Alijah Ghulam Uddin Ghulam Hunzai – An Intellectual Jewel of Gilgit-Baltistan

Alijah Ghulam Uddin Ghulam Hunzai is one of the most revered scholar and poet of Gilgit-Baltistan. Ghulam Uddin Ghulam is known for many as Ustad Ghulam Uddin, ‘Ustad’ denotes in Burshakshi language as ‘Educator’. Alijah Ghulam Uddin has served a lifelong service to educate the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. His meticulous services in the field of education started around late 1930s, when he was about 12 years old and one of a very few people in the beautiful valley of Hunza who have then an education till 5 grades. His journey begins as a voluntary school teacher in the picturesque kingly hamlet of Altit which continues till now when Ustad-e-Muhtramis still engaged in educating youth and the masses while his age is above 90 years. The blessing of being actively involved in the generation of knowledge and its dissemination around millions of people is a rare gift and Alijah Ustad Ghulam Uddin being bestowed by this gift.

Alijah Ghulam Uddin Ghulam Hunzai has brightened the hearts, minds and souls of people across Gilgit-Baltistan through his saintly poetry in multiple languages including Brushaski, Persian and Urdu. His poetry is one of the most relaid and sang descants from radio Pakistan. His poetry is being inspired by his spiritual journey, love of nature, and his tremendous affection and attachment to the culture and people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

One of the most distinctive achievements of Alijah Ghulam Uddin is the translation of the Holy Quran into Brushashki language, he is the first one in the history to achieve this reverential achievement. In recognition of his grand services the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shukat Aziz has invited him at Prime Minister House and present to Alijah the token of appreciation and expressed gratitude for his tremendous scholastic services towards the Muslim Ummah in general and for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in particular. Alijah has presented the Brushashki translation of the Holy Quran to Prime Minister.