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f one asks an old Hyderabadi where the soul of the city resides, they might not point to a famous market or modern plaza. Instead, many will smile and say, “Old Campus.”
Near Risala Road stands a graceful building now known as the Dr NA Baloch Model School. It holds not just classrooms, but decades of memories, dreams and pride.
The story of this building began in 1897, when it was established as the New Vidyala School for Girls, one of the earliest efforts to promote education in Sindh. It was built by Dewan Prabhu Nath Advani, a visionary son of Sindh, who believed that education was the key to progress. After Independence, it became the first home of the University of Sindh. In these rooms and hallways, the foundations of higher education in the province were laid. The building became a place of learning, ambition and hope.
Later, when the university moved to Jamshoro, the building was retained as a part of it and called the Elsa Kazi Campus, after the German-born wife of Allama II Kazi. Elsa Kazi deeply loved Sindh and translated its poetry into English, helping spread its message to the world.
To keep the spirit of education alive, the university also opened a Model School here. It later took on the name of Dr NA Baloch, one of Sindh’s greatest scholars and educationists, who worked hard to promote knowledge of history across the province. Today, the Dr NA Baloch Model School (Old Campus) is a part of the University of Sindh. Some of the university courses are still taught here and many UoS students continue to pass through its gates.
This school has nurtured scientists, writers, teachers, bureaucrats and intellectuals. Its students have gone on to serve Sindh and Pakistan in many different fields. Its impact can be seen in their transformed lives.
Such architecture is a reminder that education is not just about books; it is also about the spaces that shape our thinking and imagination.
Like the iconic buildings of Government College University, Lahore, and the National College of Arts, this campus is more than just a place for study; it is a piece of history. Its yellow brick walls, high ceilings, tall wooden doors and arched windows speak of a time when buildings were designed not only to be functional but also to inspire.
Walking through its corridors feels like stepping into the past, where learning had a sense of grace and dignity. Such architecture is a statement that education is not just about books; it is also about the spaces that shape our thinking and imagination.
In 1998, the building was carefully restored by the district administration to protect its unique architecture and history. Even though much time has passed, the beauty of the structure, with its high ceilings, wide verandahs and open spaces remains.
What makes this place truly special is the emotional connection people feel with it. Former students often talk about the fun they had buying chaat and pani puri next to its gate, playing in the ground or quietly sitting in a classroom on hot summer days. Many among the alumni fondly remember a famous chaat vendor, Nasru. But this story is not about food or nostalgia; it is about how a school became a part of people’s identity.
An active alumni community stays in touch - online and in person. They share old photos, memories and stories of teachers who changed their lives forever.
In a fast-changing city, where old buildings can disappear without a trace, this one stands strong not just as a school, but as a symbol of Hyderabad’s culture, history and love of learning.
The writer is an assistant director in the Election Commission of Pakistan