Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan
WHO’S WHO OF SOME OF SINDH-BORN &BASED SOCIAL WORKERS
[INTRODUCTION]
The status of Sindh as a one of the birth places of Human-Civilization,
is sufficient proof to believe that it has remained a seat of promoting and
projecting the Human Social values also. The history of Civic-sense and values
of Sindh is old, as Sindh itself. This land has produced handsome number of Social
Workers in every period of its history. The task of compilation of WHO’S WHO of
Social Workers is very time and labor consuming one and one has to start work
on the subject, so as to set trend and example in this regard. Here, I am
trying to give information about some of Social workers and leaders of Sindh
pertaining to British Era (1843-1974).
Allando Shah K.B:
He was a member of Central
Legislative Assembly of India and was a Special Honorary Magistrate for a
number of years. He was a leading Land Lord and Zamindar of Nawabshah District
and was a very influential Syed of Sindh. He was known for his charity and good social
work that he did for Sindh Community. The establishment of a big school
(Madressah) at the pattern Sindh Madressah-Tul-Islam of Karachi, is an example
of social services rendered by him.
Ardeshir H. Mama, K.B:
He was a very popular figure of
Sindh. People earn money to store it, hut Khan Bahadur Mama earned money to use
it for the good of the Public. He was a great Philanthropist and had given
large sums in charity chief among which are, Rs. 300,000/-to the Mania Parsi
Girls' High School, Rs. 100,000/- towards Sundry charities, Rs. 75,000/-Mama Home
for Poor Parsi families, Rs. 25,000/- Mama Hall in Fire Temple at Sadar, RS.
25,000 Fire Temple at Sukkur, Rs. 20,000/- for Parsi Hall at Mahableshwar, Rs.
16,000/-for Mama Bath Mangho pir, Rs. 15,000/- for Y. W. C. A. Building, Rs.
100,000'- to Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi. There is not an institution in
Karachi where the helping hand of Khan Bahadur Mama had not reached, be it a
Civil Hospital, Dutferin Hospital or any laudable cause. Klian Bahadur was not
only a gentleman known for his charity, but a personality famous for his fine
record of service rendered to the institutions where he had been the President,
Chairman and a member. As a Special Honorary Magistrate for Sadar over 17 years
Khan Bahadur did Justice to his Job. He was a member of Karachi Municipality
for more than 21 years and had the honour of being the Mayor of Karachi and the
First Citizen of our (pit. As a Municipal Corporator, he worked as the Chairman
of School Board, Stores Committee, Garden Committee, Road Committee, many more Committees
of the Karachi Municipal Corporation. Khan Bahadur was elected as one of the 12
leaders of Sind of the Daily Gazette Contest. Khan Bahadur worked as President,
Karachi Parsi Institute, President, the Mama Parsi Girls School,
Vice-President, Bai Virbaiji Soparivalla Parsi Boys' High School, Chairman,
Parsi Co-operative Housing Society, Chairman, Young Men's Zoroastrian
Association, Chairman, District Local Board, Honorary Treasurer, the Sindh
Flood Relief Fund, Honorary Treasurer, Harchandrai Memorial Fund, Honorary
Treasurer Silver Jubilee Fund, Honorary Treasurer, the Prince of Wales Welcome
Fund.
Ardeshir H. Mama, K.B:
He was a very popular figure of
Sindh. People earn money to store it, hut Khan Bahadur Mama earned money to use
it for the good of the Public. He was a great Philanthropist and had given
large sums in charity chief among which are, Rs. 300,000/-to the Mania Parsi
Girls' High School, Rs. 100,000/- towards Sundry charities, Rs. 75,000/-Mama
Home for Poor Parsi families, Rs. 25,000/- Mama Hall in Fire Temple at Sadar,
RS. 25,000 Fire Temple at Sukkur, Rs. 20,000/- for Parsi Hall at Mahableshwar,
Rs. 16,000/-for Mama Bath Mangho pir, Rs. 15,000/- for Y. W. C. A. Building,
Rs. 100,000'- to Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi. There is not an institution
in Karachi where the helping hand of Khan Bahadur Mama had not reached, be it a
Civil Hospital, Dutferin Hospital or any laudable cause. Klian Bahadur was not
only a gentleman known for his charity, but a personality famous for his fine
record of service rendered to the institutions where he had been the President,
Chairman and a member. As a Special Honorary Magistrate for Sadar over 17 years
Khan Bahadur did Justice to his Job. He was a member of Karachi Municipality
for more than 21 years and had the honour of being the Mayor of Karachi and the
First Citizen of our (pit. As a Municipal Corporator, he worked as the Chairman
of School Board, Stores Committee, Garden Committee, Road Committee, many more
Committees of the Karachi Municipal Corporation. Khan Bahadur was elected as
one of the 12 leaders of Sind of the Daily Gazette Contest. Khan Bahadur worked
as President, Karachi Parsi Institute, President, the Mama Parsi Girls School,
Vice-President, Bai Virbaiji Soparivalla Parsi Boys' High School, Chairman,
Parsi Co-operative Housing Society, Chairman, Young Men's Zoroastrian
Association, Chairman, District Local Board, Honorary Treasurer, the Sindh
Flood Relief Fund, Honorary Treasurer, Harchandrai Memorial Fund, Honorary
Treasurer Silver Jubilee Fund, Honorary Treasurer, the Prince of Wales Welcome
Fund.
