Shah Taj Khan

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui of Mumbai is affectionately known in educational circles as Zahida Apa. She has been on dialysis for the past six years and twice every week. In spite of this, she never misses school and performs her teaching duties with dedication.

Even in the face of prolonged and serious illness, there has been no decline in her commitment to education, the Urdu language and literature, and the welfare of ordinary people.

This is a story of courage, resilience, and determination that has made one woman's iron resolve an inspiring example. At a time when many people seek the sympathy of others, Zahida Apa continues to be a source of strength and support for those around her.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui with her students

Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui serves as a teacher at Anjuman-e-Islam Dr. Mohammad Ishaq Jamkhanawala Girls' High School, Bandra, Mumbai.

She is the founder and convener of Quiz Time Mumbai, under whose banner modern-style General Knowledge quiz competitions have been organized for Urdu-medium school students for the past 27 years to encourage awareness and learning.

Nearly 300 quiz competitions have been held so far.

The twenty-sixth annual edition of the largest educational event for Urdu schools, "Dhamal – General Knowledge Quiz Competition," has recently been announced.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui in an event

Apart from this, the ninth annual "Urdu Ki Mohabbat Mein" felicitation ceremony has also been announced. Under this initiative, people who have quietly rendered selfless services for the promotion of Urdu are honoured with the Aitirafiya Award and the Mohib-e-Urdu Award.

Not only this, Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui also organizes the "Teachers' Mushaira" for poets who are engaged in teaching at schools and colleges.

Zahida Apa said that a new yet significant project titled "Search for New Writers" has also been included among the various programmes of Quiz Time Mumbai. The objective of this project is to encourage, guide, and mentor students—from school to postgraduate level—who possess an interest and aptitude for creative writing.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui being felicitated

Recalling her experiences, she said that she frequently organizes meetings to guide parents and guardians. Instead of asking parents to come to them, they themselves arrange programmes in the parking areas of residential buildings or in society halls near the parents' homes so that they can receive proper guidance regarding their children's education.

Despite being on dialysis, there has been no reduction in the literary gatherings and elaborate hospitality hosted at her residence. Eminent writers and poets regularly participate in these sessions. Everyone who attends acknowledges the high standard and excellent organization of the bimonthly literary meetings held at Zahida Apa's home.

Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui teaches middle school students. Children in the eighth grade are at a stage where they are gradually transitioning from childhood to adolescence. At such a sensitive phase, understanding their physical, emotional, and psychological changes, while maintaining discipline and at the same time becoming their friend and guide, is not impossible but certainly a difficult task.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui

During the conversation, Zahida Apa said: "The doors of my home are always open for my students whenever they need help or guidance. I remain in regular contact with their parents so that I can better understand the student's family circumstances and social environment and provide practical assistance. Instead of complaining to parents about their children, I try to work together with them to find solutions that will ensure a better future for the child."

On her own initiative, Zahida Apa arranges school fees, uniforms, notebooks, and other educational necessities for underprivileged students. At the same time, she motivates financially well-off individuals to come forward and contribute generously towards supporting children's education.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui in an event

Zahida Apa has been undergoing dialysis for the past six years. Every Tuesday and Saturday she has to undergo the procedure. Yet she never misses school and continues to perform her teaching responsibilities punctually.

Besides her classroom duties, she actively participates in the activities of the school's Science Club and Nature Club. She is equally energetic in literary and cultural programmes, taking part in them with remarkable dedication and enthusiasm.

There were several occasions when a catheter remained permanently inserted in her neck, yet she continued teaching, organizing educational and literary events, and meeting people who came to seek her guidance and cooperation. Neither illness nor medical procedures interrupted her work or her commitment to others.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui at a students' exhibition

It is worth mentioning that during the General Knowledge Quiz Competition held on January 18, 2026, she had undergone angioplasty just a few days earlier and was scheduled for another surgery the very next day. Instead of taking rest after the operation, she chose to fulfil her responsibilities. Looking at her energy, determination, and sense of duty, no one could have imagined that she had undergone surgery only days before.

Some time ago, the temporary catheter that had been inserted in her neck for dialysis—and had been used for four months—was removed. Following the procedure, her dialysis once again began to be performed through a fistula, as it had been previously.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui was awarded a Ph.D. by the University of Mumbai for her research thesis titled A Research and Critical Study of the Scholarly and Literary Contributions of Allama Seemab Akbarabadi.

Her book, Mujhe Seemab Kehte Hain" (They Call Me Seemab), is currently under publication and is expected to be released soon.

Her pen continues to remain active, and her articles on literature and environmental issues are frequently published in newspapers and magazines.

Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui in a clas

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, social welfare, and Urdu literature, Dr. Zahida Iqbal Siddiqui has received numerous awards and honours.

These include the Best Teacher Award and the Special Award from the Maharashtra State Urdu Sahitya Akademi, as well as the Majrooh Sultanpuri Award, the Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Adarsh Shikshak Puraskar, and several other distinctions.

READ MORE: V.P. Suhara fights for justice for Muslim women with Quran and Constitution

Zahida Apa's life stands as living proof that true strength lies not in the body but in determination and resolve. Her physically weakened body has never stood in the way of her lofty aspirations. Her inspiring journey clearly demonstrates that, if one truly wills it, illness can remain confined to the body and need not become an obstacle to courage, determination, or purpose.

It is both a prayer and a hope that her remarkable spirit, unwavering resolve, and inspiring commitment continue for many years to come.