23^rd  March

Seven and a half decades ago on 23rd March 1940 some honest, capable and dedicated people decided to have a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub continent India who seemed to have but little future in the coming schemes of the things then in the offing.  Miraculously, in a matter of only next seven years they achieved their objective and became the largest Muslim state and the 5th largest country of the world. It was a unique event of history to have a new country born out of the womb of a hostile mother (India) and despite every conceivable resistance from both parents.  A lot has been written and more shall be forthcoming in future also about the causes of such a magnificent achievement, but for a layman it was a perfect combination of clear vision, honest intent, selfless dedication and the faith of the people who turned their dream into a reality. These principles are as true today as they were 75 years ago. Only we have to have the same type of leader! ship which unfortunately is not there.

Such occasions are commemorated by the nations to learn from them.  Imbue and instill the national pride in the people by recounting the events of that period,   to emulate the great people in their vision and action that made it happen.  Alas, however, we seem to have lost the spirit and the ability to learn from the past and such occasions have become just ceremonious and ritualistic in nature.  It is now more like bemoaning the anniversaries of some forefathers about whom we know little and for whom we neither have respect nor love that they deserve. We and our leaders are too busy in self eulogizing,   justifying our misdeeds and not even feel ashamed of it. Haven’t we heard that nations who lose the respect for their history eventually end up losing their geography as well?

I wish and pray that we as a nation realize the value of the spirit and vision of 23rd March and every year could proudly say that we are the custodians and legitimate heirs to that great assemblage who resolved resolutely this day to get us a separate homeland where we could live our own life, a life that would be the envy of rest of the world. Nothing is yet lost and we can do it. And do it we shall if we follow the founding fathers – in letter and spirit.

Pakistan Painda Baad

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)