QUAID AZAM FOUNDER OF PAKISTAN
From a very young age, I remember my family being quite poor. As children, we used to go hungry and when people asked us for help we would not give (as I used to be a child when the rest of the household was not working at that time). During our childhood, there were various incidents that affected us when trying to raise our head above water. My father once left home at night without informing me that he was going out in search of food or money due to how his family members were suffering from poverty. We had two sisters who did all they could to keep their mother in abides but they came up with nothing. The situation escalated when my friend started using a credit for his sister so that she could come home. This made it difficult for me to be able to find food. When I went to my paternal grandfather’s house, my aunt informed me that someone had been to my uncle’s house and stole his chicken. It was obvious how much my family members were starving. At first, I stayed at my maternal grandmother’s house but when my father decided to leave home at night to look for money, my mother was forced to take charge of their finances. However, my aunt managed to get my uncle to provide her with rice and meat. She had no other option, and then she started to prepare meals for the whole family (Shelton & Craig, 2005).
I was always a bright student due to my family’s financial status. However, when I moved to school, I went through numerous difficulties and finally graduated among my peers. After graduating, I had little option since I got a job as a babysitter since my family was low financially. By the time I went to college, my only option was to work for my parents because they had no money. However, after graduating, I went back home to start working in the factory but after some months, my boss moved away. Then, my father decided to ask my aunt if she was willing and she said yes. So, my brother was handed over responsibility and after I started working at another one, my mother got into some serious debts. I worked the same job until my brother took over the company where I used to work (Shelton & Craig, 2005).
In later life, I was offered a chance to join the military and I accepted because of my relatives and friends. In my first-service, my country got involved in war and the soldiers had to leave the city. They were given basic food but those who were lucky enough to survive were taken into custody. However, they were very lucky to have enough food. Due to my relatives and friends, I had peace in my mind and this is what motivated me into joining the army (Shelton & Craig, 2005).
As an Army officer, I had to work hard because I wanted to become successful in my career. For my success, I had to make sure that I was strong and ready to face any threat. In some cases, threats were so severe that my enemies managed to break my bones. These times made me feel like a weak person but those times were the best times in my life. Those times are also part of my favorite memories in most cases. Even though I had never experienced death before, I managed to see many dead soldiers in front of my eyes. The most difficult time was when I saw my father looking at me and saying, “Son, you are so proud of yourself” (Bergis, 2005). There were moments that were very hard for us both. During these times, I used to cry sometimes but the people around me helped by promising me a better future ahead of myself. Despite being in such harsh conditions, I got to enjoy every moment I was in the army. Some days, I felt that I was getting too old to go out of here and they would force me to go back home. But on some occasions, they were happy. Just, they gave me freedom to choose. I often think about how others were in such situations as well as their choices.
During the Second World War, a lot of people in Pakistan were killed by bullets. Since I was in England, I was sent out for training after my father died in France. On August 5, 1942, the Germans surprised us by attacking at Jidah, which was known as one of the biggest cities in Europe. A good number of soldiers were killed during the attack and therefore, the British army had to move into Jidhah. My father became worried at that time and he said to me, “Son, you will need to attend my funeral and I will send someone to bring you back early so that you can protect us all from those who want to kill us (Bergis, 2005)’
I had to run for cover during some attacks. Most attacks I faced were from German troops but some attacks were from enemy groups such as the Pathan tribesmen. Such attacks were difficult to deal with even though they were coming from different directions. The biggest challenge was when I was in Pakistan’s capital area. When I arrived at Dacca (South), Karachi, my soldiers thought I must have got shot down on my way from behind. Fortunately, my fellow officers and me stood firm against the attack. Our commander ordered a counter attack and this was a great victory to us (Bergis, 2005).
In January 1945, my father died while in France and by that time, the British army had occupied South. I was sent to teach English in schools near Jidah. During this time, the Germans occupied more parts of Karachi but they eventually broke up into smaller units. The Jews that lived in those areas were murdered by the terrorists. The Germans had already captured my home and therefore, I had to wait till they released me to live there (Bergis, 2005).
I got married in 1946 and I came back to South. Around this time, the Japanese soldiers invaded India and they attacked several places including the capital and my village. I managed to escape after fighting them a long period. Unfortunately, the British army then captured Karachi and by this time, the Germans had taken my property, clothes, and food. That day, I went to meet my husband. He told me they had saved me from this place and we had to spend the night together. Before dawn, I had to flee again but somehow, the Germans were aware of my movements and they followed me. My husband and four men had to watch closely to ensure that nobody was going to hit us. One of our men had a handgun with him and we quickly fled to hide in a cellar. All together, we managed to survive those hours. My wife, children, and my nephew who I had no contact with anymore were also killed during the raid. Luckily, nobody was actually hurt.
After going through numerous hardships, I managed to marry the love of my life and we got married in 1947. I did not go back home since I loved the land of Pakistan. I had to relocate my family to Karachi. Once I returned to my hometown, I worked on my education so that I could earn some money for my marriage. I attended classes and got a certificate. Therefore, I was back in the workforce. I am proud of this; nevertheless, I had to work so that I could support my family (Shelton & Craig, 2005). With my husband, eight children, and two grandchildren, life was full of happiness and even at times, you could be lonely due to the lack of social ties. I thought of having gone through a lot of hardships but then, my eldest son suggested that we get married. That was after a lot of pressure from my children until I agreed to accept him into us and then he agreed that I will be his bridegroom (Bergis, 2005).
After living in London and London, I decided to return to Karachi to do more studies so that I can acquire a master’s degree. Unfortunately, I lost my opportunity to get a Master’s Degree during the 1960s. I studied in Britain but that was not my true love. Instead, I chose to study at the University of Pennsylvania. By 1977, I had received three doctorates but the three fellowships were rejected by American universities since I lacked a research experience. However, the US government supported me by giving me a PhD fellowship in 1980. This experience changed my understanding of science and technology. Now, I believe that I know everything about scientific inventions.
I had to work for thirty years before being offered a teaching position. Until 1987, I worked as a teacher and I became attached to the East Pakistani Institute, a learning institution that provides training and development programs for overseas students. I was also tasked with developing curriculum materials that are appropriate for foreign language learning. Nevertheless, I had to attend my postgraduate program so that I can meet my requirements in order to continue my services as a university professor. At this point, I had a small business running in downtown Karachi. I had to sell t-shirts, jackets, hats, and even glasses once in the morning hours. During these sales, I managed to save up for extra expenses but my savings were completely wiped out. Luckily, I was determined to succeed in the world of academics, and so, during my second year of completing my MSc degree, I was employed on contract as assistant director of NEDC. Having a PhD degree also equipped me economically, although I still suffered the same issues as my brothers did.
After finishing my PhD, I managed to join the faculty of Harvard University and I earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Being a Professor of a prestigious university allowed me to have access to resources and knowledge that are necessary to carry out my duties in the field of public health.
