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Naseer Mirza (20 July 1955)

  Naseer Mirza (20 July 1955) By Habib Sanai This July, the renowned poet, author, and broadcaster Naseer Mirza marks his 70th birthday. To celebrate his remarkable life and contributions, let us take a closer look at his journey and achievements. Early Life and Education Naseer Mirza was born on July 20, 1955, in Tandho Thoro, Hyderabad, into the distinguished literary family of the Mirzas — the same lineage that gave Sindhi literature one of its greatest icons, Mirza Qaleech Beg. Tragedy struck early in his life when, at the tender age of three, he lost his father, Naaser Ali Beg. From then on, his mother, Sharif Al Nissa, took on the responsibility of raising him. In his writings, Naseer Mirza has candidly mentioned being a shy and reserved child. However, a turning point came during his school years when the eminent playwright, publisher, and author Nisar Hussaini (2 February 1943-3 June 2006) became his class teacher in the eighth grade. Under Hussaini's mentorship, Na...

Dr. Fahmida Hussain (born 5th July, 1948)

  Dr. Fahmida Hussain (born 5 th July, 1948) By Muhammad Habib Sanai   Today marks the 77th birthday of the renowned scholar Fahmida Hussain. She was born on July 5, 1948, in Tando Jam, into the family of Muhammad Yaqoob Niaz—a primary school teacher and scholar. In pursuit of better educational opportunities for his children, he moved the family to Hyderabad, a decision that proved fruitful. His efforts were especially supported by his elder son, Sirajul Haq Memon, who himself later became a distinguished writer and scholar. Education She began her education at Muslim Girls School, Hyderabad, where she completed her primary studies. For her secondary education, she initially attended Miran School, and later transferred to Model School, Hyderabad, from where she passed her Matriculation in 1964 with distinction. In 1966, she completed her Intermediate (Pre-Medical) in Karachi and applied for admission to the MBBS program. Despite having sufficient marks, she was u...

Rauf Nizamani (born 2nd July, 1954) — An Unwavering Beacon of Enlightenment

  Rauf Nizamani (born 2 nd July, 1954) — An Unwavering Beacon of Enlightenment By Habib Sanai The term 'intellectual' has been so frequently overused — and often misused — that people have grown hesitant to apply it even to those who have made meaningful contributions to the intellectual and enlightened growth of multiple generations. Nevertheless, I regard Rauf Nizamani as a true intellectual — a steadfast source of enlightenment, particularly for the people of Sindh. Education Rauf was born on July 2nd, 1954, in Karachi. When he turned five, he was enrolled at Depchand T. Ojha School, located directly in front of his home. He writes that it was during the General Ayoub era, and relations with the USA were warm, which led to donations of milk and ghee for students. Every student received a glass of milk each day at lunch, and every week or so, students were also given a sealed canister of ghee. After completing fourth grade, he transferred to Abdullah Haroon Secondary...

Shaikh Ayaz (March 1923 – 28 December 1997)

  By Habib Sanai On March 2, 2025, Sindh is celebrating the 102nd birthday of the renowned poet Shaikh Ayaz , whose literary contribution remains unparalleled and timeless. To fully appreciate Ayaz’s contributions and stature, one must consider the profound transformations brought about by the revolutionary twentieth century. During this era, every field and sphere of life underwent significant change, fostering new norms and sensibilities that demanded special attention and adaptation. Sindh was under British colonial rule, during which the British introduced various reforms in governance, the economy, and education, primarily to serve their own interests. However, these reforms also brought certain benefits to the local population. New job opportunities emerged, and access to education enabled many to break free from the entrenched dominance of feudal lords. Urban centers began to develop, fostering economic and social progress. Additionally, improvements in communication...