**Razia: A Beacon of Brilliance and Love** On December 25, 1930, in the princely state of Hyderabad, India, a star was born into our family—my sister, Razia. She entered the world in a magnificent home, meticulously crafted under our grandfather’s watchful eye. Unlike the tiled-roof houses that dotted the neighborhood, ours stood proud with its brick-and-mortar walls, solid concrete roof, and a rooftop balcony that offered solace from Hyderabad’s sweltering summers. There, under a canopy of stars, we would sleep on cots, cooled by gentle breezes, lost in the magic of the night sky—a memory of pure bliss. Razia’s early years unfolded in a Hyderabad ruled by the Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the world’s richest man, whose reign fostered a vibrant economy and a city adorned with grand hospitals, high courts, and lush gardens. This rich cultural tapestry shaped Razia’s character, nurturing her intellect and spirit. Educated in a private school, she rode to classes in a horse-drawn carriage alongside our sisters, Akhter, Rabia, and Nasim. Her brilliance shone early, earning her a coveted scholarship to Lady Irwin College in Delhi, an elite institution founded under the patronage of Lady Irwin, wife of the British Viceroy. But in 1947, as India’s independence sparked turmoil and violence, the Nizam sent a chartered plane to bring Razia and other students safely back to Hyderabad. Undeterred, Razia graduated from Osmania University with a master’s degree in Home Economics and Food and Nutrition, later becoming a professor at a women’s college in Hyderabad. Alongside our eldest sister, Akhter, and our mother, she took the reins of our household, guiding and nurturing Rabia, Nasim, my brother Azher, and me with unwavering dedication. As the firstborn son, I was blessed with the care of five mothers—none more influential than Razia. She and Akhter chose the best schools for me, ensured I excelled in my studies, and shaped me with gentle discipline and boundless love. In the late 1950s, Razia’s adventurous spirit led her to Pakistan with our youngest sister, Nasim. There, she taught at a university, supporting Nasim through medical school while earning a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue further studies at Louisiana State University. Within two years, she earned another master’s degree and returned to Pakistan to continue her teaching career. Later, she moved to Saudi Arabia, where she taught with distinction until her retirement, eventually settling in the United States. It was in Louisiana that Razia met a brilliant Bangladeshi doctoral student. Their love blossomed into marriage, and together they raised two remarkable children: Shaju, now a gastroenterologist, and Tasneem, a doctor. Both inherited their mother’s intellect, kindness, and grace, a testament to Razia’s nurturing spirit. Razia’s return from Louisiana was a moment of joy for our family. Over dinner, we hung on her every word as she shared tales of America, humorously noting its challenges—divorce, parking, and obesity—observations that remain strikingly relevant today. As a young boy, I cherished visiting her at the women’s college in Hyderabad, a former British governor’s palace with grand marble staircases and lion statues flanking the foyer. Razia would proudly introduce me to her colleagues, showing me her world with warmth and patience. She and Akhter knitted me beautiful sweaters and designed and instructed a local tailor to make me a double-breasted overcoat, making me the envy of my peers in Hyderabad’s mild winters. Razia’s discipline was subtle yet profound—she led by example, never raising her voice. She gifted me a cricket set, instantly making me the captain of our local team, and later brought me treasures from America: a camera and an electric shaver, firsts in our neighborhood. While frugal, she was endlessly generous, supporting the poor in India and aiding distant relatives in need. Her eloquence shone at family weddings, where she recited poetry and orchestrated celebrations with grace. A gifted writer and poet fluent in five languages, Razia’s words wove beauty into every moment. Above all, Razia was a woman of unparalleled brilliance and compassion. Her photogenic elegance radiated in every photograph, matched only by the beauty of her soul. To me, she was a third mother, alongside our mother, Amani, and Akhter. Her love extended to my lovely wife, Vivian, and my loving children, who adored her in return. Razia’s legacy lives on in her children, her students, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, intellect, and generosity. Razia, my greatest sister, will forever be a guiding light in our hearts, her memory an eternal gift that inspires us to live with love, grace, and purpose. Ather and Vivian Mirza ---

ASA I knew Aunty and Uncle through Shajji Kazi her Son and first met in probably 1979 - She was always an inspiration and extremely practical lady who always loved and sacrificed for her family. She was Brilliant with a very gifted mind that she gave to her children and left a great legacy We make DUA for her Inna Lil Lahay Wa Inna Elahay Rajoon May Allah elevate her Darajats and give sabar to all her loved ones May she RIP AAMEEN