National Hero " Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah"

“Greatness be nothing unless it be lasting.” (Napoleon)

A National Hero is a man of exceptional Qualities. With his selfless and sincere efforts, he can mold the fate of his nation. He is a man of determination will-power, stimulates the energy, courage and enthusiasm of the people and welds them into a nation. His words have the power to inspire devotion and dedication. Carlyle has said:

“All history is the biography of great men.”

History is replete with great heroes but my own hero in history is the Quaid e Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I like him because of his marvelous personality and noble soul. His matchless leadership liberated the oppressed Muslims of the sub-continent from the cruel slavery of the Hindus and imperialism.

The Quaid e Azam was born in Karachi on the 25^th of December, 1876, in a well-off merchant family. He received his early education in Karachi. His father, Poonjah Jinnah, wanted to give him a good education to his son and kept him away from the business. At the age of sixteen, on passing the matriculation examination, he went to England and studied law at Lincoln’s Inn. After four years, he returned as a Barrister and started his practice in Karachi. Then, he shifted to Bombay. Within a short time, he became a distinguished lawyer.

In those days, Indians were struggling for freedom. He decided to take an active part in politics. He joined the Indian National Congress and worked for the freedom of his country. His political career began in 1909 when he was elected to the Indian Legislative Council. He joined the Muslim League in 1913 and tried to establish a working relationship between the Hindus and the Muslims. He was called the “Ambassador of Hindu Muslim unity”. But, he was disillusioned very soon. He realized that the Indian Congress was not sincere for the cause of the Muslims. He was convinced that Hindu-Muslim unity was not possible. So, he decided to leave the Indian National Congress in 1920.

The Quid e Azam infused new life, energy and spirit into the dull body of the Indian Muslims. His sincere and devoted leadership kindled a new imagination among frustrated Muslims. He awakened them from their slumber and organized them as a nation. He told the Muslims that the only solution to their problems was that they should have their own separate homeland where they could live their life according to their religion and culture.

“Time makes heroes but dissolves celebrities.” (Boorstin)

As a result of the untiring struggle of the Muslims under the selfless and marvelous leadership of the Quid e Azam, Pakistan came into being on the 14^th August 1947. The Quaid e Azam became the first Governor-General of Pakistan. Inspite of his shattered health, he worked day and night for the great task of nation-building He died in harness on the 11^th September 1948. He will always live in our hearts as the “Father of the Nation”.

“A good man never dies” (Callimachus)