Hungarians define generosity

Generosity is a quality that's a lot like unselfishness. Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need and so we can say that the ambassador of Hungary, Istvan Szabo and his wife Emilia showed a great deal of generosity in opening up their home for a charitable cause -- not many people would do this! Saturday morning saw many a resident of the capital head towards their residence to support a fund raising event for the Maskan Institute, an orphanage for girls in Swat run by Adnan Aurangzeb and founded by his mother many years ago.

A great deal of trouble had been taken to see that those who had volunteered to bring their items for sale were accommodated, while names of places in Swat had been assigned to different rooms, with a map showing where each outlet was located. For instance ‘Saidu Sharif’ accommodated Kamini; Menika Mines and Naveed Bhatti calligraphy; ‘Barrikot’ had Sukhainas pop-up shop, Home Accessories, Paper Miracles, Nomad Gallery and Swati Miracles; ‘Emerald’ had Ensemble and jewelry; ‘Amluk Dara Stupa’ had a table manned by ladies from the Chinese embassy, Denim fashion and Art Planet; ‘Mingora’ had Taj Mahal handicrafts and Zyna Home Accessories; ‘Bazira’ had Silk Road; ‘Maskan Home’ had the information desk and ‘Swat Cinema Hall’ was where presentations about the orphanage; the raffle draw and the silent auction took place.

The garden had been designated ‘Malakand’ for rest and relaxation and last but not least, ‘Gul Maira’ was the room where hot and cold drinks and yummy sandwiches - courtesy Murree Brewery - were sold. Besides the private enterprises, the Chinese embassy was the only mission which participated in the event and the gentleman who was modelling clay figures with amazing skill was the center of attention.

In his opening address Ambassador Szabo said they had been very impressed and touched when they visited the Maskan Home/institute where fifty girls are living and being educated so that they can maintain a good quality of life when they go out into the world.

“These girls have suffered from the worst trauma of losing their parents and though an orphanage is no substitute for growing up with a family, Maskan has given them a loving home and education, which has renewed their hope in the future” he said.

“They will never forget what Maskan has given them – and we will never forget them. But such institutions need support and it was Emilia’s idea that we should organize a fund raiser.” He went on to say that according to statistics, Pakistanis were number one in giving for charity so he thanked everyone in advance for attending the bazaar and concluded by hoping they would enjoy the morning.

In his presentation – which was repeated three times so all those who visited the residence were made aware of what and whom they were helping - Adnan Aurangzeb gave an account of how Maskan was established by his mother Naseem Aurangzeb after she had visited a similar home when she was on a state visit abroad; her wish that the work be carried on and how he had seen to it that it was, despite setbacks and problems that plague the promotion of girls education in such areas.

He concluded by appreciating the effort of the organizers and their staff and thanked everyone for their concern and support. And since such affairs are not possible without volunteers to help, a big hand for them as well.