Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 228
210 A Panacea for Progrees of the African Nations The minister asked Huzur: ‘How can the African Nations progress?’ Huzur replied: ‘As long as the African nations do not stop taking aid from other countries and are not contented with their own resources, however meagre they may be, they cannot make progress. Such aid is like AIDS; just as in AIDS the viruses take control of the body systems and let not any diet or drug have any effect, similarly the nation or the country that gives aid takes full control of the internal system of the recipient country. They have their own agenda. The recipient country can never make any decision independently and remain under the yoke of dominance by others. Thus, the only way to your independence and progress is to be self-sufficient. ’ Gender Equality A lady member asked Huzur, ‘I am a politician and cannot observe purdah. What should I do?’ The lady was wearing African robe and had a chadar on her head. Huzur said, ‘your dress is quite appropriate. It is proper purdah indeed. ’ Huzur explained the status of woman in a beautiful way. Huzur added: ‘The Europeans clamour about equal rights of men and women while they do not practice it. Have you ever seen men’s football team playing against a ladies’ team? That is not possible because Allah has created them with different powers and capabilities. ’