Castellio, Joseph :
Born on 30th September
1891, at Goa and came to Karachi in December 1899. Educated at St. Patrick’s
High School and D.J.Sindh College. Took the LL.B degree in 1924. He was elected
Municipal Councillor in 1927 for the Christians and Jewish Wards. Remained
Acting Vice-President of the Karachi Municipality also. He was associated with
many Social and Educational organizations.
Dayaram Jethmal:
He was born in 1845 at Hyderabad and got his early and primary education from a muslim akhund and breathe his last in 1887 when he was of 42 years old. He was one of first batch of 4 student those did matriculation from Bombay university. He and Hassan Ali Effendi, both were great social reformers of sindh during the early period of British rule, they both formed “Sindh Sabah” - A Social- cum-political party in 1882 bothset an example of promoting education. Hasan Ali Effendi established Sindh Madarasa in 1885 and he established D.J Sindh College
D. B. Avari:
He started his life as an Assistant in
the Bombay Administrative Office of The Sun Life Assurance Co.,of Canada.
He came to Karachi in 1929 as the Unit Organizer for sindh and Baluchistan for
the Sun life Assurance Co. He soon established himself in Karachi as the best
organizer of the life Assurance Co. He was the past President in 1940-41 of
Rotary Club of Karachi and was a Member on the Managing Committee of S.P.C.A.
of Karachi, a member of the Jail Committee and the Sindh Defence
Loan Committee appointed by Sind Government. He was the Honorary Secretary and
Treasurer of Karachi Branch of the Overseas League of London and Tobacco Fund
for Soldiers at the Front since the beginning of War. He was a member of the
Karachi Club, Honorary Secretary of Y.M.L.A. He was one of the founders of
Lodge Conclave -- Secret Monitor, Karachi. Avari was the only Indian from
India, Burma and Ceylon who passed the difficult examinations of Chartered Life
Underwriter of America. He was an Insurance Expert in Sindh having delivered a
number of most interesting and instructive lectures on Life Insurance,
Principles and Practices.He was Justice of Peace also
Diwan Dayaram
Gidumal:
Born on 30th of June
1957 at Hyderabad. He was a Philospher, poet and scholar. He earned a big name
and fame in Social services His books such as ‘Something about Sindh’, Jabuk
(Man Lai)’, & ‘Sat Sahelyoon’ etc are very important books in Sindhi
literature.Set new trend of social services in Sindh and Hind. Founded so many
Social organizatios. At the eleventh hour of his age, he married a young gril,
daughter of his friend. He breathed his last on 7th December
1929.
Diwan Doulatram Bulchand Advani:
He became a Municipal Councillor
of Hyderabad Municipality in 1919 and the Chief Officer of the same
Municipality in 1922 and retired from that post in 1940. He again became a
Municipal Councillor in 1941 and later on the President. He was the President
G.D. National College Board, President Hyderabad Education Society, Hon:
Principal N. H. Academy, Hyderabad Sindh, President Hindu Social Reforms
Association, President Hindustan Scout Association, member Governing Council
Kundanmal Girls' High School, local Director Sindh Provincial Cooperative Bank,
Chairman Sindh Provincial Cooperative Institute.
Diwan Teckchand Udhodas R.B:
Born at Hyderabad in 1853,educated upto
Matriculation in Hyderabad,did graduation in 1875.Joined Education Department
in 1876 as School Teacher,He was asked and appointed by government in 1877 to
translate “Civil Procedure Code”.Worked as editor of “Sindh Sudhar” in the same
year.He got himself transferred to Judical Department and after passing “local
pleaders Examination”was appointed Sub-Judge in larkano and later on in
Kotri.In 1885 joined Karachi Bar and remained associated for 10 years.In 1907
became P.P-first Sindhi on the post-and in 1910 retired from the post,breathed
his last on 9.1.1920.He was an outstanding Social worker & political
leader.After the death of Tahilram Khemchand,he became president of the “Sindh
Hindu Sabha”,worked against “Deti leti”.At the time of the constitution
of the “Local Council”of the Governor of Mombai he was nominated to a seat.He
remained Vice-chairman of the Committee of Management of Hyderabad.He worked as
Vice president of the “Vidalaya Association” & presedent of the “Kundanmal
Girl’s school for years.He was made :Rao Bahadur” during the time when he was a
Public Prosecutor.
