In loving memory of Saliha Sardar: a legacy of compassion and community
SALIHA SARDAR
1958 – 2023
Saliha Basit Sardar was born in the town of Bahawalnagar, Pakistan. In the early 1970s, she moved to Lahore to pursue her education at the Lahore Women’s University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.
In 1977, she married Ziauddin Sardar, a distinguished writer and cultural critic, in her beloved hometown. A year later, she relocated to London to join her husband. Together, they built a loving home in Northwest London and raised three children—Maha, Zaid, and Zain.
Saliha was a beacon of kindness and joy to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter lit up every room, and she possessed a rare gift of seeing the best in everyone. A culinary artist in her own right, her home was always a sanctuary of love and hospitality, where family, friends, and strangers alike were welcomed with open arms and a heartwarming meal.
The world’s children were her children; her home was overflowing with love, always open, with a delicious meal at the ready.
As she embraced her new life in the UK, Saliha’s natural inclination to give back to her community found its perfect means of expression. She began her journey as a part-time teaching assistant at The Village School in Kingsbury, a place that would become her professional home for over two decades. The Village School is dedicated to supporting children aged 3 to 19 with diverse special needs, ranging from physical disabilities to complex mental health conditions.
For Saliha, working with special needs children was not just a job—it was her calling. Her profound empathy, unwavering patience, and genuine passion transformed her work into a lifelong mission. Over the years, she transitioned to a full-time role, devoting her days to empowering and nurturing these extraordinary children, ensuring they felt valued, understood, and loved.
Her profound empathy, unwavering patience, and genuine passion transformed her work into a lifelong mission.
Saliha’s devotion to the children at The Village School was unparalleled. She cherished each child as if they were her own, fostering an environment of care and encouragement that left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her commitment was unwavering—she never missed a single day of work, embodying a steadfast dedication to her calling.
For years, Saliha had envisioned her retirement as a time to expand on her mission of service. However, in November 2022, Saliha was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Despite her strength and resilience, complications from the illness claimed her life after a short battle on 20 January 2023. She was laid to rest in Mill Hill Cemetery, in the Borough of Barnet—close to the community she had been an integral part of for much of her life.
Her passing was a profound loss to her family, friends, and the community of students and educators at The Village School, who had eagerly anticipated celebrating her retirement just a few months later. While her physical presence is deeply missed, her spirit of love, compassion, and service lives on.
Her life continues to inspire all who knew her, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
Saliha’s legacy is one of selfless service, immeasurable compassion, and boundless love. Her life continues to inspire all who knew her, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
To honour her memory and continue her legacy, the Saliha Sardar Trust for Special Needs Children was established. Founded by her three children, her husband, and her closest friends, alongside teachers and Teaching Assistants from The Village School, the Trust serves as a testament to Saliha’s enduring impact. Through this initiative, her lifelong dedication to uplifting children with special needs will transcend her lifetime, touching lives and inspiring hope for generations to come.
