LIFE SKETCH OF LATE MUHAMMAD USMAN KATH

Muhammad Usman was born in Karachi on 1^st June 1935. He was called Usman Ghani’ at this early age, rather until he desired to be called himself Muhammad Usman after his school education.

Handsome little Usman had got primary schooling in a Khadda Gujrati Vernacular school, and basic religious education in the locality Madressah. Then coming through cycle riding or a family tonga he started attending Sindh Madressah Tul Islam. He was very soon recognized as promising.  Witty and a smart student. He was loved by his teachers and fellow students. He joined school scouting, was an of students. His friends in school included Mr. Ahmed Khatri, Mr. Tahir Muhammad Elias Punjwani,  Mr. Tahir Muhammad Tayyab Panjwani, Mr. Usman Essa Gaba, Basher, and Mr. Razzak Marfani, In 1953 he passed his Matriculation Examination in First Division.

He took up Psychology and Philosophy as main subjects, on joining S.M. Arts College, Karachi, and he showed real devotion to learning these subjects through his professors, Mr. Manzur Ahmed ( now Dr. Manzur Ahmed of Philosophy Department of Karachi. University ). He made intensive academic pursuits both during and after class lectures. In 1957 when Muhammad Usman completed four years of college education and passed, his B.A. Examination ( in First Division), the strong base for higher academic education was already established and it was clearly understood that he would embark upon higher academic qualification in his yearning for the attainment of wider knowledge and learning.

He took up Psychology and Philosophy as main subjects, on joining S.M. Arts College, Karachi, and he showed real devotion to learning these subjects through his professors, Mr. Manzur Ahmed ( now Dr. Manzur Ahmed of philosophy Department of Karachi. University ). He made intensive academic pursuits both during and after class lectures. In 1957 when Muhammad Usman completed four years of college education and passed, his B.A. Examination ( in First Division), the strong base for higher academic education was already established and it was clearly understood that he would embark upon higher academic qualification in his yearning for the attainment of wider knowledge and learning.

Apart from his indulgence in his own business he also took a close interest in the matter of business class in general. He was elected as a member of the Managing Committee of Chamber of Commerce, Karachi, and was chairman of labour Sub-Committee. He was Chairman of the Pakistan Suger Mills Association ( Sindh Zone) and Cigarette Manufacturers Association of Pakistan. His forceful representation both personal and through his writing in the form of articles and press Statements invoked considerable interest both in private and public circles. At the moments of crisis, be it sugar crisis or labor trouble in the country he was to rise to make forthright and unprejudiced representation. He participated in various business delegations and traveled extensively almost all over the world.

He had gone all out in social life and made contributions to innumerable social welfare and literary bodies. His most outstanding attachment through any standard or in his own words was with Okhai Memon Youth Services of which he was founder President since 1968 when it was established. The most remarkable achievement was his introduction new concept in social welfare work where he caused to mobilize general interest through democratic traditions. Besides, his outlook was beyond the horizon of a community as they believed in integrated society and its well being. In this quest, he made studies, wrote articles and booklets- for example in search of happiness”  ( reproduced elsewhere in this souvenir ),  “ Education and Individual “ “ Problems of Okhai Memon Community”

At home, he was a loving father having six children ( all daughters). Devotedly sweet husband, affectionate to his brothers (3) and sisters ( 6), and dearly and deeply loved child of his parents and uncles.

He used to go early in the morning almost thrice a week for horse riding near the aero club and on a fateful day on 11^th February 1973, he complied the same routine and had gone for horse riding at 8.00 O’Clock in the morning. But alas, after only a few minutes of riding he collapsed due to cerebral hemorrhage, He was rushed to Holy Family Hospital but, after four days of remaining in a coma during which all possible medical treatment was provided, he breathed his last at 07:00 a.m on 15^th February 1973.