London Mayor unveils Quaid's bust at British Museum

 

LONDON: The Bust of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was unveiled at the historic British Museum as part of the grand finale of the year-long celebrations in Britain to mark the 70th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. Rich tributes were paid to the Founding Father of the Nation on the occasion. The event was attended by prominent Pakistanis and members of the British government.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was the chief guest at the ceremony. He, together with Syed Ibne Abbas, the High Commissioner, unveiled the Bust at the China & South Asia Gallery of the British Museum.

The Bust is being permanently installed at the Quaid’s alma mater, the prestigious Lincoln’s Inn on 29 November 2017.

The Mayor of London said that he was proud to be part of this event to honour the great Muhammad Ali Jinnah, particularly as someone of Pakistani heritage. “Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a pivotal figure in history but is also still an inspiration to us today - not just to Pakistanis, but to millions around the world. As a champion of democracy, women’s rights and religious freedom, Muhammad Ali Jinnah will always be someone who millions admire. I look forward to visiting Karachi, the city where he was born, during my first official visit as Mayor of London to Pakistan.

“My ambition is to strengthen the ties between London and Pakistan, to share the message that London is open and to encourage more Pakistanis to follow in Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s footsteps by visiting, studying and working in our great city.”

He said that he was celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, ahead of my upcoming trade mission to Pakistan.

The internationally acclaimed British sculptor, Philip Jackson sculpted the Bust. Sharing his experience of making the Bust, Mr Jackson said: “To get to the essence of the Man, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, I studied all the still photographs I could get hold of, viewed all the available films, read the words of those that had written about him and spoke to those whose lives he has changed, all to aid the build up in my mind a composite picture of the extraordinary man I was to portray.

“Undertaking a sculptural portrait, is like writing a book. You have to do all your research before you can start. You have to get to know subject, get under his skin, see what makes him tick. Then you can start.”

At the end, British Pakistani Sufi opera singer, Saira Peter presented national songs and cheered up the ceremony.