Ambition and Freedom: The Key to Growth

Sprinkle ambition in your hearts and go beyond your role models to make them proud— Mujeeb Jaihoon

Dear children, you are a crowd full of power and excitement. Congratulations to all the winners of the competitions held here today, which have proved your IQ.

My little friends, we all have role models whom we adore, admire, emulate, and imitate. We keep them in our lives to motivate us and push us to new heights. When I was in school, I used to admire my teachers who taught me, amazed at their knowledge and experience. I wondered if I would ever be like them and share an equal seat with them.

Today, as I attended a similar competition at another event, I was surprised to see my Psychology teacher from my school days as my co-judge. This experience made me realize that we should not just strive to be at par with our teachers and role models but go beyond them.

Let us change this traditional formula and make them proud of our achievements instead of being wonderstruck when we meet them. Ambition is what drives us to achieve our goals and aspirations. Without ambition, we would lack the drive and motivation needed to grow and progress in life. However, it is crucial to exercise ambition responsibly. Unchecked ambition can lead to selfishness and unethical behavior, causing harm to ourselves and those around us. Freedom, on the other hand, is a necessary component for growth. It allows us to explore new opportunities and ideas without restrictions. However, freedom also comes with responsibility. We must use our freedom wisely and make choices that align with our values and goals. When ambition and freedom are balanced, we can achieve growth and success in a responsible and ethical way.

I leave you with the ever-energetic lines of my favorite poet, “Khirad Ko Ghulami Se Aazaad Kar, Jawaanon Ko Peeron Ka Ustad Kar.” (Free young men’s minds from slavery, make them mentors of the old)

Teens Day, Sharjah – 2010