Privates Schools in Swat include Pukhtu in curriculum

By: Khurshid Khan

A time will come when all the Pukhtuns- irrespective of age, social, economic and educational levels- will not feel ashamed to express themselves in Pashto/Pukhtu, their mother tongue through which they get their culture internalized, their identity established and community evolved.

International day of mother tongue is celebrated every year on February21 throughout the world including Swat. Various civil society and literary organizations organize seminars, walks and mushairas to mark the occasion and raise their voice to elevate mother tongue’s status in the society.

February 21, 2007, is going to go down the annuls of history as a day on which a 'landmark' decision that Pukhtu will not only find place in various curricula of private schools but will also get a prestigious position along with the other languages as a means of instructions, was made.

This year Global Peace Council, Environmental Protection Society Swat, Participatory Council Swat, Adabi Sangar and Swat Hunary Saqafati Toolana jointly organized a well conceived and result oriented seminar in Khpal Kor auditorium at Mingawara, Swat.

In the first session language experts discussed the scope, importance and impacts of mother tongue on national unity and progress.

In the second session a panel comprising of local government representatives, private schools management, print and electronic media announced a public commitment to safeguard and elevate the status of Pukhtu language. At this occasion Ahmad Shah, Chairman of the board of private schools, pledged that Pukhtu as a subject would be introduced from KG to class 5th in their schools from the coming session.

Fazal Rahman Nono, Tehsil Naizm, said that after consultation with Tehsil Council he will take three decisions: First, all official signboards will be in Pukhtu along with Urdu; Secondly, Tehsil Council meeting proceedings will be carried out in Pukhtu; and thirdly, all correspondence with other Tehsils and Union Councils will be done in Pukhtu language.

Mumtaz Ahmad Sadiq, Chief Editor Azadi and Khabarkar told that his dailies would publish weekly Pukhtu editions simultaneously. Murad, an artist, pledged that he would persuade public to adopt Pukhtu signboards.

Ahmad Shah’s pledge was materialized by the PSMA (Private Schools Management Association, Swat) by introducing Pukhtu in the private schools. The NWFP Textbook Board’s textbooks were prescribed initially but it was noted later on that these couldn't’t acquaint the students with their history and culture. So it was decided that a new book of Pukhtu might be introduced which would serve the purpose. Mr. Omar Khan fulfilled the task of presenting the textbook for KG, which is rightly named Wrambai Qaida (book one). The series continues till fifth grade.

The prominent figures who have initiated work for this grand cause are: Ziaudin Yusafzai, Shaukat Sharar, Khurshid khan, Fazal Azim Azim, Muhammad Roshan, Fazal Rabi Rahi and Usman Ulas yar.

Above all Mr. Ahmad Shah, Mr. Fazal Rabi and Khalilul Rahman of the PSMA Swat will always be remembered for their contribution to the cause of Pukhtu language.

Now more than 25,000 students will have Pukhtu books in their hands. The number will multiply in the coming generations.

The following Schools included Pukhtu in their curriculum.

• Al Azhar Education Institute Panr
• Al Madina Model School and College
• Asian Education Academy Kokarai
• Academy of Excellence Aligrama
• Anwar Public School Takhtaband
• Al Farooq Standard Public School Odigram
• Al Falah Girls Academy Mingawara
• Cambridge Public School Madyan
• Charbagh Girls Academy Charbagh
• Central Public School Saidu Sharif
• Elum Valley Public School Islampur
• Faizan Education Academy Gulkada
• Falcon Public School Dewlai
• Islamia Cadre Public School Sirsenai
• Khushal Public School and College
• Khyber Public School Banr
• Khyber Education Academy Gogdara
• Mehran Model School Qamber
• Manglawar Public High School Manglawar
• Orion Public School Qambar
• Oriental Public School Natmera
• Qurtaba Public School Mingawara
• Rahimabad Modern High School
• Swat Children Academy Mingawara
• Sahar Public School Engharo Dehairai
• Sir Syed Public School Madyan
• Swat Hills Public School Balogram
• Swat Education Academy Mingawara
• Sarosh Academy Mingawara
• Swat University Model School Manyar
• The Alma Mater Public School Mingawara
• The Great Brain School Mingawara
• Tipu Model School and College Kabal
• The Sahara School Mingawara
• Udhyana Model School Saidu Sharif
• Umul Qura Public School Kabal