The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, unveils Quaid-e-Azam’s bust in the British Museum of London. The event had around 400 guests in presence. The unveiling of the Quaid-e-Azam’s bust is part of 70th Independence Anniversary Celebrations of the country. Many paid rich tributes to the father of the nation. The event was attended by many in the British government as well as some well-known Pakistanis.
Sadiq Khan Chief Guest at Quaid-e-Azam’s Bust Unveiling Ceremony
The London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, was the Chief Guest at the Quaid-e-Azam’s bust unveiling ceremony. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Syed Ibn e Abbas, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in the UK, unveiled the bust. It will become part of the British Museum’s China and South Asia Gallery. The statue will permanently remain at Lincoln’s Inn, where our great leader went to be trained as a barrister.
(Video Credit – BBC Asian Network)
The original plan was to hold the inaugural ceremony of Quaid-e-Azam’s bust at the Lincoln’s Inn. However, it could be carried out due to some refurbishment work. However, the Quaid-e-Azam bust was later moved there to remain. Quaid-e-Azam first went to study at the Lincoln’s Inn in April 1896.
Tributes to the Father of the Nation
The Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK stated that the Quaid-e-Azam’s bust is a befitting response to the founder. Furthermore, he said that many did offer voluntary donations to make it possible. However, he added that the Commission paid all its costs. The work on the statue began six months ago.
On this occasion, the Chief Guest and London’s Mayor said that he was proud to become part of this event. Furthermore, he added that the Quaid is one of the leading historical figures who remains an inspiration for all of us till this day. Also, he said that the high leader inspires not only the people of his country but to millions across the world. The Mayor also admired the founder’s championing of causes like religious freedom, women’s rights, and democracy.
The British Sculptor Behind Quaid-e-Azam’s Bust
The British sculptor behind Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s bust, Philip Jackson, stated he carried out his work in a detailed manner. Furthermore, he carefully studied all his available photographs and viewed films of him. Besides, he also read the words written by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and got in touch with people whose lives he had touched. He added that all his research led him to create a complete profile of the father of the nation.
A Bit About the Statue
Quaid-e-Azam was known for his great taste for the western suiting. The bust shows him wearing his famous headgear in modern attire. The statue reflects both the charismatic personality of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as well as his bright intellect. He remains an inspiration to many Pakistanis to bring good name to Pakistan with their significant accomplishments.
