Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a distinguished educationist and scholar, left us today, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped generations of students, intellectuals, and admirers. Known for her immense contributions to education, the Urdu language, and public discourse, Dr Zehra’s name became synonymous with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to Urdu. Her lectures and public talks, whether at Faiz Mela, the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), or numerous other forums, captivated audiences and inspired reflection far beyond the classroom.
For those fortunate enough to be her students at Forman Christian College (FCC), her presence was transformative. She was often the reason students chose to enrol at FC College and take history classes. Her Mughal History class was not merely an academic course but a theatrical journey into the grandeur of a bygone era. Students recall being transported into the courts of Akbar, meeting characters like Mullah Do-Pyaza and Tansen, and experiencing the refinement of Persian high culture.
Through her storytelling, history came alive—not as a chronology of events, but as a living, breathing world of human character and culture. Dr Zehra was more than an educator; she was a force of nature who ignited a passion for language and history in all of us. Her public talks expanded the horizons of many, with the impact of her work reaching far beyond the walls of academia. She embodied the belief that education can empower individuals and foster change in society.
In addition to the academic lessons she imparted, the life lessons she gave us continue to unfold, revealing new layers of her wisdom with every passing year. Speaking once about how to deal with failure, she said with her characteristic grace, “I would never want all my wishes to come true. I can’t imagine how life would interest me if I got everything I ever wished for or desired. Being able to keep desiring and praying for things to come is what keeps me going.” It was in such moments, simple yet profound, that she taught us how to live, not just how to learn.
Dr Zehra’s devotion to reviving the glory of Urdu in public discourse and her efforts to bridge academia with everyday life will remain unparalleled
Among the many students whose lives she touched were my friends Sarmad Hussain and Shahrukh Baloch, who became deeply inspired by her scholarship and mentorship. The two often joked that their history degrees were, in truth, “majors in Dr Arfa’s wisdom.” They took nearly every course she offered, drawn by the energy, humour, and compassion that defined her teaching. She was not only their professor but also a guiding force in their personal journeys, encouraging them to think critically, live with purpose, and carry integrity into their professional lives. Her voice, featured in my documentary on Rawalpindi, remains one of my most treasured possessions as her former student.
Her sense of humour and zest for life were as memorable as her intellect. Former students vividly recall her wit once, when her car broke down and an Uber bike arrived instead of a car, she quipped, “Who wouldn’t want to roam around the roads of Lahore on a motorbike? It’s only age that keeps me from it now.” While we deeply mourn the loss of Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, we celebrate her enduring legacy, a legacy that extends far beyond her physical presence on this planet. We take comfort in knowing that her legacy will thrive through the lives she touched, the minds she inspired, and the community she built. As we reflect on her life, we commit ourselves to carrying forward her vision of education, empowerment, and compassion.
Dr Zehra’s devotion to reviving the glory of Urdu in public discourse and her efforts to bridge academia with everyday life will remain unparalleled. Her absence will be deeply felt in classrooms, at literary gatherings, and in the corridors of FCC, where her laughter, intellect, and humanity will forever echo. Yet I cannot possibly encapsulate her life, her works, and her immeasurable contributions here; they far exceed the limits of any words or tribute.