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, Naseer’s literary sensibilities, acting talents, and oratorical skills began to blossom.

After completing his Intermediate from Muslim Science College, Hyderabad, Naseer Mirza enrolled at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, where he earned his first Master’s degree in Journalism in 1980. Among his teachers was the celebrated journalist, author, and musicologist Shaikh Aziz, whose teaching Naseer often recalls with deep admiration. Later, he went on to obtain a second Master’s degree — this time in Sindhi — further deepening his connection with the language and its literary traditions.

Employment

Naseer Mirza began his professional journey as a Junior School Teacher. After a few years in education, he became the Public Relations  Officer at the Social Welfare Council. However, his career took a defining turn in 1983, when he joined Radio Pakistan as a Producer. Over the years, through dedication and creative excellence, he rose through the ranks to eventually serve as Station Director — a role in which he left a lasting mark on broadcasting in Sindh.

Broadcasting services

He is one of the most sought-after hosts and anchors, and an exceptional broadcaster who brought innovative trends to radio programming—particularly in music shows. At Radio Hyderabad, he played a key role in showcasing emerging singers and poets, thereby expanding and enriching the landscape of Sindhi music. Over a span of 25 years at the station, he recorded thousands of musical pieces—a remarkable achievement for him and a true delight for music lovers across Sindh.

For the past twenty-five years, he has been hosting a three-day music conference during the annual Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai—an endeavor he takes great pride in.

Literary Pursuits

Being a scion of a literary family, it was only natural for him to develop a literary passion during his school days. Although his mentor, Nisar Hussaini, envisioned him as a successful actor in the future. His first writings appeared in Paigam magazine, edited by the notable scholar and politician Abdul Wahid Areesar (11 October 1949 – 3 May 2015). His first book, Dharti ja Tara (Stars of the Earth), a collection of poetry for children, was published in 1979, which was celebrated as the International Year of Children. This poetry book received awards and prizes from the Institute of Sindhology, Jamshoro, and the National Book Foundation. Since then, around forty, either originally written or compiled and edited by him, have been published.

In addition, he has authored numerous essays, articles, and columns which—if anthologized—could easily fill half a dozen volumes. Many of his columns on Hyderabad vividly revisit the city’s old neighborhoods and streets, offering a compelling chronicle of its cultural and social history. For the past twenty years, during the early days of Muharram, he has also written a daily column for Kawish, exploring the culture of Muharram, the rituals of Azadari, and related traditions across Sindh.

Publications

His published works are listed below:

Original Works

1. Dharti Ja Tara (Stars of the Earth) – A collection of poetry for children (1979).
2. Khushboo Je Sang Sang (Walking with the Fragrance) – Poetry collection (1980)
3. Safar Man Andar (A Journey Within) – Travelogues (1985)
4. Kheemey Mein Shaam (Evening in the Tent) – A compilation of interviews, profiles, and impressions (2002)
5. Thee Na Saghyus Shaair (Could Not Become a Poet) – Poetry collection (2007)
6. Maan waran Saan Milo (Meet with Honourables) (Interviews of Numerous Sindhi writers and Vocalists), 2016.

 

Compiled and Edited Books

1.       Nader Baig Mirza Joon Kahaniyoon (Stories of Nader Baig Mirza) (1992 – Institute of Sindhology, Jamshoro).

2.       Sadh Parado (Eco of Call - writing about the book Jehra Gul Gulab Ja by Ghulam Rabbani Agro) co-compiler, 1992.

3.       Dharti Saro Des (The earth is our homeland) (Selected Travologues) 1995.

4.       Acho Pakhi Wae Me (White bird in the Air) by Hafeez Shaikh – compilation of stories, Novel, and other material, (1998)

5.       Chhah Chhah Paisa ba ba Payoon (Six pies, two pice) compilation of Poetry for Children by Kishanchand Bewas, 1998.

6.       Sami Sij Wara (Sun coloured Sami) (Collections of writing about Shaikh Ayaz), 1998.

7.       Nainan Me Diyariyoon (Collection of poetry by Shabbir Haatif) Co compiler

8.       Suhnoo Sadaey tho Paan (He Calls Himself Beautiful) (Collection of writing of Mumtaz Mirza) 2005

9.       Shamsul Ulema Mirza Qaleech Baig (Shakhsiyat aeen Fann) 2006

10.  Mirza Qaleech Baig, Fann aur Shakhsiyat (Urdu), 2006

11.  Jeejee Zarina Baloch (Profiles and Articles about Zarina Baloch), 2006

12.  Munhjo Kawab Mahal (My Dream Palace) (Collection of Poetry of Tabbasum Urooj Kazi), 2008

13.  Qaleech Album (Pictures of Mirza Qaleech Baig) 2009

14.  Ain Qaaf Shaikh Koh Kaaf Shaikh (Fan aeen Shakhsiyat), 2010

15.  Radio Hyderabad (Yadgiryoon) Three Volumes) 2010

16.  Benjey jo Badshah (Ustadd Beljam, Fann aeen Shakhsiyat) 20211

17.  Tariq Kitaab (Tariq Aalim Abro, Fann aeen Shakhsiat) 2011

18.  Radio Hyderabad Album (Pictorial History of Radio Hyderabad) 2012

19.  Radio Hyderabad Catalogue (2012)

20.  Sach Jee Gola (In Search of Truth) (compilation of book by Teekam Mitaee)

21.  Dablee Thee Chhankey (Selected Radio Songs for Children) 2010 and 2015

22.  Murad Sahib (2014)

23.  Qalam Jineen Je Hath Me (Compilation of writings of Murad Ali Mirza), 2014

24.  Deputy Sahib (2014)

25.  Jeean So Taaro Subh jo (Like a Star of morning) (Writings of Agha Saleem) 2015.

26.  Munhjo Saeen (Anthology about Nisar Hussaini) 2015

27.  Peerha Jo Parhlao -  Khairun Nissa Jaffery (Likhniyoon, Fann aeen Shakhsiyat), 2017

28.  Khatoon Awal Kahaneekaar Sumera Zareen (Kahaniyoon, Fann aeen Shakhsiyat), (compilation unpublished stories, article about her art and personality) 2018

29.  Hameed Sindh: Eindo Na Waree Wanjanoo (Co-compiler), 2020

30.  Hameed Sindhi: Hikh Anthak Insaan (Kahaniyoon, Maqala, Mazmoon aeen Biyoon Likhniyoon), 2016

31.  Asaan jo Qalam Hik Alam (Hameed Sindhi jee Shakhsiyat) 2015

32.  Hijab Sarapa Hijab (Rasheeda Hijab jee Shakhsiyat aeen Fan) 2019

33.  Qaleech Drama, 20219

34.  Bulbal Khush Guftaar

35.  Lok Kahaniyoon

36.  Ya Hussain Ibn Ali by Mirza Hussain Ali Quli Baig

 

Affiliations and Special Assignments

He has served two terms as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro (from 1997 to 1999 and from 2010 to 2012), as well as two terms with the Sindhi Language Authority, Hyderabad (from 2010 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2018). Additionally, he holds key positions as an office bearer of both the Shah Latif Foundation and the Shaikh Ayaz Foundation.

Awards
In 2006, he received the Shah Latif Award—an honor he cherishes the most. Last year, he was bestowed with the prestigious Pride of Performance Award. In addition to these, he has received numerous shields and accolades from various organizations in recognition of his contributions.