Today, on November 1st, Google Doodle commemorated the 78th birthday of the revered Pakistani puppeteer, artist, and writer Farooq Qaiser, creator of the cherished puppet character “Uncle Sargam.” Although no longer with us, Qaiser’s legacy continues to enchant both children and adults nationwide.
Farooq Qaiser, renowned for his iconic puppet creation, had an impactful journey that began in Punjab’s Sialkot in 1945. He discovered his love for puppetry while studying Fine Arts at Lahore’s National College of Arts.
With an unyielding thirst for learning, Qaiser pursued education abroad, securing degrees in graphic design from the University of Bucharest and mass communications from the University of Southern California. In 1976, Qaiser launched “Kaliyan,” a kids’ show on Pakistan Television (PTV), blending humor and satire to teach important life lessons. Uncle Sargam became a cherished character for both kids and grown-ups.
Qaiser received prestigious awards for his valuable contributions to Pakistani entertainment and education, including the Presidential Pride of Performance in 1993, the title of “Master Puppeteer” by UNICEF in 1997, and the PTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Apart from puppetry, Qaiser was a gifted cartoonist and columnist for the Urdu newspaper “Daily Nai Baat.” He shared his knowledge as an educator at Rawalpindi’s Fatima Jinnah Women’s University and co-founded the Pakistani branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), where he served as vice president for an extended period.
Farooq Qaiser’s legacy endures, inspiring and educating generations in Pakistan. Uncle Sargam remains a key part of Pakistani culture, showing how art and stories influence people of all ages.
Today, Pakistan honors the creative genius on his 78th birthday, celebrating a life dedicated to the arts and education.