Essay from Ismoilova Gulmira

Two Central Asian young women with colorful pink and red and black light coats and embroidered headdresses standing outside at some sort of outdoor park or festival.

UZBEK GIRLS — THE MIRROR OF THE NATION

Ismoilova Gulmira

Master’s student at Termez State Pedagogical Institute

Uzbek girls are the heart of the people, the honor of the nation, and the delicate bridge between tradition and modernity. Since ancient times, they have held an important place in society through their modesty, patience, intelligence, and kindness. Looking back through history, the courage of Tomiris, the devotion of Barchinoy, and the wisdom and eloquence of Uvaysiy prove the immense strength and spirit of Uzbek women. Today’s Uzbek girls are the descendants of these great ancestors — they have found their place in science, art, sports, education, and every sphere of life.

For us, national identity is not merely about clothing or decoration; it is the dignity in the heart, the honesty in the conscience, and the devotion to language, people, and the honor of the Motherland. The Uzbek girl’s words reflect sincerity, her gaze — modesty, and her walk — upbringing and grace. While mastering modern sciences and digital technologies, she remains faithful to her national values, to the spirit of her ancestors, and to the lullabies of her mothers.

The girls of Surkhandarya are the vivid embodiment of this national identity. This land — from ancient Termez to the picturesque Boysun, from sunny Denov to pure Sherobod and proud Oltinsoy — is a cradle of kindness and resilience. The eyes of Surkhandarya’s daughters reflect pride, their hearts — honor, and their speech — sincerity. They are hardworking in life, loyal in family, and active in society. Their modesty is upbringing, their patience — strength, and their love — the most beautiful virtue of the nation.

Today’s Surkhandarya girls are as brave as Tomiris, as wise as Uvaysiy, and as devoted as Barchinoy. They take pride in mastering modern knowledge and finding their place in the digital age. Yet, their greatest treasure is preserving their identity and national spirit. For the heart of an Uzbek girl will always remain bound to her mother’s lullaby, her homeland, and her people.

The girls of Surkhandarya are the living continuation of history, the pride of the nation, and the bright promise of the future. In their eyes lies hope, in their hearts — love, and in their honor — the dignity of the entire Uzbek people. As the descendants of Barchinoy, Tomiris, and Uvaysiy, they remain today the pride of the nation and the ornament of our Motherland.

Poetry from Mesfakus Salahin

South Asian man with reading glasses and red shoulder length hair. He's got a red collared shirt on.
Mesfakus Salahin

One by One Becomes One

‎If I had not held your hand

‎Human life would have remained incomplete

‎The world would have remained in the shadows

‎The light of the moon would not have come to the earth

‎The grasshopper’s wings would not have written

‎My first love letter.

‎If I had been alone

‎Poetry would not have been born in my heart

‎Spring would not have come to this heart

‎The cuckoo would not have called in the depths of my heart

‎The river of life would have lost all its waves

‎No one else would have awakened in my heart.

‎If I didn’t keep my eyes on you,

‎Who would make flowers bloom in the desert?

‎The seven colors would remain unknown,

‎The flock of birds would lose their language,

‎The Himalayas would float in mute tears,

‎My poetry notebook would remain empty.

‎If I had not met you,

‎The path of love would have been unknown.

‎Who would have gathered happiness under the canopy ?

‎Who would have achieved the melody on the harp of the mind?

‎The sea would have flown in all directions.

‎A pile of sighs would have accumulated in the vast void.

‎I understand by holding your hand

‎One by one becomes one

‎Looking into your eyes I understand

‎Two by two becomes two.

Essay from Mukhammadjonova Ugiloy

Group of Uzbek men and women, women in headscarves and black dresses and men in white collared shirts and jeans, some women in dresses without headscarves, outside in front of leafy trees on a sunny day.

“Every school is a foundation of the future”. Fifth Secondary School, located in  Andijan region Kurgantepa district, Khujatepa, is a good example of a foundation.

It was created in 1991. As time goes it is shaping knowledge capacity as well as soft skills and triggers new generations to step forward with great faith. Head teacher Ruzikhon Usmonokhunova’s devoted hard work  and the collaboration of school team enhance its success in making opportunities for students.


