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AOCTOBER Publication 2014 of World Memon Organisation Volume No. 57 Issue No. 671

Aamena Ghani Marium Faruqi Hajiani Khadija Ma SherBano Katchi

Laila Shahzada Marium Issa Dr. Zaitun Shah Bilquis Bano Edhi Memon Women

Tara Uzra Dawood in the Frontline Shireen Anwar

Tabassum A Qadir Hafiza Javeria Saleem Sidra Iqbal Mariam Arif

October 2014 Volume No. 57 Issue No. 671 Registration No. SS-038 Contents

A. Sattar Jakhura A. Hamid Suriya English Section From the Desk of the Editor 39 MITI 15th Batch Male held on 1st 07 Memon Women in the Frontline October 2014. 13th Batch Female held on 1st September 2014 Deputy President Cover Story 43 Mariam Issa distributed solar lights in (Far East Chapter) 08 Messages the remote areas of Sevan Shareef 09 WMO Ladies Wing of Pakistan Chapter 45 Memon Association of Canada hosts 11 Profiles Ladies Wing WMO welcome reception in honor of new 15 An Overview of Activites of Ladies Wing Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto of Pakistan Chapter (2010-2014) Mr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria 23 Picture Gallery WMO Ladies Wing 46 Memon Association of Canada 25 Pride of Memon Achievers Award. 2014 hosts Dinner Reception in honour of visiting Vice President, World Memon Secy Community News Organization North American Chapter 35 Abdul Sattar Dada - “Presidential Order and other dignitaries of Meritorious Service” Secy 37 WMO Rozgar Scheme

Sikander Sattar Secy

Yunus Suleman Gujarati Section Urdu Section Secy 48 Memon Quom no bhootkal ma dokiyu 58 49 Bilaspur ma vistarit Jamatkhana nu udhghatan. Secy 50 Yaadgaar Geet / Ghazalo na Memon 61 Gayak- Habib Wali Mohammad Vice President ( North America Chapter) Abdul Ghaffar Variend 52 Cricket no tunko itihas Asst. Secy General (North America Chapter) 53 Ajarak corridor- Majeed Aziz Dr. Naseem Shekhani Balagamwala 55 Amdavad Halari Memon Jamaat no Vidhyarthi Sanman Samarambh 55 All India Memon Jamat Federation 2014-15 na ohdhedaro

Mahmood Shaikhani (Pakistan Chapter) Published and edited by: Umer A. Rehman for WMO World Memon Organisation (WMO) 32/8, Street No. 6, Muslimabad Printed by: Off: Kashmir Road Karachi Bilal Umar – ADK Printers [email protected] JOIN HANDS WITH WMO

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Executive Tower, Dolmen City, 14-B, 14th Floor, H.C-3, Block-4, Marine Drive, Clifton,Karachi-75600 Tel:(92-21)35297814-17 Fax (92-21)35297818, 35297827 Email:[email protected],Website:www.mehransugar.com FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR Memon Women in the Frontline Before the advent of Islam, women did not enjoy any status or rights in any society of the world. One example which we are all aware of is that in the pre-Islamic Arabia, new- born daughters were buried alive by their fathers.

But Islam has duly given women their rights and a status equal to men. Their invaluable role as a daughter, sister, mother, homemaker and nurturer of her children and family, has been recognized and respected.

According to the sayings of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.):-

Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour his son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise (Ibn Hanmbal, No. 1957)

Paradise lies in the feet of the mother (Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

There is a general presumption that women of the Memon Community are plain homemakers and stay in their house looking after the day to day household affairs and take care of the children. But it is a pleasant surprise to note that many of our Memon sisters have scaled great heights in their respective careers and have become a source of immense pride to the entire Memon Community.

Recently, the Ladies Wing of the WMO Pakistan Chapter organized a unique ceremony by the name of PRIDE OF MEMON ACHIEVER’S AWARD on 24th September 2014 at Karachi, wherein the remarkable achievements made by some of our Memon Sisters in their respective fields were recognized and acknowledged.

Since this event is a milestone in the history of the Memon Community, wherein our Memon Sisters made us proud by their unique achievements, we have decided to dedicate the entire issue of MEMON ALAM to them with the theme “Memon Women in the Frontline”.

The WMO has always strived to harness the potential of well-to-do Memon Women so that they can channelize their time, money and efforts to work for the betterment of the less fortunate Memon women. For this purpose, Ladies Wings were established in all Chapters of WMO. The Ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter is doing an excellent job since its inception. We congratulate the Office Bearers and entire team of the WMOPC Ladies Wing for all their accomplishments over the years and for organizing the recent unique Award Ceremony. Such awards and recognitions will definitely encourage more and more of our sisters to reach out to greater heights.

We hope that this Award Ceremony will become an annual event so that no Memon Lady, who has important achievements to her credit, be left without being duly honored.

We wish the best to all Memon Women Achievers and urge all our Memon Sisters, especially the younger generation to pursue maximum possible education and acquire useful skills.

As the saying goes:-

You educate a man… you educate a man only. You educate a woman… you educate a generation.

Pir Muhammad A. Kaliya Chief Editor

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 7 Massages Pir Muhammad Kaliya Secretary General, WMO It is a matter of great pride as a Memon to celebrate victorious achievements of our Memon Women. The Members of Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter need greater appreciation on their past contribution and on especially this wonderful idea of acknowledging Memon Women on their great and extraordinary achievements. I congratulate the Ladies Wing on organzing World Memon Organasiation“PRIDE OF WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARD 2014” and all the Award winners. I wish for them more success. May Allah S.W.T bless them with more zeal. and Insha Allah we together will unite, uphold and uplift the Memon Community, Muslim Ummah and the whole human race. Shoaib Ismail Mangroria Vice President, WMO I always support all the volunteers who work selflessly and devote their time & energy for the vision to prosper as a Memon Community. From the core of my heart I congratulate Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter for organizating this program World Memon Organasiation“PRIDE OF WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARD 2014” It gives me great pride as a Vice President WMO, to visualize the immense potential that our women have excelled in unique paradigms of life. Ladies Wing PC have always amazed with their programs they organize. This program has not only inspired our new generation but also given us a sense of fulfillment as a Memon Community. I wish all of you best of luck.

H.M Shahzad Assistant Secretary General, WMO Chairman MITI It gives me immense pleasure as Assistant Secretary General, WMO and Chairman MITI to congratulate and acknowledge Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter for organizing World Memon Organasiation“PRIDE OF WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARD 2014” Ladies Wing PC has always played a very prominent role. I have full faith capabilities of Women in general I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the mothers of the world and my own mother, Hajiani Aisha bai whose Prayers have given me so much respect. I feel extra pride when I see memon sisters, and daughter’s performing with excellence. At MITI, I try to introduce and support all the measures that are helpful in empowering women to come forward and educate and groom themselves in different areas. At MITI we have designed numerous innovative course for ladies so that they do not only Groom themselves but also raise the standards of their living which will definitely have an overall impact on the society. As I know that women can reshape our destiny I have always supported all projects for the welfare of the community as a whole May Allah S.W.T bless us with true spirit and guidance to serve.

8 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COVER STORY World Memon Organization Ladies Wing of Pakistan Chapter

n behalf of Ladies wing of take up this difficult task. Alam team, Chief Editor Pir Muhammad Pakistan Chapter, we feel It’s a matter of great pride for all of Kalia, Editor Hina Yahya, Layout Designer Ohonored being women and us as Memon Women who ardently support Mr Farooq Saati, Mr Saleem Surthy, Mr part of Ladies Wing of World Memon and excel in all the roles they play. Abdul Hameed, sponsors of this program Organization. We have the privilege to All Women devote their lives nurturing Bonanza, Wall Master, Global Associates, represent, serve and raise the voice of women their children and this itself is a mighty epic. The Pioneer Cables, Mr. Altaf Vayani,Chairman on an international level. The Ladies Wing errand of recognition awards was undertaken to Youth Wing Pakistan Chapter, Sumrin Kaliya, of WMO is actively involved in various spot light the achievements of Memon Women Sadia Umar and Yusra Imran for assisting in socio - cultural and welfare activities for the in various and unique spectrums. this program. welfare and well being of the Women of Pride of Memon Award has paid Most importantly a very humble piece Memon Community in particular and women tribute to Memon Women, who broke of gratitude for the marvelous support of the of all communities in general. The Ladies the traditional obstacles and stood out Office bearers of WMO PC, Pir Muhammad Wing holds get-togethers, seminars, social exceptional, phenomenal astounding, Kaliya, Assistant General Secretary H.M gatherings, exhibition,sales and charity events prodigious, spectacular and now are laudable Shahazad, Vice president Shoaib Ismail from time to time. role models. The explicit, captivating, Mangroria and all the members of Board of We would like to take this opportunity enchanting, and exquisite profiles of these Management. May Allah S.W.T Bless us all to thank Ladies Wing of South Africa who amazing women is present in this issue with true guidance and spirit to work of the contributed US$ 10,000 for disbursement October. 2014, of Memon Alam, “Memon betterment of his beloved beings. to “children with special needs project” It Women in the Frontline”, also reveals the The ladies of the Memon Community was announced at the 2013 Annual General self worth of these inspiring women as worldwide are requested to join the WMO Meeting in Dubai, that this $ 10,000 would women and member of Memon community. Ladies Wing, wherever they are, at a WMO be divided $ 2000 for each chapter and the We admire them all and congratulate them Chapter closest to them. Further, the ladies ladies wing of each chapter was requested for all their accomplishments. of the Memon Community are requested to identify a suitable project and disburse This is just a beginning to discover to become members of WMO. The Annual these fund. The details of utilization of these and acknowledge the precious pearls of our Membership is only US $25. fund is present in “Over view of ladies wing Memon community. Ladies wing Pakistan Remember us all in your prayers for all activities” in Memon Alam October 2014. chapter, after utmost efforts brought this idea our future ventures and if you can in anyway All the members of Ladies Wing to full fruition but may be missed some very support us or want to join us, do write to us. Pakistan Chapter feel exuberant on organizing important women unconsciously due to time We look forward for your contributions and the event WMO “PRIDE OF MEMON constraints. suggestions ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2014”. It was Inshaa Allah we will continue this A noteworthy piece of gratitude to Zaitun a brain child of Tabassum A.Qadir, who has tradition of acknowledging talenedt Memon Matcheswala for reviewing and editing the now shifted to South Africa. Tabassum`s Women by organazing “PRIDE OF MEMON profiles of WMO “PRIDE OF MEMON contribution to strengthen the Ladies Wing of ACHIEVEMTN AWARDS” in future too. ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2014” Pakistan Chapter has been marvelous, it was We are grateful to all our sponsors, supporters, Best regards, her dream project which inspired all of us to well -wishers, volunteers WMO staff, Memon Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 9

