The Bust of Quaid-i-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was unveiled at the historic British Museum in a dignified
ceremony on 28 November 2017. This was the grand finale of the year-long celebrations
organized by the Pakistan High Commission London to mark the 70thIndependence
Anniversary of Pakistan. Rich tributes were paid to the Founding Father of the
Nation on the occasion, says a press release received from London here today.
Mayor of London Sadiq
Khan was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. He, together with H.E. Syed Ibne
Abbas, the High Commissioner, unveiled the Bust at the China & South Asia
Gallery of the British Museum. A large number of people from all walks of life
were in attendance, including British parliamentarians, Honorable Justices from
UK and Pakistan, diplomatic fraternity, Mayors, Councillors, senior officials
of the British government and members of the Pakistani diaspora. The Bust is
being permanently installed at the Quaid’s alma mater, the prestigious
Lincoln’s Inn on 29 November 2017.
In his welcome remarks,
the High Commissioner said: “The installation of the Quaid’s Bust at his Alma Mater –
Lincoln’s Inn Library is the Grand Finale of the High Commission’s year long 70th independence
anniversary celebrations. Installation of the Quaid’s Bust will be rejoiced by
the Pakistanis and provide impetus for the fast growing Pakistan – UK
multi-dimensional relations.”Speaking about the Quiad, the High Commissioner
stated: “A strong willed Jinnah became a beacon of hope, courage and provided
voice to millions of Muslims of South Asia. To describe the towering
personality of the Father of Nation who was far ahead of his time, I wish to
quote Professor Stanley Wolpert, a leading American historian, author and the
Quaid’s biographer, who wrote: ‘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’.” About
Pakistan, the High Commissioner said: “Today’s modern and moderate Pakistan, 70
years on, adhering to the Quaid’s golden principles of Unity, Faith and
Discipline, is on the move forward.”
Speaking on the
occasion, the Mayor of London said: “I’m proud to be part of this event to
honour the great Muhammad Ali Jinnah, particularly as someone of Pakistani
heritage. Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a pivotal figure in history but is also still
an inspiration to us today - not just to Pakistanis, but to millions around the
world. “As a champion of democracy, women’s rights and religious freedom,
Muhammad Ali Jinnah will always be someone who millions admire. I look forward
to visiting Karachi, the city where he was born, during my first official visit
as Mayor of London to Pakistan.
“My ambition is to strengthen the ties between
London and Pakistan, to share the message that London is open and to encourage
more Pakistanis to follow in Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s footsteps by visiting, studying
and working in our great city.” The internationally acclaimed
British sculptor, Philip Jackson sculpted the Bust. Sharing his experience of
making the Bust, Mr Jackson said:
“To get to the essence
of the Man, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, I studied all the still
photographs I could get hold of, viewed all the available films, read the words
of those that had written about him and spoke to those whose lives he has
changed, all to aid the build up in my mind a composite picture of the
extraordinary man I was to portray. “Undertaking a sculptural portrait, is like
writing a book. You have to do all your research before you can start. You have
to get to know subject, get under his skin, see what makes him tick. Then you
can start.”
The High Commissioner
thanked the Mayor of London for gracing the occasion. He also expressed his
gratitude to Philip Jackson, the sculptor, for his dedication and devotion in
making the Bust. The High Commissioner particularly thanked the Lincoln’s Inn
for agreeing to install the Bust in its Library. He also thanked the British
Museum for providing the venue to hold this august ceremony. At the end,
British Pakistani Sufi opera singer, Saira Peter presented national songs and
cheered up the ceremony.
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