Malala Yousafzai invokes Bapu in UN address Photogallery

01 / 11

Malala Yousafzai invokes Bapu in UN address

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager shot by the Taliban for promoting education for girls, celebrated her 16th birthday on Friday by demanding, in her first public speech since the attack, that world leaders provide free compulsory schooling for every child. (AP)

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02 / 11

In an impassioned address from the podium at the United Nations to more than 1,000 youth leaders from over 100 countries, Malala called for "a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism." (AP)

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03 / 11

"Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons," Malala said. "One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first." (AP)

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04 / 11

Malala, who wore a traditional pink shalwar kameez and a shawl that she said belonged to slain Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, began her speech with a traditional Muslim prayer. (AP)

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05 / 11

Malala called herself just one of thousands of victims of the Taliban and said the bullet that entered the left side of her forehead last October had not dimmed her ambitions to promote peace, education and prosperity. (AP)

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06 / 11

Malala head was covered in a scarf and her face displayed little sign of injury. (AP)

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07 / 11

Malala invoked Mahatma Gandhi and other global advocates of non-violence stressing that "I'm not against anyone, neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban, or any other terrorist group. (AP)

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08 / 11

"I'm here to speak about the right of education for every child," Malala said. "I want education for the sons and daughters of all the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Talib who shot me." (AP)

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09 / 11

But Malala main focus was on the 57 million children who aren't in school today. The UN designated July 12 as "Malala Day," and there were cheers, and a round of "Happy Birthday" for her. (AP)

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10 / 11

But Malala said, "Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights." (AP)

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