100th Birthday of Shaheed Hakim Muhammad Ssid (1920-2020) January 10, 2020 (2020-1)

 

Born in 1920, orphaned at 2, brought up by a remarkable young widowed mother who kept her late husband's business running, mentored by his older brother (Abdul Hameed), young Mohammed Said, after his initial schooling, studied and trained in Unani (Graeco-Arab) Eastern Medicine, as did his brother. They both had before them the shining example of their father, Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed, who, though he died at only 30, had made a name for himself and the establishment he had set up in 1906-Hamdard. It has continued to live up to its name, which means 'sharer of pain' or 'sympathizer'.

Hamdard Pakistan, 1948:

Hakim Mohammed Said migrated to Pakistan in 1948, and established Hamdard in Pakistan the same year. His father's Hamdard had been a 1-room shop in Old Delhi, divided in two by a curtain. Hakim Mohammed Said too started Hamdard in Karachi in 2 rooms, rented in Aram Bagh. That matab is still operational- and, ironically, it was outside its doorstep that he was assassinated in 1998-ending his career in Pakistan where he had begun it. But 70 years after its birth, that clinic has been joined by scores more, till there is a nationwide network of free Hamdard matabs, where patients are examined and diagnosed without cost, and only the" very economically priced medicines need to be bought.

Waqf and then Foundation established:

A mere 5 years later, in 1953, Hamdard had already established a reputation for quality herbal medicaments and health-care. But instead of reaping the benefits for himself, Hakim Mohammed Said converted it into a Waqf, the profits of which were - and are used for Allah's work: charity, nation - building, and culture-promoting activities. Some years later in 1964, the Hamdard Foundation Pakistan was formed to take considered decisions about the disbursement of the Laboratory funds and lay down guidelines for Hamdard's activities, which continued to widen.

Hamdard Free Mobile Dispensaries:

In 1953, one vehicle was provided with free health-care facilities for the needy at their doorsteps, in remote areas of Karachi. Today, there is a fleet of 22 of these - each carrying a trained hakim and herbal medicines. They serve eleven cities of the country, and reach and treat over 450.000 people every year.

Hamdard Naunehal:

Also in 1953, Hakim Mohammed Said started publication of an Urdu monthly magazine for children. Its aim was 'infotainment' as well as character development - and unconsciously the young readers learn! good language skills. Over 65 years later it is still going strong! A provincial governor once side he had almost been brought up on Naunehall

Hamdard Tibbia College:

1958 saw Hakim Mohammed Said's first venture into education. Today, it is known as the Hamdard Al-Majeed College of Eastern Medicine and forms a Faculty of the Hamdard University, offering a 5-year HEC recognised degree course in Unani medicine.

Shaam-e-Hamdard (1961) and Shura Hamdard (1995):

The former became one of the best-known and popular forums in the country, hosting seminars and lectures in major cities, every month. This was converted into Shura Hamdard Pakistan and continues as a platform for thinkers, writers, poets, and historians, discussing national issues, making recommendations for concrete steps, which are sent to concerned government departments.

Bazm-e-Hamdard Naunehal (1985) & Hamdard Naunehal Assembly (1995):

The former was converted to the latter. Children between 8 and 15 are given a forum to voice their thoughts on important issues. Not only doss this increase awareness, it is excellent training for confident self-expression. Well-known media and political personalities have emerged from these sessions. They are held monthly in major Pakistan cities.

Hamdard Public School (1987) & Hamdard Village School (1997):

One of Hakim Mohammed Said's most cherished ideals was to help in spreading education and not just subjects in the curriculum, but also a grounding in moral values and those cultural norms which were worth preserving. Focus on high standards of such an education was the purpose of establishing Hamdard Public School, with no more than 30 pupils per class, so as to ensure adequate teacher's attention. Excellent results in examinations bear witness to the success of achieving this goal. Pleasant environment and sports facilities add to the good experience. Not content with only catering to the educational needs of middle and upper classes. Hakim Mohammed Said started the unique Hamdard Village School for the children of villages surrounding Madinat al-Hikmah. Not only was the tuition completely free, but books, stationery, schoolbags, uniforms, and shoes were (and are) provided gratis. Vocational training is also provided. Starting from a suspicious and reluctant handful in 1997 the student numbers have swelled to over 700. Not just that, they have competed in inter-school events and won prizes!

