Pakistan has been blessed with a number of individuals whose selfless devotion to philanthropy resulted in innumerable priceless contributions that touched and improved the lives of their fellow beings.

Hakim Mohammed Said was one such philanthropist, known for his deep affection and profound love for children. He dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the lives of young ones around the world. Born with a compassionate heart and a vision for a better future on January 9, 1920, in Delhi, Hakim Mohammed Said’s journey was marked by selfless efforts and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of people. He established schools, orphanages and healthcare facilities, seeking to provide a holistic environment for children to thrive.

Education lay at the core of Hakim Mohammed Said’s initiatives. Believing in the transformative power of knowledge, he founded numerous educational institutions in impoverished areas. One of the most important steps toward achieving the objective of educating the children was the establishment of Hamdard Public School and Hamdard Village School, at Madinat al-Hikmah, the city of education, science and culture, near Karachi.

In addition to education, Hakim Mohammed Said placed strong emphasis on healthcare. Recognising the vulnerability of children to diseases and malnutrition, he established medical facilities equipped to provide essential care.

Hakim Mohammed Said’s personal involvement set him apart. He actively engaged with the children, fostering a sense of belonging and trust. His genuine affection for the young souls under his care created a nurturing environment, where they felt valued and empowered to dream beyond their circumstances. To inculcate reading habit among children a well-produced popular Urdu monthly children’s magazine the Hamdard Naunehal, was started way back in 1954. It is still the most popular Urdu magazine among the youth.

He also gave children a forum of their own so that they could express themselves with confidence on matters concerning them and become self-reliant. The forum, known as Naunehal Assembly, holds children’s meetings in various cities at regular intervals.

His efforts for children’s rights on the global stage amplified the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard. Organising International Children’s Conference was another meaningful activity, which enjoyed the support of International organisation, such as UNESCO, UNICEF and WHO. International Children’s Health Conference has now become an annual feature which coincides with the World Health Day.

Hakim Mohammed Said himself penned out over a hundred books for children. And the Naunehal Book Club, with a huge membership of over five thousand, played an important role in promoting book reading among children.

Hakim Mohammed Said Sahib understood the importance of sustainability in creating lasting change. His projects were designed with long-term goals, aiming not only to address immediate needs but also to create a foundation for future generations to thrive independently. This foresight reflected his dedication to leaving a legacy of positive impact that extended far beyond his lifetime.

In conclusion, Hakim Mohammed’s profound affection for children was a driving force behind his dedicated and sincere philanthropy. Through a wide-ranging approach that combined education, healthcare, and personal connection, he became a beacon of hope for countless children worldwide. His legacy remains not just in the infrastructure he built, but in the lives he touched, demonstrating that true compassion knew no boundaries and that every child deserved a chance to dream and achieve greatness.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 6th, 2024