Dr. Fahmida Hussain has authored, edited, compiled, and translated numerous books, reflecting her deep engagement with literature, linguistics, and cultural studies
By Muhammad Habib Sanai
Renowned scholar Fahmida Hussain was born on July 5, 1948, in Tando Jam town of Sindh, in the family of Muhammad Yaqoob Niaz—a primary school teacher and scholar. In pursuit of better educational opportunities for his children, he moved the family to Hyderabad, a decision that proved fruitful. His efforts were especially supported by his elder son Sirajul Haq Memon, who himself later became a distinguished writer and scholar.
Education
She began her education at Muslim Girls School, Hyderabad, where she completed her primary studies. For her secondary education, she initially attended Miran School, and later transferred to Model School, Hyderabad, from where she passed her Matriculation in 1964 with distinction.
In 1966, she completed her Intermediate (Pre-Medical) in Karachi and applied for admission to the MBBS program. Despite having sufficient marks, she was unfortunately not admitted.
In 1968, she earned her B.Sc. from D.J. Science College, Karachi, and went on to complete an M.A. in English from the University of Sindh in 1970. She pursued a second M.A. in Sindhi Literature from the same university in 1972. Her academic journey continued with an LL.B. degree in 1981, followed by a Diploma in Hindi in 1990.
Dr. Hussain earned her Ph.D. in 1992 with a thesis titled “The Image of Woman in Shah Latif’s Poetry,” under the supervision of the late Dr. Ayaz Qadri.
Professional Career
Dr. Fahmida Hussain began her professional career as a News Translator at Radio Pakistan, Karachi. In 1972, she was appointed as a Lecturer at the Institute of Education, University of Sindh. After teaching there for some time, she moved to Karachi in 1974 following her marriage to Abdul Hussain Saraiy.
In 1978, she joined the Department of Sindhi at the University of Karachi as a Lecturer. Over the years, she rose through the academic ranks—serving as Assistant Professor (1988–1995), Professor (1995–1997), and eventually as Chairperson of the department. She also held the position of Director of the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Chair at the University of Karachi for a decade. During this time, she published several scholarly works on Latifiyat (the study of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai) and launched the research journal Kalaachi, which she edited. Many young scholars completed their M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees under her supervision.
In May 2008, the Government of Sindh appointed her as Chairperson of the Sindhi Language Authority (SLA), where she worked tirelessly to promote the Sindhi language and its rich literary heritage.
Literary and Research Contributions
Dr. Fahmida Hussain began writing at an early age, starting with children’s stories and later contributing to the magazine of D.J. Science College. When the literary journal Badal was launched, she became a regular contributor and served as editor of its women’s section from 1968 to 1972. That same year, she translated a Zoology textbook into Sindhi, which was published by R.H. Brothers, Hyderabad.
Her short stories, poetry (written under the pen name Tasneem Yaqoob), and critical articles appeared in numerous newspapers and literary magazines. She went on to edit the women’s page of the daily Hilal-e-Pakistan for 12 years and also served as the editor of the magazine Sojhro.
In addition, she wrote a thought-provoking column titled “Manhjoon Sochoon” (“My Thoughts”) for the newspapers Jago and later Awami Awaz. During her tenure as editor of the research journal Kalaachi, 40 issues were published under the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Chair.
As Chief Editor of the Encyclopedia Sindhiana, a landmark project of the Sindhi Language Authority, she supervised the compilation of its first three volumes, establishing the foundation for the first comprehensive encyclopedia in the Sindhi language.
Radio and TV Work
From 1972 to 1979, Dr. Fahmida Hussain hosted a Sindhi language learning program titled Sindhi-Urdu Bol Chaal on Radio Pakistan, Karachi. Decades later, in 2009, she continued her efforts to promote the language by hosting Aayo Sindhi Seekain on Radio Pakistan, Hyderabad. In addition to her radio work, she also moderated literary talk shows and women’s programs on Pakistan Television (PTV), further contributing to cultural and literary discourse.
