Condolence Meeting in Memory of Renowned Professor Fareeduddin Shaikh Held at University of Sindh: Vice Chancellor Presides; Speakers Pay Glowing Tribute
Chehra WebDesk
Jamshoro – A condolence meeting in memory of the renowned scholar Professor Fareeduddin Shaikh was organized by the Department of Philosophy at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
The event was held at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Chair Hall and presided over by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khumbhati.
Chairperson of the department, Salma Laghari (Amar Sindhu), faculty members, Director of the Chemistry Department Professor Dr. Irfana Mallah, Professor Dr. Abdul Majeed Chandio, Political Science faculty member Asghar Barfat, Dr. Sehr Gul Bhatti via video link, Mir Muzaffar Talpur from Canada, and Professor Shaikh’s daughter Tazeen Fareed, along with teachers and students from various departments, attended the event.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Kumbhar said that Professor Fareeduddin Shaikh was an institution in himself.
He was not only an excellent teacher in the Philosophy Department but also one of the most distinguished professors of the University of Sindh, who served as a beacon of knowledge for all students. He was a mentor of minds and his scholarly contributions will always be remembered both within the university and beyond across Sindh.
Dr. Irfana Mallah described Professor Shaikh as a treasure trove of knowledge and a deeply refined human being whose magnetic personality attracted students from all disciplines.
Chairperson Salma Laghari (Amar Sindhu) remarked that Professor Shaikh was a teacher of philosophy, a thinker, a guide, a remarkable individual, and a unique intellectual with a critical mind. He opened doors to vast realms of knowledge. She added that he was her teacher, profoundly knowledgeable in philosophy, religion, history, arts, and literature, and never imposed his views on others. His charismatic presence influenced her to switch from chemistry to philosophy.
Asghar Barfat from the Political Science Department shared that the presence of Professor Fareeduddin Shaikh and Javed Bhutto made the Philosophy Department a spiritual home where they learned how to become better human beings.
Lecturer Rashid Daudpoto stated that Shaikh had complete faith in human intellect and never enforced his views, instead awakening curiosity through his lectures, which encouraged students to seek knowledge and engage in research.
Former student and scholar, writer Dr. Sahar Gul said that Shaikh was a globally recognized teacher, whose gentle temperament and academic excellence left a lasting impact. She credited his influence for her transition from the English Department to Philosophy and emphasized the department’s role in shaping thought and life.
Speaking via video link from Canada, former student Mir Muzaffar Talpur recalled how Professor Shaikh taught multiple subjects simultaneously and did justice to each. He authored two books on existentialism and Indian philosophy, as well as numerous academic papers. Talpur mentioned that students who were not even from the Philosophy Department would visit Shaikh at home for guidance.
Tazeen Fareed, Professor Shaikh’s daughter, shared personal memories, saying her father never imposed his views on his children and allowed them full freedom in living their lives. She recounted many incidents reflecting his love of knowledge and mentioned how intellectual friends frequently visited their home.
Professor Abdul Majeed Chandio recalled that during their student days, the Philosophy Department had only two rooms and was modest in infrastructure, but personalities like Shaikh elevated its academic standing.
The event was moderated by department member Zobia Qazi. In addition to the main speakers, Dr. Rabia Asma, Dr. Riffat Sultana, Dr. Anila Naz Soomro, Dr. Rehana Nazir, Professor Sanober Rahman Shaikh, Professor Zareen Atta, Dr. Qasim Nizamani, Dr. Atif Mangi, Dr. Sojo Mal, and Hans Raj, among others, participated with great enthusiasm.
