Fatana Najibullah

Afghan academic, educator, and cultural leader with extensive experience in diplomacy, school leadership, and higher education. Served as First Lady of Afghanistan (1987–1992), advancing women’s rights, child welfare, and cultural diplomacy. Distinguished scholar of Persian language and literature, with decades of teaching and curriculum development experience across Afghanistan and India.

• 2001 — Ph.D. in Literary Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• 1999 — M.A. Persian Language, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• 1985 — B.A. Classical & Modern Dari Literature, Kabul University
• 1976 — Teacher Training Diploma, Ministry of Education, Kabul
• 1972 — High School Diploma, Zharghoona High School, Kabul
• 1965 — Primary Education, Lycee Malalai, Kabul

• 1978 — Spouse of Afghan Ambassador, Embassy of Afghanistan, Tehran
  Represented Afghanistan at cultural and diplomatic events; supported embassy functions; promoted Afghan culture and strengthened bilateral ties.
• 1987–1992 — First Lady of Afghanistan, Office of the President, Kabul
  Represented Afghanistan nationally and internationally. Championed initiatives for women and children, promoted education and healthcare, and advocated for social welfare. Played both symbolic and active roles in advancing national unity and cultural diplomacy.

• 2008–present — Honorary Guest Scholar, Centre of Persian & Central Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
  Designed and delivered undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Persian language, literature, and history. Guided research, mentored students, and contributed to academic life.
• 1983–1991 — Principal & Senior Teacher, Solha High School, Kabul
  Directed school operations, supervised faculty, and ensured student welfare. Designed curricula, coordinated with parents, and taught Afghan History and Dari Literature at senior level.
• 1982–1983 — Co-Founder & Project Coordinator, Parwareshgah-e-Watan Orphanage, Kabul
  Established an orphanage serving 300 children; developed systems for administration, welfare, and education.
• 1974–1975 — Teacher, Lycee Malalai, Kabul
  Taught classical and modern Dari literature to senior students, fostering literary appreciation and analysis.
• 1975–1978 — Junior School Teacher, Maktab-e-Lameaye Shahid, Kabul
  Taught Dari history and literature to Year 9 students; promoted engagement and critical thinking.
• 1972–1973 — Administrative Officer, Ministry of Education, Kabul
  Coordinated scholarship programs, maintained records, and supported students through application processes.

• 2001 — Pashto and Dari Poets — Anthology publication including original poems, Supervisor
• 2001 — Poems of Sulaiman Laik — Doctoral dissertation, Jawaharlal Nehru University
• 1997–2003 — Annual Commemorative Magazine in Memory of President Najibullah — Managing Editor
• 2000s — Columns in Bunyad and News of the Week — Kabul; articles on culture, education, and women’s issues
• 2016 — Sulaiman LaiK: A Literary Biography — Published at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Writer & Researcher
• 2025 — Conference on Afghan Women Poets — Presentation
• 2025 — Daradarpan — Article on contemporary Afghan poet Razaq Wahid, Writer
• Ongoing — Public Lectures & Seminars — Jawaharlal Nehru University; Persian literature, Afghan history, and Central Asian studies
• Forthcoming — Exile from the Homeland — Poetry collection, Writer/Poet