New Blogger: Jamal

May 17, 2006

My name is Jamal Khalid Swati. I am from Mansehra (badly affected by 8th October Earthquake) Pakistan. I am 26 years old and I work as an electronic media journalist and Radio Producer in Jazba-e-Tameer (Desire to Rebuild) which is a project of Internews.

For the last 6 months I have been travelling throughout the affected areas and reporting a story on daily basis. Being the inhabitant of earthquake affected area it was completely a blessing for me to work for Jazba. The reason was that the best thing in this world I knew before 8th October was a bit of radio production. My first feeling at that time was that I should do something for my people and Jazba provide me the platform.

If I look back at last five months I can see "Jamal" A man who just transformed from an emotional energetic boy to a mature optimistic youth with broadened horizons of thinking. Almost everyday I pick up a lot of things while covering humanitarian and relief activities. Every moment that I spent with Jazba as a producer is memorable for me. Every passing day teaches me the real meaning of humanity, respect and sincerity.

It was the eve of New Year and I was doing a story about how foreign aid workers are going to celebrate New Year night. In Italian field hospital I met miss Nao Poun of Thailand. She was accountant by profession and was serving in the hospital as a volunteer. It was really a great gesture by a woman who was not aware of Pakistani culture language and people but still serving the needy by washing their clothes and cleaning the hospital. She was the fine example of the fact that it doesn't matter who you are. Important thing is if you have got a heart or not.

I was at Mera camp in Shangla district for covering the story of Save the Children cattle farm for displaced cattle and animals. There was a Buffalo in the farm making a lot of grunts. It was difficult for me to interview the farm manager so I asked the manger about that. He told me that the owner of the buffalo was not there for the last two days and the buffalo is missing him, so much so that it has not allowed anybody to milk her out.

That was a small thing but it has taught me a lot. I have no regrets if I die because now I know that at last I have done something that has make some good things happening.