Patras bokhari biography definition

Syed Ahmed Shah Bokhari (1 October 1898 – 5 December 1958), commonly known by his pen name Patras Bokhari, was a Pakistani Urduhumorist, essayist, educator, broadcaster, and diplomat.^[1][2] Born in Peshawar to a Kashmiri family, he gained prominence as an English professor at Government College, Lahore, before Partition, where he inspired generations of students through his teaching and wit.^[3][4]Bokhari's literary contributions centered on humorous essays that blended satire, observation, and linguistic finesse, with collections like Patras Ke Mazameen establishing him as a cornerstone of modern Urdu prose.^[2][5] In broadcasting, he served as Director-General of All India Radio, expanding its reach and staff by recruiting talents such as Saadat Hasan Manto, and later contributed to the BBC's Eastern Service, covering World War II events in Europe.^[3][6] His diplomatic career began post-Partition, including accompanying Prime MinisterLiaquat Ali Khan to the United States in 1949 and serving as Pakistan's representative to the United Nations from 1949 to 1952, where he was recognized as the body's most eloquent speaker.^[1][7] These roles highlighted his versatility in bridging cultural and international divides through eloquence and intellect.^[8]

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Syed Ahmed Shah Bokhari, better known by his pen name Patras Bokhari, was born on October 1, 1898, in Peshawar, then part of British India's North-West Frontier Province.^[9][2]He hailed from a Kashmiri family of Sufi mystics known as Peers, whose forefathers had migrated from Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir to Peshawar.^[10][11] His father, Peer Syed Asadullah Shah Bukhari, descended from Syed Ghulam Hussain, who served as secretary to Khawaja Kamaluddin; his mother belonged to the Hindkowan ethnic group prevalent in the Peshawar region.^[2][11]Bokhari was the third son in a family with several brothers, including the eldest Syed Ghalib Bukhari, Syed Mohammad Shah (nicknamed Rifat, a poet), and the youngest Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari (known as Chhote Bukhari, who later headed Radio Pakistan).^[2] This fraternal lineage produced notable figures in broadcasting and literature, reflecting the family's intellectual inclinations despite their roots in religious mysticism.^[11]

Academic Pursuits and Influences

Bokhari completed his early schooling at Mission High School in Peshawar before enrolling at Islamia College in the same city.^[12] In 1916, he transferred to Government College in Lahore, where he pursued studies in English literature.^[9] During this period, he edited the college's literary magazineRavi, honing his skills in writing and criticism.^[3]In 1922, Bokhari earned his Master of Arts degree in English from Government College, Lahore, after a one-year intensive program following his undergraduate preparation.^[13] This achievement positioned him to begin teaching English literature at the same institution shortly thereafter, marking the start of his academic career.^[14]Seeking advanced specialization, Bokhari traveled to England in 1925 and enrolled at Cambridge University, selecting it for its renowned faculty in English studies.^[2] There, he studied under influential critics I.A.

Richards and F.R. Leavis, whose approaches to practical criticism and moral scrutiny of texts profoundly shaped his analytical methods and appreciation for nuanced literary interpretation.^[4] Richards and Leavis reportedly held his intellectual capabilities in high regard, which bolstered Bokhari's confidence in blending Eastern and Western literary traditions.^[4]These Cambridge influences emphasized close reading and ethical dimensions in literature, informing Bokhari's later humorous essays that dissected social absurdities with precision and irony, distinct from mere satire.^[4] His academic grounding in English formalism, combined with Urdu literary roots from Lahore, fostered a hybrid style evident in his critiques of colonial-era bureaucracy and cultural hybridity.^[15]

Literary Contributions

Origin of Pen Name Patras

Syed Ahmed Shah Bokhari, born in 1898, initially adopted the pen name "Peter" for his English-language writings as a tribute to his teacher, Peter Watkins, who instructed him in English and profoundly influenced his linguistic skills.^[16][11] For his Urdu compositions, Bokhari adapted this to "Patras," recognizing it as the Urdu or Persian equivalent of "Peter," which traces etymologically to the Greek form Patras, associated with the biblical Apostle Peter.^[8][16]Bokhari's brother, Zulfiqar Bokhari, elaborated on the inspiration in recollections, noting the phonetic and historical linkage: "Pierre in French stands for Peter, which is Patras in Greek," which prompted the selection of "Patras" to evoke the same reverence in a culturally resonant Urdu context.^[16][17] This pseudonym thus bridged Bokhari's admiration for Western pedagogical influences with his primary literary medium in Urdu, where it became synonymous with his signature humorous essays and critiques.^[16] The choice underscored Bokhari's early bilingual versatility, honed during his education in British India, without altering his familial name Bokhari, which he retained professionally.^[11]

Humorous Writings and Style

Patras Bokhari's humorous writings, primarily in Urdu, exemplify a light-hearted, observational approach centered on everyday human eccentricities and social customs, distinguishing him as a natural humorist rather than a biting satirist.

