Bamyan having been a center of great civilizations of the Buddhist, Indian and Persian reigns is placed on list, where the remnants of the Gandhara Arts (the Greco-Buddhist arts) speak volumes of its cultural diversity and significance. The province with the first National Park, Shar-e-Zuhak, Gholghola, Ajar Valley and the tallest standing Buddha Statues was once the most favorite destination for recreation and research; however, the 3 decades war brought a total destruction to the entire infrastructure making it impossible for the visitors to tour the province.
By the establishment of the Afghan Democratic government and the new local government system, each province has a provincial council having the representatives of the people after an election. Bamyan has its active provincial council whose members make the best of their ability to address people’s issues at the provincial and national level. Part of the provincial council is the “YOUTH COUNCIL”, with the young members from all parts of the province.
Yesterday I witnessed the inauguration ceremony of the Office of the Youth Council including the Provincial Governor of Bamyan Dr. Habiba Sarabi, who believes youths are the backbones of the socio-economic, cultural and educational revolution. She did congratulate the youths for the establishment of their office and laid emphasis on comprehending their responsibilities since they have been granted the rights they had claimed for.
“Today one of the alarming challenges our nation encounters is the greater influence of foreign culture endangering our true identity; moreover, the illegal imports of food items and other products have demoralized our human resources and I believe the youths will come up with applicable approaches for public awareness on the importance of our natural resources and their better use”, recommended Mr. Akberi, the Head of Bamyan information & Culture. He ensured his utmost & handy support for all the initiatives the Youth Council undertakes.
“The district governors and the youths of the districts have been very responsive and supportive in the establishment of the district youth councils”, outlined Mr. Reza Wafa, head of Bamyan Youth Council. He introduced the heads of the (6) district councils who were specially invited for the ceremony. He introduced Bamyan youth representatives in the Afghan parliament, who were elected through a fair & transparent election.
Ms. Najeeba Masoomi, one of the Bamyan representatives paid her gratitude to the provincial government of Bamyan for their support in the establishment of the office for the Youth Council. She was of the view that the youths of Afghanistan have to play the major role in the promotion of positive image of the country. She stated, “The nations who valued their youths have experienced turning point in their history including the Great Britain, China, Japan and Germany have been the titans in the economic and IT wars. However, in our country the youths are restrained in the family, social and political affairs.” She believes the representation of the youths at the provincial & national level lays the foundation to the political stability of the country.
Afghanistan, where the families are primarily dominated by the elders and the life decisions of each member are made by the elders is on a path to a rather different scenario. However, these youths have to realize the valued of the distinctions they have been granted since our history is full of examples of our misery and chaos as the result of our decision makers’ negligence. And hopefully, prosperity and lasting glory await our nation and we will mark success in all fields of life and the people of Bamyan will enjoy the glory and contented life they used to enjoy once.
Bamyan is back to glory…
