about Zara. He felt bad for her. He did not want her talent to go unappreciated. He strongly believed in her potential. On the other hand, Zara was worried. She had huge respect for her teacher and did not want to refuse him.”If I don’t take part, Sir Munaj will be disappointed. And I don’t want to take part because I can’t,” she thought to herself. “Well, I should not be afraid and obey my teacher. I will take part,” she decided.

The next day when Munaj asked Zara, she was ready. Munaj felt very happy. After practicing for nearly two weeks, the day of the ceremony came. Zara was shivering. All others students delivered fine speeches. It was Zara’s turn now. She went on the stage and closed her both eyes. She became silent for a moment. Munaj came and stood in front of the stage to support Zara, “Zara, Zara, look at me. Look at me.” When Zara looked at Munaj, she felt relieved and all her fears vanished. Zara gained her confidence and delivered a fantastic speech. Everybody was shocked on her hidden talent.

She was declared as the best speaker for the competition. When she was called on stage to receive her trophy, she dedicated it to Munaj. She came running down the stage and hugged Munaj tightly for believing in her.

We have a lot of talented children like Zara around us but they mostly remain shy because no one pays any attention to them. These children need our encouragement and support. They must always be motivated to overcome their fears.

Published in Daily Times, April 15^th 2018.