The Story of Bibi Thanjur
Bibi Thanjur was born in the beautiful valley of Phander, District Ghizer, Pakistan. She was the only daughter of her parents. She went to a primary school with her brothers for a short while but could not continue her studies because there was no girls school in her village. Her father was a renowned social activist, president of a community organization, and retired subedar who tutored her at home. She learned to read Arabic and many historical and geographical facts from her father.
Owing to local traditional customs, Bibi Thanjur got married at the age of 15, to Bahadur Wali Khan of Shamaran village of District Ghizer. Bibi Thanjur gave birth to 7 children and passed away at the age of 47 in 2016. She was highly motivated and passionate to educate her kids. None of the family members at her house went to high school. Therefore, her dream was to give higher education to her children. She worked day and night and motivated her kids to excel in their education. She used to stay awake on long winter nights with her kids to help them study. She would prefer to take care of the entire household and encouraged her daughters to focus on education instead of household chores, contrary to local customs which expected children to engage in household chores.
She was awarded as “the best mother” from Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) for many years for her role in her children’s studies. She was also recognized as the best mother by other social organizations.
Bibi Thanjur’s hard work and passion paid off eventually, as today her children are either contributing or pursuing higher education in world-renowned institutions.
Philosophy of the Logo
The logo is a minimalist art using as its central symbol the Khowar (کهووار) Language* word Nan (نان), meaning Mother. The light reflecting from Bibi Thanjur’s picture symbolizes her dedication to knowledge. The abstracted Nan (نان) word encircling her picture puts emphasis not only on the inspiration the founder’s mother provided in the setting up of this Foundation but also on the strong bond between learning, motherhood, and mother-tongue. This compliments the aspiration of the BTF to also support and preserve the endangered languages and culture.
The logo’s nurturing elements of motherhood and light represent BTF’s aspiration to act as an igniting force for hope and positive change through the means of education, good health, and essential life skills. In doing so, we hope to become part of the photosynthesis process that brings life-generating light that comes with the help of knowledge as a chain reaction.
