Treasures of knowledge

Random thoughts

We are all more or less fed up with the overkill of rhetoric about the Panama leaks and politicians accusing each other of wrongdoing. Rather than politics, I once again turn to books (there are never enough of them).

The first very interesting book is     Takzara-i-Shakhsiat-i-Bhopal. Many of you must be aware by now of my great love of Bhopal. It has now been about 65 years since I left the state and I still get homesick whenever I hear about Bhopal.

This excellent book has been compiled by Shagufta Farhat and her literary husband, Awais Adeeb Ansari. It has been published by Al-Quadir Press, Korangi. It contains coloured pictures of all the well-known personalities of Bhopal. If not available at a nearby bookstore, it can be obtained by calling 0345-2470245 and 021-34593977.

Here are some comments on the book by noted personalities. Shahryar M Khan, former secretary general foreign affairs and a prince of Bhopal, quotes Mustafa Taj of Bhopali, a humorous figure, as saying: “Shagufta and Awais are the best representatives of Bhopal. They are at least one of those who remember Bhopal even while living in Pakistan. I have very pleasant memories of Bhopal. When I went through this excellent book, I read about many famous Bhopalis; many of them I knew personally. This book refreshed all those pleasant, old memories. I wish that Shagufta and her husband would keep on highlighting Bhopali personalities. As far as I know, no such book has ever been published in Pakistan before. I offer my sincere accolade[s] for their effort”.

Jamiluddin Aali wrote: “This beautiful, voluminous book on Bhopal written by Shagufta Farhat is a treat to read. There is an article on our Mohsin-e-Pakistan, Dr A Q Khan, [who is also] a Bhopali. Bhopal had a unique position in India. It produced many famous literary figures. It is very difficult to mention all the luminaries of Bhopal in any one book, but Shagufta has done an excellent job. I know Shagufta personally and am familiar with her untiring efforts to project famous Bhopalis. By doing so, she has herself become a luminary”.

Dr Ferman Fatehpuri wrote: “I have Shagufta’s book in my hands and am enjoying the history of Bhopal and its great citizens. It is not just a summary, but a complete history of Bhopal and Bhopalis. The Almighty blessed Shagufta with the honour of writing this fine book. It is not only the history of Bhopal, but the history of the...Subcontinent. I wholeheartedly commend this excellent work by Shagufta. I wish I could express my views in an open gathering. I am pleased to know that the book launch ceremony will be presided over by the shining star of Bhopal – Mohsin-e-Pakistan, Dr A Q Khan.”

Professor Sahar Ansari wrote: “Bhopal has a unique position in the state of India. It is because many of the rulers of this beautiful state were capable and intelligent [women]. Before Partition, it was a paradise for literary, cultural and religious activities. There was an exemplary rule of law. Such dignitaries as Jigar Muradabadi Niaz Fatehpuri, Josh Malihabadi [and] Allama Iqbal frequently enjoyed the generous hospitality of the state. Bhopal itself produced many literary giants. It is highly commendable that Shagufta did such a fine job [in highlighting] authentic history”.

Professor Dr Pirzada Qasim wrote: “This is a most precious gift for Bhopalis. But when you talk about Nawab Hamidullah Khan, Nawab Siddiq Hassan Khan, Mullah Ramuzi, Dr A Q Khan, Admiral Saeed M Khan, Air Vice Marshal Saeed Ahmad Ansari, Bashir Badar, Hanif Fauq, Muzaffar Hanfi, Syed Hamid, Javed Akhtar, Jan Nisar Akhtar, Razia Hamid, Professor Afaq Siddiqui, Muhammad Ahmad Sabzwari, Sehba Lakhnavi, Sheri Bhopali, Moeen Ahmad Jazbi, Mohsin Bhopali, Senator Khushbakht Shujaat, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Anwar Ahmad Khan, Shoaib Qureshi, Brig Farooq, Air Commodore Habibur Rehman Khan... then this is a highly informative book”.

This writer wrote: “I am extremely pleased that a daughter of Bhopal has done such a fine and highly commendable work. Shagufta has been a torchbearer of the      Bhopal International Forum   and     the Lovers of Bhopal Forum. She is always reminding us of our beloved Bhopal. She has been holding functions to bring together Bhopalis and others and to let them know about the great cultural aspects of Bhopal. No other state in India [has rivalled] the importance and fame of Bhopal state. I am proud to be a Bhopali.”

Muhammad Ahmad Sabzwari wrote: “I want to tell you about a person who was not born in Bhopal but had heard all interesting and nice things from her parents and other elders. She came to know about the Begums of Bhopal, their excellent administrations [and] their bravery. The more she visited Bhopal, the more she fell in love with it. How beautifully she has described Bhopal and its values is worth reading. She came to know how honest, simple, content and humorous Bhopalis were”.

Mustafa Taj Bhopali wrote: “Shagufta is an ambassador of everything Bhopali. When the not-so-well-to-do Bhopalis see their pictures, their achievements in this excellent book, they are highly delighted and feel proud to be Bhopalis. History will judge Shagufta, not me. She is a shining star of Bhopal. She is the real ambassador of Bhopal and... earned this distinction by putting her soul into promoting Bhopal and its famous personalities and values.”

The second, very informative book is a religious one. It is the fourth volume of Majmuatal Tasafeer. As with the previous three volumes, it has been compiled by Haji Muhammed Mubin, beautifully published by the Iqra Academy, Quetta. Its printing and distribution is the responsibility of Qari Abdul Malik. He is also the head of the Iqra Academy for Tafaseer and a religious teacher. These two religious scholars are planning to complete the          Tasafeer        in 10 volumes. May Almighty Allah enable them to complete this invaluable task during their lifetime.

Email: dr.a.quadeer.khan@gmail.com