PROFILES Hawa Abdullah Chairperson, International Ladies Wing, WMO

awa Abdullah is a renowned social which is one of the oldest Ladies Association in worker of the Memon community Pakistan. Mrs. Abdullah is actively involved in the Hin Pakistan Ladies Wing of the World Memon Organization Hawa`s gentle manners, kind nature and (WMO) since its inception. She was the unassuming personality has earned her much Chairperson of WMO Ladies Wing (Pakistan love and respect from people from all walks of life, Chapter) for three consecutive years. Presently, she especially her team workers. Hawa Abdullah was is serving as the Chairperson WMO International born in Pretoria, South Africa but has settled in Ladies Wing which is a global body for Memon Karachi, Pakistan since her marriage in 1965, She Ladies. is blessed with four children, In the early years, Her major involvement has been the Ma she was a busy housewife raising her children Ayesha Memorial Centre (MAMC), Karachi, a Karachi, engaged in serving the blind, deaf and following up on their education. When the comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre for Neuro and senior citizens. Recently, Mrs. Abdullah children were grown-up, Hawa Abdullah turned Muscular Disorders. This Centre is run by her has formed an Organization called Age her attention towards the less – fortunate and Family Trust with the motto “MAMC GIVES Response Care givers Community with other dedicated her time money, and efforts for social WILL TO LIVE” and renders services for care Social volunteers being its main objective being and welfare activities. and control of neuro muscular disorders to the welfare of senior citizens. Hawa Abdullah is a very active member humanity at large. Hawa Abdullah loves gardening and of All Memon Women`s Association (AMWA) Hawa Abdullah is an active member has made it her life time hobby. She is active which help needy and deserving members of the of BUSY BEE LADIES CLUB actively member of Amateurs Gardening Club the society to become self – reliant. She is a former engaged in providing financial assistance in Floral Art Society and now President of Ladies president of Women`s International Club and basic education to deserving children. She is Horticultural Club. She has a flare for cooking at Present serving as an Advisor to the club. She also a member of the Executive Board of the and invites regular gathering for teaching and is the president of Karachi Ladies Association prestigious Ida Rieu Welfare Association of learning cooking. Amina Ali Ganny Chairperson, Ladies Wing, WMO Pakistan Chapter

mina has also been an active in various organizations working for the member of AMWA for people of Pakistan focusing on disaster Aover 30 years and WMO for relief humanitarian issues, education and over a decade. Currently, she serves the empowering women. The greatest of her organization as the Chairperson WMO achievements perhaps is Rehnuma Trust Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter. located at Sherpaobasti, this organization Amina has been involved in social work started with a few friends in a single room over 40 years influenced greatly by her legendary rented in a house which has now grown into the renowned philanthropist Father, Ibrahim being a cornerstone in the local slum area Bawany Since then she has been involved educating over 600 children annually. Hamida Iqbal Bawaney Treasurer, Ladies Wing, WMO Pakistan Chapter

amida has been active support and guidance to various social and member of World Memon philanthropic organization in execution HOrganization is also an active and implementation of such projects, in member of inner wheel club, an associate particular including dowry . Organization of Rotary International. Hamida Iqbal Bawaney is a graduate and She is an active and dedicated social also holds Diploma in Flower Arrangement worker and has been rendering vibrant from Japanese Cultural Centre.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 11 PROFILES Aisha Anwar Co-Chairperson Ladies Wing

orn in Karachi, her early education Working with WMO means reaching was from Karachi American out to a larger group of people thus requiring Bschool then A.A degree from more effort and time to reach goals. Her Richmond American University , UK. work as Executive Director of Pioneer Aisha has been blessed with a family Cables Ltd, running a home and charity that is well known throughout the Asian work is very demanding but she considers it subcontinent for its generosity and good a blessing from Allah to be able to give time deeds.she has had the privilege of working for the right causes. with various groups and friends and tries She has won awards in poetry and hard to maintain the Bawany family tradition photography. She was General Secretary for of charity. Being the daughter of Zakaria Woman’s International club, Karachi, and is Ahmed Bawany she feels she has a long way member of Ikebana International and Floral to go. Art Society. Shameen Bawany Public Relations Officer Ladies Wing

hameem Bawany has been an ladies specifically; which would aid them active member of the WMO in gaining employment or help them set up Ssince its very inception. She is small businesses. Mrs Bawany is confident very proud of the progress the WMO has that if the WMO continues to adapt its made and envisions the organisation to programmes according to the changing grow into a bigger global presence, hoping needs of the Memon community it will to reach out to the international Memon blossom from strength to strength, fullfilling Community to form a wider integrated its mission of having a wider reach for the network with different sects within the deprived in areas such as: food, housing, community coming together under one education and dowry assistance as well umbrella . However despite its success as generate larger funding for the needy. she feels that it could further benefit from In the next five years Mrs Bawany wishes a Memon Community Hall, and a sort of to continue her services for the welfare of ‘Job Center’ for our enterprising Memon Memons around the globe. Abida Dada Memon Connections Ladies Wing

bida Dada, fashion been involved in the Pakistani fashion Designer, Homemaker and industry for over 4 decades. Abida A philanthropist, has been has always made time for her passion working towards the betterment, of for social work, specifically focusing not only the Memon community, but on alleviating poverty and improving also Pakistani society. Despite being educational infrastructure within the a mother of three offspring’s she is a country. pioneer in the world of fashion and has

12 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 PROFILES Bilquis Tabani General Secretary Ladies Wing

started out as a dedicated homemaker the Memon Community and all our young but soon found I needed more to boys and girls must be degree holders (or on Imaximise my potential. I always had their way) by 2018. a love affair with flowers and this led me to be With a view to achieving this ambition one of the founding members of the Amateur through the WMO, I would like to see gardeners club and the Karachi Floral Art us build a lovely community centre in a Society. This soon extended to doing interiors, nice locality. This would serve a two fold wedding florals and event management. I have purpose; Firstly it would give us a much also participated in many International Flower needed space to conduct community shows. building, educational and social activities. I have been associated with WMO Secondly the revenue generated can be for six years now and have contributed in directly applied to a scholarship fund for various ways to the organisations efforts and deserving student who do not wish to accept secure in the knowledge that their money matrimonial services. zakat. We can also have a huge-wedding will be utilised for a good cause and they I am proud to be a memon and of what hall of high standard which will not only will be contributing to something bigger. my community stands for. As a baradari provide job opportunities but would also be This project is one that is close to we have always been pioneers in helping a steady source of funds. We can have grand my heart and in line with my 20 years of the society around us and have admittedly fresh flowers decorations which can be re experience in event management and interior done a lot for both our Community and used for all the various events and nothing design. I believe that if correctly developed country. For me the last roadblock for us, as would be wasted, as Memons we do not like this centre can become the cornerstone of our a Community is the curse of illiteracy- my to waste. Moreover it would give memons community, a unique social enterprise that vision is therefore to eradicate illetracy from the option to have grand weddings whilst would be by the people and for the people. Abida Moosa Vayani (Panjwani)

entered the social working sector physically challenged. My focus was entirely back in 1978. It’s been almost 36 on the orphans and widows who needed moral I years and my experience has been support. The sole motive was to take them wonderful, exciting and stimulating. What out of their deprived shell and make them motivated me more was the involvement of understand their strengths. I feel proud to say my family in the social work. It was all their that I was successful in providing them with influence. My grandfather Abdul Ghani good education and skills at minimum charges. Abdul Karim Panjwani was the president Today these kids are capable of handling both in 1950’s and my father Suleman A. G. household and education, which surely is an Panjwani had been helping the needy in achievement for us. Currently, 300 girls are every possible way he could. Also, my uncle learning arts and crafts in the vocational activities Dr. Essa Panjwani was the first doctor of which was offered complementary in the first Okhai Memon community and he treated three months, after that minimum charges were none of my clients leave my office with many people free of cost. I always had a charged. Now I have a better understanding of discontentment. desire to help people in crisis, people with the world of oppression and abuse as well as Presently, I am in charge of Okhai economic challenges and be involved with the hope, resilience, self-empowerment and the Memon Anjuman’s marriage bureau and I social change within our Okhai Memon willingness to change and grow. work both in the office and in the house. community. Moreover, I entered the World It’s been an amazing journey and I was appointed as a General Secretary Memon Organisation in 2001 which was I absolutely love my work. It makes me of Okhai Memon Youth Service in 1979 - this a huge platform and gave me a chance internally happy when I see the destitute program provided the skills and confidence to to serve the community in an even better children smile. I believe everyone should be be an effective social worker and counsellor. way. Later, I handled its marriage bureau given the privilege and opportunity to unveil Moving on, I became the president of Okhai too. It was a great experience meeting their true strengths and overcome their Memon Anjuman Girls Wing in 2000. I different families and helping them. I used weaknesses. It’s a beautiful life and everyone looked over the kids who were mentally and to take divorce cases too and I made sure should live it to the fullest.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 13

COVER STORY An Overview of Activites of Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter (2010-2014)

The World Memon Organisation functions and other such gathering where especially those from affluent families, have (WMO) is an international umbrella awareness about WMO is created and efforts always responded positively to the efforts of organization of the Memon Community are made to bring the women of the Memon the WMO Ladies Wing. This is evident from serving the poor and needy through its eight Community together on a single platform the number of new lady members of WMO. chapters around the world – namely Pakistan, and motivate them to devote their time and The members of the WMO Ladies Wing India, Far east, Middle East, Europe, Africa, energy for social work and charity. are also involved in fundraising for various North Africa and North America. Besides, Such programs and get-togethers also events and projects. The WMO Ladies the social, cultural and economic status of provide a forum for dialogue and discussions Wing always tries hard to promote WMO all Memons – whether men, women or the with women of similar interests. They also as an international NGO on every possible youth. help create awareness of issues pertaining occasion. For this, the World Memon to the women workers themselves and to We take this opportunity to sincerely Organisation (WMO) has well-established the entire Memon Community at large. thank the members of WMO Ladies Wing Ladies Wings and Youth Wing in all its Such get-togethers offer the women an and all its well-wishers for their generous chapters. The Ladies Wing of the WMO opportunity to interact with other members donation and continues support. Pakistan Chapter is one of the largest and of the organisation share ideas and undertake most active of them all. constructive social work for the community. TheWMO Ladies Wing in 2010 Introduction to the Ladies Wing The women of the Memon Community, The Ladies wing is striving to harness The Ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter is actively involved in a variety of activities for the welfare and well-being of the women of the Memon Community. The Ladies Wing is proud to have a team of dedicated women who are putting their skills and innate talents to the best possible use for the betterment of Memon women and children. Harnessing the Potential of Memon Women The women of the Memon Community are bestowed with immense talent and the Ladies Wing is striving to encourage them to cultivate in themselves the spirit to serve the less fortunate members of the Memon Community under the banner of WMO. For this purpose, the Ladies Wing regularly holds get-togethers, seminars,