Fazal Ellahi Jawahardin:
He was Army and Royal Air Force
Contractor and Karachi, and Land Lord of Karachi District., In the Quetta
Earth-Quake in 1935 he rendered wonderful service to the refugees
who had come to Karachi. He served as an Honorary Magistrate First Class from
1930 to 1937, Justice of Peace., and First Class Magistrate, Karachi District
from 1939, Head Warden A. R. P. Road since 1940, Coronation Medal awarded
(1937) for Loyal services rendered during Civil Disobedience Movement, helped
the Government and Karachi Police in Riots in 1935. He was the
Founder and President of Feroze Vernacular School[1927], was the founder of the
grave yard of Anjumani-Mussalmanani-Punjals, Karachi, President
Anjumani-Musalmanani-Punjab, Karachi. He was the President Muslim Jamait Jamia
Masjid Kassaban and Idd Gah, Bunder Road,. President Muslim community, the
Chairman Muslim Housing Co-operative Society, Karachi, Member of Port Haj
Committee, Karachi, Life Member of Muslim Gymkhana, Karachi, Life Member of
Young Men's Muslim Association, Karachi, Member of Muhammadan Committee Sindh
Madressah Tul Islam, Karachi from 1927 to 1941, Elected Member of Cantonment Board,
Honorary Vice-Chairman of S.P.C.A. Karachi, Life Member of
Anjamani-Taraqqi -Urdu, Karachi, Trustee of several mosques and Wakf properties
in Karachi and Trustee of Karachi District, Wakf Properties. He earned title of
Khan Bahadur from the Government .
Fakirjee Perozshah Golwalla:
He was a Landlord, Zamindar, Merchant
and Justice of Peace from Hyderabad. He was a member on the Excise Advisory
Committee of the Hyderabad Sindh Cantonment Board. Non Official Visitor to the
Sindh Convict Gang. Vice-President, Cantonment Board, Hyderabad Sind. Chairman,
Bazar Committee of the Cantonment Board, Hyderabad Sind. Director on the
Hyderabad (Sind) Mercantile Co-operative Bank, Ltd., Member, Red Cross Society.
Life Member, Lady Dufferin Hospitals, Sindh. Member on the Nursing Association
and on the Executive Committee. President, Educational Society, Hyderabad Sind.
He was the District Scout Commissioner, Nawabshah. Member, the Provincial Scout
Council, Karachi. Member on the Nursing Association, Nawabshah. Director on the
Nawabshah Electric Supply Co., Proprietor of the firm of Messrs. Muncherjee
& Co., Hyderabad
Fida Husein M. Sheikha:
He was born on 22nd April I907 and
received his education in Sindh Madressah-Tul-Islam. He was a Trustee of the
Port of Karachi and the Vice-President of Buyers and Shippers'Chamber,
and Karachi Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Young Men Muslim Association. He was
the President of the Karachi Timber Merchants Association. Fida Husein took
keen interest in the female education of Muslim and was the President of Muslim
Girls Academy the only leading Muslim Girls High School in Karachi teaching
English. He was a member of the Karachi District Local Board and was a member
on the Committee of Management of Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi, and is also
a member of the Managing Committee of Muslim Gymkhana, Rotary Club, Karachi
Club and Cricket Club of India. He was a member of various charitable trusts
and societies. He was the senior partner of the well known and famous timber
concern of Karachi named and styled as Essajee Ebrahimjee & Co. This firm
was the first firm of timber started in Karachi.He was one of the leaders of
Bohra Reformist Movement in India
George Birch:
He was born on 30 June 1880. He was one
of the founders of the Y. M. C. A. in Karachi. Became Assistant to the
Commissioner in Sindh. He was Controller of Prices and Rents in war time.
Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax for Sindh. Worked on several committees,
and was a leading member of the Domiciled European and Anglo Indian
Association, Sindh Branch. Secretary Karachi Auxiliary Force Club. Birch Club
named after him.He was active worker in social and philanthropic activities
Ghualm Ali Chagla:
Born in 1871 in Karachi.Did matricin
1892 from Sindh Maderssah and got enrolled in D.J.Sindh College but left the
college without continuing further education.He was outstanding Social worker
,Political worker & Freedom fighter and was closely associated with
RaisG.M.Bhurgri and Seth Harchadrai.He remained Municipal Councilor and Presidentof
the Karachi Municipal Corporation.Joined Cogress in 1913 and participated in
its Annual Sessions.Breathed his last on 26.06.1950.In D.J.Sindh College records his
information is recorded that: Joined College in 1892- 1892. Landlord and
Merchant. President of the Karachi Municipality
1921-1922.
Keenly interested in Hindu Muslim unity, and social welfare
Gopal H. Lalwani:
He was born on the 13th March 1907 and
was from familiy of the Amils of Hyderabad. He was educated in the St.
Patrick's High School and the D. J. Sind College He was a great sportsman,
excelling at Hockey and Tennis, and was the best doubles player of his time in
the College. He was the youngest Chairman of the H. L. Chablani Panchayat
Dispensary, a leading member of the Amil Panchayat & Female Education
Society, ex-General. Secretary of Amil Institute, Jt. Secretary of the Sindh
Collegiate Old Boys' Association, a Director of the Hyderabadi Amil Co-
operative Urban Bank, Ltd., Trustee of the Gur Mandar, and a member of
innumerable other Institutions.He was a Share Broker, Insurance Agent and Hotel
Proprietor. He was a Sufi by religion, being a disciple of the Jhok
Dargah. He was an active Congress member also.
Gopalrao B. Bhonsle:
He was a Land Lord and Contractor and
First Class Honorary Magistrate, Karachi, belonged to the famous Bhonsle family
who had come to settle in Sindh in 1843.He was educated in Karachi as a
student.He was an important member of Maratha Community of Karachi and was the
President of Maratha Union for a number of years. He was the President of the
Madhoo Muccadum Smashan and the Shivajee Memorial Fund. He was the Honorary
Secretary of various Maratha Associations and Societies such as Libraries,
Temples, Gymkhana.
