Daily Times

Shaam Ki Chai, the acclaimed digital series conceived and hosted by Pakistani-Canadian media entrepreneur Nitasha Syed, premiered Episode 9 of her latest season.

This episode featured stalwart Yousaf Salahuddin – the maternal grandson of Allama Iqbal and cultural scion of Lahore in his own right.

As someone whose family was closely involved in decisions and leadership leading to the Partition of 1947, Yousaf Salahuddin offers an authentic historic perspective. In this episode, he spoke of the disenfranchised state of the Muslims at the time of the partition and the much-needed role of leadership taken by Quaid-e-Azam, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Allama Iqbal. Recognising that Muslims were largely uneducated and enjoyed little influence and less opportunity, these visionary leaders focused on instilling integrity through education so that Muslims could finally represent themselves. What that representation meant, and how it manifested itself is a debate in itself as articulated by Yousaf Salahuddin, who suggests that today’s Pakistan might not live up to the vision with which it was created.

In this episode, the history and socio-political significance of Yousaf Salahuddin’s home, the iconic Haveli Barood Khana in the centre of Lahore’s walled city, was discussed. Created during the time of Ranjit Singh, the haveli always served as living quarters for him and his family while its surroundings consisted of government offices and storage units for armaments.

Yousaf Salahuddin’s story on Shaam Ki Chai serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of family history and legacy. It reminds us that the grand narratives of nations are woven from the intimate threads of individual lives, shaped by the people we love, the places we inhabit, and the events that leave an indelible mark. Through his unique perspective, viewers gain a glimpse into a bygone era and a deeper understanding of the man behind the prominent name.

With this, Shaam Ki Chai concludes its journey on sharing narratives that were to encourage cultural introspection and foster a deep appreciation of history from the perspective of those who lived it. The entire series stands as a testament to Nitasha Syed’s commitment to encourage meaningful dialogue and understanding.