Introduction to EFT
The Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh (EFT) was founded in 2009 with public private participation, with 15 eminent members with the determination to administer the preservation and conservation of Sindh’s tangible and intangible heritage. Receiving an endowment fund of amount Rs. 1 billion, EFT was registered in September 2009. EFT is a non-commercial Trust and the Trustees do not benefit in any way from the Endowment nor do they have a pecuniary interest.
EFT has a range of 50 projects of preservation and restoration in various districts of Sindh, out of which 46 are complete and 09 are being restored presently. Over the years, Endowment Fund Trust has enlarged its scale to incorporate interpretations of books and research on Sindh’s history, economy and society in Sindhi, Urdu and English. Through its carious festivals and events, it has also patronized Sindh’s folk music and cuisine.
The Endowment Fund Trust fulfills its objectives by maintaining a portfolio of 46 completed projects of restoration/conservation and 30 published books to date. Some instances of completed projects of restoration/conservation are the tomb enclosures of Mir Karam Ali Talpur and Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, and the Press Club of Karachi, among others. Sadequain’s The Holy Sinner, The Tale of the Tile by Abdul Hamid Akhund and Dr. Nasreen Askari, and Dr. Peerzada Salman’s Karachi: Legacies of Empire are some renowned books by Endowment Fund Trust
Introduction of Besant Hall Cultural Centre (BHCC)
Besant Hall is a 135-year-old building, named after a female British scholar Annie Besant. Initially, it had been used as a socio-political, and cultural platform. Besant Hall became an ideal place for educational, cultural, social, and political activities especially when Annie Besant herself started the Home Rule Movement. The building was initially looked after by the members of theosophical society but with the passing time the caretakers changed its function and used it as a marriage hall, for birthday parties, and other commercial purposes which eventually caused it to desolate.
In 2019, Endowment Fund Trust took it over with an agreement, made between EFT, district government and theosophical society which stated that Besant Hall will be handed over to EFT for 10 years. EFT restored the building with the intention to run it with a purpose that can serve the community. The work of the building has been carried out keeping in view Besant’s original beauty and alternate material is used only where inevitable. The premises will be used as a library, both the children’s and scholars’ library, cultural hall, community center, sports complex, and a writer’s café. The multifarious function of the hall also includes an open platform for artists all over Hyderabad and Sindh for collaboration, music and art classes and exhibitions. We also invite educational institutes to register and become part of the Besant family. A venue for writers, scholars, and litterateurs to join hands and enlighten the city and embark on a journey to the grandeurs of knowledge.
Restoration of Besant Hall by EFT
Besant Hall is located opposite the General Post Office near the Press Club and Radio Pakistan Hyderabad, and is one of Hyderabad’s famous landmarks. The architecture of Besant Hall is characteristic of the British colonial period. It is dedicated to Miss Annie Besant, famous theosophist, social reformer, human rights activist and politician of the subcontinent. The hall was constructed in 1901 by Colonel Alcot, and was inaugurated by Miss Besant in 1917. It was used for social political, intellectual and cultural programs which were organised by both public and private organisations/departments. It is looked after by the local Theosophical Society and presently has been handed over to EFT for its restoration. Set up on a high stone plinth, the building is built in bricks and finished with lime plaster.
Aims & Objectives of BHCC
Promoting cultural awareness and appreciation is one of our primary objectives by providing space for cultural events, exhibitions, and performances.
Encouraging community engagement, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, and allowing them a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, and social interaction.
Preserving cultural heritage through showcasing traditional art, crafts, music, and other cultural practices.
Reviews
Siraj Ahmed
Jashan e Latif celebrated at @bhcc.eft. Besant Hall is one the famous pre partition building of Hyderabad, now renovated & managed by @eftsindh_official. They are organising cultural activities & family events, such a nice cultural space for the people of Hyderabad.
Siraj Ahmed
Jashan e Latif celebrated at @bhcc.eft. Besant Hall is one the famous pre partition building of Hyderabad, now renovated & managed by @eftsindh_official. They are organising cultural activities & family events, such a nice cultural space for the people of Hyderabad.
Siraj Ahmed
Jashan e Latif celebrated at @bhcc.eft. Besant Hall is one the famous pre partition building of Hyderabad, now renovated & managed by @eftsindh_official. They are organising cultural activities & family events, such a nice cultural space for the people of Hyderabad.
Siraj Ahmed
Jashan e Latif celebrated at @bhcc.eft. Besant Hall is one the famous pre partition building of Hyderabad, now renovated & managed by @eftsindh_official. They are organising cultural activities & family events, such a nice cultural space for the people of Hyderabad.