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 15 COVER STORY

the most remote area of Kohistan. The valley wich was cut-off from the rest of the world because its 25 mile long road and the two bridges which connected it to the nearest town were swept away by the floods. Responding to the distress signals, the lady members took an alternate route crossing Babusar Pass ( 16,000 feet) and traveling down the Chilas valley to reach Kandian. In all, it was a grueling 20-hour journey over bumpy rods and gushing streams. This remote area is among the poorest in the country. Its people lead tough lives in difficult terrain which make them self-reliant and uncompromising on their basic needs. When we talked with them about the need to work together and in partnership, they responded with uncharacteristic warmth. Thereafter, food for more than 1000 people was distributed. Later on, the ladies wing members also the potential of dedicated women workers members of WMO. visited Flood Relief camps at Jamshoro and to cultivate in them the spirit to serve the Razzakabad and distributed relief goods to less fortunate members of the Memon 2.WMO`s Stall at SAARC Fair about 300 families. Community under the banner of WMO. The WMO Ladies Wing always tries They also visited the Flood Relief The WMO Ladies wing has organized hard to promote WMO as an international camp at Gharo organized by WMO and the following events over the past one years. NGO. In this regard, a stall of WMO was Shaikhani Foundation, along with the other We would like to point out, at this juncture, setup by the WMO Ladies Wing at the fair members of the Board of Management of that plans for other programs were dropped Held by the South Asian Association for WMO on 19 September. after the floods in Pakistan. Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on 6th March 2010 at the Marriot Hotel, Karachi. Merey Angney Mein TEAM - Together Everyone At this stall, pamphlets and CDs of WMO The WMO Ladies Wing held its 1st Achieves More were distributed and the visions were briefed Event of Mother and Daughters Gathering Team was organized by the membership about WMO and its vision. under title theme of “Merey Angney Mein” Division of Ladies Wing on 17th March for matrimonial purpose. The Targeted 2010 at the Sunset Club, Karachi. This 3.Flood Relief audience were mother and eligible daughters seminar has conducted by torque (School of Soon after the devastating floods all and mothers of eligible sons. Leadership). over Pakistan, Mrs. Amina Ganny (Vice The event at Royal Rodale, Defence Objectives of Event: Chairperson, Ladies Wing.) along with Housing Authority, began with brunch • To bring together Networks of Mrs. Tabassum Abdul Qadir (Secretary, and spanned 4 hours. After the brunch at women from our Memon Community at Ladies wing ) took the initiative to go to restaurant, all participants were seated in one platform and motivate women endowed with talents, energy to devote their energies and time for social work and charity. • To provide a forum for dialogue and discussion on issues of social welfare and culture. • To promote awareness of issues relevant to ourselves and our community. • To plan leisure activities activities for women enjoy themselves and meet others with similar interests. Objectives Achieved It was a very interactive seminar and 104 ladies actively participated. It was fund and all the Ladies participated actively. 50% cost of the program was covered by Registration fees and 50% was paid by WMO. The participants were divided in 10 groups and given the task to come up with different objectives. Evaluation form of the event were filled by the participants for survey. The women enjoyed the program and also showed keen interest in becoming

16 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COVER STORY

has been collected for the Flood Relief Work and goods worth about Rs. 150,000 (US $ 1700) have been also collected. 2.WMO President’s Housing Scheme: The Ladies Wing has been actively collecting donation with the aim to finance one house under the WMO President’s Housing Scheme. Till date, an amount of Rs.843, 000/- (US $ 9,580) has been collected. The WMO Ladies Wing objective was aiming to collect PKR 1 million (USD 12, 000) to completely finance one house and we are happy to say that we are almost there in achieving this target. 3.Matrimonial: The Ladies Wing Continues to help parents find suitable matches for their children in a very confidential manner and Banquet Hall. The program started with achieves More (TEAM) was financed with great care is taken in protecting the identity opening remarks by Mrs. Samreen followed two-thirds of the funds raised by donations of each individual. A number of marriage by welcome speech by Chairperson, WMO and tickets while the remaining one-third relationships have also been finalized. Ladies wing, Mrs. Hawa Abdullah. was contributed by WMO Pakistan Chapter. There was an icebreaking activity The event Merey angeney mein was 4.JAGO – Women Power Con- where participants were given different entirely financed by tickets and contributions ference: colors of ribbons and were shuffled to from the members of WMO Ladies Wing. This conference was a call to women different tables having flags of their The expenses of the stall at the SAARC in positions of power to stand up against respective colors. This activity allowed them Fair were also taken care of by the members the issues and social injustice faced by the to have networking with other participants. of the Ladies wing. women of the Memon community. The Next activity was “ I AM” where own purpose of the conference was to motivate visiting card was made by each participants TheWMO Ladies Wing in 2011 and encourage the women in key positions and the cards were rotated on the table they to come forward and act as a bridge between were sitting to know more about each other. the privileged and deserving. The first part Cards were than collected by volunteers the Activities & Events of WMO was held in January, 2011 and was sponsored have data of all participants and for lucky Ladies Wing during 2011 by Ms. Ajjo, a leading fashion Jewelry draw. Thereafter a renowned singer Ms The WMO Ladies Wing has been Designer. The Conference was dedicated to Asma Ahmed made all participants sing actively engaged in collecting funds and empowering women to bring hope, healing along with her. relief goods for the Flood Relief Work and changes into their own lives and to the After ever one two songs there was in 2010 and 2011. So far, a considerable world around them and served as a call announcement of different categories of amount has been collected by the Ladies to women of all ages and backgrounds to lucky draws. For example: any one having Wing besides donation in kind. Till date, become the leaders. The second part of the birthday in October. Any one wearing black an amount of Rs.1,627,500/- (US $ 18,500) conference was held in March, 2011 at a dress with red purse. Any one wearing purple and many different categories. The aim was to bring more and more participants on forefront.The program ended with lot of appreciation and demand for such events every 2 month. Hopefully the WMO Ladies wing will keep the spirit continue and will come up with more exciting events in future under the mission statement: Entertainment with Purpose”. Self-Funding The WMO Ladies wing has generated funds through registration fees and tickets for the above mentioned programs and does not depend entirely on WMO for funding. Only if the case need be , a small share has been sought from WMO. The Program Together Everyone

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 17 COVER STORY member’s residence. The jago event was Organized by WMO Ladies Wing at Sheraton with a view to bring one one platform all the influential memon women and encourage them to participate in welfare and community service activates of WMO. The event was preplanned in a careful way. The team was asked for nominations regarding such memon women who had made a mark on the socio economic strata and ascended the ladder of success in lives. The nominated ladies were extended invitations for tea at Sheraton. The event was facilitated by Ms. Urooj Mazhar who is a turning officer at torque. She is a well known trainer and motivational speaker. The audience were later encouraged to brainstorm more ideas by which the Ladies wing could perform diverse social work functions. the were also convinced about the importance of team work and then around __ teams were formed the ladies eagerly participated in the whole event and zealously included their names in various teams. The whole event was sponsored by Ms. Ajjo who is a leading fashion jewellery designer. The event turned out to be a huge success as it not only promoted the cause Sponsor of Symphony of Fashion: of WMO but also managed to expand the network of WMO Ladies wing. Membership were also given to the interested ladies and An Exhibition was also arranged Ladies wing of World Memon more were encouraged to be members of the along with the fashion Show, Where Organization held free Medical camp in WMO family. the participating Memon Women set up collaboration with Zubida Medical Centre, their stalls to exhibit their handwork. Dhoraji Colony at Kaka Bawany centre. A 5.Cricket World Cup: The exhibited items included garments, counter for dental check up also set by Jinnah The Ladies Wing had successfully handicrafts, art work, home accessories and Dental Hospital. A professional team of arranged a very festive Get-together at the many other items. PharmEvo (Pvt) Limited, a pharmaceutical Royal Palm where the semi-final cricket The Members of the Ladies Section, company, assisted for laboratory test of the match between Pakistan VS India was Memon industrial & Technical Institute visitor. shown live on big screens. A variety of food (MITI), A project of WMO, also took part The team of doctors and stalls were also setup at the venue. The event in the exhibition. paramedical staff from Zubaida Medical was attended by a large group of youngsters The fashion show, symphony of centre, conducted Blood Grouping, ECG along with their parents. fashion, and the exhibition, were sponsored and test of sugar, colestrol etc, under the by leading national and international brands direct supervision of Mr.Sidduq Umer 6.Grand Eid Milan: and companies of Pakistan. Shekha, Executive Director of ZMC. This was a Bowling and Brunch All programs and events organized by There was big rush for free medical test Get-together for the WMO members to the ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter and queues of visitors were formed. Around share the Eid festivities. The event, held have been appreciated by all and attended 225 female visitor availed free medical on 17th September 2011 at royal Rodale by a good number of participants. The check up. Club, Karachi, was a guests attended the Ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter Besides Medical camp, five stalls event. is striving hard in its Mission to harness of household items lik crockery, toys, the potential of Memon women to pursue purses, Garments, clothing etc. were 7.Symphony of Fashion: and fulfill a just and noble cause, that is to also installed. These items were brought A Fashion show & Exhibition was held serve humanity. in various cartons and offered for sale at on 17th December 2011 at South End Club, cheaper rates. The Office Bearers were Defence, Karachi. The Ladies Wing Pakistan also busy in attending to the visitors. A fashion Show titled “Symphony Chapter in 2012 Some vendors displayed their items on of Fashion” was organized by the WMO the floor which also attracted the visitors Ladies Wing on Saturday, 17 December and very soon disposed off. 2011 at South End Club, Defence, Karachi. Activities & Events of WMO The prices of commodities gradually The aim of this event was to promote lady Ladies Wing during 2012 declined with the sell of better quality items designers of the Memon Community and the event ended with lunch to the organizers give their creativity and skills a proper and the coordinators. exposure. 1.Free Medical Camp:

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(L-R) Mr. Rafiq Tabani, President, Mrs Bilquis Tabani, Ms. The Audience Shamiem Kazmi & Syed Makhdoom Ali Riyaz, Vice President 9.Comedy Play at PACC: grateful to PACC and its president, Mr. case need be, a small share has been sought The Ladies Wing of the WMO Rafiq Tabani for the arrangements which from WMO. Al Hamdulillah, the WMO Pakistan Chapter regularly hold seminars, were made free of cost. Ladies Wing has raised the funds for all its get-togethers and other socio-cultural events The expenses of the refreshments programs in the year 2012 and did not ask for the benefit of the women of the Memon were self-financed by the members of the WMO for any financial assistance from Community in Pakistan. Ladies Wing. WMO. In this regard, the WMO ladies Wing held a Grand event at Pak American 3.In the hot sizzling month of June, Cultural Center(PACC) on Friday,20th an Indoor Pool Party was organized at the Aprial 2012 at 8:30 p.m. At the event, the residence of Farah Chapra, it was a very team of ZAHRSSS Production Presented fun filled event, many exciting games were two plays of about 45 minutes each. The played and gifts distributed, the purpose plays were both educative and entertaining. behind this programme was collection of About 150 People(both men and women) zakat before Ramadan. Refreshments were attended the event. served after the party. Refreshment were served in the break between the two plays wherein tea and The Ladies Wing 2013 snacks were served. All women of the Memon Community The WMO Ladies wing introduced a are cordially invited to join the WMO Ladies The Ladies Wing of the WMO Pakistan novel way to collect funds for children with Wing and help serve the less fortunate in the Chapter is the oldest and largest Ladies special needs by distributing clay Money most befitting manner. Wing of all the Chapters of WMO. It has Boxes (Piggy Bank) to all the participants. the most membership and can be termed as The participants were requested to deposit Self-Funding the most active Ladies Wing. coins and loose change in the piggy banks The WMO Ladies Wing has always Over the years, many memorable events and return the same at the next ladies wing event. strived to generate funds, through useful activities have been carried out by Anybody who has saved the most amount registration fees and tickets, for most of its the Ladies Wing. Among them, the Ladies would be given a prize. programs and events and does not depend Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter had taken The WMO Ladies wing is extremely entirely on WMO for funding. Only if the a bold step to take part in the flood relief activities carried out by WMO and joined the Office Bearers of WMO in visiting flood affected areas, relief camps and tent villages. The Ladies Wing had also collected cash and kind to help the flood victims. The Ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter actively canvasses for Zakat and Donations which are then handed over to WMO House. Besides, at every event, efforts are made to introduce women to the noble work done by WMO and encourage them to join hands with WMO by becoming its members and also contribute their skills, time and money for philanthropic activities, especially for the less-fortunate women of the Memon community. During the year 2013, over Rs. 1 million (US $10,000) were collected exclusively by the Ladies Wing. The Ladies Wing has Ms.Shamein Kazmi presenting mementos to Ms. Hawa Abdullah President,Ladies Wing contributed 1 house, after collecting money World Memon Organization & Mr. Rafiq Tabani