He, for his services to his community,
was made a Justice of Peace and First Class Honorary Magistrate. He was the
Managing Partner of the most famous firm of the Dock Engineering and Welding
Works of Keamari. He was a Government and Naval Contractor.
Hassanali Effendi:
He had a romantic career. He started
his life as a Munshi on Rs.16/- only. He learnt English from a
Christian Clerk and got a job at Kotri on Boat the Steamer. Here he
perfected his knowledge of English because he came in contact with many English
people. He wanted to practise as a Pleader and was preparing himself for Sind
pleader's examination when the ,Judicial Commissioner in Sind of the time
allowed him to practise before he qualified for the Bar. He rose to be the
Public Prosecutor of Sind and was offered the judgeship of Small Causes Court
of Karachi, which offer he thankfully declined.
He was elected as a member of Bombay
Legislative Council in 1891, as the representative of Sind Zamindars. Late Khan
Bahadur Hassanali, seeing the poor condition of Muslims of Sind did not rest
till he had founded for them a High School in Karachi. He went from place to
place to collect funds for Sind Madressah Tul Islam and succeeded in
establishing one of the best High schools for Muslims in Sind.
The late Khan Bahadur was the pioneer
of Muslim education in Sind and did a lot to spread education among the Muslims
of this Province. He started the Muslim Education Association in Sind which has
been doing good work for the cause of education among the Muslims.
It was entirely due to the efforts of
Khan Bahadur Hassanali that Sindhi Muslims were educated, who today are rubbing
shoulders with the members of their sister Communities of Sind. He was one of
the most colourful personalities of Sind. Due to his valuable Social Services
rendered by him, he earned title of EFFENDI from Turkish Government
Hussain Bux Khan Talpur:
Talpur of Tando
Muhammad, he was one of the oldest Mirs of Sindh coming direct from the ruling
class of Talpurs. He was the President of All India Baluch Conference, and
President of Jagirdar of Sindh Due to his services for people and Government,
he earned title of Sardar Bahadur in 1943. He was the first non-official
Vice-President of the Hyderabad District Local Board. He was the President of
Tando Muhammad Khan Municipality for over 18 years.He took keen interest in
Muslim education and donated a block in the Aligarh College for the use of poor
and deserving Muslim Boys.He rendered very good assistance to War Fund by
giving a decent donation of Rs. 52,000:- to War Fund.
Jamshed Nusserwanji:
He was one of the
makers of modern Karachi and Social worker of his own right. He was a member of
Karachi Municipality from 1914 to 1931 and was the President of the
Municipality from 1922 to 1933 and was the first Mayor of Karachi Municipal
Corporation in 1933-1934.He was Provincial Commissioner of Scouts in Sindh,
Chairman, Buyers & Shippers' Chamber, President, Sindh Tuberculosis Relief
Association, President, Sindh Flood Relief Fund, President, Karachi Health
Association. He was a member of Sind Legislative Assembly. In addition to these
he was a member of various Committees, Institutions and Banks. He was one of
the founders of the Co-operative movement in Sindh and had done a lot to
improve the standard and state of poor Haris of our province.
One of his publications is "the Karachi Municipality as at
present, and its future and Lilaram Jhetmal Alimchandani:
He was born in 1865. He joined
D.J.Sindh College as the first batch of senior student.He did B. A in l890 and
L.L.B in 1893.He practised Law for two years. He was taken up on the
Provincial Civil Service (Judicial) in 1896 and appointed as Sub-ordinate
(Second class) Judge in the second grade. In 1914 promoted to be Joint Judge
and Sessions Judge.He was an outstanding Social Reformer interested in
female education. He was President of Kundanmal Girls School Association.
He took great pain in the foundation and establishment of the D.G. National
College Hyderabad. He did noble work for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
He was a sportsman and Physical Culturist.
Metharam Ajitsingh Gidwani, R.B:
He was Land Lord and Zamindar and one
of the eminent personalities of Karachi District. He was a member of Karachi
District Local Board for a number of years and was its Vice-President also.He
was an Honorary Special Magistrate for a considerable period. He is a much
respected Zamindar of his District and his rich experience was appreciated by
Government by appointing him on various committees and honouring him with the
title of Rai Bahadur.. In the last period of his life retired from Zamindari
life and did a lot of social work in his native place Hyderabad.
Merwanji Edulji Kandawala:
Born in Karachi on 13th August
1875, Landlord, Merchant, a shrewd businessman of long experience and Zamindar
with extensive landed interest in Sindh and particularly in Karachi District
and the founder of Kandawalla Company, a pioneer of Automobile business. He was
a prominent Parsee personality of Karachi, owning extensive lands, buildings
and Auto mobile business in Bombay, Karachi and Lahore.Merwanji Kandawalla was
from an old Parsi family, having influential connections since the days of the
East India Company. One Mr. Merwanji Kandawalla, then better known as Merwanji
of Henshaw, accompanied Sir John Malcolm the then Governor of Bombay in 1737,
on the British Commercial and diplomatic mission to Teheran. He was a Trustee
of Karachi Parsi Anjuman Trust Funds and H. M. Khajurina Technical Trust Fund.