Hamdard University (1992) & Bait al-Hikmah Library (1989):

Situated in Madinat al-Hikmah (City of Education, Science, and Culture), on the outskirts of Karachi, is the ever-expanding Hamdard University - the largest private. one in Pakistan. It has 7 faculties, also city campuses, and one in Islamabad. It is unique in offering degree courses in both eastern and allopathic medicine, and the first to recognize and give faculty importance to Information Technology (IT).

Hamdard University Hospital (1997) and other Hamdard ones:

Hamdard University Hospital (aka Taj Medical Complex) is not only a teaching hospital for its undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate medical students, it is a fully functional 300-bed hospital, providing the best possible treatment to patients at subsidized rates.

Hamdard also runs an eastern medicine hospital (ShifaulMulk Memorial Hospital) and Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital. In addition, it also contributes to other welfare organizations.

Other Hamdard philanthropic work:

Just a few examples of miscellaneous other charitable works engaged in by Hamdard and launched by Hakim Mohammed Said, are stipends for poor windows and needy people, different scholarships for meritorious and needy students, Blankets distribution among the poor families in winter, free ration in the holy month of Ramzan for needy families, and free patients scheme in Taj Medical Complex (total free treatment).

On 100th Birthday of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said (1920-2020), a Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.20/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on January 10, 2020.

Overprint Pakistan 1947

 

At the time of partition of the Indian sub-continent, India agreed to Pakistan\'s request to supply postage stamps and postal stationery dully overprinted PAKISTAN on Indian stamps of King George VI. Stocks of stamps in Treasuries under Pakistan jurisdiction were sent to Nasik Security Press, and after receiving overprint, the stamps were brought into use from October 1, 1947.

Rupee values were in vertical shape with effigy of the King in an oval surrounded by decorated frame. The colour of the frame is given first in salient features.

The overprint was applied across the stamp in black, in lower Anna values it is 13mm and on l4a and rupee values it is 19mm in length.

THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND THAILAND, December 31, 2021 (2021-13)

 

Pakistan and Thailand enjoy close and cordial ties and established diplomatic relationship on 10 October 1951. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand based on shared principles and mutual interests, have consistently grown over the years. Pakistan and Thailand are both hubs and enjoy strategic location in their respective regions.

Both countries have age-old histories of ancient civilization and have been connected by a common cultural linkage through Buddhism and the Gandhara civilization that flourished in the city of Taxila. Taxila meaning 'City of Cut Stone, is one of most significant archaeological sites in Asia. It was historically known as "TAKSHAHILA". The recorded history of Taxila starts from 6th century BC when Gandharan kingdom became part of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. It is very  well known for being center of Buddhism in the country. Many statutes of Lord Buddha depicting the various stages of his life have been excavated and are currently present in Taxila Museum.

Taxila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 in particular for the ruins of the four settlement sites which "reveal the pattern of urban evolution on the Indian subcontinent through more than five centuries" Taxila is a vast serial site that includes a Mesolithic cave and the archaeological remains of four early settlement sites i.e. Buddhist monasteries, Muslim Mosque and Madrassa. The ruins of the four settlement sites reveal the pattern of urban evolution on the Indo-Pak subcontinent through more than five centuries.

The archaeological sites of Saraikala, Bhir, Sirkap, and Sirsukh are of unique importance in illustrating the evolution of urban settlement on the Indo-Pak subcontinent. The prehistoric mound of Saraikala represents the earliest settlement of Taxila, with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age occupation. The Bhir mound is the earliest historic city of Taxila, and was probably founded in the 6th century BC.Its stone walls, house foundations, and winning streets represent the earliest forms of urbanization on the subcontinent.

The Taxila serial sites also includes Khanpur cave, which has produced stratified micro lithic tools of the Mesolithic period, and a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas of various periods. Buddhist monuments erected throughout the Taxila valley have transformed it into a religious heartland and a destination for pilgrims from as far a field as Central Asia, Thailand and China. The Buddhist archaeological sites at Taxila include the Dharmarajika complex and stupa, the Khader Mohra grouping, the Kalawan grouping, the Giri monasteries, the Kunala stupa and monastery, the Jandial complex, the Lalchack and the Badalpur stupa remains and monasteries, the Mohra Moradu monastic remains, the Pipplian and the Jaulian remains, and the Bahalar stupa and remains. The Giri complex also includes the remains of a three-doomed Muslim mosque, ziarat (tomb), and madrassa (school) of the medieval period. This Commemorative Postage Stamp is issued by Pakistan Post on 31-12-2021.

On 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Thailand. The Commemorative Postage Stamps are issued by Pakistan Post of Rs 20/- each denomination on December 31, 2021.

