Arts
Back to history to spread harmony
Aamina Muhsin
Youth ambassador Aamina Muhsin’s short video presentations look at the important role Muslims have played from the time of our ancient kings
Transporting viewers back to a time seldom discussed, Aamina Muhsin’s series of YouTube videos titled ‘History of the Muslims of Sri Lanka’ recounts the tales and contributions made by Sri Lankan Muslims towards the country. Determined to do her part to promote harmony and heal fragmented relations between communities, Aamina adopts an educational approach compiling historical accounts into short and informative video presentations that she has created, edited and narrated herself.
In recognition of her efforts, Aamina was appointed a Youth Ambassador earlier last month by the Global Peace Institute, a non-profit research institute working towards global peace. Aamina is also known online for expressing herself through her poetry and art which she shares through her brand soulful.ness on Instagram. Here are extracts from an email interview:
Q: Tell us how the YouTube Channel first began and your initial goal for it
A: It all started when I created a travel video. Everyone was pleased with it. And then, the idea dawned on my father that I could make use of all the research he had done on the history of Muslims in this country. Our goal was to display not just Muslim history and Muslim contribution, but to relate how the Muslims of this country, together with the other communities, played a role in Sri Lankan history. Our goal was also, through the narration of Muslim history, to make Sri Lankan history easy to understand and remember. Another big goal was to in whatever way possible, through these videos, engage all communities in a process of education. The videos highlight the beauty and benefit of cooperation, co-existence, and working towards a common goal of a united country.
Q: How have the historical accounts and stories you have covered on your channel impacted your own life?
A: Muslims served the Kings of this land loyally. The ancient Kings of Sri Lanka, for example, even though they lived thousands of years ago, have been pretty progressive on so many fronts. The wewas of old, and the sheer brilliance of the architecture and infrastructure are amazing, but what’s beneath all that, what often rarely gets noticed, is the leadership executed, the inclusivity fostered, and the richness and beauty of the culture they propagated. And these attributes of our ancient Kings, to me, are also equally mind-blowing. I was never a history geek. But now, I feel like I am really learning and beginning to appreciate the beauty in history. Knowing the past is crucial, in any area of life. That is how you are able to deal intelligently with the present or plan for the future.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope your videos will have on the others who watch your content?
A: I would love to see all communities in this island nation of ours live harmoniously. Harmoniously in a holistic and wholesome way. To be able to awaken people to the beauty in difference and diversity through this channel, I believe is a privilege that must be used responsibly. If I can influence all communities to appreciate and value other communities, communities other than their own, that would be great.
Q: In your opinion, what do you believe is the best way for people to help create a greater understanding among communities?
A: Communication, engagement, and building relationships. Building relationships is everything. Many of us hardly ever sit and talk community matters to a member of another community. … we are somewhat afraid that we would hear things we won’t like. But I tell myself this too: “So what?” So what if someone shows you your community’s faults? Surely, we have to mature enough to hear it, and acknowledge it. And maybe even agree with it, if it’s true. And if it’s not, then we could use it as an opportunity to share with them the truth. And ultimately get to work on fixing what needs to be fixed. As a member of any ethnic community group, we can become unnecessarily defensive and protective, in terms of standing up for the group we belong to. And just being aware of that negative tendency in us, is vital to the overall scheme of building harmony among communities.
Q: How will you utilize your new role as a Youth Ambassador of The Global Peace Institute to further your message?
A: Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity, political stability, and social harmony rest on building bridges between the Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. Due to many influences, our communities have polarized, and we must do everything we can to unite them. Through this video series, my dream is to foster linkages between our communities and to unite them through the digital space. Since June this year, we have produced 10 videos drawing important lessons from history, to foster harmony.
I also believe in promoting cross-learning, especially through language and culture, and that we must all promote moderation, toleration, and co-existence through our rich cultural heritage.
Q: What advice would you give to other young people who are passionate about this cause?
A. Go for it. The opportunities are endless for the young. Sometimes, the most important task in this national project might be to simply make the decision to talk to your neighbour, and try to understand the cultural, religious, and language differences that we share. Just do whatever you can to build Sri Lanka up again to be that land it once was, where all communities were welcome, respected, and given their role to contribute to its prosperous civilization.
Aamina Muhsin’s ‘History of the Muslims of Sri Lanka’ video series can be viewed at:
www.youtube.com/aaminamuhsin