Resistance refers to the act of opposing, defying or withstanding certain forces, systems or practices, often in the context of social, political or cultural change. It involves collective or individual efforts to challenge or subvert established power structures, norms or authorities that are perceived as unjust, oppressive or harmful. Resistance can take many forms, ranging from non-violent protests, civil disobedience and strikes, to more direct forms of rebellion, insurgency or armed conflict. Resistance is the most seminal trait of the leader. They have the temerity to resist oppression and tyranny and don’t shirk from offering necessary sacrifices.

Socio-political utility of resistance lies in its capacity to challenge the status quo, shift power dynamics and create space for marginalised voices and movements. It serves as a means of advocating for social justice, human rights and equality by drawing attention to grievances and offering alternatives to existing systems. Historically, resistance movements have played pivotal roles in dismantling colonial regimes, fighting for civil rights, achieving gender equality and defending environmental sustainability. At its core, resistance is about empowerment — it enables individuals and communities to assert their rights and dignity against forces that attempt to suppress or control them. Through resistance, societies can navigate and sometimes transcend the limitations imposed by oppressive or unjust power structures, leading to societal transformation and the possibility of more equitable futures.

In the ongoing struggle waged by the handful conscious people against neo-colonial subjugation, nations like Pakistan have faced the challenge of breaking free from the enduring influence of colonial powers and the legacy of exploitation. One of the most effective ways to wriggle out of this historical oppression is through a carefully constructed discourse of resistance.

This discourse, when theorised, offers a framework through which people can understand their historical subjugation, resist exploitation and work towards genuine independence and sovereignty. To achieve this, the role of education in general and higher education in particular becomes indispensable. It is through the academia that new generations can be equipped with the tools of knowledge, critical thought and a deep understanding of their own history, enabling them to not only resist but to actively break free from the chains of neo-colonialism.

To effectively foster this discourse, it is crucial to identify and highlight historical figures who have contributed to the theorisation of resistance and independence. These intellectuals, who have resisted the dominant forces of their time, should be included in educational curricula, as their ideas can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations.

The figures that inspires me the most are Tipu Sultan followed by Hazrat Mahal. Both resisted the British and made examples for the posterity to take pride in their valour. Among the key figures in the 20th Century, who have invoked resistance in literary and philosophical works, we find thinkers, such as Frantz Fanon, whose writings on decolonisation and the psychological effects of colonisation provided a powerful foundation for resistance movements around the world.

Simone de Beauvoir, through her feminist philosophy, championed the idea of existential freedom and resistance against the patriarchal structures that confined women’s roles in society. The works of Karl Marx have influenced countless revolutionary thinkers and leaders, such as Che Guevara and Vladimir Lenin, who applied Marxist ideas to inspire uprisings against capitalist and imperialist powers.

In the literary realm, authors such as George Orwell, with his critical works like 1984, highlighted the dangers of authoritarian regimes and the necessity of resistance to oppressive systems. Gabriel García Márquez, with his magical realism, also reflected on the struggles of Latin America against imperialist control, urging solidarity and the preservation of autonomy.

Toni Morrison, through her profound depictions of African American life and history, urged resistance to racism and social inequality. By incorporating these figures into educational curricula, we not only honour their legacies but also provide students with a diverse set of philosophical, literary and historical perspectives on resistance. Their ideas can act as beacons of hope and sources of intellectual engagement, offering profound insights into the ongoing struggles for independence, justice and equality. By learning from those who have walked the path of resistance, students can internalise the strategies of defiance and resilience, understanding that true freedom requires struggle and sacrifice.

Moreover, while resistance is essential, it cannot be understood in isolation. Resistance must be paired with the notion of sacrifice, as this combination is necessary for the freedom struggle to endure and prosper. Sacrifice has always been a fundamental element in movements for independence and liberation.

The freedom to nurture and foster a new future, free from the oppression of colonial/ imperial powers, requires individuals to be willing to forgo personal comforts, face hardship and sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice. It is this willingness to sacrifice that strengthens the resolve of resistance movements and inspires others to join in the cause.

Sacrifice, as theorised in philosophy and literature, is often understood as the voluntary relinquishment of something valuable for the sake of a higher moral, personal, or social good. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argue that true moral action involves sacrificing personal desires to adhere to universal duties. Nietzsche critiques sacrifices made for abstract ideals that limit individual power, yet acknowledges the transformative potential of self-sacrifice in transcending societal norms.

Jean Paul Sartre, from an existentialist viewpoint, sees sacrifice as an expression of personal freedom and authenticity. In literature, characters like Dr Rieux in The Plague and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables embody sacrifices made for collective good, personal growth and moral transformation, illustrating that sacrifice is essential to social justice, peace and humanity.

Sacrifice plays a critical role in advancing socio-political causes by demonstrating selflessness for broader societal benefit. Historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela exemplified sacrifice in their non-violent resistance to injustice, risking their own well-being to inspire others and advance freedom and equality. Sacrifice also appears in the context of resistance movements, as seen in the Spanish Civil War, where individuals like George Orwell fought for ideological beliefs at great personal cost. In both philosophy and literature, sacrifice is essential to overcoming personal ego and contributing to causes greater than oneself, demonstrating its importance for meaningful societal change.

In the context of Pakistan, figures like Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib have also contributed to the theorisation of resistance. Iqbal, often seen as the ideological father of Pakistan, emphasised the importance of self-determination and independence, calling on the Muslim world to break free from the shackles of colonialism. His poetry and philosophy urged individuals to strive for a higher purpose, transcending personal desires in the pursuit of collective freedom and justice. Similarly, Faiz’s poetry and activism focused on the liberation of the oppressed, stressing the importance of social justice and the sacrifices needed to challenge the status quo.

The resistance theorised by these intellectuals is not just a reaction to colonial subjugation, but a call for a radical rethinking of society. They understood that true liberation cannot be achieved without sacrifice — whether in terms of personal suffering, social upheaval or the courage to confront dominant power structures. These ideas need to be disseminated in higher education and integrated into the curriculum, so that students not only understand the historical context of their struggle but also develop the intellectual tools to continue the fight for freedom and dignity.

A resistance movement based on intellectual thought, action and sacrifice holds the potential to overcome neo-colonial subjugation. It requires the courage to confront history, the determination to resist and the willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause. By learning and internalising these lessons in the classroom, future generations can better understand and carry forward the struggle for independence, ensuring that the forces of oppression do not define their future.

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.