Dr. Zahida Baqai: Another Shining Star of the Medical World Has Set
By Dr. Afzal Razvi – Australia
She was not merely a physician; she was a transformative personality, an institution, an ideology, and a mission in herself. The services she rendered in the field of medicine were not confined to professional achievements alone; rather, they became a luminous chapter in the service of humanity.
As the head of Baqai Medical University, she not only promoted medical education but also strengthened the foundations of modern healthcare facilities in Pakistan. Under her leadership, the institution transformed from a dream into reality, where knowledge, research, and service to humanity flourished together.
The life of Dr. Zahida Baqai was a shining example of struggle, sincerity, and determination. In a society where it was not easy for women to progress, she attained a position through her competence and courage that will remain a guiding light for future generations.
Her passing is not merely the loss of an individual, but the end of an era. She was a light that not only healed the wounds of patients but also illuminated young minds with the light of knowledge.
January 2018 will remain unforgettable to me, because some encounters in life are not merely formal, they open new windows of awareness and perception. Such a dignified and memorable meeting occurred when I travelled to Pakistan in connection with a reception for my book “Dar Barg-e-Lala o Gul.” There, I had the honour of meeting Mrs. Zahida Baqai, a distinguished educational and administrative personality.
This meeting, held in her office, proved to be an intellectual and spiritual experience for me. Present with me on that occasion was Mr. Syed Muhammad Nasir Ali, Director of Press and Publications at Baqai University, whose presence further enriched the scholarly gathering.
The conversation began with a formal introduction but soon transformed into a serious intellectual dialogue. Dr. Zahida Baqai listened with deep interest to the theme of “Dar Barg-e-Lala o Gul” and appreciated its research dimensions profoundly. She emphasized that studying the natural and botanical symbols in the poetry of Allamah Iqbal is a unique and valuable academic dimension, one that establishes a strong link between literature and scientific thought. In essence, the meeting became a beautiful blend of three domains: literature, research, and publication.
What stood out most during this meeting was Dr. Zahida Baqai’s humility, sincerity, and her spirit of encouraging scholars, qualities that make great personalities even greater.
Today, as she is no longer among us, that meeting has become a precious memory, one that will remain illuminated in the depths of my heart forever.
On the publication of the second volume of “Dar Barg-e-Lala o Gul,” she wrote in her message:
“Reading this book, written on a specific aspect of Allamah Iqbal’s poetry, has been a source of great pleasure for me. I became familiar with the name and works of Allamah Iqbal in my childhood due to my father, Abul Makaram Saleemullah Fahmi, a well-known poet and writer, who had a deep appreciation for literature and literary figures. However, due to my continuous education in science and medicine, my interest in poetry could not develop further.
In 2007, when the Baqai University Press was established, my husband, Dr. Fariduddin Baqai, wished that books related to medicine, science, and literature be published through the press. It was due to this desire and his interest in Allamah Iqbal that he approved the publication of the first volume of Afzal Razvi’s book ‘Dar Barg-e-Lala o Gul’ at Baqai University Press. How correct his decision was became evident to me through the book’s publication and the numerous events held in its recognition. I still remember Dr. Baqai’s words: ‘While others keep thinking, we accomplish.’
I often reflect on how greatly God had endowed Dr. Baqai with abilities that he could recognize a person at a glance and accurately assess someone’s writing. His words are worth remembering: ‘Much has been written and continues to be written on Allamah Iqbal’s thought. Recently, R.M. Afzal Razvi, residing in Australia, has done remarkable work on Allamah Iqbal. The first volume, which is now in your hands, is unique in every aspect. Even its title, “Dar Barg-e-Lala o Gul,” is striking. While we all consider Allamah Iqbal not just a poet but a great poet, Afzal Razvi has explored Allamah Iqbal through the scientific subject of botany in a truly distinctive way.’ This reminds one of Ghalib’s verse:
‘These themes seem to descend into thought from the unseen.’
In early January 2018, when the author arrived in Karachi from Australia for a book introduction ceremony, we had a brief but engaging conversation. Before meeting me in my office, he visited Dr. Baqai’s grave to offer prayers and spent considerable time there. From this, I could sense his deep affection for a knowledge-loving personality like Dr. Baqai.”
In the end, the prayers she offered for me are no less than a treasure. She wrote:
“Indeed, this is a great contribution by Afzal Razvi in relation to Allamah Iqbal, which will be remembered in literary circles for a long time. My prayers are with him.”
Dr. Zahida Baqai was not just a person, but a tradition, a tradition of knowledge, service, and dignity.
This tradition will live on through her institutions, her students, and the memories she has left behind.
May Allah grant her forgiveness, elevate her ranks, and enable her mission to continue. Ameen.