“…..She herself was feeling on
death bed, but still full of hope and cooperating on all efforts done in
hospital…….”told by eldest Shaista among the sisters.
That was a beautiful cold morning of Feb. when we were sitting in a cozy middle
room of a home, being just vacant with an elegant lady. We gathered to condole
with her four daughters and two d/in-laws. Her companion was also there. It was
all about Zubeda Salahuddin , famously known as Begum Salahuddin ,the reformer,
social worker rather we should say an institution. Her name is symbolic! (Naam
hee kafi ha!)
Off course she was an ideal mom, favorite sister in law, lovely aunt…….and so
on, meant she played each relation successfully.
Let me start with her life history! She was known in Karachi as a lady councilor
from 1979 to 1987, the era when most civic work is initiated under the Mayor
ship of Abdussattar Afghani (whose efforts to gain rights of this cosmopolitan
city, Karachi is un questionable).She didn’t work only after wearing this cap
,but emerged in social work since her childhood. Moreover, it was era of
political awareness, as the creation of Pakistan was under process.
Migrated from India to Pakistan with family and married to her cousin in 1951,
who was appointed as government servant. There was a peak of understanding with
husband and his family, despite of economical pressure and dependency on him
with a huge family. She bored her seven kids with pleasure and cheerfulness.
As she had left her convent school in primary level due to multiple reasons, had
thirst of knowledge in core of heart; hence whenever got the opportunity of this
she availed. She lived in the area developed after influx of migrated people
from India. Now, this is middle of the city, but at that time rather to say a
suburb! She used to go miles away from her home to learn Quran with translation
quenching her thirst of knowledge, and obviously all her lessons were shared
with children. Practice on the received knowledge reflected in her child bearing
principles”. Saa’d ,used to recite famous Ahadith as the kids sing nursery
rhymes. ….” Saa’d the youngest son of her, who was martyred brutally by an
ethnical group in college at the age of 20.
Talking about the incidence the sisters were very emotional as he was dearest to
all.” He was born in September and there was general election in Dec. Ammi was
in polling station working as volunteer from her affiliated party. During long
hours of her duty we take care of him and used to carry for feeding…..” it was
reminded by the eldest daughter of Begum Salhuddin, then a teen aged.
“ ….Don’t hug me …..Was her direction on the condolence of her loveliest son…”
interrupted by her colleague Zohra Zuberi “ due to fear of losing patience, at
that crucial moment she did it..”
”Once we soaked in water in our tender age during a picnic, and obviously it was
not acceptable for her, she commented that all my training washed in running
water …….”it was exclaimed by her daughter Uzma.
“She was so disciplined, that anybody could manage herself/himself as introduced
to her, perfect in time management! She was so kind to us……her anger was her
quietness ...And it was terrible for all of us…” described by Najeeba (her
daughter near to me) what a nice method to trim/ train the children!
“Never misbehaved to anybody despite of intense opposition! Never loosed her
temper. As a social worker she had tough schedule with domestic duties. She used
to collect accessories from the people, make it appropriate for needy persons.
Making dowry for poor girls, learn them to stitch, whatever these ladies made
was sold, and it was an earning for them.” told by Zohra Zuberi.
There was lot of sharing in this meeting. We were served with chocolate cake,
Gajar ka halwa and obviously hot drink related to the weather. We visited her
industrial home, next to her home. It was an established, well arranged model
for anybody to visit.
After spending few hours over there I was extremely inspired and had regret on
not meeting her alive! After returning home I was in great thought “what a role
model we have! A true beneficial for her extended family, society, and obviously
for her state! Making self employed, confident citizens is a great service for
humanity!
Truly, a lady having committed to her responsibility designed by her Creator is
real celebrity, although not highlighted in media as well! There is need to copy
her. Her potentials, her attitude, her efforts, her hard work, her dedication,
all are subjected to discuss and follow!
Afrad k haton ma ha aqwam ke taqdeer
Har fard ha millat k muqaddar ka sitara!