Jahanara Hussain, popularly known as Ara, a noted singer, actress, sportsperson and a noted social worker of Gauhati left for her heavenly abode on March 31, 2019 due to old-age ailment.
Jahanara Hussain, was born on May 23, 1923, at Sivasagar. She was the eldest sibling of Late Maulana Tayyabulla of Dighalipukhuri par Guwahati, who was renowned and front-ranking freedom fighter of India. Her mother was Late Mazida Tayyabulla, who was the daughter of Khan Bahadur Khijnur Ali of Sivasagar.
Jahanara Hussain had her early education at Panbazar Girls School in early 30s of last century, while at school she took active part in various cultural activities like singing, drama theatre etc. She was also a member of School Orchestra Party where she played ‘esraj’, a musical instrument. She also took part in dramas performed by ladies only and other functions in Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir, Uzan Bazar. During her childhood, she also took part in singing with late Bhupen Hazarika who was about two to three years younger to her. Her father who was a strict disciplinary never objected his daughter in this regard but cautioned to be very careful so that no harm is caused while taking part in any function or cultural activities being a conservative Muslim family.
Jahanara lost her mother at an early age when she was of ten years. She had to look after her family managing the household. When her father plunged into the freedom movement from 1921 and continued till 1947 and imprisoned for a term of more than 8 years. Whole family had to suffer to a great extent and face untold misery. All the sister’s had to stay with relatives for prolonged periods. Her brother stayed alone and looked after the house which was occupied by army during Second World War.
Jahanara Hussain was married to Badarul Hussain of Jorhat in the year 1948 who was serving in the then NEFA now Arunachal Pradesh. She stayed at various places when her husband was transferred to remote border areas also. Later her husband was nominated for IAS and retired from service in the year 1980 as secretary to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
During her stay at NEFA, Arunachal Pradesh, Jahnara Hussain formed Officer’s wives association and participated in various welfare activities particularly for children. Her husband predeceased her in 1992.
Jahanara Hussain was an active member of Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti, Kasturba Ashram, Nari Shilpa Samiti. She had the occasion to come in contact to Mahatma Gandhi with her father. Once upon a time, her father’s house was a centre of many politicians, Congress stalwarts and as such she became a follower of Gandhiji to lead a simple life without any vanity. She was a religious person but never an orthodox.
Her memory was very sharp and she could recite the poems of Kavi Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore and Nazrul Islam. She used to regularly sing the songs of Baharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. Whatever pension she got she used to spend generously for poor and the downtrodden.
Her death was widely condoled and her janaja was largely attended by all sections of people. She was 96 and was survived by two sons. On the occasion of the chalisa I pay my homage to her soul. May her soul rest in peace.
Subhash Chandra Biswas
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