Reference to the Context from Prose
Pakistan Zindabad
Reference
The lines given for explanation are an extract from the lesson, Pakistan Zindabad that has been taken from Quaid-e-Azam, by John Walton.
Introduction
This essay sheds light upon the struggle of the Muslims of South Asia to achieve a land of their own. It traces the history of the efforts made by the Muslims during the period ranging from the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution in March 1940 till the final freedom and setting up of a sovereign homeland in August 1947. The first section of the essay describes the arrival of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at Karachi on 7th August 1947. When he was accorded a warm enthusiastic welcome by the people and when he outlined the basic beliefs and principles of the people of Pakistan, laying stress upon the equality of all Pakistanis irrespective of religion, casts, colour or creed. Then the essay points out to the main differences between the Congress and the Muslim League, between the view points of Gandhi and Jinnah, and their ultimate outcome in the shape of the two-nation theory becoming a reality. The concluding part of the essay deals with the problems facing the new nation of Pakistan in its initial years which incidentally proved to be the final year in the life of the father of nation.
Lines
“THROUGH ALL THE EXCITEMENT OF THOSE FIRST -------------------- REMAINED CALM, SERIOUS AND EVEN SEVERE."
Explanation
In the passage, the author is describing his views, on the excitement generated among the people of Pakistan on the first few days of their independence. Earlier the Quaid-e-Azam has landed at the MauripurAirport on August 7, 1947. He was given a rousing welcome by the people of Karachi. The people in their millions, welcomed their Quaid, the first Governor General of Pakistan. While the people were cheering with excitement and joy, though Quaid remained calm and serious. He gave no sign of his feelings, though, he too must have been delighted, at the tremendous joy, which the crowd was expressing on his arrival. Those were the first few days in the life of the young nation and the people were naturally, over-joyed. But their Quaid, who made independence possible, looked very calm, serious and even stern from appearance. He never revealed his feelings. He always kept his feelings to himself.
Lines
“ALL THIS KILLING AND DESTRUCTION--------------------- IS A FRIEND OF TOMORROW.”
Explanation
In the above passage the author is shedding light on the shock and sense of horror of the Quaid at the brutal killing of the Muslims, when they were trying to cross over to their country, Pakistan from India. The author is highlighting Jinnah’s shock and grief at the senseless killings and destruction of the Muslims, when they were coming over to their homeland. Jinnah was a man of peace. He hated violence and cruelty at all times. He was overcome with grief at the helplessness of the people, who were massacred by the Indians. With all this killing and violence, Jinnah still begged for peace and friendship with the Indians. Being neighbours, the Quaid extended a hand of friendship, in the hope of lasting peace and prosperity. That is why the Quaid hoped, that an enemy of today would become a friend tomorrow. But alas! This was not to be.
Lines
“BY THE FORCE OF HIS DETERMINATION ----------------------- NATION IN THE WORLD.”
Explanation
In the above passage the author is highlighting the leadership qualities of the Quaid-e-Azam. There are no two opinions about the Quaid’s leadership as well as his iron determination. By the force of the Quaid’s leadership as well as his determination, he formed the Muslims of India into a nation, who were once a small defeated entity, with nothing to hope for into a great force. The Quaid united the Muslims into one forceful unit, in an empire, which was ruled by the British. When the Muslims emerged as an independent nation, they became the greatest of Muslim states and the fifth largest nation in the world. This is a great tribute to the Quaid’s leadership, that he and the Muslims of India stuck to their guns and carried the day. But for the Quaid’s leadership and iron will, this may not have been possible.
Birkenhead Drill
Reference
The lines given for explanation has been taken from Asok Readers, Book III. The lines given for explanation are an extract from the lesson, Pakistan Zindabad that has been taken from Quaid-e-Azam, by John Walton.
Introduction
Birkenhead Drill is a story of extravagant deed of heroism and shvarism shown by the soldiers of British Army. The Birkenhead Drill was a troop ship, which come across with sudden accident which has brought a dramatic change in the life of soldiers. Birkenhead Drill means Women and Children first is the order followed on all ships that are in danger. Birkenhead Drill means today to stand be still facing certain death so that the weaker ones may have a chance of life.
“SOME PEOPLE BORN GREAT
SOME PEOPLE HAVE GREATNESS
SOME PEOPLE ACHIEVE GREATNESS
WE SHOULD MAKE OUR LIFES SUBLIME”
Lines
“IT LAY HIDDEN UNDER THE------------------- ALL UNCONSCIOUS OF ITS FATE.”
Explanation
A troop ship Birkenhead, was heading towards Capetown in South Africa. It was carrying 630 British soldiers and their families. The Birkenhead was almost at the end of its uneventful journey. But alas! It was destined to be destroyed in the near future. Forty miles before Capetown, was a rock, which was hidden under the surface of the sea. This rock was unknown in 1851. Hence it was not shown in any of the maps of the sea. The Birkenhead was heading straight for it, all ‘unconscious of its fate’. It was about 2 a.m. in the early hours of morning, when this terrible accident took place. The author has used a lovely simile, in comparing the hidden rock, to a wild animal of the sea, who is lying in wait, for its victim. The unfortunate victim (Birkenhead), being blissfully unaware of its fate, that it was destined to be doomed, soon. Whatever the staff on board the Birkenhead might be thinking at that moment, no one had the idea that very soon they were going to meet their end. That the Birkenhead would collide against the hidden rock and that, most of them would die.
Lines
“ANY PASSENGER WHO COULD NOT --------------------- ONCE WHO MIGHT FALL INTO THE WAVES.”
Explanation
In the above extract, the author states that after the Birkenhead had been destroyed, by crushing against the hidden rock most of the life boats were either destroyed completely or badly damaged. Only three lifeboats were in a useful condition. Each life boat could carry about 60 passengers, which meant the lives of only 180 passengers could be saved. In the given passage the author states that, one who could not get a place in one of the life boats fared certain death – death by drowning or worse. The sea was alive with sharks. Their cruel and fearful jaws awaited the unfortunate ones, who might fall into the sea. There was no hope of any ones survived, who might fell into the sea waves.
Lines
“BIRKENHEAD DRILL – WOMEN AND CHILDREN--------------- WEAKER ONES MAY HAVE A CHANCE OF LIFE."
Explanation
‘Birkenhead Drill’ is an order, which was given by the commander of the troops. It was given in the face of utter crises. The lives of over 600 passengers were at stake on he line. It was a crisis of the highest magnitude. The commander wanted to save the lives of 170 women and children. So he ordered his men, to stand in proper drill formation, and form queues. The soldiers obeyed the call of their commander and sacrificed their lives for a noble cause – the 170 precious lives of women and children. It has now become customary for the captain of the ship to say ‘Birkenhead Drill’ whenever a ship is in danger. This is the signal for the crew of the ship to stand at attention and save the lives of the weaker ones – the women, children and the sick.
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