Tarek Fatah - more than a rebellion

Tarek Fatah

I didn't know about Tarek Fatah, until one day I came across Indore literary fest where he was invited. His face glows with confidence and his aura had a charm even that picture which I saw. I googled him and it was easy to get a peek into his life.

Tarek Fatah, a journalist who stands against terrorism and is fighting it in his own way. Of course, reading about his life and studies is enough to be inspired by him. He is the man with a courage to stand for the right even if that means going against his country and religion.

For those, who still need to google him to find out who he is, check excerpt from his website -

Born in Pakistan in 1949, Fatah was a leftist student leader in the turbulent days of the late 1960s and 70s when he was twice imprisoned by successive military dictators. In 1977, he was charged with sedition by yet another military regime and barred from being a journalist in the country.
After a ten-year stint in Saudi Arabia as an advertising executive, Fatah and his family migrated to Canada in 1987 where he has been active in the country’s politics and journalism since his arrival. After 9/11, Fatah founded the Muslim Canadian Congress that has led the fight against Islamism and exposed the designs of the Muslim Brotherhood.


So, yes I was quite excited to meet the man. I dropped him an email and he responded swiftly and I got a chance to meet him.

I was not disappointed on getting his insight on latest Paris attacks and other activities where he quoted, "Pakistan is the head of office all the terrorist activities."


While we chatted about how terrorism is spreading, he settled my curiosity as how can a human being justify killing an innocent person. He explained, "Islam is a very political religion, and the problem is that it is being is taken literally."


Of course, Fatah's struggling life has made him a tough gentleman but when he looks at a girl his daughter's age, the same love showers, which I assume he feels for his daughters.

His insight about terrorism is frequently circulated, so it doesn't need elaborate disclosure. But I think his wisdom about how he categories development of place has not been written about.

Fatah : When I am out, I have certain small indications or pointers on the basis of which, I can judge the empowerment of women in the city and further of course, the development. I have been to various cities in the world. Comparing India's capital, Delhi and Indore, the tier II city, I can say women are more empowered, independent here and that definitely indicates a better development and growth in the city.

Being a resident of Indore, I was flattered but couldn't accept it that easily, could I?

Fatah : There are several indicators, the one very prominent here is that women sit cross legged on a bike and drive a two-wheeler as well. The same is still rare in other parts of world.

No country is perfect, while there are some things that Fatah says are revolutionary and some that might not fit into "The typical Indian wisdom", there are some that most Indians would agree to and willingly change.

Fatah: There is a class problem over a caste problem in India at present.

Class problem is basically the distinction that develops in society's perspective because of status. Further, I remember listening to another Indian journalist named Rajesh Badaal during a media conference, he said, "The cause behind shrinking parameters of politics is separation of classes that has been going on in the society since ages." Continuing he added that while all the communities in India had people from all religions from ages, but it was the 'harijans' who were keep away from the city centers and community residential areas. 

Following Badaal's eons example, Fatah showed me a little preview in today's world, where women who drive BMWs don't even meet the ideas of hotel staff because it might be too low for their standards. 

I agree to their judgement, there are a number of people, actually most, whom I have come across who look down at anyone who does not earn as much as them. Luckily, I was brought up by a mother, who had different beliefs and ideologies. And of course, life ensures to teach you that lesson if when you hit rock bottom.

However, I don't know how to make even my friends understand the importance of respecting and showing love to every soul without any filtration. I would appreciate reader's suggestions and support here.

Coming back to Fatah, he is not a great man but he is a good one. 

When Fatah meet me, he had just recovered from cancer, he was diagnosed and treated a few years back. Though the chances of him recovering fully were slim, but he did.

The part which I admire the most about Fatah is his courage, willpower, strength and most of all optimism. He has seen everything in one of the worst masks possible, but even at a senior age he not only dreams but is determined to bring a revolution to the world. He strives to be better and works harder for it.

Tarek Fatah - the dazzling youth