Tehmina Aslam Ranjha is a distinguished educationist and a passionate youth parliamentarian:

Here is her interview where she continues to inspire and strive at the same time!

SD: What sparked your passion for education and teaching?

My passion for education and teaching stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of learning. I have always been inspired by how education can open doors, broaden perspectives, and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Through reading hundreds of books, I have seen countless examples of great people who started with humble beginnings and transformed their lives through education.

For instance, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was largely self-educated and rose from poverty to lead the country through the Civil War. Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, taught himself to read and write, becoming a leading abolitionist and advocate for African American rights. Nelson Mandela, educated at several institutions, developed the leadership skills necessary to fight apartheid and become South Africa’s first Black president.

Marie Curie overcame significant gender barriers to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences. Booker T. Washington, born into slavery, pursued education with great determination and founded the Tuskegee Institute to provide vocational training for African Americans. Helen Keller, despite being deaf and blind, learned to communicate and graduated from Radcliffe College, becoming an author and advocate for people with disabilities.

Teaching, as a noble profession associated with the Prophets, carries a profound sense of responsibility and honor. I believe that God created humans with an inherent capacity for learning and growth, and teaching fulfills this divine purpose. Witnessing students develop critical thinking skills, grow, and achieve their goals fuels my dedication to teaching. The opportunity to contribute to their personal and academic growth is incredibly rewarding and drives my commitment to the field.

SD: Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that shaped your approach to education?

One pivotal moment in my life that profoundly influenced my approach to education occurred when I discovered several transformative books: Serat ul Nabi SAW, 100 Great Personalities of the World, and Heer Warish Shah. Each of these works offered profound insights and broadened my understanding in unique ways.

Serat ul Nabi SAW provided me with a deep appreciation of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), highlighting how wisdom and moral guidance can shape and elevate societies. 100 Great Personalities of the World showcased the diverse journeys and achievements of remarkable individuals, reinforcing the idea that great minds are often avid readers who continuously seek knowledge and wisdom. Meanwhile, Heer Warish Shah exposed me to the rich cultural heritage and literary traditions of our region, demonstrating the power of storytelling in preserving and passing on values and history.

Great personalities throughout history have been ardent readers. From Albert Einstein to Nelson Mandela, the world’s most influential figures have turned to books to gain wisdom and insight. Reading allowed them to expand their knowledge, challenge their thinking, and drive their vision for change. They understood that education, fueled by a passion for learning, could shape societies and alter the course of history.

As educators, we have the unique opportunity to ignite this same passion in our students. By fostering a love for reading and continuous learning, we can empower them to seek wisdom and drive positive change in their communities. Education brings wisdom, and with wisdom, we can transform societies. It is our responsibility to inspire and guide students on their journey of discovery, ensuring they understand that learning is a lifelong pursuit with the power to change the world.

SD: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being an educationist?

One pivotal aspect of my personal development has been my book reading habit. Through books, I’ve not only broadened my knowledge but also discovered valuable strategies for balancing different facets of life. By drawing inspiration from the great minds and life philosophies shared in these books. I’ve learned to manage my time and responsibilities more effectively.

For instance, books like “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen. And “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear. They have been particularly influential. “Getting Things Done” provided practical techniques for organizing tasks and reducing stress, while “Atomic Habits.” Offered insights into creating productive routines and making incremental improvements.

These readings have equipped me with strategies to balance personal and professional life more effectively. By applying the principles and ideas from these books. I’ve been able to manage my time better, enhance productivity, and improve my overall quality of life.

SD: What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of your work in education?

Outside of my work in education, I have several hobbies and interests that bring me joy and fulfillment.

Meditation is one of my favorite practices. It helps me relax and clear my mind, allowing me to generate new ideas and insights. I always keep a notebook and pen with me during meditation to jot down any significant thoughts or inspirations. Later, I expand on these notes in my writing.

Writing is another passion of mine. I write daily, whether it’s a few paragraphs or several pages, based on my empirical experiences. This practice helps me refine my thinking and gain deeper insights into my own life and work.

Spending time with my parents is especially cherished. I see myself as a physical manifestation of my father’s ideas, and our time together is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a time for reflection, learning, and connecting with my roots.

One book that has greatly influenced my approach to personal growth and mindfulness is “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle. Its insights into living in the present moment and finding peace within have been transformative in my meditation practice and overall outlook on life.

SD: Who has been your biggest role model or inspiration in your journey as an educationist?

