Stories such as this one bring forth the richness of culture and best wishes for a good future. Teens at the Young Writers' Club shared their thoughts on the story.
For many of us living in cities, a buffalo is a farm animal that someone owns. We do not give it a second thought. Has milk got delivered this morning? That’s the question that matters to us.
The news from across the world often pulls us out of our daily routines, to pause and think. The news about Arshad Nadeem’s reward back home, is one such story that is sure to help you take a pause, breathe and reflect.
Arshad Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics, 2024. He set a new Olympic record for the longest javelin throw-92.97 meters or 305.02 feet. He is a 27 year old, first Pakistani to secure an individual gold medal.
Like any other champion who returns home with a gold medal, he got handsome monetary rewards. But what made the news was the buffalo that his father in law gifted him.
An article published in NPR with this title must have caught the attention of several readers in the west. It is possible that this gesture might have sounded bizarre but definitely eye catching, funny even. Those reactions are a testimony to the fact that we do not now enough about diverse cultures across the world, sometimes even within our own country.
Nadeem hails from a village in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A talented athlete who was inclined to play cricket was introduced to the javelin by his father. After the historic win, he was showered with praise, affection and of course monetary rewards coupled with a few cars. Also, he got a buffalo.
Teens react to the information given to them
All the information wasn’t provided on a platter. The purpose was to set in motion a discussion in response to the news headline.
“Why a buffalo?”
“Could the village connection explain the rationale behind gifting a buffalo? It is common to own buffaloes in the village. Every reasonably well to do household tend to have one.”
“Nadeem might have asked for it. The sports association might have given it.”
“The headline is interesting but I don’t think it is offbeat. In a rural setting a buffalo as a reward makes sense.”
“If I had a chance I would happily take the buffalo.”
“Why?”
“Good business prospects. I could sell milk and milk products and make money!”
While the rest of the group was grasping that input, another teen came up with an interesting but easy to miss aspect in the story.
“Considering that he grew up in the village, there would have been vast plains to practice javelin throw.”
Why a buffalo?
Buffalos are valued for their milk. They are called “black gold” in Pakistan. Since the milk has good fat content it is used to make ghee which is a staple in Pakistani diet.
What’s more they can give milk for 20 years thus ensuring steady cash supply. Added to this, they are low maintenance animals. Traditionally a buffalo used to be given as dowry when a girl gets married. So much so it is considered an important member of family and when a buffalo passes way, neighbors come over to offer their condolences.
There is also the tradition of having one buffalo per family to avail of free door to door vaccination services and medical care given by the government. Another testimony to the value that a buffalo holds in this rural community.
Who gave him the buffalo?
The buffalo was a present from his father in law.
Taking a lesson or two from the writing approach
While the story itself helped highlight the possibility of showcasing an intriguing story post winning a gold medal in the Olympics, the journalist’s approach to writing this story was a fine example of writing an engaging article that was sure to keep the reader enthralled till the very last word.
Together, we analyzed
The way the article was structured
The concise manner in which essential information was provided as context before she moved to the crux of the story- why a buffalo as a reward.
Through the crux of the story the journalist, Benazir Samad brings an extraordinary connection to a rich cultural aspect to the appreciation and love that Nadeem received back home.
Previously published on the Musings From The Young Writers' Club Magazine, a Talking Circles Publication.
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