They had three children - two sons Mansoor & Haroon, and a daughter Roshan Ara. Roshan Ara died as a child. One does not find sessions on him at various literature festivals that have been held in the city over the years.

Perhaps organisers of literature festivals and arts bodies do not deem it necessary because Patras is still famous, and his only humour book, ‘Patras Kay Mazameen’, continues to be sold and kept in home libraries.

Against this backdrop, it was a delight to see the Arts Council of Pakistan’s announcement of holding an event in memory of Patras on Friday.

It was revealed at the event that the show was instigated by Patras’s grandson Ayaz Bokhari, son of Patras’s younger son Haroon Bokhari, and also the chief speaker.

Ayaz explained the extraordinary literary, academic and diplomatic achievements of Patras, along with veteran music composer and actor Arshad Mahmud, who informed the attendees that he had come to know a great deal about Patras through his mentors like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Sufi Tabassum as well as Patras’s elder son Mansoor Bokhari, who became like a father figure to him when he worked for the recording company EMI.

It was a well-planned programme that must have made many in the audience realise how much more Patras should be commemorated because of his unparalleled mastery of Urdu humour, his efforts in maintaining the rich intellectual and literary environment in Lahore that helped create poets like Faiz and encouraged Imtiaz Ali Taj and Sufi Tabassum to pen some of their best works, his services for broadcasting and how he brought respect for Pakistan as a diplomat at the United Nations.

The event also touched upon the controversy surrounding the pen name ‘Patras’.

Bokhari highlighted the region's Muslim-majority population's likely preference to accede to Pakistan, the strategic importance of Kashmir's rivers for Pakistan's irrigation-dependent agriculture, and the risks posed by Indian control amid border tensions with Indian troops deployed along the frontiers. This letter can also be read on the website, where it is titled ‘A letter from a father to a son’.

The event also featured a dramatic rendition of ‘Cinema Ka Ishq’, one of the 11 humorous essays in ‘Patras Kay Mazameen’.

Colleagues noted his eloquence in promoting the UN's ideals, with Under-Secretary-General Ralph Bunche, a Nobel laureate, praising his contributions in a posthumous tribute that highlighted Bokhari's ability to humanize global diplomacy.^[36][38]He held the position until his sudden death from a heart attack on December 5, 1958, in New York City, after which the UN Secretariat issued an information circular mourning the loss of a key figure in public information efforts.^[39][37][14]

Personal Life and Character

Family and Relationships

Syed Ahmed Shah Bukhari, known as Patras Bukhari, was born on October 1, 1898, in Peshawar into a Kashmiri family with ancestral roots tracing back to Bukhara, from which his forebears migrated in the 1800s.^[40][2] His early education occurred at home under his father's guidance, reflecting the scholarly environment of his upbringing.^[2]In 1923, Bukhari married Zubaida Wanchoo, a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri woman and daughter of a superintendent of police.^[9][10] The couple had three children: two sons, Mansoor and Haroon, and a daughter, Roshan Ara.^[9][10]Bukhari came from a prominent family of brothers known for their contributions to broadcasting; his sibling Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari, also called Chhote Bukhari, served as the first director-general of Radio Pakistan.^[2] This familial involvement in media underscored a shared intellectual legacy, though Bukhari's own relationships remained centered on his immediate household amid his peripatetic career in education and diplomacy.^[11]

Personal Traits and Worldview

Patras Bokhari was renowned for his humorous and witty disposition, often employing satire and original perspectives in his literary and broadcasting work.^[2][4] His writing style featured transparent clarity and masterly simplicity, allowing him to approach subjects from unexpected angles while blending creativity with critical insight.^[4] Intellectually versatile, he mastered both English and Urdu literature, earning a first-class degree from Cambridge University in 1925 and introducing early Greek philosophy to Urdu readers.^[2][16]Bokhari exhibited a cordial and relationship-oriented character, fostering strong bonds through intellectual exchanges and discussions on literature.^[2] Described as a philosopher and savant, he possessed a somewhat mystical personality that intertwined with his engagement in global politics.^[41][4] As a cosmopolitan "citizen of the world," his worldview emphasized the synthesis of Eastern and Western civilizations to address international challenges and foster unity.^[41][4]In his diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, Bokhari advocated for global peace, improved living standards, freedom, and human dignity, reflecting a commitment to universal progress and the building of "one world" through the integration of diverse traditions.^[41] His support for organizations like UNICEF underscored a humanistic outlook focused on advancing humankind amid persistent obstacles.^[41]

