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RAZAUL JABBAR REMEMBERED
BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION
AWARD WINNER
RAZAUL
JABBAR: This name needs no introduction. Razaul Jabbar,
M.Com., LL.B., C.A., was a distinguished, recognized and respectable
personality of the South Asian community and India’s Hyderabad community. His literary
contributions and achievements are remarkable. He contested for councillor seat
in Ward 26 of Toronto.
Razaul
Jabbar, who passed away on January 29, 2011, had a brilliant literary
background. He was author of seven books of selected stories in South Asian
languages and was recipient of literary awards. His books are: 1.
Hadees-e-Deccan 2. Nau Heerey (1958) 3. Roshni Ki Kiran (1970) 4. Nai Dharkan
(1975) 5. Chand Ki Kashti Ka Akela Musafir (1985) 6. Sunkh Uthaney Ka Hosla
(1991) and 7. Saharon Ke Mausam (2006).
His
social contributions were as follows: Moderator, Speaker and Integrated Member
of the Christian-Muslim Forum of Canada.
Launched project, “Feelings on Wheels”, formed to raise awareness of
ability and empowerment of individuals with special needs. Mayor Art Eggleton
inaugurated the project.
· He was president of Seniors
Association, which provides opportunities to share and socialize for healthy
living. Organized Mushairas (Literary gatherings) and community functions. Participated
in various international conferences within and outside Canada.
Razaul
Jabbar was born on March 10, 1937, in Hyderabad Deccan, India. When he was
about one year old, he became a victim of Infantile Paralysis. His legs and
hands were completely paralyzed. His neck and back too were partly affected.
Later, some strength returned to hands but legs remained paralyzed.
Due
to lack of facilities 70 years back, Jabbar faced very tough time. There was no
rehabilitation, no wheelchairs and the school and office buildings were not
accessible. He could only move by sitting on the floor and dragging his body
with the help of his hands. As a result, his lower body’s skin was affected
with eczema and bruises.
During
winter, it became more difficult. Dragging on the cold floor resulted in
attacks of cold and fever. His ears were affected and there was continuous
discharge from them.
Razaul
Jabbar’s disability became a great challenge for him. People used to taunt,
harass and discourage him. The family and society considered him a burden. The
barriers of attitude gave hard times. He, however, faced the time and situation
very bravely. He started going to school from Class 6th. Before that he used to
study at home. He used to read stories about children and this interest
developed into an urge to write short stories.
BOOKS PUBLISHED:
In 1954, he remained in the hospital for 14 months due to major surgery---from
toe to chest. Even in this condition, he used to read books. In the hospital,
he wrote three stories, which were selected and published in a reputed weekly
Urdu journal `Rahbar’, published from Bombay.
In
1960, when Razaul Jabbar was a student of M.Com, he was editor of Osmania
Journal, published by Osmania University, Hyderabad Deccan. He did both B.Com
and M.Com from Osmania University.
LOVE MARRIAGE:
Razaul Jabbar married in 1967. His wife, Zarina Rangwala, belonged to the Bohri
community. She was his fan and this ended in a dramatic love marriage. Because
of his disability, the Bohri community gave him a very tough time and opposed
him tooth and nail. Zarina is a highly educated lady and has MA and B.Ed
degrees.
Before
migrating to Canada, Razaul Jabbar was Accounts Officer in a shipping firm. He
served the firm for ten years. At the same time, he used to teach part time in
Burhani College of Commerce as a part-time professor. He served on this
position for seven years.
Jabbar
attended an international conference for disabled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He
liked the place very much and decided to settle in Canada. He filed his
immigration papers in New York, USA, and returned to India. He migrated to
Canada in 1980.
Razaul
Jabbar always said: “There is a code of conduct for Muslims in the Holy Quran
and they should follow it strictly.” He has left behind two children---a son
and a daughter---and five grandchildren. Jabbar’s wife Zarina worked as
Assistant Manager for 14 years (1982-1986). She quit the job due to kidney
failure. She is still under treatment.
Despite
disability and tough challenges, Razaul Jabbar managed to not only make a
respectable place for himself in the society and system but helped his children
as well in getting good education and jobs. He retired in 2002 and kept himself
busy in social, cultural and literary activities. He passed away quietly but is
still remembered by thousands of his fans and near and dear ones.
JZ’S PROFILE: Declared by Judges as one of 75 Finalist Best
Canadian Immigrants, an Honour for the Pakistani Community. Joined Journalism
Profession in 1974 (Daily `SUN’, Karachi) and still serving as a professional
journalist (2015). Javed Zaheer, Free Expression Award Winner (Awarded by
National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada—NEPMCC. Award presented by
Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Canada), Desi Idol Recognition Award Winner
(Presented by North American Desi Idol), Member/Honorary Director of NEPMCC, Veteran
Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Ex-Member of The National Club and
The Ontario Club, Honorary Editor of English Weekly `Pakistan Abroad’, Canada,
ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `The Ambassador’, Canada, ex-Chief
Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `DAWN', Canada, ex-Senior Sub-Editor of
English Daily DAWN, Pakistan (From 1986-1999), Chairman, CANOPI, Director of
Children Dignity Foundation (CDF---Canada & Pakistan) and Honorary
Director, Canpak, Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary Director Information, Pak
Seniors Forum (PSF), is contributing purely on Voluntary and Honorary Basis in
order to serve all people and communities. Contact:
(416)696-0981/jazamedia@hotmail.com To read more JZ’s exclusive articles,
please visit: www. nepmcc.ca and nationalethnicpress.com (Editorial Sections.
Scan years from 2004). Visit www.javedzaheernews.blogspot.com for latest
exclusive articles.
JZ'S MOTTO: SERVE HUMANITY IN REALITY
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