About Our School

Begum Sugra Humayun Mirza was a remarkable woman whose life and work left a lasting mark on the social history of Hyderabad. Born in 1884, she was the daughter of Dr. Safdar Ali Mirza, a surgeon in the Nizam’s family. Although she did not receive formal schooling, she was home-tutored in Persian and Urdu, and developed a deep passion for literature, writing, and social reform. A poet and author who wrote under the pen name “Haya,” Begum Sugra used her writing as a voice for change. At a time when women were discouraged from pursuing education and were expected to remain within strict social boundaries, she courageously challenged these norms. She worked tirelessly for the rights, dignity, and empowerment of women, advocating for their education and social participation. Her writings included travel accounts, novels, short stories, poetry, and reformist essays, reflecting her progressive ideas and commitment to social change. She was also actively involved in initiatives that supported women’s development, including her work with Anjumane Quawateen-e-Islam, which promoted skills and crafts among women. In 1934, driven by her belief that education could transform lives, Begum Sugra donated a large portion of her property to establish Madrasa-e-Safdaria. She personally brought together seven young girls from nearby communities and began a school with the dream of providing education and opportunity to girls who were often denied it. Her vision laid the foundation for what is today Safdaria Girls School, an institution that continues to educate and empower generations of girls. After her passing in 1958, the responsibility of carrying forward her legacy was taken up by Yousuf Ali Mirza, ensuring that her dream of educating young girls would continue to thrive. Today, Safdaria Girls School stands as a living tribute to her courage, vision, and unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift women and transform communities.