Jewels in the Jati Crown

The historical town 'Jati', situated some 30 kilometers away from Sujawal, was once a small village known as Mugarbeen. Following a huge population of the Jat tribe in the area after 1843, the town was named Jati. However, some historians differ with this point of history and believe the word 'jati' is derived from Hindu-Jati and the literal meaning of that is a particular sect of the Hindu religion.
Over the years, this area has undergone significant geographical and environmental changes. Having transformed into a densely populated town of about 300000 inhabitants, Jati has now been accorded the taluka status and has seen phenomenal progress in various areas, despite ingrained socio-economic challenges.

Similar to the other communities of Taluka Jati, the local Khoja community has also contributed significantly to the development of this area because of their progressive approach. The Khoja community migrated from different parts of the subcontinent before the Partition and settled in different villages of Taluka Jati during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The wrtite-up sheds light on some renowned personalities from the Khoja community, who have played a vital role in the development of this area and have been instrumental in the overall progression and development of the Sindh province.

Dr. Ghulam Ali Allana

A renowned linguist, historian, writer, and educationist, Dr. Ghulam Ali Allana was born in Tarr Khwaja, a village situated some 30 kilometers from Jati in a poverty-stricken family. He did his Masters in Linguistics from SOAS University of London and also earned a PhD degree in Sindhi language. Later, he served as the Vice Chancellor of the Allama Iqbal University and the Sindh University. He founded the Sindhi Adabi Board, the Sindhi Language Authority, and the Department of Sindhology at the University of Sindh. As eminent educationist, Dr. Allana brought salient reforms in the education system of Sindh. He is also credited for carrying out comprehensive research on Sindhi language and literature and wrote several books regarding the history of Sindh, Sindhi literature, and its relationship with other languages of old times. In recognition of his literary services, Dr. Allana was bestowed with the Writer Guilds' Award in 1982 as well as Sitara-E-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan in 1993.

Khan Sahab Amir Ali Khowaja

Khan Sahab Amir Ali Khowaja was a dedicated civil servant, who served as Mukhtiyarkar of Taluka Jati with an additional charge of first-class magistrate. He is known for his remarkable services, honesty, and significant command over the English language. In recognition of his services, he was confered on the title of Khan Sahab, a title given to civil servants during the British rule. He passed away at the young age of 42 years.

Miss Rani

Miss Rani hailed from Tarr Khowaja and was probably the first educated woman of Taluka Jati, who served as a teacher and then as a supervisor in the education department. She also spearheaded a movement for girls' education. According to Ghulam Mustafa Hashmani, a senior journalist and social activist, Miss. Rani delivered a poignant speech during former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's visit to Tarr Khowaja. Her moving words impressed Bhutto and he quoted her speech when issuing a warning to the then President Ayub Khan. Mr. Bhutto said, "Look Ayub! Now I have acquired the support of educated women of this country and now I will send you packing in no time". This speech of Mr. Bhutto was also discussed on the BBC Radio, says Hashmani.

Dr. Mansoor Khowaja

Dr. Mansoor Khowaja was born in Tarr Khowaja. He received his early education from his native village and later on moved to the Hyderabad city for higher studies. He then went to London to earn his PhD in Environmental Sciences. Being a foreign-qualified environmentalist, Dr. Khowaja has served on different key designations both in Pakistan and abroad. Currently, he is affiliated with the Environmental Health and Safety department at Georgia Pacific Canada. Having written several research papers, he has taught in different educational institutions in European countries. He has also taken steps for promoting Pakistani culture, particularly the Sindhi culture in different countries.

Seth Mottan Khoja

Seth Mottan Khoja is known as a dynamic social and political figure from the Jati Taluka. He pioneered the concept of community development in the area. He led the Khoja community living in a small village known as Hussain Abad and was considered one of the most influential figures in the area. He introduced the trend of settling communal disputes through pacific means and was regarded as an intelligent community head. He contested the Basic Democrats Elections against a seasoned politician Mamon Khan Malkani and lost the election by a narrow margin.

Imam Dino Khowaja

Imam Dino Khowaja was born in Tar Ali Pur, a village (now Hussain Abad) located some 25 kilometers from Jati. He was a dedicated educationist and held the privilege of becoming the first gazetted officer in the education department from Jati Taluka. He served as a supervisor in the education department and then was elevated to the position of beat officer, a designation equivalent to education officer.

Dr. Wazir Ali Karimi

A doctor by his profession, Dr. Wazir Ali Karimi devoted his life for humanity and served the people of Jati with outright proficiency and dedication in his career spanning over 3 decades. He was promoted as the Medical Superintendent of Taluka Hospital Jati, where he served till his retirement. When the area was hit by cyclone in 1999, he was at the forefront of serving the people of the coastal region who had suffered huge losses.

Natho Khan Advocate

A notable scholar from the Jati, Natho Khan Advocate was a multi-skilled personality. He received his early education from the Aga Khan School. For further studies, he went to Karachi and Hyderabad where he acquired his Law degree. He established his credentials as a well-known orator, social activist, lawyer, arbitrator, and a devoted community leader. He was the founder of the Thatta Bar Council and initiated Bar politics in the district. Following his vast experience and services in the field of law, he was respected his senior colleagues and revered by his juniors.

Dr. Barkat Ali Ahmed Ali

Dr. Barkat Ali Ahmed Ali is one of the leading figures from the Taluka Jati. He had rendered selfless services for the people of Jati and its adjoining area by launching himself in the field of politics and social work. From 1985 to 1996, he worked as a member of the District Education Committee in Thatta. He was also appointed member of the Social Welfare Committee and later on served as counselor of Union Council Begna. During the flood of 1988, he spearheaded a team of volunteers who made all-out efforts to save the low-lying villages from inundation by constructing a protective dyke alongside the Rariya miner water tributary. He was given several awards in recognition of his lifelong services.

Dr. Aslam Azad

Dr. Aslam Azad completed his M.B.B.S. from the Liaquat College of Jamshoro in 1991. During his academic career, he was an ardent member of students' politics. He served as President of Sindh Sujag Bar Tahrick, a student wing of Awami Tahreek, a progressive and leftist party foundd by veteran politician Rasool Bux Palijo. Later on, Dr. Azad became as the secretary-general of the Awami Tehreek's LMC chapter. He was also a dynamic journalist and had worked with different Sindhi and Urdu dailies such as Daily Jang, Daily Jago, and Daily Awaz newspaper, which was founded by him.

Courtesy a book written by Khowaja Bux Ali Shad