Saniya Anjum

Some lives unfold like quiet revolutions, transforming the world not through noise but through nurture, conviction, and compassion. The life of Dr. Iffat Faridi is one such journey, where scholarship meets sensitivity, and poetry walks hand in hand with purpose. An educationist, poetess, counselor, social worker, and founder, she embodies the rare harmony of intellect and empathy. Her story is not merely a narrative of personal achievement, but a testament to the power of values inherited, preserved, and passed on.

From one batch to another, the spark continues — Dr. Iffat Faridi inspiring young minds.

Born into a family that cherished knowledge above all else, Dr. Iffat Faridi grew up in an environment shaped by progressive ideals and intellectual richness.

Despite financial constraints and prevailing social pressures, her parents remained steadfast in their belief that daughters deserved the same educational opportunities as sons.

Her father, an editor associated with several Urdu newspapers and publications, worked across various Indian cities before settling in Kolkata.

Their modest home overflowed with books, newspapers, and magazines in Urdu, Hindi, English, and Russian literature.

It was less a house and more a sanctuary of words. As her father often said, “Education is the only inheritance that multiplies when shared.” Surrounded by literature and lively discussions, young Iffat developed a deep love for reading and reflection.

Dr. Iffat Faridi with students

Her academic journey reflects both dedication and intellectual curiosity. She completed her graduation, post-graduation, B.Ed., and M.Phil. from Aligarh Muslim University, an institution known for nurturing critical thought and cultural depth. She later pursued M.Ed. from Summer Hill University in Shimla and earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2001.

Her academic pursuits extended further with a Diploma in Counselling Skills from Banjara Academy and a Certificate course in TEFL from Maxico. For Dr. Faridi, education was never about collecting degrees. She believes, “Learning is a lifelong conversation between the mind and the soul.”

Dr. Iffat Faridi with students

Marriage introduced her to a life of travel and cultural exploration. Her husband, a petroleum engineer working overseas, enabled her to experience diverse societies and perspectives. Although this meant she did not settle into one permanent professional role, she enriched many institutions through her contributions. She served as a lecturer with Delhi Administration, Aligarh Muslim University, Delhi University, and Jamia Millia Islamia.

She also worked at the Saudi Cultural Attaché office as a Students’ Coordinator and later as Director with Syntax Academy in Bangalore. Yet even amidst professional accomplishments, she felt an inner calling that extended beyond formal classrooms.

That calling became clear in Bengaluru when she encountered a group of migrant laborers’ children in her neighborhood. Despite language barriers, she connected with them instantly. Their lack of access to education stirred something profound within her.

She questioned herself, “What meaning does my Ph.D. in Special Education hold if it cannot light the path of those in darkness?” Moved by this realization, she began teaching the children near their homes, patiently nurturing their curiosity and confidence. Her efforts eventually led to their admission into formal schools. In those small victories, she found her true mission.

Dr. Iffat Faridi with students

In 2017, Dr. Iffat Faridi and her husband formalized their commitment to social service by founding Koshish Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to educating underprivileged children.

The word koshish, meaning effort, reflects her philosophy that meaningful change begins with sincere intention. For over twelve years, she has tirelessly mentored and guided more than one hundred children from nursery to post graduation level. Her aim is not only to provide education but to instill dignity and self-belief.

She often reminds her students, “You are not defined by your circumstances, but by your courage to rise above them.” Through this foundation, she continues to transform lives quietly yet powerfully.

Dr. Iffat Faridi with students

Alongside her work in education and social service, Dr. Faridi has nurtured her passion for literature. Writing has been her lifelong companion. Her collection of Urdu poetry, Chirag Dil Ka, reflects emotional depth and cultural consciousness. She also authored a Hindi biography titled Gaata Jaye Banjara Professor Ramesh Duttji Anokhi Sangeet Yatra, and another work, Aapki Sudha Ek Sachchi Kahani.

For her, poetry is both expression and resistance. “When emotions find no other refuge, they become poetry,” she believes. Currently, she is documenting her experiences of working with underprivileged children, hoping to inspire others to serve society with sincerity.

Dr. Iffat Faridi with students

One of her most poignant poetic works is the poem Maa se door kyun rehte hain. In this deeply moving piece, the mother symbolizes the Urdu language itself.

Through the mother’s voice, Dr. Faridi expresses sorrow over children who have distanced themselves from their linguistic and cultural roots. The mother laments, “Mere apne hi mujhe apna kehne se kyun ghabrate hain,” questioning why her own children hesitate to claim her.

She observes that they are educated and prosperous, yet ashamed to speak her name. The poem carries a gentle warning as well. “Jarron se juda ped kab tak hara rahega,” she asks, reminding readers that a tree severed from its roots cannot flourish. The mother pleads for recognition, urging her children to pass on her richness and heritage to the next generation.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of eternal waiting, as the mother whispers, “Main intezar karungi,” embodying hope that her children will one day return.

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Dr. Iffat Faridi’s life is a tapestry woven with scholarship, service, and sensitivity. Whether as a poetess, counselor, teacher, mentor, or founder, she continues her search for the deeper essence of existence. Her journey reflects the belief that true success lies not in personal accolades but in the lives,  one uplifts and the heritage one preserves. In her own words, “The purpose of life is not merely to achieve, but to awaken.”

Through her work, her words, and her unwavering commitment to education and language, Dr. Iffat Faridi continues to awaken minds and hearts, leaving behind not just accomplishments, but a legacy of compassion and courage.