Dear Kids, Assalam-o-Alaikum!
Happy Ramadan, Happy Pakistan Resolution Day!
Hope you have prepared well to welcome the sacred month of Ramadan, and to celebrate Pakistan Day with an added zeal and zest. The sound of “23rd March” continues to echo in our ears and reverberates in our hearts since childhood. Every year, on this day, we commemorate the most pivotal and exuberant moment of history – the resolve of making Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal’s dream a reality. It laid not only the groundwork for Pakistan’s creation, but also serves as a reminder of our unity, resolve and resilience in the quest for independence. It was 23rd March 1940, 83 years and 10 months ago, that our forefathers gathered at Minto Park Lahore under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and passed the historic resolution demanding a separate homeland for Muslims of subcontinent. This resolution ignited the flame of hope and determination among the millions who yearned for freedom from the colonial rule, and the Hindu majoritarian exploitation.
    This month’s Hilal for Kids carries useful write-ups, briefly telling you about the history of Pakistan Movement starting from Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s time. I am sure, learning about the significance of this day will give you a deeper understanding of the Two-Nation Theory, and the huge sacrifices made by our forefathers in order to secure a better future for us. It certainly instills in us a sense of pride, identity of our own, the shining legacy of our past, and a strong connection to our roots. Don’t you think, we need to continue our march towards unity and progress with the same spirit of Pakistan Resolution? The best way is to stick to the Quaid’s golden principles of “Faith, Unity & Discipline”, and “Work, work & more work.” These words of wisdom can help us in many ways: while embarking on a journey of learning and discovery, while instilling in us values of unity, resilience and curiosity, and by becoming well informed, compassionate, steadfast and useful citizens of tomorrow.
    And you know what is the most befitting display of that “spirit” running in our veins? Well, in the most magnificent manner, it is the Joint Services Parade, that is held each year as a mega highlight of Pakistan Day celebrations. It is where the smartly turned-out contingents of Pakistan Armed Forces showcase their professional excellence, utmost discipline, valour, and commitment to defending the motherland. Usually called as “23rd March Parade”, it serves not only as a display of military prowess, but also as a symbol of national unity, vibrancy and strength. Children specially watching the parade live or gluing to TV screens are filled with motivation and inspiration from the brave men and women in uniform, who are defending every inch of the homeland with unwavering dedication and devoutness.
Dear Friends!
The March edition of Hilal for Kids also delves into other significant events and topics. With the blessed month of Ramadan commencing in March and culminating in Eid-ul-Fitr in April, we have a very precious opportunity to learn about the spiritual significance of fasting, charity, and bonding. Fasting is not just to stop eating from dawn to dusk, but it is also to stop telling lies or doing back biting; it is to become regular in our prayers and in reciting the Holy Quran. Remember, merely reading Quran is not sufficient unless we dedicate a time for understanding its message. Besides, you can keep yourself busy in other healthy activities like learning something unique during a free time. See, this month’s edition is introducing you to an exciting new venture – the Scratch software that empowers children to unleash creativity and explore the world of coding in a fun and interactive way. Through Scratch, you can design your own animations, games, and stories; it can also give you critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Computer and mobile are valuable aid in education, yes! But, it is important to strike a balance between online resources and traditional learning methods. You need to explore diverse sources of knowledge, engage in hands-on activities, and seek guidance from parents or teachers to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
    And friends, the month of April usually heralds the arrival of spring; you are invited to embrace the beauty of nature and celebrate the renewal of life around you; you can write to us your experience whether you plant a garden, go on nature hikes, or simply enjoy the vibrant colors of spring blooms. We’ll give a space to the best write-up.
Many cheers!

Farooq-uz-Zaman