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 19 COVER STORY

from various contributors, to the WMO Institute Hospital, which is a prestigious Ladies Wing of WMO Pakistan Chapter is President’s Housing Scheme, where one healthcare project of the Memon community under consultation with the Office Bearers house costs about US $ 12,000. in Pakistan. Over 300 participants made of WMO Pakistan Chapter regarding 1. A special get-together was held this charity event a grand success. BEO, a taking over the management and financing just before the Holy Month of Ramadan, renowned lady comedian, left the gathering of the Madressah cum School . As soon as in the end of June 2013, to canvass for in fits of laughter. This was followed by a decision is reached, the Ladies Wing will Zakat and Donations. This get-together High Tea. At this Charity Event, an amount inform the International Ladies Wing and also included an Islamic Lecture and a of Rs. 436,000 (US $4,360) was raised (after the Board of Management for approval of Question & Answer Session from view all expenses) which was divided equally the project. point of the upcoming Holy Ramadan. At between WMO and MMI. I wish to thank all the members of the this event, a prize was distributed to the 4. The Ladies Wing is studying a Ladies Wing of the WMO Pakistan Chapter, highest collector in the Matki Scheme. project for adoption – the Madressah the Office Bearers of Pakistan Chapter and As you know, the Matki Scheme had been Ayesha Lil Banat Faizan-e-Hamza & WMO Headquarters, and also the team at

launched by the International Ladies Montessori Pre-Primary School, which is the International Ladies Wing. Wing earlier. The proceeds from the Matki located in Baldia Town, an area of Karachi Let us pray to Almighty Allah to help us Scheme will be handed over to certain where many poor families live. The area serve humanity in the most befitting manner. institutions which cater to special needs, has quite a few Memon families. The Ameen. such as the handicapped or mentally retarded. 2. Earlier, in April 2013, a social get- together was held at the residence of Mrs. Rehana Bawany wherein about 130 ladies attended. At this gathering, guidance was offered regarding the elections that were to be held in the country in May 2013. One special feature of this gathering was that all women were asked to come in traditional Memoni dresses and Memoni dishes were served. This helped the younger generation to understand their rich culture, heritage and tradition. 3. On 24th October 2013, the Ladies Wing held a grand Charity Event in collaboration with the Memon Medical

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The International Ladies Wing, Pakistan Chapter, had Initiated the Mutka Fund, Whereby members of the Ladies Wing in Pakistan were asked to save money for a noble cause. Under the mutka fund, an amount of PKR 50,000 was collected by the WMO international Ladies Wing (Pakistan). After adding some more money, two air conditioners costing PKR 69,700 were donated to the Imran Rehabilitation centre, Karachi, where special children are taken good care.

Imran Rehabilitation Center Imran Rehabilitation Center (IRC) for cerebral palsy is one of its kind special centre, for the brain injured physically and mentally disabled children. IRC has been working for the welfare of special children for more than eight years now. “ IMRAN REHABILITATION CENTER” (IRC), is aproject of “Sharif Haroon Memorial Trust” (reg). PRIDE OF MEMON Ladies Wing World Memon Organzation Pakistan Chapter, organized a program on 24th OCTOBER 2014,PRIDE OF MEMON, Achievers The idea behind organizing this event was to honour, Memon Women, who have Events of 2014 An Art Competition was held among achieved recognition in various fields. the children of community to design a The program started with Tilawat-e- Children with Special needs LOGO for the project and the winner master Quran by member Ladies Wing Mrs Abida The International Ladies wing Elan Gadit of UK was presented with a Lap Punjwani. The opening speech was given by launched a Program to support “Children Top by WMO President Abdul Satar Dada Vice Chairperson Ladies Wing ,Miss Aisha with Special Needs”. during the AGM. Anwar. The Program was hosted by Sumrin The Support will be provided to As an initial Fund raiser all chapters under Imran. organizations in a member countries took to distribute money boxes (Tills) among the The Chief guest of the occasion was involved in helping CHILDREN WITH young children in the community, among Memon Bilquis Edhi. SPECIAL NEEDS in form of financial commercial organizations and other commercial The awards were given in three and organizational support through this establishment. The Tills will be collected by the categories , namely Recognition, tributes initiative. The Ladies Wing will closely work Ladies wing everyone month ( or whenever a till and Achievers. The award winners of with identified organization to develop long is full) and the money will then by deposited in different categories are as follows. term corporation in carrying out initiatives the WMO chapter account for disbursement to Hajiani Khadija ,Marium Faruqi which will make a real differences in the lives the central body. , SherBano Katchi, Laila Shahzada, of “Children with Special Needs” so that WMO Africa Women`s wing Aamena Ghani, Bilquis Bano Edhi, these children can grow up to be productive had pledged an amount of US 10,000 Tabassum A Qadir, Dr. Zaitun Shah citizens in the world and gain acceptance in to initiate this project. At present Matcheswala, Mariam Issa, Sabina the society without any stigma attached to applications from the various chapters of Khatri, Mariam Saeedullah Khan, Sidra their disabilities. WMO Women’s wing around the globe Iqbal, Shireen Anwar, Rabia Garib, Tara Objectives are forwarding their applications to assist Uzra Dawood, Dr. Farzana Poonawala, 1. Create a common Objective/ these physically challenged children. The Kulsoom Rafiq, Sherbano Karim, Cause for all the ladies wing from different decision as to which applications to assist Farhat Rasheed, Hafiza Javeria Saleem, chapters would have an opportunity to these physically challenged children. Munzalin Munaf, Farzana Munaf, come together for a common cause. The decision as to which applicants will Abida Memon, Zarina Fazal, Dr. Lubna 2. Greater participation of the be successful wil be done by making Kamani, Mariam Arif, Frida Ghaffar, ladies and youth in the activities of the advice with all the representative of all Naqsh Hamdani, Midra Hamdani, WMO the different chapters. WMO Africa has Farseen Hamdani 3. Help Economically and Socially continuously over the past few years been In the end vote of thanks was given dis-advantaged children to progress in life involved an a distribution of wheel chair by Mrs Hameeda Iqbal.The Program was and give them a second chance. Campaign. greatly appreciated by the audience.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 21 PICTURE GALLERY

22 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 PICTURE GALLERY

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 23

COVER STORY Pride of Memon Achievers Awards 2014

The Initial Compilation of profiles was done by Sumrin Kalia Post humous Tributes Pride of Memon Achievers Awards 2014 by WMO Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter

Hajiani Khadija Ma in the name of ‘Pakistan Memon Women Educational Society’ which was forerunner of Born in Bantva, Kathiawar in 1900 she ‘Raunaq-e- Islam Girls’ Primary School’. Later came from a modest family. Despite having no she started another school in Federal B Area formal education she undertook the mission of Karachi, and upgraded her schools to Secondary providing educational opportunities to Memon Level. She started a Girl’s College in thickly Girls. populated area Mithadar-Kharadar. Following the management of the Her efforts were acknowledged by madrassa at Akuli Mosque in Bantva, she Bantva Memon Jamat in 1978 when she was formed a ladies forum by the name of ‘Zanana awarded a 10 tola Gold Medal, seventy five Council’ under which she started a madrassa thousand rupees cash and many gifts in a ‘Ziant ul Islam’ Eventually it became the alma grand ceremony. The gracious lady donated mater of 635 girls where they acquired religious all this to the Jamat for the cause of female education in Urdu and Gujrati and also learnt education and went home only with her sewing. Holy Quran, Tasbeeh and the prayer mat. After partition, with support from Ms. Nankwada, Karachi called the ‘Memon Girls She will be remembered as a pioneer of Fatima Jinnah, she started a girls’ school in School’. She also formed a Ladies Organization Memon Girls Education.

Marium Faruqi chairs and led to the establishment of Happy Home School. Her spirit and enthusiasm is Born in Pune in 1924, Marium, clearly reflected by the fact that despite her old daughter of Sir Ibrahim, a well-known age and failing health, she continued to lead businessman, who also launched an the institution, vigorously climbing stairs and Urdu weekly ‘Muslim’ and established a moving across corridors, only to make sure primary school in Haroon Hall in India the school is functioning proper. before partition. She was awarded Gold Medal She studied Persian at college and from the University of Bombay for did her undergraduate in Urdu and acquiring First Merit Position1945, Persian. In Pakistan Maryam worked Award of Fulbright Hayes Scholarship with Mrs Qazi Issa on the National for Educational Administration and Guard Movement in preparing young Supervision in the USA in 1960 - 6, women for emergencies. She also worked President’s Award for Literacy 1987, with the Women’s Muslim League. Award by Hamdard Naunehal Assembly Her passion for teaching started from the 1988, Pakistan National Unity Award veranda of her home; with six tables and a few for her success in education by Pakistan

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National Unity Council, Award for Fatimat-uz-Zohra Award ‘For the Struggle Education 2009, Woman Educator of outstanding services for youth cause by she Initiated and her Commitment’ by the Year Award by Pakistan Excellence Galaxy of Youth Pakistan 1997, Star Working Women, Organization (Trust) Awards Foundation, Islamabad 2009, Woman Award 1998 by Star Girls & Pakistan – 2007, Third Senior Citizen Life time Achievement Award by the Women Foundation, Prime Minister’s Award by Mera Ghar Welfare Association Hamdard Foundation 2009, Lifetime Madar-e-Millat Award 2003, Lifetime – 2008, Life time Achievement Award Achievement Award by the Board of Achievement Award by KFC 2007, by the Directorate of Private School Intermediate Education Karachi 2010.