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HANGOR DAY December 9, 2021 (2021-12)

 

Pakistan Navy Submarine (PNS/M) HANGOR during 1971 war destroyed/ sank Indian Navy Ship (INS) KHUKRI and severely damaged INS KIRPAN on 09 Dec 1971. Every year Pakistan Navy celebrates the occasion on 09 Dec as HANGOR Day to pay ribute to the Submarine crew for their heroic action. In order to celebrate 50th/Golden Jubilee of HANGOR Day, 09 Dec 21 is being celebrated with full enthusiasm in line with the finest traditions of Pakistan Navy.

Pakistan Navy Submarine HANGOR was the first of 4 x Daphne type submarines acquired by Pakistan Navy from France. The submarine was commissioned on 01 December 1969 and arrived in Pakistan on December 1970. Since its induction in Pakistan Navy. submarine HANGOR remained an efficient unit of submarine squadron and Navy. Submarine HANGOR remained pride for Pakistan Navy in 1971 Indo-Pak war and its gallant action was a spectacular tactical battle resulting in sinking of Indian Navy Frigate KHUKRI and crippling of INS KIRPAN. It was a strategic overture of Pakistan Navy which effectively thwarted and marginalized the Indian aggression.

Sinking of KHUKRI crippled Indian Navy's morale and it nefarious designs of subsequent attacks on Karachi. This outstanding action took place 30 miles south east of 'Diu Head' on west coast of India. The event is distinguished in Naval history for being the first successful kill by a conventional submarine after World War-II. Due to the professional competence and outstanding leadership of Commanding Officer, enemy was not able to detect the submarine HANGOR. Submarine remained underwater for a long time and successfully returned Karachi harbor on 13 December 1971 after mortifying Indian pride. Despite potential hazards, the morale onboard HANGOR never wilted,

In recognition of courage & valour displayed by the valiant crew of HANGOR, four Sitara-e-Jurrat, six Tamgha-e-Jurrat and fourteen Imtiazi Asnaad were conferred upon hem.

This is the highest number of operational gallantry awards given to a single unit of Pakistan Navy. In order to pay tribute to professional crew of HANGOR and their victorios & daring action, 9th December is celebrated as HANGOR Day each year in Pakistan Navy with zeal. and fervor. On 02 Jan 2006, PNS/M HANGOR was converted to serve as a museum ship at Pakistan Maritime as a symbol of courage and victory.

On Golden Jubilee of HANGOR Day, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on December 9, 2021.

70 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND GERMANY (1951-2021) November 9, 2021 (2021-11)

 

The University of Heidelberg gained an international reputation in the course of the 19th century and thus succeeded in increasingly attracting non- European students, such as the poet, philosopher and later Pakistan national poet Muhammad Iqbal.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) is considered the spiritual father of Pakistan and began around year 1900, to write national poems. Today, he is considered one of he most influential Islamic thinkers of the 20th century. In 1905, Allama Iqbal moved from British India to Cambridge, where he began to deal with Hegel.

The interest in Hegel finally brought him to the German city of Heidelberg. Here, he was introduced to German literature and philosophy, especially Goethe, Heine and ietzsche.

After completing his doctorate on the "Development of Metaphysics in Persia" in Munich, he returned to Lahore in 1908.

For Allama Iqbal, his time at Heidelberg was considered as beautiful, as he himself put it, in letters to his German teacher Emma Wegenast. Looking back on his sojourn in Heidelberg, he wrote: "My stay in Heidelberg was like a beautiful dream" The introduction of the Professorial Fellowship named after Muhammad Iqbal at the South Asia Institute of Heidelberg University is not only testimony to Iqbal's enthusiasm for Heidelberg but also continues his efforts to foster exchange between the East and the West.

The Government of Pakistan supports the Allama Iqbal Professorial Fellowship at the South Asia Institute. Its tenure is set at three years with the possibility of extension. Similar fellowships are in place at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Berkeley and Columbia.

The Iqbal Fellowship was established in order to deepen the co-operation between Pakistan and Germany. It contributes to the extension of research in Pakistan in the areas of modern literature, political science, history, geography and the natural sciences.

To commemorate his stay in Heidelberg, one of the street on the banks of the river Neckar, in the Heidelberg district of Bergheim, was named after him "Iqbal-Ufer" on February 14, 1969, in the presence of then Pakistani Ambassador to Germany. Moreover, there is a small stone monument on which his poem "Ek Sham Nekar ke kinare" (An evening spent on the bank of the Neckar) is engraved.

On 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Germany (1951-2021), Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on November 9, 2021.