Print

    The Historic Hasrat Mohani District Central Library, Hyderabad

    Written by: Dr. Saba Noor
    Posted on: May 02, 2022 | | 中文

    A view of the Library from outside

    Hasrat Mohani District Central Library is one of the central libraries in Hyderabad, which attracts hundreds of college students as well as those preparing for competitive exams on a daily basis. Located in the Shahi Bazaar area of the Hyderabad city, situated on the opposite side of the historic Mukhi House Museum and adjacent to the Pakka Qila Road, it is the largest and biggest reference library in the city.

    The building of the library can be recognized from a distance with its red bricks, which makes the giant walls even more prominent. The library is spread over an area of 18,000 sq ft, with the compound of the library consisting of 1.5 acres of land. It is a double story building consisting of separate portions for girls and boys, comprising of 6 rooms and a big reading hall. The interior architecture and design of the library are antique and eye catching.

    A view of the reading hall from the upper portion of the Library

    The name of the library has been changing with the change of the ruler: it was Homstead Hall under the British Raj, Bhai Wassiamal and Hiranand Free Reading room until 1967, and after that, Maulana Hasrat Mohani District Central Library. It was initially built by the British who named it ‘Homestead Hall’, in the memory of a well-known civil surgeon of Hyderabad, Dr. Homestead. After the exit of the British, The Wassimal brothers sponsored the renovation of the library, which led to it being named after them. It was renamed Hasrat Mohani Central library in memory of the renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter, Maulana Hasrat Mohani. Instead of building new libraries and schools, the tradition of changing names of buildings built by the ex-colonizers continues to this day.

    The inscription of Bhai Wassiamal and Hiranand Free Reading Room on the walls of the Library

    After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the head office of Radio Pakistan was shifted to the library building, while the library was confined to only a single room. In 1967, when a new building was established for Radio Pakistan, the Free Reading Hall was then named as Hasrat Mohani District Central Library, and the Library came under the management of some government departments. However, due to the lack of interest and attention, the condition of the dilapidated building worsened, and some influential people occupied some parts of it. In 2008, however, the building was restored and renovated under the supervision of District Mayor (Zila Nazim) Kanwar Naved Jamil, and the building was officially given the name of Hasrat Mohani District Central Library.

    The library is no less than a treat to behold after its renovation in 2008. Along with the renovation of the building, latest editions of various books on a number of subjects, magazines and newspapers have been provided to the library. Various dailies in both Urdu and English are available in the Library, which makes it a hub of students from the area. Several Non-Governmental Organizations and private foundations have donated books to the Library, and presently it has over 40,000 books. Moreover, free internet was provided for the students for a few months after the renovation in 2008, which was unfortunately stopped.

    A view of the Library from a distance

    The library functioned properly after its restoration for quite some time, but the provision of facilities diminished due to the shortage of funds and the lack of attention of the concerned departments. The upgradation process that should have continued could not be sustained. Hence, the Library is confronted with several problems, like the lack of the relevant books, shortage of furniture and failure in enhancing the facility of internet access. Moreover, the library staff is not being paid on time, which creates a lot of problems not only for the staff but also for the students.

    The library remains open from 9 am to 7 pm, and is closed over the weekend. Despite the lack of proper facilities, the environment of the library for study is praiseworthy, which makes it popular amongst students. The library is located in a very crowded locality, as the religious shrines like the Qadamgah Mola Ali, Dargah Abdul Wahab Shah Jeelani and the Shahi Bazar are nearby. Consequently, many parents refrain from sending their daughters to that vicinity as its considered unsafe. Provision of efficient public transport system and the installation of CCTV cameras, in and around the Library, is the need of the hour.

    Students busy studying in the Library

    Since libraries play a fundamental role in the progress of any society, the government of Sindh should not neglect this historic library. It would help revive the bygone culture of public libraries and book reading.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021









    Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir



    Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir, 27 October 1947, when Indian military troops forcibly occupied Kashmir illegally, claiming a fraudulent ‘Instrument of Accession’ which never existed as documented by eminent British historian Alastair Lamb! Kashmir & Palestine are examples of illegal occupation & continued Resistance to Repression! There are so many commonalities in Kashmir & Palestine: both under brutal military occupation of foreign powers, both are facing an indigenous, popular, spontaneous & widespread Resistance & Uprising, both are in violation of UN Resolutions which haven’t been implemented, both are witnessing an attempted change in the demographic balance, both are facing the use of rape as a weapon of war, both are testimony to double-standards & hypocrisy of Western powers on human rights & fundamental rights, and both conflicts have an element of racism and Islamophobia, while enduring peace, security and stability will remain elusive in both regions, South Asia & Middle East, until these issues are resolved in accordance with popular aspirations.