Good News Friday

04 Jan 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , , ,

Mark Cahill - Hand TransplantAmid all the usual doom and gloom of the news stories, there were two shining rays of hope to brighten the day. The first was regarding the UK’s first hand transplant patient, Mark Cahill, who is making excellent progress after receiving a donor hand on Boxing Day.

Malala Going HomeThe second, and for me even more exciting news, is that 15 year old Malala Yousafzai, the young lady who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman, for campaigning for education for girls, left hospital today to join her family in their temporary home in Birmingham.

The attack on Malala, back in October, sparked outrage around the world. The resulting press coverage and negative reaction towards the Taliban, promoting the cause of girls education in Pakistan still further. Another case of this misguided radical Muslim group metaphorically shooting themselves in the foot.

Whilst we can only wish Mark good fortune and a speedy recovery from his surgery, we should spare a thought for the family of the donor, who having lost their loved one at Christmas, bravely allowed the hand to be used for the benefit of another. Can there be a more compassionate act?

Teenage Courage

09 Oct 2012 2 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , ,

Malala YousafzaiThe shooting today of Malala Yousafzai, the 14 year old schoolgirl who was campaigning against the Taliban imposed ban on the schooling of girls in north-west Pakistan, has caused worldwide outrage. The bravery of Malala, who started her campaign blog when she was only 11, can only be admired.

It can only be hoped that the senseless, cowardly attack on this child will further undermine the political position of the Taliban. The Islamist fundamentalists dominate the areas they control by a combination of fear and violence.

These cowards have promised to silence Malala if she continues her campaign, assuming she recovers from the head injuries sustained today. Surely it is high time that moderate Islamic people made it clear that such actions, which are bound to taint attitudes towards their religion, are totally unacceptable.

In the meantime, I ask that you join me in chanting and praying for a speedy and full recovery for Malala, such a brave and inspirational young lady.