Death and Posthumous Legacy

Circumstances of Death

Patras Bokhari died on December 5, 1958, in New York City from a cardiac arrest while serving as Pakistan's representative to the United Nations.^[42][43] He had a history of cardiac issues, including a coronary thrombosis on August 19, 1953, which he treated discreetly under an alias to avoid publicity.^[44] In the year prior to his death, his condition worsened with recurrent attacks, compounded by stress from a recent parliamentary committee investigation into his diplomatic conduct.^[44]The day before his passing, Bokhari fainted after receiving an injection, requiring an oxygen tent at his residence, though he rallied sufficiently by evening to decline overnight medical attendance.^[44] His health declined sharply the following morning around 5:30 a.m., culminating in death at approximately 6:15 a.m., as reported by attending medical staff.^[44] These details derive from a contemporary account in The Pakistan Times, emphasizing his sensitivity to health matters and professional pressures.^[44]Bokhari was interred in Valhalla Cemetery, New York, reflecting his ongoing diplomatic posting away from Pakistan at the time of death.

Immediate Tributes and Succession

Bokhari suffered a fatal heart attack on December 5, 1958, at his residence in New York City, where he was serving as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for public information under Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld.^[44][25] His death followed a series of coronary episodes, including a severe thrombosis in 1953 and recent strains from UN committee work, though he had ignored medical advice to rest.^[44]United Nations bodies responded swiftly with formal acknowledgments.

His style employs situational irony, exaggeration, and overstatement to highlight absurdities without descending into malice, often through first-person anecdotes that invite reader complicity and imagination. Ayaz said the idea of creating a website about his grandfather came to him when his daughter was given an assignment on Patras in school.

There he became a focal point of literary and intellectual gatherings.

From 1925 - 1927 he studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University to complete a Tripos in English, with a first class first

From 1927 - 1939 he was a Professor at Government College Lahore. Some of his most famous speeches at the UN were made for supporting the independence of Tunisia.

After the independence, Tunisia recognised Patras’s efforts and named an avenue after him.

Other pieces like "Mebal aur Mein" explore gender interactions via amplified everyday tensions, using suggestive rather than conclusive narratives to amplify comedic effect. He was appointed Under-Secretary-General in charge of the Department of Public Information, a role in which he oversaw the dissemination of UN activities through press releases, radio broadcasts, publications, and public outreach efforts aimed at fostering global awareness of the organization's work.^[35][36][37]Bokhari's leadership emphasized bridging cultural divides and injecting humanistic perspectives into UN communications, drawing on his background in literature and broadcasting to make complex international issues more accessible to the public.

a lonelier place," highlighting his role in fostering international understanding.^[44] Eulogies were also held at Pakistan House in New York that evening, where speakers emphasized Bokhari's eloquence in advocating human rights and Pakistan's interests.^[45]In Pakistan, President Iskander Mirza and incoming leader General Muhammad Ayub Khan issued condolences, with Ayub terming the loss a "grievous national" one in statements published December 7.^[39]The New York Times published an editorial on the same day lauding Bokhari as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought, crediting his wit and scholarship since his early UN days.^[8][39] UN Secretariat staff and correspondents similarly expressed personal grief, recalling his mentorship and accessibility.^[44]Bokhari's UN Secretariat duties were absorbed by existing staff pending reorganization, with no single immediate successor named in contemporary accounts; his influence persisted through Hammarskjöld's administration until its own transitions.^[44] In Pakistan's UN mission, Prince Aly Khan continued as Permanent Representative, having assumed the role earlier in 1958 after Ghulam Ahmad, thereby maintaining continuity in diplomatic representation amid the tributes.^[46]

Long-Term Influence on Pakistani Culture and Diplomacy

Bokhari's diplomatic career, particularly his service as Pakistan's first Permanent Representative to the United Nations starting in 1951, established a model of independent foreign policy that prioritized sovereignty and anti-colonial advocacy, marking what analysts have termed a "golden period" in Pakistan's early international relations before alignments with major powers like the United States.^[30]

Ahmed Shah Bokhari ( Patras) was born in Peshawar on 1st October 1898.

On a slide Ayaz showed the grave of Patras in New York with Frost’s couplet inscribed on the tombstone.

Ayaz said Patras fell ill in New York and died on December 5, 1958. Due to Patras, poets and writers like Noon Meem Rashid, Miraji, Upendranath Ashk and Shaukat Thanvi worked for the radio.

After Partition, Patras was asked to join his alma mater, the Government College of Lahore, as the principal.

During this time he resurrected the Government College, and these years came to be known as the golden years of Government College Lahore.

From 1951 - 1954 he served as Pakistan's first Permanent Representative at the United Nations.

From 1954 - 1958, he worked with the Secretary General of the United nations, as the Under-Secretary of the United Nations, Head of Information

He passed away on 5th December 1958 in New York and is buried in Valhalla Cemetery, New York.