SherBano Katchi She organized health campaigns, for making women aware of good nutrition Coming from a philanthropic and safety measures to avoid diseases. family, SherBano was educated in These campaigns also addressed medical fine arts and was encouraged to be problems faced by the children, and the a compassionate lady for the needy. elderly. She has also been promoting During the 1980’s she became the youth of the community through events, founder Vice President of Ladies Wing promoting employment and entrepreneurial of the World Memon Foundation. She opportunities. devoted her time and energy to the She was honored by the Okhai Memon cause of uplift of Memon women in Jamaat. All Pakistan Memon foundation her role. Later when World Memon and WMO who have presented her shields Organization was formed under the in recognition of her endeavors. visionary leadership of ARY, she joined She was an extraordinary entrepreneur WMO and served as First Chairperson besides, her family business she successfully of Ladies Wing in Pakistan ran her own silver jewelry business.

Laila Shahzada and the Pride of Performance in 1995, when she participated in a group show at the Shorouks Laila Shehzada amongst Pakistan’s most International Gallery, Regent Street, London. internationally renowned artists. She studied She was the only Pakistani to be honored with with the Royal Drawing Society, London and the Key to the city of New York. was the first women painters in Pakistan to In the 1980s, she was selected to participate gain international recognition, with exhibitions in an international display at the Westminster around the world including Pakistan, London, Gallery, London and her work was shown in Paris, Tokyo, Monte Carlo and New York. an exhibition at the Barbican Gallery. On 14th She was the first artist to draw inspiration from August 2006, the Pakistan Post issued a Rs. 40 the archeological sites of the Indus valley and sheetlet of stamps to posthumously honor 10 Taxila region. Laila played an important role in Pakistani painters. Laila Shahzada is among initiating and popularizing the ancient history those 10 painters. of Pakistan by producing series of paintings Salwat Ali wrote a book on her by the name which depicted the long lost civilization using its Laila Shehzda: Exploring an Inner Landscape surviving artifacts. produced by FOMMA- Foundation for Museum Laila was honored in Pakistan by the of Modern Art aimed at introducing outstanding President’s Award, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 1986 contemporary artists and architects.

Aamena Ghani beginning. During her education at the Aligarh University she remained very active and was the General Secretary Aamena was among the few of the Muslim Girls College Students Memon women who were lucky to Union. After her arrival to Pakistan she receive higher education. Aamena got keenly participated in social service. her higher education from Aligarh Her contributions were noticed by the Muslim University. This university was United Nations and she was sponsored founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, who to attend several conferences and recognized the role of education in the seminars. In 1965 she was appointed as empowerment of the poor and backward Director of Social Welfare Department Muslim community. by the Government of Pakistan. She was Aamena was born in Bombay in awarded a prestigious scholarship by the the famous Mitha family. Her leadership United Nations and went to New York for qualities were evident from the very Community Development Training.

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Achievers Awards Pride of Memon Achievers Awards 2014 by WMO Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter

and one of the most active philanthropists Foundation, holds the honor of being awarded in Pakistan. She was born in Karachi, the prestigious ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz’, and with her where she joined the nurses training course husband received the ‘1986 Ramon Magsaysay at the Edhi Nurses Training Centre when Award for Public Service’. She is also the she was in the 8th grade. Bilquis was one recipient of the ‘Lenin Peace Prize’. of the few Muslim girls there, because, Her charity runs many services in at the time, nursing was not considered a Pakistan including a hospital and emergency suitable profession for a Muslim women. service in Karachi. Edhi foundation is a Nevertheless she was determined to major resource for assisting victims of become a nurse so she studied diligently, disaster internationally. With all of the love was passionate about her work and quickly and attention Bilquis gives the thousands of became a first rank nurse. children rescued by the Edhi Foundation, She has been working with the Edhi this is why she is often called, ‘The Mother Foundation – A Foundation which was of Pakistan’. She regularly visits Edhi Homes started by Abdul Sattar Edhi with the mission all over Pakistan to monitor their activities to provide aid to Pakistan’s poor and down- and give suggestions and recommendations Bilquis Bano Edhi trodden, and has become Pakistan’s major on how she feels the work should be done. relief organization under the leadership of She is also instrumental in making Edhi Bilqis Bano Edhi is wife of Abdul the husband and wife - team of Abdul Sattar Homes ‘Centers of Excellence’ – in the true Sattar Edhi, a humanitarian, a social worker and Bilquis Edhi. She heads the Bilquis Edhi sense of the word.

Dr. Zaitun Matcheswala advisor to Director of De-Colonization at the UN Institute of Training and Research Unit. Dr. Zaitun Shah is the daughter of famous She returned to Pakistan at the invitation leader Haji Umar Ahmed Matcheswala, a of Government of Pakistan and was appointed close political associate of Quaid-e-Azam. as the advisor to the Ministry of Finance and She is a woman with immense brilliance and Economic Affairs Division. She simultaneously academic achievement that is unparalleled. supervised the University Grants Commission, She completed her PhD from St. Anthony’s now HEC. She has also served as the advisor on College, Oxford University. She was the only Environmental Conservation and Education Asian lady who enjoyed the privilege of being to Chamber of Commerce and has been the the fellow of the Wolfson College at Oxford advisor in the committee for development of University and when the Islamic Culture Educational Curriculum for Post Graduate Foundation was established in Oxford in 1971, Degrees in Baqai University. she was appointed its Executive Director. It She has organized the Karachi Stock was dedicated towards promoting intercultural Exchange Institute for Training and Research. understanding by the publication of classical She speaks on the Development of Women, texts from Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Urdu. Higher Education, Pollution and Environment She worked as the General Editor of the series and has been key note speaker at House of Lords in which 76 authors and scholars worldwide for the Millennium Group on ‘Empowering participated. poems tilted ‘99 Poems’ has been published by Women for Peace and Democracy’ hosted She has written a book ‘Life and Times of Foundation for Islamic Culture. by Women’s Federation for World Peace. For Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’ which was published by She served as Professor and Advisor in aspiring young ladies of our community Dr. Oxford University Press and a collection of her Kuwait University, and also worked as the Zaitun is a role model.

Mariam Issa Volunteers Association to educate the American people about the rich heritage of A humanitarian and socialworker Pakistan. The projects like March of Dimes, Mariam is a woman who has devoted most The Rehab Mission, the Asian Arts Festival and of her life to community service both in USA the Houston International Festival were among and Pakistan. She has served on several the achievements of this organization under the boards, Asian Pacific American Heritage visionary leadership of Ms. Mariam Issa. She as President, Asian American Coalition, also raised funds for Red Cross Relief fund for Pakistan-Association of Greater Houston September 11 and for the documentary movie as President, Pakistan Association’s Board ; ‘Muhammad; The Legacy of a Prophet’. of Trustee, Ancestral Film Festival, Blaffer This movie served immensely to diffuse the Gallery, Express Theatre, Asia Society, antagonistic views about Muslims in USA after Advisory board of UNICEF, Census 2000, 9/11 incidents. It was shown in 52 States of Asia World Expo, as President of South Asian USA by PBS television stations. Chamber of Commerce and many more. She served as Vice President of Houston She founded the Pakistan-American Mayoral Advisory Board for International-

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 27 COVER STORY

Affairs and Development Asia and also Pakistani International installing 500 hand pumps in ‘Who’s Who of Asian Americans’ because of American Women’s Association. Houston’s Sindh and Balochistan and was awarded her accomplishments in the city of Houston. Channel 11 honored her in Asia’s selected the Paul Harris Fellow Award for this An avid political activist she campaigned for program called ‘Making History Today’. commendable achievement. many political leaders out of which President She worked with Rotary Club She was featured in the directory of Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama etc.

facilitates financial security for women through University, Oxford University, and Harvard her brainchild LADIES FUND and of children Law School with distinctions, and became a BABY FUND and CHILD FUND. member of the New York Bar. Tara relocated She is Editor-in-Chief of LADIES to Pakistan, where she revamped the venture FUND Magazine, Pakistan’s first magazine capital company, Pakistan Venture Capital for women professionals and entrepreneurs. Ltd. and followed this with the creation of Tara is a strong advocate of educational her namesake company, Dawood Capital opportunities and recently spearheaded Management Ltd. the LADIES FUND Fellowships and She lectures internationally on the Scholarships Programs. She founded, role of Women Entrepreneurship and has Dawood Global Foundation which spoken as a keynote speaker at conferences is comprised of five wings: Investors in Turkey, Sweden, Chile, UAE, Malaysia, and Supporters, Management, Brand North America, Pakistan and Europe. Ambassadors, an Advisory Council, and a She has contributed greatly to the role of Student Advisory Board and Volunteers. women in the economic realm of Asian and Tara was selected as Canada’s Youth developing countries. Tara Uzra Dawood News Representative, which is the youth Being on the board of a number of high Tara Uzra Dawood is a Canadian- wing of the Associated Press. With her profile organizations. Tara is a columnist and Pakistani entrepreneur, money manager and entrepreneurial savvy as a young journalist, freelance writer for magazines and online freelance journalist. As CEO of Dawood Tara established a network of links with media, such as 85 Broads, the Toronto Sun, Capital Management Ltd., she provides cosmetic labels, record labels and movie and the Girl Friday column for The Friday financial advice for individuals and corporate studios in Canada, the United States, Times of Pakistan. sector in Pakistan, and with her team she and Europe. Tara has studied at Cornell reads the Quran in Braille and has memorized Dr. Farzana Poonawala many of its chapters. Further she converted Dr. Farzana is Pakistan’s first visually the Syllabi, course materials and various impaired woman to acquire a Ph.D in Islamic Dictionaries into Braille so that blind students Studies. Being a woman of immense moral can be benefited. So far, she has converted more strength, courage and determination she never than 200 such material into Braille. let her blindness become her weakness. Dr. Farzana’s achievements have been After obtaining her B.A from St. recognized and honored by the Rotary Joseph’s College in 1979, she completed her club, the All Pakistan Memon Federation, M.A in Philosophy Travelling to University Aero Asia, Fanus (Narcotics) and many of Karachi was a greater challenge, yet she individuals. She has also been awarded continued her passion for education. In Tamgha-e-Husn-e-Karkardagi by the 1999 she did her Ph.D in Islamic Studies Government of Pakistan. studying scholars like Shibli Nomani, has done a certificate course in Arabic- Dr. Farzana is the President of Pakistan Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Ghulam Ahmed Tadreesul Quran . Braille Society and an active member of Pervez and others. She is deeply impressed She has been teaching at the PECHS the Pakistan Association of Blind. She has by Abul Ala Maududi and was fascinated by college for the past 20 years and imparting presented many papers on Social Integration, his writings since her childhood. Dr. Farzana knowledge of Holy Quran to children. She Blind Women in Society etc..

