English & Urdu Text : Khalid IqbalPresentation : Shoaib Sobani

Among the Faridas who joined the batch of '79, one was Farida Khanum whocame from the Govt. College For Women, Frere Road. Her family traditionswere not conducive for any girl seeking higher education. Life essentiallyrevolved around domestic clichés in upbringing children. In this milieu herentrance to Dow was akin to rain in the desert.

She recalls Farzana, Kishwar Sultana, Safia and Zafar as her group mates. She isstill very thrilled to remember the years at Dow. Given a new life she would loveto enjoy those times again where education, fragrance of romance, politics,whipping and thrashing was so beautifully amalgamated.

Farida got married while in third year at Dow and graduation time witnessed herto be mother of three. Muneer was a clairvoyant husband, who has alwaysdesired Farida to pursue post-graduation. Farida thought differently. She wasvery comfortable with small duration jobs at clinics and private hospitals anddecided to spend a cozy life and to raise the family with full dedication.

Then arrived the day which changed her entire mind set. Farida was working as aresident doctor in one hospital. A new gynecologist joined and Farida wasassigned the task to take her to a round of the hospital. To her surprise the newarrival turned out to be an old friend of Farida.

The round was conducted in a very good- humored and unceremonious style.The end was shocking when the new consultant told Farida very bluntly thatthis casual attitude was not to her liking. The protocol between a consultantand the RMO should be strictly adhered to. Farida was conked out andshattered at this coup de grace. She resigned and started a post-graduatecarrier.

In a short time she did DGO and MCPS in Gynae/Obs, just enough to kick off aprivate practice in one room. The whole scenario changed drastically. In „97“Dr. Farida‟s Hospital and Maternity home” came into existence and operation.This was a fifteen bedded hospital with all amenities. Thereafter, Farida neverthought about looking back.

The class of 79 adopted the radiology dept of Civil Hospital as their Silver JubileeProject in 2004. Farida and Muneer sought help of their businessmen relativesand were the key fund raisers for the venture. One of the entrepreneur familyrelations in Lahore had wanted to consult Adeeb Rizvi Sahib. Farida used hergood offices to materialize this wish to his satisfaction and the gentlemen sent aFive Lakh Rupees cheque for the project.

The progeny grew well during the period. Three of her children became doctorsand are currently in the final phase of their post-graduation. One is an electricalengineer and doing masters. Farida has proved beyond doubt that oneparameter of escalation is when your off-spring excels and supersedes you.

At this time Farida Muneer is energized for any accomplishment. She is enjoyingthe affluence, physical well-being and blissful times. She still carries her style ofbrisk-paced speech on any topic endlessly. Listening is believing!

PERSONALITY UPLOADED ON 03rd SEPTEMBER 2011

Farida has been a great friend since so many manyyears, I came to know her more in HYderabad where she was doing her DGOnand I was posted there.She is a real professional, dedicated to her career but also to her family. Munir Bhai is very cooperative and during the fund raising of our class Farida and Munir were the the only people who were able to get donations. I would like Farida to talk about herself.Naheed

It is so nice to learn about our collegues, thanks for posting.Farida congrats on all your acheivements, inshallah will meet at some class get together.

Tabinda

I had heard about Farida Muneer's very large fund collection effort for the Silver Jubilee project -- hats off to her for her efforts. Interesting to learn that "She still carries her style of brisk-paced speech on any topic endlessly. Listening is believing!"Javaid Yousuf

Dr.FareedaMuneer, another gem of Dow79.Being neighbor of my aunt ,I happened to see her life achievements.She gradually achieved what everyone dreams.An ideal family life and satisfactory professional services.The couple is sincere and loving and their services to the public are example for everyone.May almighty Allahsubhanautaalah keeps on showering his blessing on her and family.Amen.Mullick

Farida and her husband are one of the nicest couples that we have dealt with during our visits to Karachi. They believe in working quietly and concretely in the background, results of which speak loudly in their personal and professional lives.Arshad

Dear Farida

Lovely to see you as POW! Its always lovely to see youAll the best alwaysFauzia

Shoaib, Thanks for the new personality of the week.

Farida, congratulations on being the POTW. I have found out more about you on this forum than when we were at Dow. I am not sure if you ever follow this forum regularly, you have been mentioned before in recognition of the good work you did.

I loved the part where you socked it to the consultant. Your pursuing post graduation at that stage tells me the strength of your personality. With your perseverance you proved that any thing is possible. We are all proud of you. Keep it up.

Why don't you and your husband come to Turkey, I want to take that verbal challenge. Don't worry I speak very slow, you have a guaranteed win.Bashir

PERSONALITY UPLOADED ON 03rd SEPTEMBER 2011