The story of Zeenat Musarrat Jafri is a powerful reminder of how determination, courage, and love for community can transform challenges into lifelong legacies. Originally from Lucknow, India, she started her career as a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya. Life took a new turn in 1979, when she moved to Saudi Arabia with her husband, Musarrat Jafri, a former DRDO scientist who later served as a chemical expert for the Saudi government.
Arriving in Riyadh, she soon noticed the silent struggles of Indian expatriates. Families were forced to leave their children in India because there were no affordable schools that catered to their needs. For many parents, this meant living apart from their children for years, with little possibility of offering them the quality education they deserved. Jafri knew something had to be done.
Zeenat Musarrat Jafri: Founding the International Indian School in Riyadh
In 1982, with unwavering resolve, Zeenat Musarrat Jafri took a bold step that would change the lives of thousands of Indian families. Using her family’s savings, she established the International Indian School in Riyadh with just 20 students.
The turning point came when she and her husband personally appealed to then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during her official visit to Riyadh. Gandhi, moved by their request, spoke to Saudi authorities and secured permission for the school.
From that modest beginning, the school has grown into one of the largest Indian schools abroad, now educating more than 12,000 students and operating under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). For over four decades, Jafri’s institution has been a lifeline for Indian children in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they remain connected to their culture, language, and academic excellence.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Recognition came at the highest level in 2017 when Zeenat Musarrat Jafri was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by President Pranab Mukherjee. This award, the most prestigious honor given to overseas Indians, celebrated her lifelong dedication to education and her role in shaping the future of expatriate children.
Her achievement was particularly significant, as she became the first Indian woman from Saudi Arabia to receive this honor. For many, her recognition represented not just a personal victory but also a triumph of Indian values abroad.
As her son Syed Mohsin proudly remarked, “A Muslim from Saudi Arabia being recognized and awarded by the Indian government—this is India.”
Zeenat Musarrat Jafri: Commitment to Education and Indian Identity
Despite living in Saudi Arabia for more than four decades, Jafri has never relinquished her Indian citizenship. While the Kingdom does not allow dual nationality, she and her husband chose to remain permanent residents rather than give up their Indian identity. “I am an Indian and I will always be an Indian,” she declared, reflecting her deep-rooted sense of belonging.
Her passion for education extends beyond academics. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and urges parents never to withdraw children from schools before completing their studies. For her, education is not just about literacy but about shaping disciplined, responsible, and capable individuals.
Celebrated by the Community
The impact of Zeenat Musarrat Jafri goes far beyond classrooms. Community organizations such as the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association, Osmania University Alumni Association, and various cultural forums in Riyadh have honored her for her outstanding service. Events celebrating her achievements have drawn diplomats, educators, and hundreds of community members, all acknowledging the monumental difference she has made.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Indian Ambassador Ahmed Javed summarized her contribution perfectly: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Along with education, you need zeal, passion, and commitment. Zeenat Musarrat Jafri embodies all of these.”
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