Improving students’ intellectual capability is a priority. Students take part in annual Subject Olympiads and get good results for the region. Taking into account the quality of education, the school also attaches great importance to physical education and sports. Sport days are held regularly, and various competitions are organized among students. Each student wears a sports uniform and actively participates in competitions. This forms a healthy spirit of movement, team spirit and the desire for victory in students.


Fifth state Specialized Secondary School does not give up its leadership in the implementation of innovative ideas and life. It is noteworthy that a system of self-government for all students has been established. A clear proof of this is the election process among students. The most active and talented students are selected and, using their own schools, ideas and votes, elect a school president. The president of the school and his or her team improve school life, creating a comfortable and productive environment for students. This system serves to improve responsibility, initiative and leadership qualities in students.

The school’s main focus is on two subjects; physics and mathematics, which allows students to gain knowledge at a high level. Students actively participate in various Science Olympiads, intellectual games and many programs, consolidating their knowledge.  This paves the way for creating a more comfortable and advanced educational environment for students. The new school building is equipped with modern technologies, opening up even wider opportunities for students to learn. Today, this school has become a center of science, sports and innovative ideas. The unity of teachers and students, selfless work and wise management of the leadership are taking the school to greater heights. We believe that every student who graduates from this school will grow up to be not only educated, but also spiritual, patriotic and a well-rounded person who can contribute to the future.

I am Mukhammadjonova Ugiloy.
I am a 9th grade student at this school. I am proud of my school!

Poetry from Mahbub Alam

Middle aged South Asian man with reading glasses, short dark hair, and an orange and green and white collared shirt. He's standing in front of a lake with bushes and grass in the background.
Mahbub Alam

How Wonderful

Morning awakens us

Life finds the meaning there

With the chirping birds outside

On the deep forest leaves of trees

On the colorful flying of butterflies

It’s a journey running at a stretch or stopping at some places

As I can see through the window of a train

The blooming earth

Spreading green paddy field velvet

The sight mixes at the horizon

With the morning shine

The world smiles with a charm

Overwhelming but not to be expressed in words

You are sitting before me

And raising a storm of the last days stories

Over a cup of tea

Nobody stands by me but someone whispers

I lost my senses

And kept on beholding the green paddy fields

What a wonder!

O life! You are running so deep in speed

The spreading beauty on the earth sometimes stops

Sometimes stops us in no reason

On the other hand, it seems a great reason behind there

Sometimes with you for a cup of tea

How wonderful the life led by!

Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh

08 October, 2025.

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Poetry from Anila Bukhari

South Asian woman with long dark hair and hoop earrings and a red coat over a black blouse and gold necklace.

Writer of Destiny

Write something bright for those who experience a thousand deaths each day.

Write some smiles for those whose pillows are moist with tears each night.

Write a few pure moments of love for those who could never call anyone their own.

Write a few droplets of soothing dew on their lips.

Write true happiness in their pounding hearts.

Write the fulfillment of unrealized dreams in their eyes.

Write floral bracelets of joy for their soft hands.

Write swinging earrings of solace for their ears.

Even if you write nothing else, dear Lord,

You must write freedom for them

Daughters Are Also Sold

In the era of ignorance, it was heard

That they were often discarded.

Mothers would abandon them, and fathers would cast them away

To a distant place where deep wells would swallow their cries forever.

Even today, this tradition persists

In my country,

In remote, desolate regions,

Where the poison of poverty seeps through families.

When a little daughter dons a crimson dress,

She becomes invincible.

All her dreams remain tethered to her tiny feet,

But alas, her laughter never returns.

Her emotions are bartered away,

Her precious eyes lose their value,

And she herself is sold without a price.

I’m like a star

Give me the freedom to write my own story.

My tears show me the true way.

I am like a star that shines brightly to show the way.

I am like a bird that cannot be caged.

I am like the fire that burns inside all of us.

I am like the raindrop that write its own fate

I am the ray of sunshine that sets everything aglow.

I am like the fragrance that scents the entire world

**Pakistan’s Young Shining Star: Anila Bukhari – A Beacon of Intelligence and Inspiration**

**Biography of Anila Bukhari**

Anila Bukhari is a remarkable Pakistani visionary, humanitarian, and author whose brilliance and compassion have captured the world’s attention. Hailing from the esteemed Sunni Syed family of Naqvi Bukhari tribe in Punjab, Pakistan, she has emerged as a shining example of youth leadership and empowerment on the global stage.