This dynamic lady is amongst few Tabassum A Qadir women of Pakistan selected by United A woman with ‘never-say-die’ States for a leadership program. Her textile spirit, Tabassum A.Qadir, is presently the company provided a boost to Pakistan’s Managing Director of Pak Africa Aviation exports and she won an award in Expo 2010 and currently pursuing her career in South for Textile Exports. Africa. With her travelling experience in She started a textile exporting business Africa, she has now dared to enter the at age of 22 from home under the guidance Aviation world and is currently busy of her father in law. She than expanded the launching an Airline in South Africa with a business in Africa and can be called the only mission to connect Africa! woman entrepreneur of Pakistan who has The stories of her success do not end travelled African countries like Uganda, here. She has made immense contributions to Sudan, Angola, Zambia and Nigeria the WMO Ladies Wing, in projects like White amongst other African countries. Elephant Sale, Mere Angnay Main etc.

28 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COVER STORY physically challenged individuals to rise and Farhat Rasheed live independently and to make Pakistan Farhat is a strong and determined girl a wheelchair friendly country. SYC has with a passion for doing something different successfully organized plays, seminars and talks and unique in life. She was diagnosed with targeting top architects, builders, government Cerebral Palsy at the time of her birth, which officials, private owners and general public.SYC limited her physical abilities and restricted her successfully convinced some private owners to to wheel-chair. However, she has never allowed make ramps at their restaurants; some of which her disabilities to prevail over her abilities. include Chen One. Pizza Hut at Muhammad Farhat is a Gold Medalist in MBA Marketing Ali Society, Gelato Affairs etc. from IoBM, has worked in Unilever Pakistan Pakistan, though is a signatory to UN Limited as Assistant Brand Manager and is Convention On The Rights Of Persons With now helping in her family business. She runs Disabilities, the disabled here are confined her own rice brand “Shahenshah”. to their homes or go to special schools. Farhat initiated the group ‘SHOW Special people are not “Disable”, they are YOU CARE’ (SYC) which is a voice for all “Differently Able” emphasizes Farhat.

Shireen Anwar Her unwavering passion to create amazing recipes, her warmth and charisma has Chef Shireen Anwer, famous cooking all lead to the huge success of the cooking show expert in Pakistani culinary field is a Memon Masala Mornings on Masala TV. The show has to be celebrated by the community. completed more than 700 episodes. She is the Shireen Anwar had an interest in cooking author of best-selling cookbooks. The World on and she pursued her passion in the culinary Your table, An Invention to Pakistani cooking arts and worked as a teacher in “Western Food & Beijing Bangkok. She focuses in a large range Institute New York”. Returning to Pakistan of food ranging from oriental to continental she resumed her profession. She has 27 years but prefers desserts and baking. Her simple of culinary experience and has 2 cookbooks homemade 30 minute recipes guide women to her name. She has got several award from and men around the world to create delicious Pakistan, UAE, America, and London. She and healthy family meals. At present she has an additionally started giving cookery classes by unconditional fan following from all over the name of Triple ‘S’ Kitchenette that clothed to world especially in Pakistan and America. be an outstanding success over the years. Judge to the same esteemed international Sidra Iqbal pavilion, with co-judges like Lucy Hockings Sidra Iqbal is a TV host, Pakistani drama (Presenter, BBC World). actress, director, columnist, model, anchor Sidra is a prominent television broadcaster person and runs an organization as well. After in Pakistan and has a number of signature graduating from Quaid-e-Azam University shows, productions and momentous media Islamabad, she completed her Masters from appearances to her credit. Sidra became The Cambridge University. Sidra Iqbal is the first First Pakistani Anchorperson to host the official and the only Pakistani to win the prestigious digital platforms of the International Indian English Speaking Union’s International Public Film Awards 2012 (IIFA), the mega Bollywood Speaking Championship in London, UK. She extravaganza of immense global popularity in emerged a winner among 58 participants from Singapore, a project that expanded Sidra’s fans 28 different countries, and was awarded the base across borders. Winner’s Certificate by HRH Prince Philip She is an entrepreneur and founder of the Duke of Edinburgh. Subsequently, Sidra Statuspro 360, one of Pakistan’s foremost became the First Pakistani to be invited as a Integrated Brand Communications firms.

of CIO magazine in Pakistan and has been Rabia Garib involved in the tech media space. She has Rabia Garib is the Chief Wrapper at worked on, scripting, producing and anchoring ToffeeTV.com, a digital initiative that produces some of the first technology programs for songs, stories and activities for children television and radio across various channels. primarily in the Urdu. Some content items have In 2012 she was named as part of a group also been translated and published in Memoni. of 100 Women Who Matter by Newsweek She combines her experience in digital and Pakistan. She has written for and been mainstream media to produce fun content that published by countless journals and magazine. can hold the attention of young children, while She was selected as an Eisenhower Fellow delivering educationally rich learning. and represented Pakistan in the 2-month ToffeeTV, a company co-founded Social Innovation Fund and more recently, has Multi Nation Program amongst 24 other with Talea Zafar , won an award in the Best won as the Best Entertainment App in India’s countries. She presently coordinates her batch eLearning category at the PASHA ICT Billionth Awards. of Fellows and is also the country coordinator Awards in 2011. It has been a recipient of the Rabia previously headed the local edition for Pakistan. MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 29 COVER STORY

Mariam Saeedullah Khan Pakistan Government chose Mariam’s work to present to the late Shah of Iran. Her work An artist of international repute Mariam, has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and her art work displays her wide experience of museums internationally. Italy, Germany, China and Japan as well as her In Pakistan Mariam became the Karachi initial introduction to her discipline in Lahore. Consultant for Sheraton, and most of the In her studio one discovers art of the Moghul big hotels commissioned her paintings. She emperors on a larger scale. inducted some of the Japanese techniques Mariam was the first foreign artist to into Mughal paintings. She now shows her have received an award from the Metropolitan work at the Momart Gallery, Karachi, where, Museum of Art, Tokyo. Her work has been the singular beauty of her work continues to exhibited in Christies, acquired for the permanent fascinate the viewer. There is a timeless quality collection of the Rockefeller Foundation and to her work which explains the Japanese title presented to America’s President Ford. The given to her: Tranquility.

Habib Public, Nasra and Aga Khan. From the Sabina Khatri platform of NEED they found donors, to promote Sabina is an example of women who despite educational equality in the society unfavorable circumstances managed to achieve Today Kiran School has 60 students a lot in their lives. With an immense desire to studying in different schools and 23 kids preparing bridge the social gap between the poor and rich, for the next year portraying Sabina’s dream of a Sabina ventured into a project called the ‘Kiran better Pakistan Foundation’. setting up government schools in Under the NEED forum, Sabina was Layari, under the Government of Pakistan’s instrumental in collecting funds for 2010 floods. ‘Adopt a School Program’. Sabina through this They collaborated with HANDS, and adopted school system started training young children and a camp in Thatta working for the rehabilitation their parents to make them presentable, polished of these families. Currently NEED camps hold and groomed enough to pass on merits in schools 63 families. Under immensely scarce resource, where children from higher middle class were negligence from government and challenges of admitted. Kiran Foundations children now have money shortage it is the people like Sabina who secured admissions to prestigious schools like make us feel that we still have a better future for St.Micheal, Happy Home, Army Public School, Pakistan.

Kulsoom Rafiq public sector. In her contribution to the Memon Kulsoom Rafiq, is a poet, a social worker Community, she has served as the and an academician and has been working in Chairperson of All Pakistan Memon social service for the last 35 years. She extended Federation, has been associate editor advisory services to Karachi Metropolitan of Monthly Memon Times, and advisor Corporation and later became the First Memon to AMWA. She is a member of WMO, Lady to become the Councilor twice. She has APWA, SWO and various other also been the Member of Sindh Assembly and organizations. has been nominated for several conferences She is a poet of Urdu and Gujrati and has and trainings by Government of Pakistan. She attended over 45 Mushairas and has published received various awards, 6 Gold Medals and several ghazals and essays in Akka-s-Nov, Roop, 100 prizes for her contributions in academia and Mshriq, Aghaz, Jung and Hurriayt.

Recognition Award Pride of Memon Achievers Awards 2014 by WMO Ladies Wing Pakistan Chapter

she was appointed as Civil Judge on the basis of constitutionality. Besides routine work and her knowledge of law, practice and procedure cases she also dealt and decided heinous cases and basic understanding of how to carry out like murder, Hudood cases, criminal, and civil, function in and out of the court room. She was rent, family, guardianship, labour and banking posted in interior Sindh which was a challenge cases. During her service she attended various living alone without family members. courses, seminars, symposium, conferences, She is the first lady judge of the Memon workshops. She was also nominated for community. Due to her integrity, hard work colloquium for judges on the Enforcement of and good reputation she was promoted timely Intellectual Property Rights in Singapore. as Senior Civil Judge and then as Additional She is also doing Ph.D. from University District Judge. Currently she is a District and of Karachi and has taught law in Islamic Sherbano Karim Sessions Judge. Mission Women University Karachi. Her Being a judge her primary function is whole tenure shows that she played an active Sherbano Karim belongs to a profession administration of justice and responsibility role in managing cases to ensure they proceed not many Memon women venture into. In 1992 is to interpret and apply rule of law to ensure as quickly and efficiently as possible.

30 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COVER STORY

Hafiza Javeria Saleem binding recitations that poetically praise Allah and his beloved Prophet Muhammad Javeria Saleem is famous for reciting (S.A.W). She won ‘All Pakistan Naat Naat , as an anchor person and for her Competition’ in 2004 organized by QTV. melodious Qariya-e-Quran in Pakistan. She She was awarded the ‘Best female Qariya was eight years old when she performed in Pakistan’. She was awarded ‘Youngest first time on Television on ARY QTV. Qariya of Pakistan’ award and cash prize She has performed on many national and of Rupees 2,25,000 from the Government international channels like PTV, Geo TV, of Pakistan. She got “Best Female Naat ARY Digital, ARY QTV, Metro One, Hum Khuwan in Pakistan” from PTV. TV, Shifa TV (USA), Noor TV (UK) and She has released 3 albums and has has been interviewed in many national and performed in many countries such as India, international Newspapers and Magazines. South Africa, Mauritius, Dubai and Bahrain. She has been acknowledged throughout She was the first lady who performed in the Islamic world for her melodic and spell- Bahrain.