In my journey as an educationist, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) has been my greatest role model and source of inspiration. Despite not having formal education, he is renowned as one of the best educators in history. His life and teachings, alongside the Quran, which serves as a complete code of life, guide me in leading a balanced and peaceful life.

In addition to these profound sources of inspiration, there are several other great books and personalities that have influenced me:

• The White House Years by Henry Kissinger: This book provides deep insights into political leadership and decision-making.
• The Essential Rumi: A collection of the works of Jalaluddin Rumi, offering timeless wisdom on love, spirituality, and personal growth.
• Shams Tabriz: The Secret of the Beloved: A look into the life and teachings of Shams Tabriz, Rumi’s spiritual mentor, and his profound impact on Rumi’s philosophy.
• The Reconstruction of Religious Thought by Muhammad Iqbal: This collection of Iqbal’s philosophical writings explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and the role of religion in personal and societal development.

These books and personalities provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, contributing significantly to my understanding and approach to education and personal development.

SD: What inspired you to pursue a career in education and philanthropy in a small town?

My inspiration to pursue a career in education and philanthropy, particularly in a small town, stems from a deep-seated belief that local impact can drive national progress. Growing up in a village where education, especially for girls, was not prevalent, I was motivated to break the mold. Becoming the first Ph.D. in my entire area was not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for other girls, demonstrating that education could be a powerful tool for change.

Seeing the difference education made in my own life, I wanted to extend that opportunity to others. I started various microfinancing programs to empower women in skills like stitching, embroidery, beauty, and computer science. These programs aimed to provide practical skills and financial independence, helping women contribute to their families and communities.

In addition to these initiatives, I’ve tackled challenges such as providing medical assistance, dowries, water installations, jobs, and marriage support for poor girls, as well as offering shelter to orphans. Balancing these philanthropic efforts with my professional responsibilities has been demanding, but the impact on my community has been deeply rewarding.

I believe that by focusing on improving small towns and communities, we can contribute to the broader progress of Pakistan. Each positive change, no matter how localized, can create a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the entire country.

Since the last 10 years, I have also focused on rescuing and sheltering over 600 animals who were injured or abandoned. These animals have been cared for in my village, Haveli. I believe that caring for animals is not only a compassionate act but also a test for us on the Day of Judgment. By addressing these needs, I strive to contribute to the well-being of both people and animals in my community, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

SD: How have you seen your initiatives impact the local community and its youth?

The impact of my initiatives on the local community and its youth has been deeply fulfilling and transformative.

For the men in the village, I started a program that provides training in four essential skills: driving, cooking, electrician work, and plumbing. These skills are highly sought after in larger cities like Lahore and Islamabad. By leveraging my contacts with various organizations and people, I help secure employment opportunities for these trained individuals in these cities. As a result, many families have seen a significant improvement in their financial stability, leading to more prosperous lives and contributing to the overall economic uplift of the village.

For the women, I established a training center in the village that offers education in stitching, embroidery, beauty, and computer skills. This initiative empowers women to work from home and generate income, enhancing their financial independence and contributing to their families’ well-being. The success of this program has led to many women becoming self-sufficient and financially stable, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and community development.

These programs have not only provided valuable skills and job opportunities but also inspired a sense of hope and progress within the community. The prosperity of the families and the increased independence of the women are tangible results of these initiatives, reflecting the positive changes in the local community and its youth.

SD: Can you share a memorable success story from your work in education or philanthropy?

One of the most memorable success stories from my work in education and philanthropy is the successful employment and settlement of people from my village in Lahore and Islamabad. As I previously mentioned, I have been diligently working on the skill development of people for all age groups, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to become financially independent. Through targeted training programs and continuous support, we have managed to secure employment for many villagers, enabling them to build stable lives in these major cities. Witnessing their transformation from being financially dependent to self-sufficient individuals is immensely gratifying. This achievement not only improves their quality of life but also contributes to the broader economic development of our communities.

SD: What challenges have you faced while trying to make a difference in a small-town setting?

In small-town settings, several challenges can arise while trying to make a difference, particularly in the realms of education and empowerment.

Here are some key obstacles I’ve encountered:

Reluctance to Educate Daughters: Many families are hesitant to send their daughters to educational institutions due to deeply rooted cultural and traditional beliefs. Convincing parents of the value and importance of education for girls requires ongoing dialogue, education, and demonstration of the benefits through success stories and role models.