He was Chairman, Karachi Parsi Anjuman Trust Funds Agriculture Scheme. He was
on the Managing Committee of Bai Virbaiji Sopariwalla Parsi High School for ten
years, where he donated a Library on 27th January 1918 in memory of his parents
Bai Dhunbai and Edulji Bejonji Kandawalla Library. He was keenly interested in
education and The Technical Bias Class of the School was also introduced by
him. He was also lover of Physical Culture and Athletic Class and he along with
late K. B. Nusserwanji R. Mehta started the Physical Culture Class in the
school. He was Chairman, Richmond Crawford Veterinary Hospital Committee, Malir
Dispensary Committee, Karachi Municipal Corporation Public Works Committee,
Shewaram Dewanmal Ferry Committee. President, Sahitaya Cutchi Famine Relief
Funds Committee, Karachi Taluka Zamindars Association. Vice-President, Land
Owners' Defence Association. Member, Karachi Municipal Corporation, Karachi
Cantonment Board, Karachi District Local Board, Cantonment and its Building
Committee, Karachi Municipal Corporation Health Committee, Muslim Grave Yards
Committee, Excise Committee, Parsi Co-operative Housing Society, Hiranand Leper
Asylum Committee, Parsi Poor Patients Relief Society, Lady Linlithgow
Tuberculosis Fund Collection Committee, Maharaj Deepchand Ojha Tuberculosis
Sanatorium Managing and Building Committee, here he donated a cottage in the
memory of his parents Bai Dhunbai and Edulji Bejonji Kandawalla and one
additional cottage in memory of his Mother-in-law Bai Manekbai and
Father-in-law Seth Limji Nusserwanji. Member, Literacy Fund Collection
Committee, Karachi District and Taluka Vigilence Committee, Karachi District
Agriculture Committee, Karachi District Rural Uplift Committee, Member,
Managing Committee Tatta Cosmopolitan Housing Society in Nichalabad, Tatta,
Life Member and on Managing Committee of L. T. Hospital Maternity Home and
Child Welfare, Tatta. He was the founder of the Kandawala Parsi Colony
(comprising about 6o Acres for building) in Nichalabad, Tatta. Member and also
Life Governor, Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi District and Taluka War
Committee. Delegate, Parsi Matrimonial Court and Life Member, Indian Red Cross
Society. Member, Entertainment Committee in connection with the Silver Jubilee
Celebrations of Late King George the Fifth and building of Silver Jubilee Town.
His services were appreciated by the Commissioner in Sindh and Chairman of the
Executive Committee Mr. Collins and in appreciation of his successful services,
he was presented with a Souvenir and Silver Jubilee Medal in May 1935. He was
Managing Partner of Messrs. Pallonji Edulji & Co., well known firm of
Sanitary Engineers and Contractors of Karachi and Bombay. One of the oldest
Architect and Licensed Surveyors of Karachi Municipality. He was authority on
lands and for his expert advice and wide experience he was appointed the only
member on Committee of Fixation of Land Value and assessment of Karachi
Municipality for Municipal and Government lands.He was Approved Government,
Military, North Western Railway, Municipality and Port Trust Contractor, and
the first Chairman and founder, Karachi Urban Co-operative Bank. He did a lot
for Rural Reconstruction and improvement of Sindhi Breed of Cattles and
Agricultculture. He was a Member of Durbari Levy of U. E. the Viceroy and
Governor of Sindh.
Mohan Seth Pessumal:
He was son of Seth Pessumal Mulchand,
Land Lord and Zamindar and a fine sportsman of Bhaibund community. He was
Billiard player and was the Champion of Billiard of Bhaibund Club 1942. He was
a Fellow of Theosophical Society. As a manager of his firm of Messrs. Pohoomall
Brothers (Europe) he visited many important towns and cities of East and West.
He took keen interest in the welfare of
his community and was the Secretary of the Social Welfare Committee of Young
Bhaibunds.In 1941 he crossed the International Date line and was granted a
certificate by Pan American Airways.
Mukhi Gobindram Pritamdas:
He was from the family of famous
Mukhis of Hyderabad. He was the first Hindu Minister of Sindh Government when
Provincial autonomy started functioning in Sindh. He was a Land Lord and a
Zamindar and the Mukhi of Sind Hindu Panchavat in Sind, President Hindu
Sabha at Hyderabad, President Hindu Anath Asram, President Bankers'
Association, Hyderabad Sind. He was the Chairman Mukhi Chandumal Valiram
Panjrapore Association and a member N.W.R. Advisory Committee, Sindh Cotton
Committee, D. G. Sind National College Board and N. H. Academy, Hyderabad.
. Mukhi Mangharam Gurdinomal:
He was from Hyderabad and was educated
at Cambridge and practised as a Barrister for some time. His business took him
abroad where he lived for many years. He started the Hyderabad Electric Supply
Corporation Ltd., and run it as its Managing Director for more than 23 years.
