Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948), the founder of Pakistan, was a visionary leader, renowned lawyer, and respected statesman who left an indelible mark on the history of the subcontinent. As the first Governor General of Pakistan from August 15, 1947, to September 11, 1948, Jinnah provided timeless guidance for the nation’s youth. His speeches and achievements inspire young people, urging them to embrace principles that foster academic, personal, mental, and social growth. Below are Quaid’s key insightful teachings for the youth, emphasizing his unwavering commitment and dedication tobuild a great and prosperous Pakistan.
True Potential of the Youth: Quaid-i-Azam viewed the youth as the architects of Pakistan’s future. Addressing a public meeting in Dhaka on March 21, 1948, he said:
“My young friends, I look forward to you as the real makers of Pakistan. Do not be exploited and do not be misled. Create amongst yourselves complete unity and solidarity. Set an example of what youth can do. Your main occupation should be, in fairness to yourself, your parents, and the State, to devote your attention to your studies. If you fritter away your energies now, you will always regret it.”
Education and Learning: Quaid-i-Azam considered education the cornerstone of national progress. Speaking to the All-India Muslim Students Federation in 1943, he remarked: “Without education, it is complete darkness, and with education, it is light. Education is a matter of life and death to our nation.” Jinnah’s vision underscored the importance of equipping young minds with skills, knowledge, and critical thinking. He emphasized the role of scientific and technical education in economic development: “There is immediate and urgent need for training our people in scientific and technical education to build up our economic life. We should ensure that our people undertake scientific, commerce, trade, and particularly, well-planned industries.”
(All Pakistan Educational Conference, Karachi, November 27, 1947)
Pillars of Success: Faith, Unity, and Discipline: Quaid’s standards of “Faith, Unity, and Discipline” serve as a guiding principle for national development. He stated: “With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” On October 24, 1947, he added: “My message to you all is of hope, courage, and confidence.”
Work, Work, and Work: One of Quaid’s most quoted directives to the youth is: “I insist you strive. Work, work, and only work for satisfaction with patience, humbleness, and serve thy nation.” (All India Muslim Students Conference, Jalandhar, November 15, 1942). This highlights the importance of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to national service.
Moral Integrity: Quaid-i-Azam’s life exemplified honesty, grace, and high moral standards. He advised the youth: “Character, courage, industry, and perseverance are the four pillars on which the whole edifice of human life can be built.”These qualities remain vital for personal and societal success.
Service to Humanity: Jinnah emphasized selflessness and the importance of serving humanity: “Pakistan’s happiness and prosperity depend wholly and solely on the well-being of its people, especially the masses and the poor.”(Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Karachi, August 11, 1947)
Quran: The Ultimate Guide: Quaid-i-Azam advised the youth to seek guidance from the Book of Allah Almighty (Quran). Addressing the NWFP Muslim Students Federation in April 1943, he stated: “You have asked me to give you a message. What message can I give you? We have got the great message in the Quran for our guidance and enlightenment.”
Vision for the State: Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was rooted in Islamic principles of equality, justice, and unity. He declared: “The great majority of us are Muslims. We follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (SAAW). We are members of the brotherhood of Islam in which all are equal in rights, dignity, and self-respect. But make no mistake: Pakistan is not a theocracy or anything like it.”(Speech, February 19, 1948)
Self-Reliance and Confidence: Quaid-i-Azam believed in the power of self-reliance and confidence, famously saying: “With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” (Karachi, October 11, 1947)
Responsibility and Nation-Building: Jinnah’s vision for youth extended to their role as nation-builders. Addressing the Punjab Muslim Student Federation in Lahore on October 31, 1947, he said: “Pakistan is proud of its youth, particularly the students, who are nation-builders of tomorrow. They must equip themselves with discipline, education, and training for the arduous task lying ahead.”
Builders of Tomorrow: Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah firmly believed in the youth as the nation’s builders. Speaking at the Punjab Muslim Student Federation on October 31, 1947, he emphasized, “Pakistan is proud of its youth, particularly the students, who are nation-builders of tomorrow. They must equip themselves with discipline, education, and training for the arduous task lying ahead of them.” Jinnah envisioned youth contributing consistently to Pakistan’s progress by embracing their responsibilities and taking charge of the nation’s future.
Youth as Catalysts of Change: Quaid-i-Azam regarded youth as agents of innovation and progress. He encouraged critical thinking, education, and active engagement in social welfare. His call to action, “Prepare yourselves, be practical, and constructive,” serves as a timeless reminder for Pakistani youth to rise as leaders of change and development.
Bravery and Courage: Jinnah inspired the young to confront future challenges with courage, leaving behind the burdens of the past. He once remarked, “I have nothing to do with the past, but I am deeply concerned about the future.” This forward-thinking mindset urged youth to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles.
Individual Rights in Pakistan: On August 11, 1947, during his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Jinnah affirmed the fundamental rights of every citizen: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.” He emphasized equality, dignity, and freedom, urging the youth to uphold these principles with confidence and integrity.
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s profound teachings are a beacon of guidance for the youth, emphasizing hard work, integrity, unity, justice, and self-reliance. He envisioned a progressive, educated, and disciplined society built by youth committed to their responsibilities. As we celebrate Quaid-i-Azam Day, his visionary ideals remain more relevant than ever. Jinnah’s unwavering determination laid Pakistan’s foundation and provided a roadmap for its progress.
His belief in the youth as the architects of the nation’s future inspires young minds to build a prosperous Pakistan.In this technological worldwith economic, social, and environmental challenges, the youth must draw strength from Jinnah’s teachings. By embracing his guidance, Pakistan’s youth can lead the nation toward stability, innovation, and growth. His wise teachings are not just a reminder of the past but a light guiding us toward a bright futurein Pakistan.I urge the high officials of the government let’s empower our youths to carry on Quaid-i-Azam’s legacy by establishing an environment in Pakistan that truly represents his objectives and dreams.
