Nabiha Ahmed, a Travis High school student, emerged victorious in the senior individual documentary category, with her presentation, "The Pakistan Movement," for National History Day, which was submitted as "Turning Points in History."."
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Nabiha's unyielding commitment to illuminating the present and shaping the future through her historical research is truly inspiring. Her enthusiasm is fueled by a desire to untangle the intricacies of her heritage and comprehend how a once-united people can fracture over time, a mere 75 years ago.
Nabiha's steadfast commitment to comprehending historical events led her to craft a documentary for regional and state competitions, which led to her selection as the first out of 42 participants at the state level. Her fascination with the subject was ignited during her active participation in her AP world history class, where she delved into nationalist and anti-colonial movements of the twentieth century.
The documentary, 'The Pakistan Movement,' is not just a winning entry but a powerful testament to Nabiha's meticulous research and storytelling prowess. It delves into a pivotal moment in history that led to the birth of two independent nations in South Asia — India and Pakistan — driven primarily by Muslim nationalism.
The film, crafted with a wealth of primary and secondary sources, vividly portrays the necessity of a new state rooted in cultural identity, religious freedom, and self-governance. The ideological conflict and subsequent partition resulted in the loss of two million lives and countless more casualties due to post-independence state conflicts.
Outlining the process of creating a documentary, Nabiha suggests the following template:
1. Crafting a script based on research and impactful language for an engaging narrative.
2. Recording the audio script.
3. Compiling slides and incorporating the recorded script's voice.
4. Leveraging tools such as WeVideo, Cap Cut, or other user-friendly video editing software.
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In expressing her gratitude for her role in National History Day, Nabiha extended her heartfelt appreciation to her mentors, Mr. David Householder and Ms. Ashley Joseph. She also acknowledged her primary source, Nasim Ali, for her invaluable consent and insights. This recognition of support underscores the importance of community in academic achievements.
Nabiha shared a touching quote for those pursuing their passion for documentaries: “It is better to fail knowing you tried your hardest than to not try at all.”
Nahiha’s film may be watched here.
