Remembering the Quaid.

'Think a hundred times before you take a decision, but once the decision is taken, stand by it as one man', these were the words of the great man who carved out Pakistan from the map of the world. His commitment, integrity and discipline still form the foundation of our nation and its path towards glory. As our challenges grow tougher and tougher, the people of this country need only to look at the father of the nation for inspiration and the resolve to achieve our destiny. On his birthday, let us commemorate not just his birthday, but also his motivation and determination to make people of this country into an extraordinary nation in the world.

The story of Muhammad Ali Jinnah starts in Karachi in the year 1876. From a perspective of class and hierarchy in the sub-continent, it stands out that Jinnah was able to achieve so much even when he belonged to a privileged class. Having a golden spoon did not deter him from the path of hard work and leadership. The young and charming boy was initially named Mohammad Ali Jinnah Bhai. But in his sense of proportion and harmony, in 1894, he got the word 'bhai' dropped from his documents and altered the spelling for studies in England. Less known is also the fact that, while in England, Jinnah pursued a career in acting and theatre. He was later convinced that this was for not him. From that point onwards, Jinnah dedicated his life to the world of law and jurisprudence. In his accolades, worth mentioning is the fact that Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the youngest ever Indian to complete his law degree from England. Consequently, Jinnah became the youngest and one of the most brilliant lawyers in Bombay. In his inquisitive and determined, outlook towards life, he was destined for great things.

One cannot ignore the stark difference and subtle elegance between Jinnah, the lawyer and the leader. The leadership and political vision of Jinnah were inspired and shaped by his understanding of the principles of law and justice. After all, politics is a method of deciding collective action and that action can only be carried out through an agreed-upon set of rules and regulations. The British considered themselves to be superior to the learning and wisdom of Indians. With a degree from Lincoln's inn, Jinnah could best the most literate of practitioners of British law and jurisprudence. But Jinnah did it while maintaining his own aura of Indian shine and style.

Today, as the world shrinks through telecommunications...