“The“THE PATH AHEAD FOR PAKISTANI-AMERICAN YOUTH”
AMBASSADOR JEHANGIR KARAMAT’S SPEECH AT RISING LEADERS CONFERENCE AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
(8:00 PM ON MARCH 12, 2005)

Members of National Pakistani Students Association, Rising Leaders and distinguished guests:

It is truly a pleasure to address you all once again. Rising Leaders Fall conference in Washington provided me with an opportunity to get acquainted with you. In fact, I began my tenure as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US by hosting that conference.

Since my arrival in Washington I have keenly followed the whole range of activities undertaken by National PSA and Rising Leaders. I take pride in saying that in a short span of time the National PSA and Rising Leaders have become truly representative fora of the Pakistani-American youth. I have been extremely impressed by your excellence and professionalism.

Today’s conference has been a great success. I commend and thank the National PSA, Rising Leaders and the students of UCLA who have combined their efforts to bring together an audience of future leaders.

The discussions today on diversity within the field of politics and its relationship with business were essential towards understanding the importance of leadership and ingenuity in any field. Several successful Pakistani-Americans have spoken to you about their personal American experiences. We have heard some incredible feats accomplished in a range of industries, from IT to entertainment. The strides these individuals have made have created the path on which young Pakistani-Americans must strive to tread upon.

There is much work to be done, much more to accomplish because when one is on the road to success, it never really ends. Success is an enigmatic concept; it does not lie in one realm or in one final idealistic goal. In fact, it is a combination of small and large accomplishments laid in a foundation of honesty, courage and humanity.

The youth represent the investment of an older generation’s invaluable capital of experience and support. The success of Pakistani-American youth will stem from the values given to them from their parent generation. What the youth receives in terms of experience and knowledge is dependent on both the older and the younger generations. For the older generation, they must be proactive and take interest in their investment. Only then will the youth give back an incredible, intangible return to not only the Pakistani-American community, but also the rest of the society. The young need to propel themselves forward on the path that the previous generation has helped to pave.

The older generation can already see how many younger Pakistani-Americans are making their mark in American society. Organizations such as Rising Leaders and the National PSA show us the potential of second generation Pakistani-Americans.

Power lies in the ability to express yourself and young people have this ability, more so than the first generation Pakistani-Americans. You must use your talent to create a more coherent and positive Pakistani-American identity.

One day, all of you will become caretakers of the upcoming generation. And the responsibility to lead them is a great one. As second generation Pakistani-Americans, realize that the journey you embark on in your lives will establish a path for all future generations of Pakistani-Americans.

Some of you might believe that you may not have what it takes to be a leader. But let’s not confine leadership into designated roles of power. To lead is a way of being—a way of conducting yourself in front of others; a way of standing up for what you believe in; and a way of embracing your multicultural identity with its unique heritage and culture. These are qualities that everyone respects and admires. I believe the young Pakistanis and the second generation of Pakistani-Americans are incredibly educated and talented. You have the skills to lead not only the Pakistani-American community but also mainstream American society.

Where the identities of being a Pakistani and being an American come together? Historically, the roots of Pakistan and the US are very similar. The first European immigrants to US, in the late 15th century, arrived to escape from religious persecution and later the founding fathers of US sanctioned freedom of religion into the Bill of Rights. Pakistan was formed for South Asian Muslims to escape persecution. Today, Pakistan is in the pursuit of true democracy. After years of lack of good governance the transition is cumbersome and difficult. However, the United States and every other developed democratic nation have all been through difficult times as well and they are still far from having perfect systems today.

Pakistani-Americans must fight against the perception that Pakistanis do not believe in democracy. The best way to counteract this misperception is to actively participate in American politics and become a more visible entity.

Another reason why it is important to merge your Pakistani and American identities is because of the impact 9/11 has had on Pakistan. You must persevere against negative attitudes through positive behavior. The unique opportunity that comes with being a Pakistani-American is that you can all be positive representatives and negate the stereotypes that surround us. More than ever before, Pakistani-Americans need to show a commitment in building understanding between the East and the West. This need is for both sides; the West needs to be more knowledgeable about the East and the East needs to be more aware of the West.