Munzalin Munaf doing 200 hours she cleared her Solo Flight, Passengers Rating and Instrument As the First Lady Pilot in Memon rating score. On the basis of CPL/IR she community Munzalin graduated with can apply at any international airline. a Commercial Pilot License with Many young girls are not aware that it is a Instrument Rating (CPL/IR). She has career option for them and this perception flown 200 hours on Cessna-172, while needs to be changed.

has delivered lectures to students of Benazir Farzana Munaf Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Farzana Munaf is a Woman of Action Program (BBSYDP). She has presented who became Chief Financial Officer in an technical papers in ICAP seminars and Investment Committees and has served has conducted lectures for many years on in the Board of Directors with an overall auditing and accounting for ICAP students. responsibility of Finance Department in She conducted trainings for FRRM trainees Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited. and represented FRRM in a workshop by She was awarded with a Gold Medal M/s. Coopers and Lybrand, London. for her position in ICAP as the First Female She is keen to continue promoting student in Pakistan to secure this position. Chartered Accountancy among the new She has been associated with renowned generation of business talent. She believes firms like Ford, Rhodes, Robson, Morrow that Chartered Accountancy is one (FRRM), Pakland Group, National Invest qualification where you train to turn theory Trust Limited, First Women Bank Limited and has almost 24 years of experience. She into actionable opportunity – and that’s and House Building Finance Corporation was a part of IBA as Director Finance and what sets it apart.

like, Sindh Small Industries Corporation, Society, and All Pakistan Memon Abida Memon Minorities Affairs Department, Coastal Federation. Development Authority, Environmental She has conducted training sessions Protection Agency etc. at Sindh Board of Technical Education, Apart from her contribution to Public National Centre for Rural Development, Service she has been a part of community Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship service to Memons in her role as Governor, Conference, and Academy for Rural at Kutchi Memon Students Federation, and Development in Peshawar. also has been a part of the United Memon Her one of the greatest achievement Women Organization. Her desire to serve is her Life Time Achievement Award that also made her work for women in places like she was given by Al Umeed Rehabilitation Women Development Association and she Association. served as the Vice President of Business and Working in Government Sector for Professional Women. Memons is a difficult task, and being a Abida Memon has achieved great She has won many awards and woman it becomes tougher. Abida has success in Government Service. She has been shields for her service to Pakistan Railway, proved to be a resilient lady and has managed Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Sindh Rural Women Association, Mehran to not only survive but succeed in this male Director at various Government agencies, International Press, World Biographical dominated profession. MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 31 COVER STORY

Zarina Fazal special children. During this time she conducted several training sessions, workshops and Zarina is a Pharmacist by Profession and seminars. She started her own Rehab Center a Social Worker by passion. She is the founder for Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation member and General Secretary of United Memon (IRC) which is now operating successfully Women Organization. Through this platform she according to international Standards. At this served the community by distributing medicines center all basic needs of the patients are met by and arranging numerous free medical camps in providing services like Physio, Occupational nearly 100 slum areas of Karachi. and Speech Therapy. Through her efforts she It was one of such camps when she came is trying to help the special children overcome across the misery and problems of special their disabilities and be able to lead a better children. The kind of pain the parents of such life. Her Center has one of the rarest, state of children go through compelled her to start the art equipment SNOEZELEN, which was exploring this more. After achieving Masters in only made possible because of her continuous Special Education she continued to work at the collaboration with experts at the Bloorview Rehabilitation Centre by the name AURA for Kids Rehab in Toronto Canada.

teaching medicine and research. She won Dr. Lubna Kamani Best Poster Prize at annual research interest Dr. Lubna Kamani is one of the few in 2007 from Aga Khan University Hospital, very accomplished gastroenterologists in prize for Best Poster at Postgraduate Medical Memon community. She has completed her Education Conference and also won the prize FRCP (London) and FCPS (Pakistan) in for Best Oral Presentation at Pakistan Society Gastroenterology. For Liver Disease Conference (PSSLD). She She has been a high achiever since has 13 Research Publications to her credit in the beginning of her educational life,. She International and National reputed research won a Gold Medal from Baqai Medical journals. She also managed to secure a College, a Gold Medal for Best Graduate in research grant from Aga Khan University Ophthalmology from Karachi University and Hospital. a Silver Medal in Arts from Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Kamani has been publishing Her series of achievements did not stop here public awareness articles in Newspapers and and after achieving multiple postgraduate Magazines to create an understanding of qualifications to her credit she ventured into various diseases in the society.

Leprosy Center, Masoomeen Hospital, Maqboola Dojki OJHA Institute of Chest Diseases, Indus Ms Maqboola Dojki has B.S from Central Hospital, London School of Hygiene and Michigan University, USA and is a Registered tropical medicine UK and Karolinska Medical Technologist from American Society Institute Sweden. She has several national of Clinical Pathologist and Registered Biosafety and international posters and publications Professional from American Society of and is Treasurer of Pakistan Biological Biological Safety Association. Safety Association. She was selected as She is currently working as Manager, Master Trainer by US State Department Microbiology and is responsible for for developing Biorisk management system technical supervision and administration of at Aga Khan University .She also served Microbiology section of Clinical laboratories on committee “Biosafety Professionals She has facilitated and coordinated Clinical Accreditation Working Group” formed Trials, drug trials and research projects by International Federation of Biosafety with organizations like Marie Adelaide Associations (IFBA). Mariam Arif – 2012, held at Birmingham, UK and her team secured Third Position all over the Mariam Arif is No.1 Female World world. She also secured 11th position at Youth Scrabble Champion 2014. She Malaysia, Penang Scrabble Championship is an International scrabble player and 2013 and represented Pakistan at the World represented Pakistan in 9th World Youth Youth Scrabble Championship – 2013 held International femal Scrabble Championship at Dubai – U.A.E. and achieved 8th position 2014 which was held in Colombo, Srilanka all over the world. and achieved 3rd position being the first She has participated in co-curricular Memon girl who achieved this rank. She won activities in her school including debates, quiz First Prize Of Team Unity at 28th Brand’s competitions, spelling contest. She is a regular Thailand International Crossword Game speaker at Radio FM 101 and every Sunday King’s Cup 2013 representing Pakistan at appears on children’s ‘live program’ of radio the World Youth Scrabble Championship Pakistan under the title ‘Bachuu Ki Dunya’.

32 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COVER STORY

Farida Ghaffar Institute of Architects Pakistan. She writes for local Farida Abdul Ghaffar studied architectural magazines and assists the Editorial architecture and planning at Dawood College Board of the peer reviewed ‘Journal of Research of Engineering & Technology (DCET) and in Architecture & Planning’ being published by the NED University in Karachi. Graduated in department of Architecture and Planning, NED 1993, Farida has worked as project architect, University biannually. feature editor (ARCHI TIMES and A+I), Currently she holds the honorary posts architectural photographer, trainer (RDI, of Executive Committee Member, Pakistan Islamabad) and faculty member at DCET, Council of Architects & Town Planners, (2013- UET Peshawar (then NWFP UET) at its 2015) Treasurer, KBA CARE Group, (2014- Abbottabad campus and Department of 2016). Member Strategic Advisory Board Architecture & Planning at NED University, (SAB), Memon Professional Forum (2014 Karachi. She is currently enrolled in a Masters onwards) Member Working Committee, The Studies course in Urban and Regional Pakistan Memon Educational and Welfare Planning at NED and simultaneously engaged Parallel to running her own practice as an Society Chairperson - Ladies Wing, Junagadh as faculty at the same department where she architect, she has undertaken various portfolios (Dhorajiwala) Memon Association, Karachi. has also been entrusted upon the responsibility voluntarily to serve professional bodies of Pakistan Trustee and Honorary Director, Rabia of heading Heritage Cell since past 3 years. Council of Architects and Town Planners and Moon Institute of Neurosciences (Trust), Karachi.

Anjum Khamisani storage, retrieval, archiving and timely purging of all medical records. She was also trained at Anjum is a professional in Health the Washington Adventist Hospital, MD, USA. Management Information Systems. She has She has done her Masters in Health Informatics worked as Manager Health Information from University of Victoria in Canada. She Management Services Systems in Aga Khan is probably the first and only Memon Lady Hospital, and Ziauddin Hospital. She has holding this degree. managed a team of 125 employees along with

She has also been actively participating Midra Hamdani in National Games like Throw Ball, Basket Ball and Taekwondo etc. and has Midra is an energetic, dynamic won Silver Medals in National Level speaker and debater. She has won top Taekwondo Championships. She writes positions in more than five Declamation articles for various newspapers and has an contests and has brought home Trophies interest in Media. She secured 2nd Position and Awards to make her parents proud. in All Karachi Theater Competition.

Farseen Hamdani Championship. She also won a Gold Medal from Pakistan Railway in National Farseen Hamdani, the Taekwondo Taekwondo Champion Ship. Champion, another proud name of Farseen has won three Bronze Medals Memon Community. She was awarded a in various National Level Taekwondo Silver Medal at Sona National Solidarity Championships and was awarded Taekwondo Championship. She got Gold one at Korean Ambassador National Medals in Sindh Games From Karachi Championship. She also won a Silver Medal Division, and at Twentieth Quaid-e-Azam in Intercity Karachi Championship

Naqsh Hamdani e-Azam Championship, Intercity Karachi Championship and was the Youngest Gold Naqsh Hamdani is a young emerging Medalist at National Games in 2012. Taekwondo star. She has made Memon She has won three Silver Medals in community proud by her achievements in National Games, one in Sindh game and Taekwondo championships. At the age of a Bronze Medal in Korean Ambassador only 13 years she has won the Gold medals; National Championship. She also won two in the National Taekwondo Championship, Bronze Medals in National and Provincial Sindh Olympics Games, Twentieth Quaid- games.

A noteworthy piece of gratitude to Zaitun Matcheswala for reviewing and editing the profiles of “PRIDE OF MEMON ACHIEVERS AWARDS” 2014

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 33 APPEAL FOR DONATION FOR THE WMO EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND The World Memon Organisation, Pakistan Chapter has recently established the WMO Education Endowment Fund to facilitate Memon students to pursue higher and professional education by availing loans, which are repayable in easy installments without any kind of markup or charges.

The WMO Education Endowment Fund will help countless students, especially the white-collared members of the Memon community, who cannot afford the high costs of modern day education but at the same time do not qualify for Zakat. The WMO Education Endowment Fund is a major step to bring about progress and prosperity in the Memon community.

We humbly request the members of the World Memon Organisation (WMO), the Trustees of World Memon Organisation Charitable Foundation (WMOCF), our valued donors, well-wishers and philanthropists to join us in this noble endeavor to bring about an Educational Revolution in the Memon Community by contributing generously to the WMO Education Endowment Fund.

May Almighty Allah reward you abundantly in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.

Pir Muhammad A. Kaliya Peer Muhammad Diwan Shoaib Ismail Mangroria Gul Muhammad Jan Muhammad H. M. Shahzad COMMUNITY NEWS Abdul Sattar Dada “Presidential Order of Meritorious Service”

Mr Abdul Sattar Dada, President of the World Memon Organisation, Chairman of the A.S.Dada Foundation and also Chairman of the Associated Investment and Development Corporation, has been awarded the “Presidential Order of Meritorious Service”, by the President of Botswana, Mr Ian Khama. The work of the foundation is driven by a passionate belief of a responsibility to protect human dignity and promote kindness to all. The A.S.Dada foundation has just responded to the President`s Housing Appeal by building further 14 houses for the destitute, besides the hundreds the foundation has donated over the years. Mr. Abdul Sattar Dada has a magnificient contribution not only in Botsawana but all over the world.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 35

WMO NEWS WMO ROZGAR SCHEME

On 28th October 2014, 10 more provided to poor and deserving members of response to the Rozgar Scheme has been rickshaws were distributed among the the Memon Community to help them earn overwhelming. So far, 408 applications for needy families of Memon Community. a decent livelihood. WMO officials and all Auto Rickshaws and 454 applications for The Rozgar Scheme was launched the beneficiaries are extremely grateful to Sewing Machines have been received. Under in May 2011. Under this scheme, Auto Mr. Farooq Ahmed of UAE for his initiative this Scheme, hand pumps have also been Rickshaws and Sewing Machines are and continuous financial support.The installed in remote villages of Sindh.