From her early years, Anila demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and a passion for poetry, creativity, and service. Her innate kindness, coupled with her strong family values, fueled her lifelong mission to uplift women, children, and communities worldwide.

A celebrated children’s rights advocate and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards, Anila is also an accomplished author whose inspiring books—highlighting themes of women’s empowerment—are housed in the Library of Congress in the USA. Her influential writings include features on prominent figures like Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey, reflecting her international reach.

As the founder of **Women Leader Hub**, Anila has organized over a hundred seminars, events, and award ceremonies dedicated to empowering women and nurturing leadership. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her ventures, which promote women’s talents and personal stories, creating platforms for voices to be heard.

Notably, Anila won 1st position in Italy among 41 countries, showcasing her exceptional talent and international recognition. She is also the founder of **”No More Bride, Just Shine”**, an initiative celebrated annually with support from the European High Commissioner, advocating for women’s dignity and independence.

Her dedication extends beyond her country, collaborating with more than 250 students worldwide to foster cultural exchange and global understanding. Through partnerships and e-twinning programs, she promotes innovation, education, and unity across borders.

Anila actively mentors young leaders, conducts workshops on e-safety, graphic designing, poetry, and art, and empowers widows through candle-making courses—striving to build sustainable futures for marginalized communities.

Her unwavering commitment to service and education, coupled with her global influence, makes Anila Bukhari a true young shining star. Her inspiring journey continues to motivate countless individuals to dream big, serve selflessly, and lead with integrity, making her a beacon of hope and change for generations to come.

Poetry from Abduqahhorova Gulhayo

Young Central Asian woman with her hair in a bun behind her heard and a white ruffled blouse.

Daughters of Uzbekistan

They wear dresses made of silk and light,

Their hair in tiny braids so bright.

With posture proud, with eyes of might—

They are the daughters of Uzbekistan.

Upon their heads, a doppi shines,

Their brows adorned with henna lines.

They walk with grace, pure hearts entwined—

They are the daughters of Uzbekistan.

They rise with dawn, their smiles aglow,

With warmth and kindness, hearts they sow.

They serve their land through joy and woe—

They are the daughters of Uzbekistan.

And when the world looks in their way,

With envy, others softly say:

“They bring us hope, come what may—

They are the daughters of Uzbekistan.”

Abduqahhorova Gulhayo was born in the Turakurgan district of the Namangan region. She is a 2nd year student of Philology and Uzbek language at Namangan University of Business and Science. She won first place in the Young Reader competition.

Short story from Bill Tope

Mal Compris

A daughter was born one day to the King of a prosperous kingdom. She was christened Malade. She was a very even-tempered and pleasant girl, and a joy for her father to behold, until one day she was afflicted with a tremor about her features. A severe juddering affected her hands and face and was found by all to be quite disquieting. In fact, she could not hold a teacup without quivering so badly that the contents were spilled. The princess was the only child of the King and Queen. Malade, of course, had a plethora of tutors and so did not have to be around others her own age; that would have caused the King severe embarrassment, as well as being humiliating for the young girl herself. One must keep up appearances, as the King well knew.

When she was six years old, Malade was given lessons in the equestrian disciplines. A young groom, older than Malade by about one year, was there, and the two young people struck up a cordial though not close relationship. This youth was called Judicieux, and he was very good at his job, and soon he was tasked with servicing all the horses that the damsel used. Judicieux was sensitive to the plight of Malade, as he was himself lame. Though she was starved for attention from children, they both recognized their proper places.

Years passed. As Malade grew into young adulthood, she was beset by the responsibilities of her position: functions of ceremony at her father’s table and in the King’s stead. But her malady never lessened; the juddering continued.

“Oh, Judicieux,” she said one day in the stables, preparing to mount her steed. “What shall I do?” I am to meet the prince from the northern kingdom. His father and the King desire that the prince and I wed and effect the joining together of our kingdoms. “What if the prince hates me?”

“He can’t help but love you, Milady,” said the groom with feeling.

“But my quivering,” she said sorrowfully. “With all the beautiful women in our two kingdoms, why would he give me even a second glance?”

“If he has but eyes to see, Milady,” he said from his heart. He then limped back into the stable.

