25^th December: 147^th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam

Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the most charismatic leader and the most refined gentleman was known as man of principle, man of letters and man of words. He was absolutely certain of his conviction, and the demand for separate Muslim state. He had immense faith in himself. Nothing could deter him from doing what was right to him. The pursuit of a separate homeland was a noble cause, yet it wasn’t an easy job. This was the great test for him to put up all skills and leadership traits and make Allama Iqbal’s Pakistan dream a reality. He magnificently steered the Muslims’ ship to the shore and made history. In Stanley Wolpert’s words: “Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”
Distinct Character
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was one of the finest and most dynamic personalities, equally admired by friends and foes as well as historians worldwide. His charismatic personality was a perfect depiction of Iqbal’s Mard-e-Momin. His philosophy was “Character, courage, industry and perseverance are the four pillars on which the whole edifice of human life can be built, and failure is a word unknown to me.” What made him stand out from others was his matchless personal and professional character and conduct.
-    Man of words, charismatic, dedicated, proficient and impeccable truthfulness – these are just some of the words used to describe the personality of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
-    In every field, his intellect and professional brilliance had outdone his opponents and critics. 
-    He exhibited honesty, integrity, determination, courage, loyalty and character through his words and actions.
-    He was a role model with abundance of common sense and clarity of mind.
-    Almost all of his foes saw him as a man of high integrity, authenticity, principles, honesty, incorruptibility and honour.
-    He could neither be influenced nor trapped into any awkward situation. 
   “My message to you all is of hope, courage, and confidence. Let us mobilize all our resources in a systematic and organized way and tackle the grave issues that confront us with grim determination and discipline worthy of a great nation.” 
(Eid-ul-Azha Message to the Nation, 24 October 1947)
A Great Leader
Leadership means inspiring people to play wonders never thought they could. We are honoured to have a man of wisdom as our leader. He was a true leader, a constitutionalist who used discipline, unity, equality and faith as a tool in hand to complete his mission. Quaid’s personal character, cherished personality and commitment to Pakistan Movement had won him the due respect of a great leader all over the world. 
-    He was the only leader in the subcontinent who was able to tactfully aggregate, express and articulate the cause of Pakistan.
-    He set high standards and ethics in political leadership and never compromised on his principles, values and ideologies.
-    A modern and well educated leader who spent life in struggling for his principles that would depict respect for law, values, rights of women and of minorities.
 -  A strong-headed barrister and a rational leader who had the strength and courage to stand firm for the interests of Muslims against all odds in the final round of freedom movement. 
-    He was a wonderful strategist who knew when to take a tide and make amendments. He planned an organized massive mobilization campaign to evoke the Muslims.
-   He executed leadership strategy through political mobilization in a systematic way. He made room in the All India Muslim League for the educated, conscious urban groups and strengthened the party’s structure.
 -   He was aware of his rivals’ weaknesses. His tactical skills took him advantages out of complex situations.
-    As a leader, he put emphasis on democracy, peace, justice and equality. He believed that core Islamic principles must be aligned with democratic ideals. He once told a political opponent:
    “My way of action is different from yours. I first decide what is right and do it. Then people come around me and the opposition vanishes. I do not believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right.”

Leadership Vision for Youth
Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah always stressed upon youth’s educational and leadership vision. He had high hopes on children and youth. Calling youngsters as ‘Future of Pakistan’ has its roots in Pakistan Movement, during which the key role of student federations can’t be disregarded. Young and enthusiastic students from different provinces played matchless role in spreading the message of an independent land, with full conviction and dedication. 
 While addressing a Punjabi-Muslim Students Federation gathering at Lahore on 31 October 1947, he said: “Pakistan is proud of her youth, particularly the students who have always been in the forefront in the hour of trial and need. You are the nation’s leaders of tomorrow and you must fully equip yourself by discipline, education and training for the arduous task lying ahead of you. You should realise the magnitude of your responsibility and be ready to bear it.”
Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah believed that:
-    Behind majority of the sociopolitical changes and revolutions around the world, the catalyst of change is certainly the youth.
 -   Youth are the future and the spine of the nation meant to play an imperative role in the development of the state.
-    Considering youth as an asset means cultivating their skills, potential and energies to the maximum. To channelize the power of youth, it requires deliberate efforts.
 -   Our youth need to be properly trained to contribute in the development and welfare of the country.
 -  Set right direction for the youth, so they can become visionary leaders, committed patriots and enlightened learners. Directionless, unskilled and disintegrated youth could become an easy prey in the hands of enemies.
Educational Vision for Youth
Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah did not view students as bookworm, rather the future leaders and makers of the nation. He was an avid believer of training the youth through educational reforms. He believed that without proper training and skill-based modern education, it was hard to produce visionary leaders. 
The First Education Conference held in November 1947 was the true depiction of Quaid’s educational vision. He said: “The future of our state will and must accordingly depend upon the type of education we give to our children, and the way in which we bring them up as future citizens of Pakistan.”
So, modern and skill-based education is necessary for developing skills and critical thinking process in youth. 

Quaid’s Vision and Role of New Generation 
The Quaid considered children and youth as the leaders of tomorrow who are to play pivotal role for country’s survival, prosperity as well as political stability. Pakistan has faced different kinds of issues and challenges since inception. Muslims in the subcontinent sacrificed everything for a separate homeland where they could live in accordance with their religion and traditional values.
-  Pakistan is blessed with talented youth, which comprises nearly 65 percent of its total population. They need the right kind of guidance and skill-based modern education in order to utilize their capabilities in a productive manner.
-  Only an educated, focused and skilful youth can have the capability to fight against the problems like political instability, poor economy, poverty and extremism.
-  Only a well aware and conscious youth possesses the power of changing the mindset of the people and bring harmony in the society.
 - The Quaid wanted youngsters to stay strong, composed, dignified and courageous, thus not easily manipulated by evil forces.
- New generation can achieve targets by following the footprints of Quaid-i-Azam. A nation that neglects the vision and guidelines of its founders often ends up in a disastrous situation.
“In this world, the weak and defenceless invite aggression from others. The best way we can serve peace is by removing the temptation from the path of those who consider us weak and for that reason; they can bully or attack us. That temptation can only be removed if we make ourselves so strong that nobody dares entertain any aggressive designs against us. Pakistan is here to stay and no power on earth can undo Pakistan”. 
(Address at the launching ceremony of PNS Dilawar, 23 January 1948)