Jinnah made an “epic” journey, says Singh
Ever since I started studying the Indian national movement, I have always believed that it was Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was instrumental in the partition of India and Pakistan. Well, why only me, I think everyone who might have grown up studying Indian history would agree with me on this. But former Indian Minister Jaswant Singh has a totally different philosophy. A former member of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), who had been expelled last year from his party for praising Muhammad Ali Jinnah, says it is wrong to demonise Jinnah.
Speaking about his recently published book titled “Jinnah – India, Partition, Independence” at the Houses of Parliament, at an event organised by the Indian Journalists Association, Mr. Singh said that the book comes from his heart and questions why the partition took place? It also analyses why the present situation exists? He described the journey made by Jinnah as a leader as an “epic journey.” In his book, he talks about the role of Congress party leader and the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the first Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel in the partition of India in 1947.
However, he also pointed out that the transition of Jinnah from being an ambassador of hindu-muslim unity to Quaid-e-Azam of Pakistan is surprising. The seventy one year old politician also referred to the present state of affairs in South Asia as “Paralytic.” He pointed out to the trend of tensions moving from Europe to West Asia and now into South Asia. Well, indeed, India is surrounded by countries that are in a state of great turmoil. And, if we look at India, internally it is troubled too.
Infact, one of the endeavours of this book, according to Mr. Singh, was to find out where we stand today in terms of the world affairs. He emphasised on the unity among countries of South Asia and also said that he would contribute in every way possible towards peace in the region. However, on the issue of India-Pakistan, Mr. Singh said that dialogues between the two nations were the best way to resolve issues. He also said that the two countries must not hold on to past events.
Singh’s book has already been published in twenty three editions and the international edition of the book is expected to be launched in March. Meanwhile, he was also conferred with the title of “Ambassador of Peace” for South Asian region by Peace International, a London based organisation. Singh described it as a “rare honour” and said he was a “very ordinary citizen of South Asia. “