Scholarship and Works
Dr. Fahmida Hussain has authored, edited, compiled, and translated numerous books, reflecting her deep engagement with literature, linguistics, and cultural studies. Some of her notable works include:
- Collection of Sindhi Short Stories, 2024
- Jaan Jaan Huee Jeeari (Autobiography), 2021
- Baresageer ki Zabanoon ka Lasaniyat Jaeza (Urdu Translation), 2018
- Taaleem me Boli jo Jabar (Translation of Tyranny of Language in Education by Zubeda Mustafa), 2017
- Aathwaan Aadmi (Urdu translation of short Stories of Siraj) 2017
- Sisee Nezey Paand (Translation of Over My Shoulder by Elys Faiz) 2017
- Sindhu Likhat – 21 Saddi me thiyal Tahqeeq (Translation of English Essays), 2012
- Adyoon Ajan (Essays about Shah Abdul Latif), 2012.(EFT awarded)
- Sindhi Boli: Mukhtalaf Lasani Pahloo (Essays about Sindhi Language), 2012
- Sindhi Boli ji Sikhhya (Devnagri Script) 2011
- Aaeye Sindhi Seekhen (Radio Programs) 2011
- Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (Urdu) 2008
- Duniya Joon Shaair Oratoon (Translation of poetry of Women Poets) 2006
- Hik Hawa Kaneen Kahaniyoon (Short Stories) 2003
- Image of Wome in Shah Latif’s Poetry 2002
- Adabi Tanqeed: Fann aeen Tareekh (Criticism and Research, 2002. Awarded by Academy of Letters
- Baresageer Me Boliyan jo Lisaniyati Jaaezo (Translation of Linguistic Survey of India, Vol. 8, Part 1 by George Abraham Grierson) 2000 & 2011.
- Shah Latif ki Shaaeri me Orat ka Roop (Urdu Translation), 1996.
- Shah Latif jee Shaaeri me Orat jo Roop (PhD Thesis) 1993
- Pir Hissamuddin Rashidi (Short Biography), 1990
- Hawa’un Je Aadaar (Travelogue) (1983)
- Zoology (Hayatiyat) translation of textbook for Ninth and Tenth Class, 1968
Edited and Compiled Books
- Selection from Shah Jo Risaalo, 2006 and 2017
- Sindh: Past, Present and Future (Three volumes each in Sindhi, Urdu, and English) 2006.
- Mazahmati Adab (Co-Compiled) 1989
- Shah Aeen Sindh (Two volumes), 1989
- Asaan jo Shah Latif (Five Volumes) 2009-2015
Books edited, revised, and improved as Chief Editor
- Shah Abdul Latif Encyclopedia (Two volumes along with Prof. Saleem Memon) 2019 & 2020.
- Encyclopedia Sindhyana (Nine Volumes (2009 to 2015)
- Mufasil Sindhi Lughat (First Volume), 2015
- Classiki Sindhi Shaaerin ji Lughat, 1989.
Awards & Honors
She has also received the following awards and honours.
- Josh Malihabadi Award (Sindh Govt. 2009)
- Gold Medal by Sindh Graduates Association (2008)
- Pride of Performance (Presidential Award, 2004)
- Best Book Award by the Academy of Letters (2004)
- Shah Latif Award (Sindh Govt. 2003)
- Best Research Award by SGA (1995)
- Hijra Award by the Academy of Letters (1994)
- Best Research on Shah Latif & Women’s Studies (1994)
- Sahiyog Award (Best Sindhi Writer, Mumbai, 1999-2000)
- SGA Award for Social Work & Women’s Empowerment (1999-2000)
In addition, she has also received numerous shields, medals, and honors from various organizations.
Read – Dr. Mubarak Ali: An Erudite Historian
Source Acknowledgment:
Parts of this article have been adapted and rewritten using material from Fahmida Hussain’s profile on Sindh Salamat Books.
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Muhammad Habib Sanai is based in Hala town of Sindh. He is a freelance writer and contributes his research-based articles to various newspapers and other publications.
