Role model VS Celebrity

(Farhat Tahir, Karachi)

“…..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!


 

Farhat Tahir
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