He was elected as the President of Hindu Panchayat Federation. He was a member
of D. G. National College. It was entirely through his efforts that Om Mandli
was banned. He took keen interest in Industries, Female education and
Panchayats.He was the only Bhaibund who gave his daughters the highest education.
Qurban Hussain G. Alavi:
He is a partner in the famous
firm of Vousaf ali Alibhoy Karimjee & Co.and a Land Lord and a Merchant.He
was a member of the Managing Committee of the Buyer's & Shipper's Chamber
of Karachi. He was the acting Hon. Secy. of Muslim Chamber of Commerce, Karachi
and also a Director of Food grain Syndicate of Karachi.He was a fine sports
man, a member of Muslim Gymkhana, harachi and was the Hon. Secretary of Karachi
Academy Sport Committee. As the Hon. Secretary of Karachi Academy Sport
Committee he along with M.U. Abbasi the then Principal of Karachi Academy
brought a revolution in the field of Sports. The Karachi Academy became the
Champion of Inter School Hockey Tournament and also Inter School Cricket
Tournament. It was during his and Mr. Abbasi days that the Scouts and students
of Karachi Academy were sent to Quetta by the Commissioner-in-Sind to render
help in Quetta Earth-quake, in 1935.He was a great social figure of Karachi.
Besides Karachi Club, he was a member of many clubs and societies.
Sadhu Hiranand:
Son of Dewan Shoukiram, born on
23.03.1863 in Hyderabad.He did Matric in 1879 and B.A in 1883.He earned
position of a role-model in our history.He remained very active leader of
the first ever Socio-political organization ofSindh-“Sindh Sabha”.He introduced
the Congress in Sindh.He was a pioneer of“Barhmo samaj” in Sindh.Founded school
in Hyderabad and published “Sarswati”& “Sudhar Patreeka”under his
editorship.He intended to educate his daughters from reputed institution and
went to Bekanir for this purpose where he breathed his last on 14.07.1893.He
was one of those leaders who gave vision about the political thinking.Sadhu
Hiranand influenced the social & political future of his country
Seth Doongursee S. Joshi:
First of all he worked as a
Brokers to M;`s. David Sassoon & Co., Ltd., Bombay in its opening in 1904.
At the same time he enlarged his own business and soon rose to prominence as a
merchant in the city. In 1919 he was elected President of the All India
Pushkarna Brahmin Conference.He has sent out several deserving students of his
own community as well as other Brahmin communities for higher studies both here
in India as well as to England. He was a fervent advocate of Female Education,
in which cause he donated a handsome sum of Rs. 20,000!- to the Gujarati
Education Society for its Girls High School, which was named after his amiable
wife, Shrimati ,Jhaverbai. He was a great compassion for the dumb and infirm
animals and managed the Karachi Panjrapore Association, an institution for the
betterment and service of the suffering animals, of which remained the
President
Seth Manoohhai Doongursee:
Joined his father's business in
1021, and was appointed Broker of Messrs. David Sassoon & Co., Ltd., as
partner of his father in 1924. He was a member of the Board of Karachi Port
Trust 1930-32, Vice-President of Buyers and Shippers' Chamber, having served on
its Committee for over 15 years. Senior Vice-President of the Karachi Indian
Merchants' Association for 1936 and 1941 and President of the Gujarati
Education Society for over 16 years. Manoobhai was a member of the Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Karachi Health Association, a Trustee of
the Gujarati Education Society Trust and Health Association, Managing Partner
of the firm of Doongursee and Sons, Director, Sind Observer and Mercantile
Steam Press Ltd. He was also Director of the Sind Daily Mail Ltd., The Bombay
Fire and General Insurance Co., Ltd., & The Hindusthan Safe Deposit Co.,.
Ltd., and was a member of the Local Committee of the Bank of India Ltd., Hon :
Secretary, Ayurvedic Tuberculosis Relief Association, Assistant Secretary,
Ramkrishna Mission and a member of the Managing Committee of the Karachi
Panjrapore Association
Seth Naraindas Pohoomull:
He was born in 1888. He was a
proprietor of the well known firm of Messrs. Pohoomull Brothers (India) with
branches all over the world. Seth Naraindas Pohoomull apart from being a
leading Sind work merchant was a man of considerably charitable disposition. He
was a philanthropist and run a charitable dispensary for years in memory of his
revered father Seth Pohoomull Khiamal in Hyderabad.He constructed a stall at
the Railway Station of Hyderabad Sindh where Indian Soldiers while going to
their Homes receive free refreshments, and to monthly expenses of which he had
also conrtibuted. He contributed Rs. 2,000, - to the Lady Dufferin Hospital
Fund for Maternity Home which also runs in the name of Seth Pohoomull Khiamal
at Hyderabad. Rao Bahadur Seth Naraindas Pohoomull was awarded Sword of Honour
for rendering valuable services to the Government and also for donating
laudable amount to Lady Dufferin Hospital and Maternity Home. He was a patron
of education started the First Sindhi School for Boys and Girls at Bombay. He
gave free scholarships to many poor students of all Boys' and Girls' Schools at
Hyderabad Sind. He was a member of Lady Dufferin Hospital Committee, Chief
Patron of Scrap Committee and also Vice-Patron of Civil Hospital Nursing
Association of Hyderabad. He was a sub-Leader of National War Front and a
President of Sindhi Association of Bombay. He is a member of Fair Price Committee
and also a member of Managing Committee of Jacobabad Electric Supply Co. He was
Honorary Magistrate and Municipal Councillor of Hyderabad Municipality.
