Rafi Butt: A true patriot
PATRIOTISM is love, devotion and vigorous support for one’s country. It harvests national pride, devoutness, and sense of loyalty to the homeland and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment of cohesion.
Patriotism gives identity and impetus for bringing individuals together and inspiring them to act in harmony.
John F Kennedy once simplified patriotism saying: “Ask not what your country can do for you rather question what you can do for your country”.
It is imperative that Patriotism is Voluntary and based on true beliefs and robust convictions that are expressed through planned actions. There are times in the history of nations when there is no room for Ease or Comfort rather time to Dare and Endure.
Pakistan was built in such extremely turbulent times through a long, tedious, and vicious freedom struggle that demanded sacrifice in sweat and blood.
This freedom struggle was blessed with founding father who knew that imbibing feelings of patriotism and nationalism was not only vital for the creation of Pakistan but also safeguarding territorial integrity, national identity, religious beliefs, moral values and cultural heritage.
Quaid-i-Azam was blessed with immensely devoted followers and true patriots who were not only willing to fulfil responsibilities assigned to them politically, economically, and socially but were also ready to lay down their lives for the freedom struggle.
Rafi Butt was one such dynamic industrialist, statesman and visionary who was a true patriot at heart. He never got over awed by challenges and quandaries rather cherished them as opportunities and possibilities.
Born in an honourable lineage in 1909. Rafi Butt started his career as a young industrialist at the tender age of sixteen and through his sheer commitment and incomparable business acumen he immediately became an astounding success.
It speaks volumes of his business intelligence and astuteness that he flourished in times when Hindus dominated trade and industry and he was among a very handful of young Muslim businessman who made their mark. His contemporaries believe his accomplishments can also be attributed to his personality.
He was a well-dressed tall handsome vibrant man with good humour and a pleasant demeanour.
He was a trustworthy friend and a straightforward upright businessman. His ever-smiling presence was cherished by friends and foes alike.
Quaid-i-Azam; the father of the nation had a very astute perception of identifying steadfast, loyal and gifted comrades.
Quaid visited Rafi Butts flourishing industrial complex; “Ghulam Nabi & Sons” in December 1942 which marked the beginning of a revered and meaningful association.
Rafi Butt was truly captivated by Quaid’s personality and he assured him of his full cooperation both in terms of time and currency.
Quaid on the other hand was a complete statesman and he realized not only did the budding Muslim League require funds to compete against the fierce adversary, Congress but also needed young talented entrepreneurs in future to uplift the Muslim community.
So it was a mutual assent to becoming partners in the struggle towards the same objective; the quest for freedom and the betterment of the Muslims of India.
This promise was further fortified when Quaid visited Rafi Butt’s factory for a dinner and Rafi Butt gave a generous donation for the Muslim league and reiterated his promise to forever be by Quaid’s side against all odds.
Rafi Butt hosted meetings of eminent Muslim journalists and distinguished politicians to provide them a platform to discuss important political issues and devise future strategies.
The importance of these meetings cannot be denied as they were the breeding places of thoughts and ideas that were ultimately responsible for the metamorphosis of political theory of the Muslim League.
Rafi Butt stayed away from active politics which was another noble decision as his contributions as an industrialist and entrepreneur were more valuable for socioeconomic uplift of Muslims.
The closeness and depth of the relationship of Quaid-i-Azam with Rafi Butt can be seamlessly perceived from the Jinnah Rafi correspondence; a collection of letters exchanged between them.
Quaid as we know him was a very pragmatic statesman who would not waste a second of his precious time communicating with someone he considered unworthy of it.
He would many a times reply a long script with a single brief sentence but in case of letters from Rafi Butt his responses are equally intense, captivating and passionate.
Not only did they deliberate on future strategy and plan of action but also discussed team building.
Rafi Butt suggested names of people like Sir Maratab Ali of Lahore, Shiekh Sadiq Hasan of Amritsar and Mian Naseer Ahmed of Lyallpur for jump starting the economic and social uplift of Muslims in Punjab.
Rafi Butt also emphasized establishment of an English daily which was a dire necessity in the struggle for freedom if the Muslims wished to make their voice heard before their English rulers at the time.
Rafi Butt not only strengthened Quaid’s resolve but also offered whole hearted support on the commercial side to raise the Daily on solid financial foundation using all his connections and experience in finance.
As time went by, the leader and his comrades marched alongside each other surpassing one obstacle after another supporting each other with utmost dedication, unflinching resolve, and Godly efficiency until finally Pakistan was carved on the map of the World.
Unfortunately, soon after, in November 1948, the budding new state and his young family lost him when they needed him the most. His flight from Karachi to Lahore crashed near Vehari and there were no survivors.
A man who was appointed as member of the All-India Muslim League Planning Committee before partition and Vice President of the West Pakistan Muslim Chamber of Commerce passed away at the age of 39 only.
A man of extraordinary business acumen and a true patriot at heart; it was a great loss for his family and Pakistan.
The 26th Day of November marks his death anniversary.
It reminds us of a gallant leader who dedicated all his wealth and faculties for furtherance of the cause of Muslims of the sub-continent. It reminds us of a story of selfless devotion and wholehearted submission to the mission of one’s leader.
Visionaries like Rafi Butt teach us that success comes from perseverance and persistence against heavy odds.
Today, prudence demands that we honour our heroes, follow their footsteps and pursue their vision as our own.
This article is a humble dedication to Rafi Butt as we celebrate his memories, honour his contributions and promise to strive towards progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
—The writer is Chairman, Jinnah Rafi Foundation, based in Lahore.
