Philanthropy without borders

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

This ancient wisdom reflects the enduring contributions of non-Muslims, particularly Hindus and Parsis, to Sindh's social fabric. Their selfless philanthropy laid the foundation for educational and healthcare institutions, long before the concept of 'Corporate Social Responsibility' took shape. Though often overlooked, their legacy remains a cornerstone of Sindh's progress, symbolising an unwavering commitment to human dignity, education and health. Their efforts were not just acts of charity, but investments in the future, the benefits of which are still felt today.

Before the partition, Sindh's cities were recognised as civilised, boasting charitable institutions that addressed the community's needs. This ethos of self-reliance fostered a culture where individuals initiated social welfare independently of government intervention.

Shikarpur, a prominent city, was a beacon of such philanthropy.

The Rai Bahadur Udhe Das Tarachand Hospital in Shikarpur stood as a symbol of hope, open to all regardless of background. Other institutions like the Hira Nand Ganga Bai Ladies Hospital, Ishoria Girls' High School, and Chela Singh Sital Das College were established by Hindu philanthropists, each contributing to the city's welfare. Similarly, Karachi and Hyderabad witnessed Hindu and Parsi philanthropists establishing numerous educational and healthcare institutions, reflecting their dedication to social welfare.

Non-Muslims, especially Hindus, were primarily urban and engaged in trade, giving them financial resources and higher literacy rates. This enabled them to take the lead in addressing social issues. Their focus on communal welfare and modest living also instilled a sense of responsibility in the next generation, especially toward education and healthcare.

In contrast, Sindh's Muslim community, largely rural and politically dominant, did not initiate social welfare projects with the same zeal. A lack of emphasis on education, particularly girls' education, stemmed from entrenched feudal values and some religious leaders discouraging education beyond religious instruction. This often resulted in apathy toward social development, especially concerning equal education for boys and girls, which was neglected in many Muslim communities.

Nonetheless, several Muslims also contributed to welfare efforts. For instance, Mir Ghulam Muhammad Talpur's girls' school and maternity home in Tando Bago, Noor Muhammad High School in Hyderabad, and Hasan Ali Afandi's Sindh Madrassatul Islam in Karachi provided essential education and healthcare services. These efforts, though fewer in number, played a crucial role in advancing welfare in Muslim-majority areas.

The pre-partition contrast in approaches to social development between non-Muslim and Muslim communities is noteworthy. While non-Muslims prioritised equal access to education, particularly for girls, Muslim communities often lagged, shaped by outdated values that sidelined girls' education.

One significant figure in this landscape is Dadi Leilavati Vaswani, who symbolises the spirit of Sindh's social progress. Her life, spanning over a century, was dedicated to women's education and empowerment, making her an enduring cultural icon.

The impact of minority communities on societal development isn't unique to Sindh. Globally, communities like the Jews in the US, the Parsis in India, and the Sikhs in Kenya have made significant contributions to education and healthcare. Institutions like Mount Sinai Hospital, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and Sikh Gurdwaras offering free meals and healthcare are examples of how minority communities can lead societal progress.

The selfless contributions of Sindh's non-Muslim communities offer timeless lessons in addressing modern-day challenges like climate change, terrorism and social inequality. Their philanthropy without borders - rooted in inclusivity, empathy and shared responsibility - reminds us that true progress lies not in material wealth, but in the collective effort to uplift others and build a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world.