Alys Faiz facts for kids

Alys Faiz (Urdu:ایلس فیض; September 1915 – 12 March 2003) was a Pakistani poet, writer, journalist, human rights activist, social worker, and a teacher. She was born in London, England. Later, she became a citizen of Pakistan. Alys was married to the famous poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz. She was the mother of Salima Hashmi and Muneeza Hashmi.

Her Early Life

Alys George grew up in London. Her father was a bookseller. As a teenager, she joined the Communist Party. This meant she believed in a political idea where everyone should be equal. She and her sister, Christobel, were active in groups that wanted social change in the 1930s. They were friends with smart people from India who lived in London. Alys even helped Krishna Menon, who was working for India's freedom.

In 1938, Alys traveled to India to visit her sister. Her sister, Christobel, had married Dr. M. D. Taseer and moved to India. When World War II began, Alys decided to make India her home.

Marriage and Life in Pakistan

Alys married Faiz Ahmad Faiz in 1941. Their wedding took place in Srinagar, a beautiful city. After marrying, Alys became a Muslim. Faiz gave her the Muslim name "Kulsoom."

In 1950, Alys Faiz started working at the Pakistan Times newspaper. Her husband, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, was already the editor there. She was in charge of the newspaper sections for women and children.

Her Family

Alys was the aunt of Salmaan Taseer. He was the son of her sister, Christobel. Alys had two daughters with Faiz: Salima Hashmi and Muneeza Hashmi. Her grandson, Adeel Hashmi, is an artist.

Her Important Legacy

After Alys Faiz passed away, many people remembered her contributions. Habib R. Sulemani wrote in The Dawn newspaper that Alys showed how strong women can be. He felt she had a great talent for bringing people and families together. Alys encouraged many Western women who married Pakistanis and moved to Pakistan.

She made many sacrifices. While Faiz Ahmad Faiz's poetry touched many lives, Alys greatly shaped his life and his writing. To truly understand Faiz, you also need to understand Alys. She deserves recognition as a writer and poet in her own right.

A play called 'Chand Roz Aur Meri Jaan' recently showed the special connection between Faiz and Alys. It used letters they wrote to each other, especially when Faiz faced difficulties. This play helped people learn more about the quiet but important role Alys played in Faiz's life.

Her Passing Away

Alys Faiz died on March 12, 2003, in Lahore, Pakistan. She was 87 years old. She had been unwell for some time. After a fall, she broke her hipbone and was taken to a hospital. She did not survive. Alys Faiz was buried in the Model Town graveyard in Lahore. She was laid to rest next to her husband, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, who had passed away earlier in 1984.

See also

• Jocelyn Ortt-Saeed