TCN Special Series on Women of Inspiration
By Ilyaskhan Pathan & Rehan Ansari, TwoCircles.net,
Ahmadabad: A doctor by training and a politician and social activist by practice. Dr. Mumtaz is the only woman General Secretary of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee and also General Secretary of Human Rights Association of Rajkot, but she remains attached to her training – she runs a hospital to fulfill the dream of her late husband.
Dr. Mumtaz
Dr. Mumtaz was born and brought up in Gujarat – the state remains her ‘battle ground’. Daughter of a government servant she has a humble background. She completed her schooling from Aryasamaj Hindu School, Jamnagar, and completed her graduation in Ayurvedic Medicine from Korba Ayurvedic Municipal School.
Dr.Mumtaz was socially active while she was in school and wanted to be a leader since her college days. She used to be the leader of cultural events in schools and colleges and now she runs two NGOs for deprived women. She formed Ideal Women Welfare and Charitable Trust for the progress of women in villages and Sakhi Club for women in cities.
Dr. Mumtaz joined politics to serve the people better. While talking to TwoCircles.net she said, “I have been in Congress for last 21 years because I believe that one must be politically empowered to serve people better.”
Dr. Mumtaz wants every educated Indian youth to join the politics because she believes, “Entry of educated youth in the politics can give better leaders to our nation and these youth will fight corruption and wicked elements in politics.”
Winner of many awards, Dr. Mumtaz runs Dr. A.R. Shersiya Memorial Hospital to serve the people and simultaneously pay tribute to her deceased husband. Remembering her husband Dr. A.R. Shersiya’s desire of a hospital she said, “After the death of her husband in 2007 I wanted to fulfill his wish of a modern hospital.”
She also attributed a primary school called Unique Vidyalaya in a village of Papilyaraj to husband.
Complaining about gender bias in the society she remembers an incident where a man was very upset and angry when her wife delivered a baby girl. He did not want to take his wife home. Listening to their argument Dr. Mumtaz consoled the family and convinced the man to take her home.
She said, “This gender bias exists among Muslims also and the basic reason is the lack of education.” She further explained that the family members themselves prevent the growth of girl child.
She also urged men of our society not to consider women as an obstacle to growth but these beautiful creatures of God need special support and care.
She congratulated TCN for the Special Series on Women of Inspiration and said it will encourage others to support girl child and women.
For health assistance Dr.Mumtaz can be contacted in Dr. A.R. Sherasiya Hospital, 8/A, National Highway, backside, Lohaarwadi, Wankaner, Dist. Rajkot, Gujarat. mobile no. 9825223486.