A celebration of Pakistan Independence Day is being held by the Pakistan American Cultural Association in celebration of Pakistan's 58th year of independence, Aug. 14, 2005. It is the eighth consecutive year that the local Pakistani-American community has successfully organized the celebration in the Augusta area.
The Central Savannah River Area and the state of Georgia are fortunate to have a thriving Pakistani-American community that makes this celebration possible. The many contributions of the Pakistani-Americans in the CSRA have added immensely to the richness and variety of life in Augusta. This community should be proud of the steps taken toward preserving and promoting Pakistani culture here in the CSRA and across America.
The idea of an independent and progressive Pakistan has always been linked to the man who led the nationals in their long journey towards sovereignty: Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quaid-I-Azam ("Great Leader") of early Pakistan. He was someone who embodied the best aspects of modern political life, while remaining conscious of his cultural identity. In this sense, I see Independence Day, the celebration of Pakistan's inception, as a celebration of the ideals that inspired him.
A STUDENT OF both parliamentary democracy and liberal political theory, Governor General Jinnah worked unceasingly for cooperation, political reform and independence. Despite the tensions that existed between various regions, factions and sects, Jinnah was a firm believer in unity and constitutional methods for the achievement of political ends. He worked to bring diverse peoples together peacefully in order to attain independence for the Indian subcontinent.
Struggling to win a voice for the Muslim minority within a parliamentary system, Jinnah also was crucial in sowing the seeds of Pakistan's present democracy, or its lack thereof. He advocated the equality of all people. His devotion to freedom helped draw together Muslims under the banner of self-rule.
It was this positive nationalism, the spirit of community building and cooperation toward peace, freedom and prosperity, that led to the creation of the state of Pakistan. Despite setbacks and hard times, Pakistanis have remained true to Jinnah's vision, continuing to work toward the democratic ideals of freedom and equality within a strong national identity.
Jinnah's efforts thrive today in the CSRA community, cultivating a healthy pride in Pakistani-Americans' distinct identity and fostering new achievements. Pakistani culture not only has borne fruit at home, but also abroad. It is a testament to the universal applicability of Jinnah's ideals, evidence that the positive effects of community, cooperation and principle are not limited by geography or place.
The same beliefs that transformed Pakistan from a colony to a prominent democracy on the world stage have enriched American life, not only by creating a vibrant and active Pakistani-American community, but also by promoting an egalitarian, democratic society in which the community can thrive. All of the basic principles behind Jinnah's nationalism - harmony, equality, and the right to self-determination - apply equally to Pakistan and the United States of America.
THEY ARE THE same basic ideals that drive the American political system: maintaining the stability of a country whose population is drawn from across the globe, while allowing separate identities to develop their own place in our rich cultural mosaic. It is important to recognize that instead of being opposed, our common roots allow positive American and Pakistani nationalism to complement one another. The spirit of cooperation, distinct identity and pride in the achievements that we all make enriches the life of the community, the nation and the planet.
Pakistan's Independence Day is thus a celebration not only of Pakistan's birthday, but also of the principles underlying its struggle for independence. It is a celebration of values universal to humanity - rather than exclusive to any one nation, people or religion - that bring all of us closer together.
Even while it promotes the richness of Pakistan's culture, it also invigorates America's, bringing out new features in the mosaic. In emphasizing cultural diversity, it affirms freedom, peace and individuality - the basic tenets of our shared society. This is a celebration of both universal principle and Pakistani identity.
Jashenay Aazaadi Mubar-ank. Allah Hafiz. ("Happy Independence Day. God keep you under his protection.")
(Editor's note: The writer, a Martinez resident, sits on the board of directors of PACA, a nonprofit organization.)
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.