Be aware of the context in which we all live today - the world has become increasingly globalized and there is no turning back. Try to understand the impact that globalization has had on different parts of the world, good and bad. Realize that the locus of power today rests in developing a strong community in developed regions, especially in the US, the global leader that sets precedents which others follow.

The US political system gives citizens an undeniable amount of power to influence policy, but as long as you do not stand alone. A one-man army can never win a fight. So the Pakistani-American youth must organize themselves to generate change. There are many examples of minorities in the US that have carved themselves a niche and have become leaders in mainstream society. Look towards them to realize the possibilities of the Pakistani-American community, which remains an untapped source of political power. You are as gifted as any other community in America and have the same opportunities before you that other communities have.

The American mosaic is a vibrant mix of ethnicities, faiths, and culture. Diversity brings life to this mosaic - different colors, different strokes and patterns all merge into one beautiful scene. The Pakistani community has created space for itself in all four corners of the US due to the achievements of first generation Pakistani immigrants. Understand the fortune that they have laid into your hands by moving to a country with opportunity and access to quality education and healthcare. It is in the hands of your generation to move the Pakistani-American community forward on to a path that will illuminate from within the American mosaic.

You must walk on this path with determination and strength, with the goal of moving beyond token minority participation. Remember that Pakistani heritage provides you with a unique perspective into American politics. You represent a much-needed remedy in the world today: a middle ground between East and West. As young Pakistani-Americans, you can personify the ability for both sets of tradition, culture and society to coexist.

The contradictions and paradoxes between the idealistic vision of America and its reality are glaringly obvious. You must work towards building your new home, which is America, into a better place for the future.

At the same time, being a proud Pakistani, make your origins a part of your present. You must make an effort to know what Pakistan is about, its national heritage and your personal legacy. Keep up-to-date with the issues that Pakistan faces internally and externally. Do not retain a static view on Pakistan and the people who live there. Pakistan is a dynamic country with a diverse and large population that changes rapidly and swiftly with domestic and international trends. Since the alliance between US and Pakistan in the war on terror, there has been a surge in Pakistan - U.S relations. Educate and inform yourself about the past, the present and the future directions. This might seem like a lot to take in, but remember that by educating yourselves you are becoming a more capable representative of your Pakistani heritage.

As for the young students in our audience, I would like to share with you my thought on how to grab the incredible opportunities you have, to take your education beyond the classroom. Meet people, join organizations like PSA and Rising Leaders and be innovative. Gain the ability to have a political perspective by being aware that decisions made everyday in the U.S impact people nationally and globally. I would encourage all of you to take a course or a workshop in public speaking; train yourself beyond the expected requirements of a major or a minor and be an active community member. Attend different workshops or conferences on careers, professional etiquette and try to find what interests you. Take risks—do not give in to the conventional attitude that we excel in only certain professions. Lastly, be creative – do not hold yourself back. Creativity also exists in fields outside of entertainment or arts; through creative thinking, you can set yourself apart and become a leader in all aspects of life.

Pakistani-Americans need to make a mark in American society at large. For that, we must change our attitudes and put faith in fields that have been largely unexplored and are labeled as “untraditional”: Political Science, Journalism, Media and Communications, Art.

I would like you to stop and think. Think of the possibilities that lie in choosing a path that many have been discouraged from, that many might have taken was it not for the pressures of conventional wisdom or survival. It is a luxury that the older generation has afforded you, they have laid the groundwork with their successes in science and technology, medicine, engineering and business. Be your own judge of what is best for you, and also work to make yourself a good person.

A symbiotic relationship exists between society and the individual: a better society creates better individuals and vice versa. Pakistani-Americans should see that if they want to help improve society they will need to move outside their own community and become socially responsible citizens.

To move ahead on the path that I envision for the Pakistani-American youth, you need to be courageous, truthful diligent and innovative. Make these qualities characteristic of the Pakistani-American community. You all have what it takes to embark on this journey and that is why I urge you to walk on the road less traveled. Groups like Rising Leaders and National PSA were created to provide an impetus for the younger generation to become politically active in the U.S. But in the end, the motivation must come from within each and everyone of you. Realize that the successes you have, like our speakers today, will inspire the upcoming generation of Pakistani-Americans to strive for something that may seem out of reach.