Limited Mentality

There is often a limited mindset regarding the potential of education and skill development. Some community members may view traditional roles as more appropriate, leading to resistance against new educational and training opportunities. Changing these perceptions involves persistent community engagement and highlighting the long-term benefits of education.

Lack of Awareness: Many people in small towns may not fully understand the importance of education and training. They may be unaware of how these opportunities can improve their lives and those of their children. Addressing this requires educational campaigns, workshops, and personalized outreach to raise awareness and build understanding.

Women’s Preference to Stay at Home:

For women, there can be a preference or pressure to stay at home. Due to traditional roles or lack of confidence in their ability to succeed in new areas. Encouraging women to pursue education and skill development involves creating supportive environments. Offering flexible training options, and providing examples of successful women who have benefited from such opportunities.

Infrastructure and Resources: Limited infrastructure and resources in small towns can also pose challenges. Ensuring access to quality educational materials, training facilities. And technological resources requires creativity in finding and utilizing available resources and seeking support from external partners.

Addressing these challenges involves a combination of persistent advocacy, community engagement, education, and support. By building trust, demonstrating success, and creating supportive environments. It’s possible to overcome these obstacles and make a meaningful difference in the community.

SD: How do you envision the future of education and philanthropy in small towns?

I envision the future of education and philanthropy in small towns. As a transformative journey where access to quality education becomes a right for every child. And community-driven philanthropic efforts foster empowerment and growth.

By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods. We can bridge educational gaps, providing students with opportunities to excel academically and personally. Philanthropy will play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives. Focusing on skill development, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

In my village, I have started a skill development program that will change the lives of 22,000 women in the next four years. Together, education and philanthropy will create a nurturing environment. Where individuals are equipped with knowledge, skills, and values to contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

SD: How content are you in your profession and personal life? What aspirations you want to achieve?

I have few dreams that are still to be achieved, but I am on the path to realizing them. In my profession, I find immense contentment in the impact I make through education and social welfare initiatives. Every day, I witness the growth and transformation of my students and the beneficiaries of my programs, which fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Yet, my aspirations extend beyond the present. I want to work tirelessly for my country, contributing to its progress and development. My vision is to leave behind a legacy that embodies values, culture, respect, humbleness, and humility. I dream of a society where these principles are ingrained in every individual, guiding their actions and interactions.

In my personal life, I am grateful for the balance I have achieved, drawing inspiration from the great people and texts that shape my thoughts and actions. Spending time with my parents and reflecting on my experiences has enriched my life profoundly.

While I have accomplished much, I know there is still more to do. I am committed to continuing my journey, driven by the desire to create a better future for the next generation. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to follow a path of integrity, compassion, and dedication, ensuring that the values I hold dear are passed on and cherished for years to come.

SD: Any message to the young generation of Pakistan?

You are the torchbearers of our nation’s future, and within you lies the potential to shape a brighter, more prosperous Pakistan. As you navigate your journey, I offer you these words of advice and encouragement:

Embrace Education: Knowledge is the key to empowerment. Pursue your education with passion and dedication. Remember, education is not just about academic achievements but also about understanding the world around you and developing critical thinking skills.

Stay Rooted in Values: Uphold the values of honesty, integrity, respect, and humility. These principles will guide you in making ethical decisions and building strong, positive relationships.

Work for Your Country:

Each one of you has a role to play in the progress of our nation. Use your skills and talents to contribute to the development of Pakistan. Whether through innovation, community service, or entrepreneurship, your efforts can make a significant difference.

Cultivate Resilience: Life will present challenges, but it is your resilience that will determine your success. Learn from failures, adapt to changes, and never give up on your dreams.

Foster Unity and Peace: In a diverse nation like ours, it is essential to promote unity and harmony. Respect differences, be inclusive, and work towards creating a peaceful and cohesive society.

Lead by Example:

Be the change you wish to see. Lead with compassion, humility, and a sense of responsibility. Inspire others through your actions and set a positive example for those around you.

Cherish Your Culture: Our rich cultural heritage is a source of pride and strength. Preserve and promote our traditions, languages, and customs, ensuring that our cultural identity remains vibrant and respected.

Dream Big and Aim High: Do not limit your aspirations. Dream big, set ambitious goals, and work diligently to achieve them. Your potential is limitless, and your contributions can leave a lasting impact on our nation and the world.

Remember, the future of Pakistan rests in your hands. With determination, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose, you can create a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Believe in yourself, stay true to your values, and strive to make Pakistan a beacon of progress and prosperity.