Special persons get more care in Pakistan as compared to developed states

In Pakistan, special persons get special care as compared to developed countries of the world. The cause of special treatment or happiness is closely linked to religious and cultural values.
Katsuhide Kawamoto, professor at Saitama University in Japan, made this observation during his visit to 'Paper Miracles,' a pioneer social enterprise, which positively impacts the lives of marginalised women, specialising in distinctly quality handcrafted recycled paper products. He was accompanied by a group of students who are aspiring to be teachers for primary schools and special education for the disabled.

Kawamoto said, the main objective of the visit was to learn about the true image of Pakistan. During an interaction session, Kawamoto said that the typical image of Pakistan portrayed at the international level is of a religious extremist country, a perception shared by many of his students as well. But after visiting Pakistan, they found that Pakistanis are very hospitable, and are considerably happier compared to people of other developing countries. Kawamoto also shared that as a test case, they conducted a research on a religious organisation, which was negatively portrayed at the international level. However, after research, they came to know that the organisation's social services are matchless and making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.

Kawamoto said, the social services being rendered in the developed countries are often done for personal gain or interest, while in Pakistan, many services are rendered without any such interest. He observed that prevailing religious values contribute to one's happiness and develop an urge to contribute positively for others.
Kawamoto said, many people in the developed countries have lost their values due to their desire for materialistic gains. He added that in Japan, though categorised as a developed country, there are many challenges; he cited an example of unprecedented increase in suicide cases in the recent years due to societal pressures to succeed. The students, while sharing their views, also commented that economic development alone does not symbolise "real" development and emphasised the importance of values and true happiness that they witnessed during their stay in Pakistan.

As part of their three-week study tour, Paper Miracles hosted a workshop, where students learnt how waste paper is cycled into jewellery and how the 'Paper Miracles' artisans, including paraplegic women who were severely injured during the 2005 earthquake, are contributing to this innovative initiative. After participating in an interactive workshop where they each designed their own bracelet using the paper beads, they visited the shelter where the earthquake survivors are making the beads.
When a female student, aspiring to be a teacher for the disabled asked for advice, one of the paper beads artisan, a paraplegic women responded with an inspirational advice and said, "When you become a teacher, do not treat your students as disabled. Focus on their capabilities and what they can do, rather than what they cannot do. I know I can achieve anything." One female student said, "I will never forget about my experience here at Paper Miracles. I will bring home with me, all the valuable lessons and apply them when I become a teacher."