Shompi Chakraborty Purkayastha

At a time when Bengal’s society—shaped by a rich diversity of religions, languages, and cultures—faces the risk of shrinking under the pressures of division and polarisation, the sustained social initiatives of a few individuals continue to keep the spirit of pluralism alive.

One such name is Saira Shah Halim, a strong and consistent voice active in issues of social welfare, education, culture, and democratic values.

Saira Shah Halim, 47, was born in Kolkata. She is the niece of the renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah. However, beyond her family identity, she is known today for her own social vision and work. Her father, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah has held several top positions after retirement. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.

Saira Shah Halim campaigning for election

Due to her father’s transferable job, Saira lived in different parts of India and abroad.

Growing up in places ranging from Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Yemen allowed her to closely observe diverse cultures, social systems, and the everyday struggles of common people.

These experiences helped shape her thinking beyond narrow identity boundaries, making it deeply humanistic and inclusive.

After working in the corporate sector for nearly 17 years, achieving professional success and a comfortable life, she felt a sense of social responsibility towards society.

Saira Shah Halim

The 2002 Gujarat riots, coupled with her father’s administrative experiences during that period, left a deep impression on her mind. Additionally, her father-in-law, Hashim Abdul Halim—a long-serving Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and a symbol of secular politics—further strengthened her commitment to social justice and democratic practice.

One of Saira Shah Halim’s most significant contributions to social welfare is in healthcare. She is associated with the organisation Kolkata Health Sankalp, which provides low-cost dialysis services for poor people.

For many poor and lower-middle-class families, this initiative has proved life-saving. Saira believes that healthcare is not charity; it is a fundamental right of every citizen.

Saira Shah Halim

She also worked in education and culture. She is a life member of the Iran Society, one of India’s oldest centres for Persian studies. Her residence in central Kolkata has gradually evolved into an open space for cultural and literary exchanges.

Regular dastangoi performances, book readings, discussion sessions, and interactions between emerging and established writers are held there. Through these initiatives, she highlights free exchange of language, culture, and ideas as a vital tool for building society.

Sayra’s stance on social welfare and justice is closely linked with political consciousness. Her involvement in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC, her solidarity with the farmers’ movement, and her engagement on issues related to the Constitution and citizens’ rights have made her a visible social figure.

She repeatedly emphasises that politics based on religious division is often a strategy to divert attention from core issues such as unemployment, price rise, education, and healthcare.

Saira Shah Halim campaiging for election

She contested the 2022 Assembly by-election in 2022 from Baliganj constituency.

Although she did not win the seat, the Left saw a significant increase in its vote share there, which many viewed as an “unexpected comeback” for Left politics.

In her book Comrades and Comebacks, published in 2024, Saira Shah Halim discusses the future of Left politics and the path of democratic struggle. The book places questions of social welfare, equality, and alternative social structures at its core.

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She does not see herself as a saviour, but as ne involved in a long social struggle. Her tireless efforts in healthcare, education, culture, and civil rights have established her as an inspiring voice for equality and inclusion.

Her vision of social welfare is now gaining relevance at the national level and beyond the boundaries of Kolkata.