Follow the author on Instagram: @rumpa_mitra | Photos by Abhilash Pillai [@theimagegrapher]
If you happened to tune in to Oman FM and heard the cute voice of a very young host, you are definitely listening to the youngest radio personality in Oman.
But what is her story? How did she get the said gig at a very young age? How talented is this young girl and what makes her different compared to the many talented kids all over Oman to have been given a spot on the radio?
In life, there is no difficulty which cannot be overcome if one is really determined. Yet many fail because their determination was never strong enough. Determination is very important because it fuels one's fire when the going gets tough. It is also 'determination' that makes people creative and imaginative.
Malak Waleed Al Bulushi is an 11-year-old child who even at a young age believes having determination can help you reach any goal you set your mind to.
In an interview, she mentioned, “I would like to pursue my career as a lawyer but right now I want to do my best as a young author and artist”. Malak was a healthy child growing up but until she was 6-years old, she never spoke a word. For a time, this issue caused concern not just for her mother Zainab but also for other family members.
As a mother, however, Zainab kept her patience and supported her daughter in her journey letting her bid her time but inspiring her that she can do anything she wishes. By the age of 6, they were relieved when she finally started talking.
This unusual life journey had caused Malak to be bullied by some members of society. Despite her young age, Malak remained calm and focused, something that her mother appreciated the most about her.
While she might have been limited in some capacity, Malak used her creativity to express her feelings. She turned to drawing. Her mother saw the little artist in Malak even then.
At 9-year old, Zainab further discovered that Malak has the gift for writing when a teacher asked Malak to write a story. With a little push from her mother, Malak started writing seriously and at the age of 10, last year her 3 books got published.
Now Malak is 11 years old and was rewarded by PDO as the youngest author and artist in Oman. She even received a call from Oman's very own First lady to praise her work and inspired her to stay focused on her life.
Her star also started sparkling brighter when Malak became the youngest radio show host in English when Oman FM asked her to have a once a week show with the station.
During the interview, her mother mentioned “Even after she got bullied, Malak never showed any sign of giving up on herself”, and that was her hope for her daughter.
From being bullied for not being able to speak, she is heard by thousands of people through her program.
Malak’s hat is decorated with numerous prestigious awards. Other than commendation from the first lady of Oman, she also received accolades from Dr Mona Fahad Al Said, Sayyida Alia Al Said, and last but not least by the Ministry of Education.
Malak is currently busy finishing her fourth book all the while maintaining a balance between her school works and radio show.
If you haven't heard her on the radio yet, it's time to give her a listen. She might be young, but her understanding of some things even bested some of the adults. As you listen to her, remember her journey. Who would have thought that a kid who doesn't speak until she was six has made it on the radio?
To get updates and learn more about Malak, you can follow her Instagram: @malak_albulushi10
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