Afghan Ownership

When I read senior government officials, intellectuals and civil society leaders bring out Afghan ownership, I sit back and ponder: whose ownership again?

Do we mean the young generation growing up without access to basic education? The impoverished women deprived of their husbands, brothers, sons and daughters? Or, those elements of the Afghan society who have failed the test of the Afghan nation? Where would these Afghans who will take the ownership of the nation actually come from?

Today, Farhad Daray stands up to this challenge of taking on the agony and torment of a war-weary nation battered by despair and the loss of loved ones.

One of the most illustrious, humble and gifted Afghan musicians whose lyrics and voice have been both the reflections of the pains and joys of the Afghan nation for decades, Farhad Darya has pledged over 7,000 Euros and 5,000 US dollars assistance for orphans and artists.

Speaking at a news conference, the artist said the money would be distributed among the children and the singers through a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and the Afghanistan Music Foundation.

This is not a one-time selfless act by the 47-year old artist in exile. He was the first of hundreds of singers to travel to Afghanistan and give people the hope for a better future. Wherever he travels, Farhad Darya is showered with warmth, affection and praise from his compatriots.

He has taken on numerous humanitarian projects: I'm cold, Afghanistan in Not, Loud Night, A bridge between starts as some illustrations of his consistent contributions to remedy the deep wounds of poor Afghans.

Farhad Darya has set an example for millions of youths, artists, celebrities and 'cool stars' to rethink their responsibilities and horizons.

U2's Bono and Microsoft's Bill Gates were named Time Magazine's Persons of the Year 2005. Farhad Darya's passion for helping the humanity is paralell to, if not less, than what these great personaliteis have devoted to Africa and the rest of the world.

Farhad Darya may not have won any war, but he has left his comfort zone to help defeat some of the greatest enemies in Afghanistan: darkness and poverty.

He has ventured into an uneasy road travelled by very few, if any, Afghan celebrities. It is a road that every Afghan, man, woman and child must take to build our own dream of a prosperous Afghanistan.

Now, this is my earnest vision of Afghan ownership.

With files from: Pajwok News

Related Link:

Farhad Darya's Official Website
Watch Darya's Video Songs