Seth Mulla Isaji Ismailji
Ferozeporewala:
He was the proprietor of the famous and
well known firm of Messrs. Ismailji Alibhoy & Son, Ferozeporewalla, dealing
in general wares on Builder Road, Karachi. The firm representing some of the
world reputed Manufacturers such as R. E. Dietz Co., New York, World's biggest
Makers of Hurricane lanterns, Messrs. Masters Locks Co., U. S. A., Messrs.
Husqvarna Vapen fabriks, Sweden, Manufacturers of Household wares and many
other well-known manufacturers.He was Hon : Secretary of Faiz-e-Hakimi, the
committee of Dawoodi Bohra Jamait of Karachi, also a trustee of
Faize-Husaini a world wide Bohra pilgrim organisation. He was the Vice-Chairman
of Mohomediyah School Board, and Chairman of Quettawalla Charitable Hospital
Seth Shivji Kothari:
He was a leading Land Lord, and a
business man of Karachi. He was also interested in the then newly established
Steel industrial concern of which he was the Managing Director. He was the
President, Karachi Aero Club Ltd., President, Rotary Club of Karachi. Managing
Director, Sindh Observer, Director, Sindh Daily Mail Ltd., Member of the Board
of Karachi Indian Merchants Association, Member of the Board of Buyers and
Shippers' Chamber, Hon : Secretary, Gujrat Education Society, Hon : Treasurer,
Ayurvedic Tuberculosis Relief Association and 0jha Sanatorium, Hon : Treasurer,
Sind Boys Scout Association, Joint Hon : Secretary and Treasurer, Karachi
Children Welfare Society and Remand Home, Chairman, Chaturbhuj Parpia Trust. He
had been a member of the Karachi Municipal Corporation, a Trustee of the Port
of Karachi and a member of the North Western Railway Advisory Committee, in the
past.
Seth Sobhraj
Chetomal:
Born in 1879 at
Shikarpur. He was outstanding social worker, political leader & businessman
of his times. He made handsome donations for social work in sindh such as Rs
40,000 for Women’s dispensary & kishin Devi Sobhraj Meternity Home in
Karachi, Rs 20,000 to Sukkur Municipality for establishment of Maternity Home
and Rs 7,500 for promotion of Scout movement in Sindh. He remained Councillor
of Karachi for 20 years. He remained President of the “Social Service League”
and “Karachi Indian Merchants Association”for years.He was also Vice President
of “kanya Maha Vidyala”.Keeping in view his social stand & contribution,
Government honoured him as First class Honourary Magistrate.In capacity of the
Vice president of the “Sindh Hindu association”. He took part in the freedom
movement. He breathed his last on 20.11.1928.
Sohrab K. H. Katrak:
He was a patner in the firm of Messrs.
Katrak & Co., Karachi, and the Author of "Through Amanullah's
Afghanistan". A Writer, an Orator and a world traveller. First class
Honorary Magistrate, and Justice of Peace, Municipal Corporator representing
the Karachi chamber of Commerce—the first Indian to be so represented a Port
Trustee nominated by the Government. A Member of the Karachi .cantonment Board
since its inception. The Divisional superintendent, St.
John's Ambulance Brigade. Managing Trustee of the Katrak Charity Trust, The
Hormusji Katrak Hall. The President of the following institutions: (1) The
Jehangir Peerozshaw Dubash Health Culture Institute (2) The Sind Historical
Society (3) The Provincial Commissioner, Hindustan Scout Association (4) Max Denso
Hall Clerical Library and Commercial Education Society.
Director, Bharat Bank Ltd. (Karachi
Branch). Vice-President, Sind Natural History Society. Secretary, Karachi Parsi
Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. The Young Men's Zoroastrian Association. Treasurer
of the uetta Parsi Relief Fund. Member on the Council of Management of
Ex-Service Associationthe only IndianCountess of Dufferin Fund, St. John
Ambulance Association, Sind Provincial Co-operative Bank Ltd., Civil Hospital
Nursing Association, Karachi Health Association, The S. P. C. A., The Mama
Parsi Girls High School, The Bomanshaw Minocher Homji Parsi Patients Relief
Association, Zoroastrian Club, The Sind Joint War Committee, a delegate on the
Parsi Matrimonial Court.
