Decay of Idealism Essay Example
Decay of Idealism Essay Example

Decay of Idealism Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1151 words)
  • Published: January 17, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Pakistan was established based on the vision of Iqbal and the leadership of Jinnah. This resulted in the formation of a democratic nation, providing Muslims in the subcontinent with their own homeland. These remarkable individuals played a crucial role in turning an idea into reality. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a source of inspiration for all Pakistanis, described Pakistan's story as one that demonstrates the endurance of noble human ideals despite immense difficulties.

Throughout history, it has been proven that a truly remarkable era requires lofty and idealistic aspirations. Regrettably, our current period witnesses a decline in the importance of idealism, leading to adverse outcomes. Despite British colonial oppression and biased views from Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who held prejudiced anti-Muslim beliefs and approached Hindu matters with bias, Muslims managed to attain greatness due to

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their unwavering faith, practical "idealism," and strong conviction.

Zia-ud-din wrote a book in 1976 discussing Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan. The author highlighted Jinnah's determination to stay focused on their ultimate goal, not allowing himself or his followers to be distracted by various religious, cultural, social, economic, and other issues. Jinnah believed in careful preparation before taking action and took his followers step by step towards their desired outcome. However, there were challenges along the way, including the mass killing of millions of Muslim migrants to Pakistan, unfair allocation of land and assets by Lord Mount Batten, and inadequate infrastructure. These hardships nourished a sense of despair and shook the confidence in the idealistic vision people had for Pakistan.

But, thanks to Jinnah's exemplary leadership and good governance, Pakistan was not only established

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in just seven years, but also grew into a land full of opportunities from its ashes. According to Mr. Walpert in his book Jinnah of Pakistan (1984), very few individuals have the power to significantly change the course of history, modify the world map, and create a nation-state all at once. Mohammad Ali Jinnah achieved all three. This was the result of constant struggle at both the individual and community level. To achieve the Pakistan envisioned by our Quaid and dreamed of by our forefathers, we need an unwavering spirit to combat all adversities, both on a small scale and on a larger scale. This is what will ensure a secure future for the generations to come.

Pakistan, once known as a democratic haven, is now going through a democratic crisis. In February 1948, Jinnah emphasized in a speech that Pakistan's constitution would be based on democracy and the fundamental principles of Islam. He stressed the timeless importance of these principles, which promote equality, justice, and fair play for everyone even after 1,300 years.

Following the demise of Quaid-e-Azam in 1948, it appears that his principles of unity, faith and discipline, along with his vision of a utopia for Muslims, also perished. Lord Lawrence famously remarked that K. Gandhi was assassinated while Jinnah died due to his commitment to Pakistan. The conspiracies orchestrated by the administration in 1971 resulted in the brutal dismemberment of this nation, ultimately leading to the partitioning of Pakistan's Eastern wing. This territory is now recognized as Bangladesh, prompting critics and historians to question the legitimacy of a separate homeland for Muslims.

This is the narrative of how

injustice and conspiracy have caused division among people and resulted in the disillusionment of a previously politically stable nation. The query arises: does this align with the vision Iqbal had, for which Jinnah fought, and millions of Muslims sacrificed their lives? Is this an authentic democratic nation that ensures security and segregation for Muslims? Or is it transforming into a country where Muslims are segregated based on privilege, resembling the caste system present in the subcontinent alongside Hindus?

Is it the "idealism" that our great leaders fought for to have a society immersed in immorality, corruption, and bias in state affairs for personal gain? A society where constructive problem-solving is neglected, empathy is replaced with animosity resulting in terrorism. Where young people seek opportunities abroad and take pride in serving a nation they gained independence from? A place where youth are manipulated and oppressed into carrying out suicide bombings due to rising inflation and prevailing frustration caused by political instability, mismanagement of natural disasters, inadequate infrastructure for basic necessities such as water, gas, petroleum, and an education system. It's ironic that Islam - a religion of peace - and its followers in an Islamic state are labeled as "terrorists." Undoubtedly, Pakistan's future - its youth - experiences despair due to political instability, aftermath of terrorist attacks like suicide bombings, mismanagement of natural disasters, inadequate infrastructure for basic necessities such as water, gas petroleum,and education system.

Pakistan faces a significant issue of insufficient self-employment and entrepreneurship, resulting in heavy reliance on the government for jobs due to limited opportunities in the public sector. As a result, high unemployment rates lead to frustration and an

escalation in crime rates. Furthermore, the lack of effective leadership has played a crucial role in shaping the country and adding to the uncertainty experienced by its people. Consequently, idealism is constrained in present-day Pakistan.

According to Karl Kraus, idealism seeks solace by embracing novelty to deal with the loss of the past. Rather than relying solely on migration, self-exile, or criticism, we must recognize our faults and endeavor for a better Pakistan. Constructing a genuine home requires not just one person's responsibility but the active involvement, motivation, struggle, and honesty of the entire nation.

Our nation urgently requires individuals who not only dream of an "ideal" state, but also possess honesty and loyalty towards our country. We need people who can transform a desert into a garden through their determination, patriotism, idealism, and passion for freedom. According to Bono, "Idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong."

The need of the time is to combat hopelessness, scepticism, and cynicism, not just with superficial words, but with conscious craft and mobilization of skills. In the words of Herbert Hoover, "words without actions are the assassins of idealism". Our motto should be based on Quaid's message to the nation on Eid-ul-Azha, in which he emphasized hope, courage, and confidence. Quaid urged us to mobilize all our resources in a systematic and organized manner to tackle the serious issues that we face with determination and discipline befitting a great nation. Superpowers like America, economic experts like China, and

the technological world of Japan have all risen from adversity to achieve great success. Therefore, it is only through the conscious action of the working masses in urban and rural areas that we can bring our goals to fruition. It is through the people's highest intellectual maturity and unwavering idealism that we can safely navigate through challenges and reach our destination.

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