Zubaidah Azad arrived in Scotland as a toddler with her Family in 1953. Sadly her family experienced the India/Pakistan partition in which they lost loved ones. Despite the trauma, her mother Karim Bibi kept strong and held the family together. Karim Bibi was a well-known Granny of Pollokshields. She had a big personality and often you’d hear her before seeing her!! Full of beans, she’d walk the streets of Pollokshields, greeting and giving her blessings to passer-by’s.
Zubaidah adopted her fun personality from her mum. Despite being an early migrant & English a second language, she did very well in school in Gorbals. In fact she was awarded the Dux Prize in 1967 – scoring the highest in her school and made it in the local newspaper. Her father was over the moon as he wanted his children to do well in Education.
After marriage she moved to Govanhill. As well as starting a family she worked part-time and kept herself busy by attending local community groups and health & fitness classes. Her favourite go to place was the Govanhill Baths.
Like her mum, Sahira has a wonderful personality. She is independent, self-sufficient and always ready to roll up sleeves for any task. She keeps herself busy and loves keeping fit. While her children were attending Glendale Primary School, she took part in the parent council. Despite there being a lack of BAME parents taking part in parent councils, Sahira actively participated in the parent council at her children’s school – Glendale Primary school – where she offered her services for 13 years. She excelled in her role and became the chairperson, and organised many events and ensured other parents engaged with school the activities. Her love for working with children continued – she secured a job as a support teacher at a local nursery. She is also a board member of Pollokshields Development Agency and continues to offer her support for the community.
Mehreen has adopted many qualities from her gran and mum. She is a thriving young adult, who loves family get-togethers and keeping fit! She is now studying at the University of Strathclyde and is keen to pursue a career in psychology and Counselling.
Now that Zubaidah has retired and returned to Pollokshields, she has more time to spend with her, attend local groups including the Glendale Women’s Café and going to the gym.
This granny, mum and granddaughter trio love being together!
