Story of a boy who took on carpet mafia

Book: Iqbal

Reviewed by Dhwani Doshi

Where novels crowd the bookshelves with innumerable pages of interesting twists and turns, here is a simple work of fiction, based on a true story of a Pakistani boy sold into slavery at a dingy carpet factory. Iqbal is a translation of the story by Francesco D'Adamo who is based in Milan, Italy. 

With simple and heartfelt writing, the book has an unpretentious message for both adults and children.

Iqbal, is the story of a real person, a 13-year-old boy who spoke up against child labour.  The story is told from a fictional point of view, by a girl who worked with him.  The story begins in a carpet factory where young children work from dawn until dusk, some chained to the looms. 

If they act up, they are put in what is referred to as a ‘Tomb’ — an old cistern, and left there without food or water, sometimes for days together.

The children think that some day they will pay off their family's debt, but when Iqbal comes, he points out that the debt is never paid. No one has ever left because they have paid off their debt.

Iqbal brings hope to the children that some day they can escape their drudgery. Iqbal was a brave boy, who knew that his life was more than just a rug, looms and child abuse.

Iqbal not only sparks a ray hope and courage amongst all his bonded friends, but also fought against all difficulties to free numerous children from factories and workshops in Pakistan.

Iqbal Masih won the Reebok Youth Action Prize in 1994 for his work, raising awareness of child slavery. Tragically, he was murdered by the carpet mafia, but his name lives on as a symbol of liberation for children throughout the world.

Iqbal is a tale of hope, aspirations and a dream of soaring free, high in the sky… A sky Fatima, the teller of the tale, saw from their little workshop window. A truly touching piece of work, Iqbal is a must read if you believe that a little ray of hope can do wonders for all of us.