Tahilram Bassarmal Aswani:
He was Managing Director of Sindh
National Bank Ltd., was born on 1st September 1883 in
Hyderabad. From 1910 to 1941 and he continued to be a Municipal Councillor. He
became President of the Municipality four times. From 1928 to 1933 he took keen
interest in the Girl's education of the Bhaibund community in particular and as
President of Bhaibund Vidya Mandal he helped the establishment of Tolaram
Girl's School considerably in securing the plot of the Municipality and saw the
construction of its building through to the last.He was honorary manager of
Tikamdas Nanikram Girl's School and Chairman of Bhai Bassarmal Chandiram Boy's
Primary School. He was Secretary of the Hindu Massan Committee. He helped the
formation of Sri Krishin Gaushala Association and remained its Secretary for
years. He was President of Bhaibund Sabha some time back and
Vice-President of Bhaibund Gachri Panchayat. In the Political sphere, he was associated
with the Congress ever since 1906 from the days of Surat Congress. He was the
President of Harijan Sang Sabha for some time past. He started Bhaibund
Co-operative Bank in 1909 with his own furniture and fittings and in 1935 lie
retired from that Bank and started the Sindh National Bank. He was made
Chairman of the Sind Hindu Conference under the Presidentship of Mr. jayakar
and he has been President of sub-Mandal religious congregation under the
auspices of Swami Bodhraj a well-known religious-minded and saintly personality
of Hyderabad
Tayabali Alibhoy Alavi:
He was born on 17th November 1894
at Karachi; Educated upto Standard VII in Sindh Madressah; Joined his father's
business carried on under the name of M/s. Yusuf ali Alibhoy Karimji & Co.,
Joined Congress in 1904 and later Khilafat party. He tried to make Primary
Education universal and free in the Karachi Municipality and after a defeat at
a previous election he succeeded in getting it passed in 1921. He was elected
Chairman of the the School Board in 1923 and by 1924 the number of Municipal
Schools increased from 28 in 1922 to 67 in 1924 and number of pupils from
4265to 6920. The Compulsory Primary Education Act of 1923 came into operation
in 1925 and he was elected Vice Chairman of the School Board. By 1928 when his
term was over the number of Primary Schools rose to 116 with 7910 Boys &
5028 Girls total 12,938. He continued as a member of the School Board up to
1933 when the number of Municipal Schools had gone upto 135. In 1927 he along with
Durgdas B. Advani and Shivram Chavan brought into existence Mercantile
Co-operative Bank, Ltd., which was shifted to its own beautiful building on
Bunder Road in 1937. He was its Chairman from its inception. He was a member of
various institutions in Karachi and done a lot for Muslims education by
starting the Karachi Academy and the Girls Academy, two leading high Schools
for Muslim Boys and Girls in Karachi.(Source: ‘Colourful Personalities of
Sindh’, by M.U.Abbasi)..Remained Member of Karachi District Local Board; Hon.
Treasurer of Sindh Muslim Educational Conference; Chairman Karachi Academy High
School; Municipal Councillor [1921-1924] and Chairman Municipal School Board
Vishindas Nihalcnand, R.B:
He was born in 1843 in Manjhu. When he
was 18, he left his home in quest of a teacher, a Guru who should reveal to him
the profound mysteries of Life and he walked all the way from his home in Sindh
to the Punjab, where near Lahore, his good fortune led him to the famous saint
Gulabdas with whom he stayed long being instructed by him in the Philosophy of
Atman, the timeless, space less Self. He was oneof the pioneers of Cotton
ginning business in Sindh and the province was dotted with his cotton ginning
factories, cotton haling-press and Rice thrashing Factories at Manjhu,
Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Dadu and Badeh. He owned a fleet of Boats at Kotri which
played between Sukkur and Keti bunder while he had several "Dangees"
at Karachi which sailed so far as Persian Gulf, Malabar Coast and Madras. He was
the biggest forest Contractor of his times in Sindh and had established a big
Commission business at Karachi.
While his chief interests at this stage
were the management of his vast lands and commerce which had made him one of
the wealthiest men in Sind, he took a considerable part in local and political
affairs. He attended the first, second and third session of the Indian National
Congress and up to the end of his long life was a member of the Karachi
District Local Board and the President of the Kotri Taluka Local Board. He
composed a book on the tradition of Deti Leti which he sent free to different
Panchayats in Sindh. He convened in 1900 at Uderolal and again in 1905 at
Hyderabad, conferences of Bhaibund Panchayats and had rules of procedure framed
in regard to certain reforms and Deti Leti.In token of his country wide
philanthropy, Government honoured him in 1898 by conferring on him-the title of
Rao Bahadur. In his birth place at Manjhu he founded a school, he built a
library at Kotri. At Hyderabad where he had taken up his residential quarters,
near the bank of Fuleli Canal, known as Vishin Nagar, he opened a school, a
hospital, a Rest house and a cheap grain shop. A model Zamindar, an ideal
merchant, a great philanthropist, poet, artist, philosopher and a mystic such
was Seth Vishindas, Verily a Superman.
He gave the highest education to his
children. His eldest son Seth Harchandrai, C.I.E., was one of our greatest
leaders. His grandson Seths Sukhdev, Lakshman, Ramchand and Bharat looked after
the ginning factory at Hyderabad and the Commission agency business at Karachi.
His another grandson Seth Hiralal Bharwani was the Principal of the D. G.
National College at Hyderabad. Seth Atmaram Harchandrai was an advocate at
Karachi and was attached to the firm of advocates called after his father,
Messrs. Harchandrai & Co. His eldest grandson Seth Sukhdev continued to
maintain the traditions of the family in the field of politics and took
prominent part in the Satyagrah movement of 1930, 1932 and 1942 when he was
thrice sentenced to terms of imprisonment and detention
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