Malade thought of Judicieux: “For a cripple, he has many beneficent qualities. He shall make some peasant girl a fine mate.” And she thought nothing more of Judicieux or her dilemma, for she was astride a horse.

“Milady,” said Inepta, watching as her mistress struggled with her palsied hands, “perhaps if you concentrate, if you tell yourself to be calm, you will not judder, and things will be alright.”

“Thank you, Inepta,” said Malade, “but in seventeen years that strategy has been to no avail.

“Yes, Milady,” murmured Inepta, looking sadly at the princess.

That night, the kingdom was astir. The king would formally announce the engagement of Malade to the prince of the neighboring kingdom. Prince Stephen was rich, handsome, powerful, and heir to his kingdom. Much was made of the festivities. It was wintertime as well, and Christmas was likewise celebrated. This was everyone’s favorite time of year. Sumptuous comestibles proliferated, and sparkling wine flowed like rivers. Everyone partook heartily of the rich food and libations, and at the summit of the evening, attention was focused on the prince and princess.

“Daughter,” intoned the King robustly, “you have before you a prince worthy of your honor.”

She looked shyly into the eyes of Prince Stephen. He returned her gaze, but his face fell.

“Great King,” said he, “I cannot marry the Princess Malade.”

“But,” the King objected. “It is all arranged.”

“That may be, but I have our mutual kingdoms to consider. What will become of us if I marry the Princess and our children are born who are as deranged as she is? How would our realms function? How would our diplomats sort it out if it were thought that the royal family was addle-minded? We would surely become a laughing stock throughout the continent.” The prince’s words pierced like a dagger the heart of the princess.

The king took a great breath and released it wearily. He knew what the prince said was conventional wisdom. He released the prince from his betrothal.

So the Princess returned to her solitary existence, seeing no one other than her lady in waiting, Inepta, and her groom, the lowly Judicieux. She continued to relish time spent among her magnificent stable of horses. Starved for companionship, Princess Malade began conversing ever more intimately with Judicieux on any number of subjects; to her great surprise, she found that he was informed, intelligent, and wise far beyond his station in life. He rivaled the courtiers, in fact, in his canniness. She began to harbor an idea. Despite the fact that Judicieux was neither rich nor handsome, nor the heir to a great throne, she was completely smitten with him.

One day Malade approached the King and inquired, “Father, shall I never marry?” The King, surprised that the Princess would want to marry after the debacle with Prince Steven, responded to his daughter.

“Why, Malade, you will never be wed to a sovereign, as you have seen, but you may of course marry—if only for companionship. And I suppose that if you have a male child, he will inherit the throne, whether he is a juddering idiot or not.”

“I have chosen my husband,” she announced excitedly. The king, with little enthusiasm, asked who it would be. “I shall wed the most intelligent, thoughtful, and wisest man in all the kingdom,” she told him. “I shall marry for love,”

“Have you only just met him?” he inquired.

“I have known him half my life,” she replied. “And the King, seeing as Malade was very old now—almost twenty—knew this to be a long time indeed.”

“If you have made your decision, word shall go out, and a wedding will be arranged,” he said, but still with scant enthusiasm. “Er… who have you chosen?” he asked.

“Judicieux, chief groom of the stables,” she told him. The King swallowed any remarks he might have had.

And so a wedding was held. All the dignitaries attended, including Prince Stephen, who had since married and was beset by a harpy of a wife.  He was barely able to draw a breath, but she would criticize him for it. But she had a fertile womb, and all of her children were likewise disposed to be curmudgeons. Stephen’s kingdom was almost constantly at war due to his poor diplomatic skills. The prince looked upon Malade now with admiration, for certainly she was the most beautiful bride ever to grace this or any other castle. He had simply never noticed before.

After the wedding, Judicieux, as the husband of the King’s only daughter, sparked an interest in the king. Like his daughter, he was pleasantly surprised by the native intelligence, thoughtfulness, and wisdom of his son-in-law–and a cripple at that!  And as a part of the royal family, the former groom was drawn into the diplomatic order and soon became the outstanding minister in his Majesty’s service. And as his abilities became well known, so too did Malade’s grace, manners, and loving instinct. They had many children, but one of them–like the princess and later the queen–had tremors, but the child was treated with patience, understanding, and compassion. And showered with love. After a long reign by her parents, that child, christened Empathique, served as the greatest sovereign that the kingdom ever saw.