PMS Punjab 2023 Solved Precis

• Disparate (Adjective): Essentially different in kind; not able to be compared
  • Contextual Explanation: Describes the distinct or unalike wires (representing different groups) that a skilled electrician (or Iqbal, in the context) would merge into a single unit
• Malleable (Adjective): (Of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; figuratively, easily influenced; pliable.
  • Contextual Explanation: Describes how Hindu nationalism made minority communities feel easily manipulated or shaped to serve others' purposes, losing their own distinct identity
• Expendable (Adjective): Of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned or sacrificed.
  • Contextual Explanation: Describes how Hindu nationalism made minority communities feel disposable or unimportant, as if they could be sacrificed for the greater goals of the majority
• Pluralistic (Adjective): Characterized by a recognition and affirmation of diversity within a political body, which permits the peaceful coexistence of different interests, convictions, and lifestyles
  • Contextual Explanation: Describes Iqbal's nationalism as accepting and valuing the existence of multiple distinct groups, cultures, and traditions within society
• Expediency (Noun): The quality of being convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral
  • Contextual Explanation: Iqbal believed nationalist movements should not be guided by what is merely convenient or practical, but rather by moral principles.
• Pragmatism (Noun): An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application
  • Contextual Explanation: Iqbal believed nationalist movements should not be guided solely by practical considerations, but by principles of justice and equality.
• Joindre les deux bouts (French phrase): To make ends meet or, more contextually, to connect the two ends/sides
  • Contextual Explanation: Used metaphorically to express Iqbal's objective of connecting different communities and overcoming divisions to create a unified whole
• L'union fait la force (French phrase): Unity is strength.
  • Contextual Explanation: The guiding principle of Iqbal's vision for a harmonious and vibrant national community, emphasizing the power derived from collective unity
• Mordant (Adjective): (Especially of humour or wit) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting; literally, often referring to a corrosive substance
  • Contextual Explanation: Used metaphorically to describe Hindu nationalism as being like a sharply corrosive acid, gradually and destructively eating away at the social structure of society

The passage examines Muhammad Iqbal's philosophy of nationalism, contrasting it with both the Western notion of an "imagined community" and the exclusivity of Hindu nationalism. Specifically, Iqbal’s vision is portrayed as dynamic and inclusive, drawing from Islamic values while incorporating modern Western ideas to unite diverse Muslim communities fairly. The author describes Iqbal's approach as superior to the narrowness of Hindu nationalism, highlighting its pluralistic nature. In other words, the purpose is to illustrate and defend Iqbal's sophisticated ideology, positioning it as a model for nurturing a harmonious national community that transcends rigid religious and regional boundaries.

Main Idea of the Passage

• Iqbal's nationalism was a dynamic and inclusive ideology that sought to unite Muslims through a synthesis of Islamic principles and Western thought, standing in sharp contrast to the exclusivist nature of Hindu nationalism.

Supporting Ideas Helping the Main Idea

• Anderson’s abstract concept of nationalism aligns with Iqbal’s vision.
• To Iqbal, nationalism is an active and all-encompassing force rooted in Islam, but also incorporating ideas from modern Western thinkers.
• He urged Muslims to overcome sectarian and regional divisions to form one nation.
• He synthesized Islamic teaching and Western views on freedom and consensus to promote unity.
• He critiqued Hindu nationalism, viewing it as a narrow, oppressive ideology that marginalized minority communities.
• In contrast, Iqbal's vision was pluralistic and committed to principles of justice and equality for everyone.
• His vision continues to inspire pluralism and harmony.

Confused About Main and Supporting Ideas?

Kindly make sure to revise all five lectures on Precis Writing that I have already delivered. In these sessions, we discussed in detail:

• What a precis is and its purpose.
• What the main idea means and how to extract it effectively.
• What supporting ideas are and how to identify them.
• How to coordinate the main and supporting ideas while writing a concise, coherent precis.

Additionally, go through the 20 examples I shared in the WhatsApp groups. These examples highlight the Dos and Don’ts of Precis Writing, and revising them will help you avoid common mistakes and refine your technique.

Precis 1

Muhammad Iqbal's nationalism, defined as a unified political community, was aimed at uniting Muslims. He considered Islam to be a broad worldview that could incorporate different philosophies, and he sought to bridge the gaps between communities. Influenced by Western thinkers, he combined Islamic principles with modern ideas of democracy and autonomy. However, he was critical of Hindu nationalism, which he saw as a tyrannical and narrow ideology that sidelined minorities. In contrast, Iqbal’s vision was all-encompassing and diverse, recognizing the variety of traditions in India. Furthermore, he believed that nationalist movements should be directed by justice and equality, instead of mere practicality, for all inhabitants. And his ideas continue to stimulate a cohesive and flourishing national community built on the principle of strength through unity.

• Original Words in the Passage: 341
• Precis Word Count: 125
• Title: Muhammad Iqbal's Vision of a Unified Nation

Precis 2

Iqbal conceived nationalism as a unifying force, consistent with Anderson’s view of imagined communities. Grounded in Islam as a comprehensive worldview, his ideal integrated diverse traditions and called Muslims to rise above sectarianism in favor of collective identity. Furthermore, engaging Western ideas of independence, originality, and fairness, he produced an amalgamation that animated his political thought. He also criticized Hindu nationalism for reducing Indian identity to narrow exclusivism that marginalized minor subgroups within society. To Iqbal, authentic nationalism rested on impartiality and inclusivity rather than opportunism. And this enduring vision champions pluralism and harmony, presenting an inspiring model of national unity based on shared human values.

• Original Words in the Passage: 341
• Precis Word Count: 106
• Title: The Pluralism of Iqbal’s Nationalism

Precis 3

Iqbal shared Anderson’s idea of nationalism as a fictional community, envisioning a unified Muslim identity ingrained in Islam yet open to other beliefs. Moreover, he advised Muslims to overcome factional and regional partitions to form one nation. Drawing on Islamic teachings and Western views on freedom and consensus, he forged a synthesis promoting unity. Thus, unlike Hindu nationalism, which oppressed minorities due to its restricted views, Iqbal’s nationalism was wide-ranging and diverse. Finally, he emphasized that impartiality and fairness should inspire nationalist movements. Indeed, his idea still motivates efforts to create a unified national community with shared values, even in diversity.

• Original Words in the Passage: 341
• Precis Word Count: 101
• Title: Iqbal’s Inclusive Nationalism

Precis 4

Iqbal advanced inclusive nationalism, which is consistent with Anderson’s notion of abstract community. He regarded Islam as a framework capable of embracing varied cultures, while urging Muslims to surpass divisions and unite. Similarly, infusing Western concepts of creativity and democracy, he shaped a mixture that gave vitality to his thought. By contrast, Hindu nationalism was fundamentalist and repressive toward minorities; however, for Iqbal, nationalism must rest on the principles of parity and righteousness. All in all, his enduring perception instigates efforts toward pluralism and balanced national unity.

• Original Words in the Passage: 341
• Precis Word Count: 87
• Title: Iqbal’s National Ideal