n a world marked by rapid changes and evolving narratives, the role of literature in shaping young minds is all the more crucial. Literary events play an instrumental role in the process of educating the youth on the country’s history and culture, inspiring them to become responsible citizens.

Nowhere was this more evident than at the launch of Amina Azfar’s Our Quaid. The launch, which was held on the occasion of Independence Day at the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum, formerly the residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was attended by people from all walks of life.

The book launch started with an elaborate parade led by Atif Badar and a flag-hoisting ceremony. During the parade, children from Ida Rieu Band drummed to the march.

The music performance delivered by Ida Rieu, a collective of differently-abled musicians, was testimony to the fact that our youth can do wonders if they are provided the right opportunities and trained according to their aptitude.

The event kicked off with the national anthem and opening remarks by Ameena Saiyid, the Lightstone Publishers director, who had organised the launch. “Cultivating reading habits in children is important. We must make sure that they get to learn about their leaders in a child-friendly and localised way so they can relate to their stories,” said Saiyid.

“Striking the right balance between education and entertainment is key. If we come off as too preachy, children will write the book off as ‘just another academic book.’ That is exactly what we wish to avoid,” she added.

Saiyid then informed the audience that copies of Our Quaid were being provided to schools and libraries in the metropolitan ‘free of cost.’

Liaquat Merchant, a grand nephew of Jinnah took the podium next. Merchant highlighted the Quaid’s values of unity, faith and discipline. He told the audience that he personally had a high regard for discipline and consistency, both of which are considered the cornerstone of achievement and personal growth.

Underscoring the importance of discipline, Merchant said it “…holds a profound importance in shaping individual lives, broader society and the nation at large.”

According to him, the one thing children and adults both lacked in today’s age was discipline. “In a country brimming with distractions and demands, the significance of discipline cannot be overstated,” he concluded.

Ikram Sehgal, co-chairman of the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum spoke about literature and its importance in fostering a sense of responsibility in the youth. “It is imperative that we promote the sort of books that children take interest in. Only then can we be sure that these children will grow to become the leaders of tomorrow,” remarked Sehgal.

Atif Badar breathed new life into the event with live singing. He sang many national songs. A choir from St Joseph school also performed on the occasion. This was followed by reading sessions and interactive activities which were enjoyed by school children.

“Singing along Jazba Junoon, dramatised and theatrical rendition of Aye Quaid-i-Azam Tera Ehsan Hai, Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Zameen ki Godh, Millat ka Pasbaan, Ae Rooh-i-Quaid and Mauj Barhey ya Aandhi Aaey amongst waving flags sparked a journey of self-discovery and gave rise to a renewed sense of unity,” said Badar.

Our Quaid is a children’s book on the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah to help instill a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. The book lays special emphasis on how Jinnah was as ordinary as any child with likes and dislikes as a student. For instance, the book mentions that although he loved and enjoyed theatre and performing arts, he was instructed by his disciplinarian father to disengage with the hobby since it was looked down upon in olden days. Jinnah loved reading Shakespeare and watching his plays being enacted.

This was a Jinnah most people grew up not knowing. We had a different version of him in our formative days. Reading such details and stories about an iconic figure can be refreshing.

Books like Our Quaid allow children to connect with their heritage and appreciate the struggles and triumphs of their careers. Kindling a sense of patriotism, encouraging children to value their nation’s sovereignty and progress is a much-needed effort in these testing times.

A deep-rooted love for one’s country is essential for fostering responsible citizenship and active participation in nation-building. Knowledge about the nation’s history and its leaders empowers children to engage in informed discussions about their country’s past, present and future. It equips them with the tools needed to critically analyse societal challenges and to propose creative solutions in a rapidly changing global context.

Our Quaid is not just a compilation of stories; it is a window to understanding the nation’s history, values and aspirations. By imparting valuable lessons in leadership, instilling patriotism, and nurturing a strong sense of identity, such literary works contribute to the holistic development of young minds.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Karachi