INTRODUCTION:

          Professor Dr. Rafia Ahmed Sheikh/ Rafia Mohammad Ali is a pro-vice chancellor of University of Sindh since July 2007-todate. Before that she was the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences right from August 2003 to July 2007. She also has taken participations and worked in different whether in public and private organizations in her life.

          She was born in August 3^rd in 1947 before eleven days of independence of Pakistan. She was interviewed as follows:

Q:1    Mam! Could you please tell us about your childhood life?

Ans: Well, we are only seven siblings 4 brothers and 3 sisters and I was 5^th number of them. We were all happier in our childhood, it was a very innocent period for us no violation, no corruption no TV or even no existence of media as today’s. I really remember my childhood cute memorable days.

Q:2    About your education?

Ans:  In 1972, I passed my matriculation in Saint Mary’s high School in Hyderabad, Intermediate from Nazareth College Hyderabad, Sindh, under the guidance of mums. BA (Hons) in Comparative religion in Sindh University Jamshoro in (1967). MA, (Comparative religion) from Sindh University in first Class first position (1968). In 1972 post graduate diploma in Library science Sindh University, MA in Library studies from Southborough University of Technology England U.K in 1975, PhD in library studies from University College London U.K in 1983.

Q:3    How do you compare the quality education of our country as       compared to western educational system and future of our        education?

Ans:  Everybody knows respecting the quality education in Pakistan is nothing but a worst form of education as compared to western educational system. They have a strong media; they are even good at public as well as private educational sectors.

In Pakistan some private institutions like SZBIST. AKU etc are working very well. However, our country has a great need of more books, more money even we need of best teachers as well to meet the required criterion.

Q:4    What are the qualities of a good research and what are your      views on the approach of today’s youth towards the research         plus how can it be improved?

Ans:  Well, we must work with great efforts and keen interest; one should work by 1% from inspiration besides 99% is work hard, work hard and work hard. Our youth is much more advanced in every step out of media exposure, new innovations and facilities of new technologies and compared to old era.

Our youngsters are chanalized to a reverse direction rather than a proper guidance, no child is given a right direction. Despite of the fact that has a son I myself look after him in providing tuition for I am mother. Children are wasting their times more in unnecessary work habits as emailing, chatting on cells etc., any child can grow up well on good guidance that is taught by both teachers and parents.

Q:5    How did you enter in the field of library information science?

Ans:  Basically, after having passed MA in comparative religion I went to Lahore, there I tried to find out for the job regarding my subject, there was no much scope in comparative religion. Therefore, around 3 years I stayed at home helping my mom in household chores, then my father was transferred to Jamshoro, later on in 1970 I became librarian in Nazareth College, Hyderabad, Sindh. Then I got admission in Sindh University for diploma in library information science in the evening shift there I got 1^st position in first class and became lecturer later on after one year I went to London as a meritorious student for further studies in library information science.

Q:6    How do you see the future of library information science in terms of its scope?

Ans:  very well, for there is a huge need for librarian also, in first there was only 2 years course in library information science.

Inshallah right from 20/0 we are going to launch 4 years programme in library information science.

Q:8.   How do you think about religion specially Islam and its followers (Muslims) of today?

Ans: Islam is a magic wand doesn’t go against of its principles or law (a written constitution by Allah almighty for Adam and Jin) for the life of every human being on earth on how to live a life to succeed here and hereafter. Islam and Muslims they are two different things never to equalize them as Muslims of today majority of them are so called Muslims going against the laws breaking the laws, creating violence, hatred etc rather than peace and harmony real Muslims are only few like counting your fingers. 

Q:9.   Could please name your favourite reading books and your other hobbies?

Ans:  Jane Iyer is my favourite book a story about two sisters currently I don’t remember the name of author I have read countless book pertaining to stories, novels etc but due to being busy these working days I seldom read books, whereas I read newspaper daily.

Q:7.   Any wish in your life that you have not fulfilled yet or want to       fulfill it?

Ans:  Oh yes, I want my son to become successful in every walk of life, and I pray to God for my health because health is wealth in ones life, without it you cannot live and work well.

Q:10. Any suggestions to our young generation?       

Ans:   Certainly they must say prayer daily, obey their parents. They should and must be persistent to their purpose that is work hard, hard and hard. There is a saying “Play while you play, work while you work”.