Particulars No. of Applicants benefited Amount Spent Auto Rickshaws (Zakat) 43 7,787,000 Sewing Machines 381 2,501,790 (Zakat) Hand Pumps 20 100,000 (Donation) TOTAL 10,388,790 The above table shows the position as on 31st December 2013.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 37

COMMUNITY NEWS

15th Batch Male held on 1st October 2014 13th Batch Female held on 1st September 2014 xcellence is not an act, it’s a philosophy of MITI throughout the world.” footsteps slowly and gradually fills the habit. This is true for MITI. Last Once the exams are over, it is time to environment from quietness to the hustle Efive years have seen remarkable welcome new faces in MITIwhich happens and bustle of a huge magnitude of new faces growth for MITI in terms of awareness, to be through orientation. And believe it or gathering up in MITI’s foyer, glowing with positive word of mouth,operations and new not, this is not a normal day, not even for excitement, carrying hope and waiting for course launches to name a few. The result the management staff and instructors. New the mystery to finally reveal itself. can be summed up in the Chairman’s words: students bring a new air of excitement along One word from the podium and the “More than 50,000 successful students with them and MITI’s team is waiting for it. atmosphere drops back to utter silence. are our ambassadors who are spreading the As the clock hits 9 am, the sound of Guess what? The orientation has just begun.

RECITATION OF THE HOLY QURAN Allah which it is evident from the fact hammers on the heart and opens it up It is our core identity that we that verses recited from Holy Quran for something better to sink in. begin every event with the name of always happen first thing. Every word

NATIONAL ANTHEM you can’t help being amazed at the ethnic background. with unity faith a Today what we need the most as a nation unmatched unity at play. All the students This is a strong evidence of the MITI’s is to be one. In the words of the great stand in neat and organized rows philosophy of serving the youth without Quaid-e-Azam: ‘Provincialism is a curse.’ alongside each other singing national discrimination as to the caste and creed. And if you are there at the ceremony, anthem as one, irrespective of his or her

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 39 COMMUNITY NEWS

CHAIRMAN’s ADDRESS

Mr. H. M. Shahzad, Chairman MITI and Assistant Secretary General was requested to come to the stage and share his invaluable insight with the students. It was not long before he made clear what a new student is expected to follow during the course of their stay at MITI. This is what he said. “This is not a coincidence that you are here at MITI. Nature wants you to change your destiny and your admission here is just the beginning. You are here for a brief period of about 4 months so make sure that this turns you into an individual who is ready to play a focused and beneficial role for the society when he passes out.”

COO’s ADDRESS

Mr. ShahabHasan, Chief Operating Officer MITI, remained focused on sparking the motivation factor. He deliberates the scope of the courses both national and international, how students’ achievement at this course can bring them on an entirely new course of life. He even went a step further elaborating the surprise rewards regarding punctuality.

SUCCESS STORY This is a warm welcome meant for certificate ‘Computer Hardware’ training. He was very Celebration spray showered from all around awarding ceremony of Mr. Syed Wajahat Ali, disturbed and disappointed by his physical on the stage, clapping echoing and eye of brought on a wheelchair, a man of immense limitation and was underperforming when the camera constantly focused on taking determination despite being physically he caught his instructor’s eye,who motivated multiple shots. Reminds you of a celebrity, handicapped. But he was not like that just him and made him realize that he still had a right? one year back when he joined MITI in lot to be grateful for.

40 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 COMMUNITY NEWS

Wajahat not only started up a small computer training at MITI. Following is what he had could still go on. If it weren’t for MITI, I hardware workshop in his own home during got to say: wouldn’t have been able to be where I am the very training and started generating today. I want you all to benefit from this livelihood but also continued with the same “I can’t thank my instructor enough for blessing.” spirit and enrolled into ‘Mobile Repairing’ making me realize that I wasn’t useless and

RULES & REGULATIONS

Discipline and cleanliness are two building blocks of MITI and strong adherence to these principles is MITI’s policy.

It’s time for orientation’s host to take the reins makes it clear to the students that there is no compromise on this. He also communicates different shapes and forms the students might get in the way of these principles. He even pinpoints incidents from the past so as to leave no room for doubt. He stimulates students for goodwill gesture to take them on board and students show their agreement as one voice.

STUDENT’S DISPOSITION Now that the students get into MITI’s philosophy, they are shown their respective classrooms and workshops where they belong and made conversant with the layout.The quirky feeling, that students have, will gradually evaporate. Moreover, the instructors elaborate the syllabus, schedule of the course and different activities and last but not least the dress code. Without any delay, the formal training will now begin as per schedule.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 41

COMMUNITY NEWS Mariam Issa distributed solar lights in the remote areas of Sevan Shareef ariam Issa is a humanitarian 6. These $28.00 lights have changed happiness into many lives. and social worker of Memon their lives and brought in more income. Some photographs distributing those MCommunity. She distributed These lights are only given to houshold lights with Dr. Mehdi Shah and there is one solar lights in the remote areas of Sevan where there are children and women. interesting photograph of Mariam Issa and a Shareef. These people have been living in Mr. Pervaiz Lodhie provided these goat.This goat was presented to her because darkness their whole life and there is no lights at a special price, the big donors Farida she did not have dinner with those villagers. chance of getting lights for another 20 years. Rokaida, Dr. Shenaz Karim and Mariam`s This shows the hospitality of the simple These lights are the most valuable thing they husband and her friends supported her in villagers. have received in their life. The longevity of this venture of generosity. They have brought these lights are over 25 years and they only have to change the batteries once a year. Dr. Mehdi Shah who is the Sajjad-e-Nasheen of Sevan Shareef.The new solar lights have also a USB connections, they can charge their cell phones too. The benefits of these solar lights. 1.They do not have to buy kerosine. 2.Save money on bus fare they do not have to go to the city to buy it. 3.The women are making quilts in the night under this bright light and selling it in the market. During the day these women go out and work in the fields. 4. At night these children can study who are now going to school. 5. During a storm some of the huts would catch fire.Now they do not have that problem any more.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Memon Association of Canada hosts welcome reception in honor of new Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto Mr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria

(Report: Qasim Abbas, Toronto)

emon Association of Canada to attend the reception in his honor. hosted welcome reception in The Master of Ceremony Mr. Tariqe Mhonor of new Consul General Kasim then invited Association’s founding of Pakistan in Toronto Mr. Mohammad President of the Association Mr. Yakoob Nafees Zakaria on in Subhani Banquet Hall Dawood, who also welcomed the Chief Guest. in Mississauga. The reception was attended Then a founder member of the Association by Memon Community members and their Mrs. Parveen Vali Bhalagamwala came on the families. Mr. A. Ghaffar Variend, Honorary stage and welcomed the Chief Guest and then Advisor, Chicago Memon Association and she invited Chicago Memon Association’s host of Memon web site www.memonpoint. Honorary Advisor Mr. A. Ghaffar Variend on com also attended the reception. the stage, who also welcomed the Chief Guest The program started with recitation of and thanked the Association for giving him Holy Quran by Vice President Mr. Mohammad opportunity to attend the reception. Amin Jangda, who had recited Surah Al- Then the President invited Chief Guest, Asr, followed by its English translation by a to come on the stage. With the clapping from Honorable Consul General of Pakistan in Community Member and Jamaat Reporter audience, Mr. Ismail Mirza came on the stage Toronto Mr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria to Mr. Qasim Abbas. The Master of Ceremony and delivered his brief speech welcoming the come on the stage and address the audience. was Executive Committee member Mr. Chief Guest Honorable Consul General of With the clapping from audience, the Chief Tarique Kasim. Pakistan in Toronto Mr. Mohammad Nafees Guest came on the stage and delivered his He requested President Mr. Ismail Mirza Zakaria and thanked him for sparing his time speech. He spoke on peace, harmony among mankind. He emphasized on bilateral relations between Canada and Pakistan in various fields. He thanked the Association for giving him opportunity to meet Community members. A Community member Mr. Qasim Abbas presented to the Chief Guest three publications namely latest issue of “Memon Alam”, official journal, publication of World Memon Organization, an English book “Rare speeches and pictures of Quaid-e-Azam” and an Urdu book “Junagadh – Ujre Dayaar ki Kahaani”. At the end, dinner was served and after dinner the President thanked the Chief Guest and Community members for attending the reception.

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 45 COMMUNITY NEWS Memon Association of Canada hosts Dinner Reception in honour of visiting Vice President, World Memon Organization North American Chapter and other dignitaries

(Report: Qasim Abbas, Toronto, Canada)

emon Association of other community members with their wives Canada hosted Dinner had attended the programme. MReception in honour of The president of the Association Mr. Mr. A. Ghaffar Variend, visiting Vice Muhammad Ameen Jangda and former President, World Memon Organization president Mr. Ismail Mirza welcomed North American Chapter, Mr. Qasim distinguished guests and paid tribute to Lawai, General Secretary, Pakistan Memon them for their selfless services for the Women Educational Society and Chairman, community and introduced guests to the Education Committee, World Memon audience. Then three distinguished guests Organization and Mr. Tayyab Moosani, General Secretary, Memon Association of Saudi Arabia on 18 August 2014 at Haveli Restaurant in town of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. services for the community. Maghrib Salaat Canada’s Citizenship Judge Mr. Rafiq was performed with Jamaat at appropriate Rokerya, Association’s founder members time at the place specially earmarked for Mr. Vali M. Bhalagamwala and his wife Mrs. prayer in the restaurant. After excellent Parveen V. Bhalagamwala, Associatioon’s dinner, the president and former president former president Mr. Ismail Mirza, executive thanks the distinguished guests and all committee members of the Association and spoke about mission and activities of their participants. respective organizations in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Mr. A. Ghaffar Variend, Vice President, W.M.O North American Chapter spoke about future strategy of the Chapter including proposed convention of all Memon Associations of North America in near future and establishment of proposed women wing in near future for women’s role and mission in North America under the umbrella of North American Chapter. In the and three distinguished guests were awarded with memorable shields from the Association in appreciation of their long

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URDU

MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014 57 URDU

58 MEMON ALAM OCTOBER 2014

Exporters of all kinds of Yarns, Textiles new and second hand reconditioned machineries second hand reconditioned Cars, Used Tyres Used Motor Cycles and Buses

Only officially registered recognized Memon company in Japan since 1955

MEIYO BOEKI SHOKAI

PROPALACE AZUCHIMACHI BLDG. 2F PHONE: (06) 6264-0190 1-619 AZUCHI MACHI CHUO-KU OSAKA (JAPAN) FAX: (06) 6264-0147 E-MAIL: [email protected] MAILING ADDRESS E-MAIL: [email protected] HIGASHI P.O. BOX NO. 163, OSAKA (JAPAN) PRESIDENT: YUSUF M. BHADELIA URDU

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October,2014 MEMON ALAM REGISTRATION NO. SS-038