Mian Yousuf Salahuddin, commonly known as Yousaf Salli, is a Pakistani socialite, philanthropist and ex-politician from Lahore. Yousuf Salahuddin was born on 1 November 1951 in Lahore, Pakistan. He was first elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1988 and served as the Federal Minister for Education from 1993 to 1996. He retired from politics in 1997 and has since been involved in various social and philanthropic activities.
Mian Yousuf Salahuddin is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Yousafzai Education Foundation and the patron of the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Memorial Trust.
Main Yousuf is well known for his contributions to the promotion of the art and culture of Pakistan. Unlike other public figures, he left corporate societies in uptown Lahore to move to the famous Haveli Barood khana in the Walled City of Lahore. The Haveli itself is a masterpiece of art and aesthetics and Yusuf has done justice to it by opening it for art and cultural events.
Family Background
- Salahuddin’s family has a long history of political and literary engagement.
- His maternal grandfather, Allama Iqbal, was a well-known poet and literary scholar.
- His paternal grandfather, Mian Amiruddin, was the first Muslim Lord Mayor of Lahore.
- His father was among the main organizers of the Jalsa of 23rd March Resolution Day.
- Salahuddin is also a distant relative of the Taseer family, from which the ex-Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, hailed.
- He is also related to third Governor General of Pakistan Malik Ghulam Muhammad who from the finance ministry became the Governor General of Pakistan.
Grandson of Allama Iqbal
Allama Iqbal is one of the most renowned poets of the Urdu language and is considered to be the national poet of Pakistan. His grandson, Yusuf Salahuddin, is following in his footsteps and is working to make Pakistan a better place.
Social Activist
Salahuddin is a socialite and philanthropist who is helping to raise awareness and funds for various causes. He is also a well-known public figure who is often seen at social and political events.
Salahuddin is committed to making Pakistan a happier, prospered, and enlightened country.
He is offering his services in various ways, including by raising funds for causes that are important to the country.
His work is helping to make Pakistan a better place for all its citizens.
Guardian of Cultural Heritage
- Mian Yousaf Sallahuddin is a part of the crème de le crème of Lahore’s literary circle who for many years has strived to promote Pakistani culture by spearheading creative projects.
- The walled city of Lahore is considered the emblem of the city’s culture.
- The Barood Khana Haveli, owned by Yousaf Sallahuddin, is an important cultural symbol among Lahore’s archaeological heritage.
- Yousaf Sallahudin underscores the importance of understanding one’s cultural roots and history, something he fears is lacking in the current generation which is becoming increasingly superficial and confused about their true identity.
Achievements of Yousuf Salahuddin
Yousuf Salahuddin said My vision for Pakistan is exactly the same that our founding fathers had for this motherland in which all the citizens will enjoy equal rights. Following are the prominent achievements of Yousuf Salahuddin
Curator of Arts
Yousaf Salahuddin is a resolute protector and propagator of arts. He is a notable figure in the city’s arts and culture circles and is accredited for reviving Basant festivals and organising various musical, artistic and poetic gatherings; the popular entertainment and music show ‘Virsa – Heritage Revived’ broadcast on PTV is personally hosted by him. He has been playing a pivotal role in reviving and promoting the cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Opening doors
Pakistan Television Corporation producers and directors have used Yousaf Salahuddin’s Mughal-style haveli’s large-sized enclosed outdoors to hold the music concerts for a live audience for their television programme ‘Virsa – Heritage Revived.’ This allows for a more authentic and engaging experience for the viewers.
Cultural Guru
Salahuddin is known as the Cultural Guru for many reasons. He has been hosting ‘Virsa’ for the last 12 years and it proved to be a successful project as he managed to inculcate the true heritage and culture of Pakistan among our youth. Its YouTube channel has crossed 100,000 subscribers.
He recently collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on the national song “Aye Watan Aye Watan” and recorded a programme for the Independence Day. He also serves as the chairman of the Heritage Committee of Lahore and member of the PTV board and Lahore Museum. He is a member of the committee constituted to make arrangements for Basant and is working hard to make this cultural festival possible.
Discovering Superstars of Tomorrow
Some of Salahuddin’s most noteworthy discoveries are Sahir Ali Bagga, Sanam Marvi, Hina Nasrullah and Sara Raza Khan. He says Rahat Fateh Ali Khan can also be fairly deemed as his discovery because he started qawwali with him and a large majority of his famous qawwalis were recorded at ‘Virsa’.
Pakistan has a lot of talent in the fields of music, art, dance and painting but there’s no one to hold their hand and therefore I go personally wherever I see a glimpse of talent in anyone
In another interview he said;
“I try to hold the artists from all fields together because I see them as my own kids. I try to provide them a platform because no government-run institute has done that. All art, culture, and youth funds are used only to pay the salaries of the staff, and nothing is done on a ground basis. So I consider my home as a university too.
Salahuddin always appreciate the artist and he holds Pakistan is enriched with great artists and there’s a need to acknowledge their services.
Talent has no boundaries and that’s the reason why our artists, such as Rehat Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Zafar have been working in India. It proves that we don’t have any shortage of talent.
Yousaf Salahuddin’s dedication towards his country and its glorious traditions is inspiring and a candid discussion with him proves to be an enlightening and inspiring experience in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere where culture finds its home.
