"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
In an Expression of Cultural Identity, Lost Boys of South Sudan in the U.S. to Take Wrestling Challenge to Youths in the Homeland
By PaanLuel Wel,
This is an interesting article from Akol Aguek of New Sudan Vision. Naturally as someone in the USA, I am on the side of the courageous (some might say foolish) Yuoot Mach Thon who is posed to make history in the few coming months in a planned Bor Dinka’s wrestling match in Juba, South Sudan.
If I may remember correctly, there is a provision, a rule, that states that newcomers–like Mr. Yuoot Machine–may not be legible to contest a wrestling match with time-tested, renowned wrestlers like Ajang Garang. Newcomers have to distinguish themselves first by felling lesser giants before they can stake claim on the bigger giant.
Ajang Garang therefore would rightfully feel insulted by Yuoot Machine’s match proposal because Yuoot Machine is not an equal of his to even think of challenging him. He has to distinguish himself before he can go for Ajang Garang.
Who knows, the ambitious, fresh graduate of Syracuse University may meet his equal and got humbled before he even reach Ajang Mapourdit. Nonetheless, the thought of an American going for the highest stake would still be a history by its own right.
PaanLuel Wël – Founder and Editor-in-Chief of PaanLuel Wël Media
PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a prominent news and commentary platform dedicated to covering the news, history, culture, literature, and socio-political affairs of South Sudan and the world. Established in July 2011, the website was born out of PaanLuel Wël’s vision to create a space for free expression and constructive dialogue during a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s history.
Through PaanLuel Wël Media, he has cultivated a vibrant intellectual forum that features a diverse range of voices, from poets, authors, and academics to activists, commentators, and community columnists. The platform is rooted in the belief that an informed and engaged citizenry is essential to the project of nation-building and social transformation.
PaanLuel Wël is a passionate advocate for the power of media to educate, empower, and connect people across political, ethnic, and generational divides. He is committed to fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and inclusivity and is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.
