The Kinnaird College for Women associates on Friday paid rich tributes to its longest serving principal, Mira Phailbus.
The evening marked the launch of Phailbus’s account of her time at Kinnaird.
A packed Hladia Hall echoed with laughter and applause throughout the evening as members of the Kinnaird community shared their experiences and memories of working under or with Phailbus.
The institute was nationalised a few months after Phailbus took charge of the college as its principal in 1972. Phailbus served the college for over 30 years, finally retiring in 2004.
Principal Rukhsana David said, “Mira is a name that is now synonymous with Kinnaird.”
“Mira is a fighter,” said David. “She fought for Kinnaird with all her heart and strength. She fought on several fronts.”
“Today, I am proud to have you [Mira] as a friend, guide and mentor. May you live long,” she said.
Walking down memory lane, Bishop Emeritus Alexander John Malik spoke about how challenging it was for Phailbus to steer the college towards its original direction.
“It was very difficult to be in the middle of this…where, on one hand there was the Church and on the other, the government,” he said.
“She beautifully steered the college in the right direction,” he added, calling Dr Phailbus “a woman for all seasons.”
In 1996, the college was given some autonomy, Malik said, which involved a tripartite model [which included the government and the Church.]
Malik said the college was the first in the country to have started a four-year bachelor’s programme during Phailbus’s tenure. The college also initiated post-graduate programmes under her.
“It is easy to fly in clear skies but what Mira has accomplished was flying in turbulent weather,” he said.
A documentary on the history of the college was also played. It ended on the note that Kinnaird faculty and alumni renew their oath – “to be rather than to seem.”
President of the Old Association of Kinnaird Students (OAKS), Surayya Anwar, said “I like to think of her [Mira] as a steel magnolia.”
“Mira is persistent. When she sets her mind on something, she does not rest until she gets it,” Anwar said.
Rich tributes were also paid by Vice Principal Nighat Khan who narrated anecdotes from her time as a young faculty member working under Phailbus and her daughter Eila Phailbus.
“Conversation at our dining table would consist of students’ achievements and college activities,” said Eila.
“She worked day and night… as children we used to wonder if she ever slept,” she said.
Later, writer Bapsi Sidhwa, an alumnus, read excerpts from Phailbus’s book Kinnaird Remembered 1913-2013.
“Mira had requested that I read from her book,” said Sidhwa.
“This book is not just my story, it is everyone’s story,” said Phailbus.
“There were so many stories I wanted to add to this book but Bapsi told me not to turn it into an encyclopaedia,” she said. Those stories have been kept for her next book, she said.
She said she was overjoyed to see so many familiar faces. Phailbus said her achievements were only possible because of the support she got from her family, especially her husband.
“My husband had an intense love for books and today when I launch my own book, he is not here with us.”
“They [family] and my Kinnaird girls are my pride and joy,” said Phailbus to conclude her speech.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2013.