Dr. Harchand Rai’s life remains a shining example of integrity and dedication, inspiring generations to serve with sincerity and love for their culture
By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
In the heart of Sindh’s Tharparkar region, the name of Dr. Harchand Rai resonates deeply as a symbol of unwavering dedication, moral integrity, and cultural preservation. A renowned physician, politician, social worker, humanitarian, and passionate cultural activist, Dr. Rai dedicated his entire life to serving the needy and enriching the cultural fabric of his land.
Born on September 15, 1915, in the small village of Taluka Chachro, District Tharparkar, Girdhari Lal—his father—was a respected school teacher who dreamed of his son becoming a teacher himself. But fate and inspiration from a prominent doctor named Dr. Jindaram charted a different course for young Harchand Rai. His early education began in the government school of New Chhor, and it was here that he laid the foundational stones of his lifelong commitment to learning and service.
After passing his medical exams, Dr. Rai embarked on a career that would span more than seven decades. He started practicing as an Anti-Malaria Medical Officer and later opened a small private clinic in Umerkot. True to his principles, Dr. Rai refused to charge the poor patients for his services or to burden them with bills. Instead, he worked tirelessly, curing the sick with compassion and humility. His dedication was such that he founded a Tuberculosis (TB) center in Umerkot, donating part of his earnings to sustain it, embodying a spirit of humanity that knew no greed.
Throughout his life, Dr. Rai became a prominent member of various medical associations, such as the TB Association and the Family Planning Association. He also became a lifetime member of Hilal Ahmar (the Red Crescent Society) for Umerkot district and willingly offered his services to Rotary Club International whenever called upon. His generous spirit extended beyond medicine—he donated land to the local school where he had studied, ensuring the next generation of children in his hometown could benefit from education.
But Dr. Rai’s contributions extended far beyond the realm of medicine. He was a passionate guardian of Sindh’s rich cultural heritage. His fascination with history, tradition, and antiquities led him to play an active role in preserving Sindh’s cultural treasures. When the government launched the program “Sindh Sadiyan Khan,” Dr. Rai was appointed as a member of the Umerkot committee. With great enthusiasm, he began collecting and exhibiting artifacts such as jewelry, old coins, traditional Thari embroidery, quilts, utensils, and historic camels—each piece telling stories of Sindh’s glorious past.
His efforts bore fruit in the form of vibrant cultural exhibitions held in Mirpurkhas and Karachi. His stalls captivated audiences and earned praise from notable figures like Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Sindh’s cultural minister, and Maulana Kausar Niazi, a respected federal minister. Dr. Rai’s deep knowledge of Sindh’s traditions and his ability to showcase its beauty made him known as a veritable encyclopedia of culture.
Driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, Dr. Rai also stepped into politics, always aiming to serve his community better. He contested elections for the Sindh Provincial Assembly in 1970 and again in 1985. Though he did not win the seat in 1970—losing to Rana Chander Singh—he remained undeterred. His spirit was evident when he held a rally in Chachro along with politician Jam Saqi, thanking his supporters for their unwavering trust. His path of service also included holding key roles in local government—he was a member of the Umerkot Town Committee on multiple occasions and served as its chairman in 1983. Under his leadership, the town saw the development of parks, roads, a rural bus stand, and other civic amenities.
Throughout his life, Dr. Rai’s efforts and dedication were recognized through numerous awards. The Government of Pakistan honored him with the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2007. Other accolades included local awards and international humanitarian honors, reflecting a lifetime of noble service.
On March 4, 2013, the beloved doctor and cultural icon left this world at his residence, “Ren Basera,” in Umerkot, at the age of 98. His passing marked the end of an era—one characterized by unwavering compassion, cultural pride, and relentless service to humanity.
Dr. Harchand Rai’s life remains a shining example of integrity and dedication, inspiring generations to serve with sincerity and love for their culture. His legacy endures not only in the hearts of those he helped but also in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sindh he fiercely cherished.
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The writer is a social development professional based in Umerkot Sindh. He can be contacted by email anrahimoo@gmail.com
