Every teacher deserves respect, and one comes across many teachers in the course of one’s learning, but some teachers are remembered for ages to come. One such teacher is Mr Majeed Mir, who has a multi-dimensional personality and is an expert on a number of subjects.
Though Majeed sahib is a history teacher, he is popular among his students also as a Maths teacher. On his retirement today, I wish him all the best and a happy and healthy life ahead. After thirty-two years of service, during which he shaped the careers of numerous teachers, doctors, scholars, lawyers, judges and engineers alike, he is going to bid adieu to the department.
I am one of the fortunate students taught by Majeed sahib. During our school days at Doursa Lolab he used to teach us Maths, History and, sometimes, English. He instilled in all his students the passion for hard work, sincerity and dedication. After my elementary education I took admission at Govt HSS Tekipora Lolab. Fortunately, Majeed sahib was transferred to the same place. It was a time when finding a Maths teacher in far-flung areas was a hard task. Had Majeed sahib not been there, learning Maths would have been a dream for students in the region. It is all because of his hard work that today the Lolab valley has many Maths teachers and also of other subjects.
Majeeb sahib’s teaching of history, however, was absolutely amazing. I remember his profound lectures on Indian history, which he related with world history and widened the horizons of students. Maths was like child’s play to him. Mensuration, Trigonometry and Banking were some of the topics he used to teach with great analytical depth and command.
Majeeb sahib made no compromise in matters of discipline. But he was also quite sensitive. When writing on the blackboard with chalk, not even a particle of the chalk could touch his coat. He loved cleanliness very much.
I also had the fortune to visit his home. A year ago, I had a chance to sit late in the night at his residence. After our meals he talked to me at length. I could sense that still he had great passion for his profession, though he was now a DIET officer without teaching duties. For him, his profession was his religion. He advised to be always honest to one’s profession. Allama Iqbal described a teacher as a craftsman, who creates finished products out of raw material. Majeed sahib was a great craftsman who made his students not only more knowledgeable but also better persons.
Majeed sahib, your students are still indebted to you. I shall never be able to pay you back for what you did for me. Thank you for being my teacher. I remember that after my matriculation, you had advised me to choose Maths as one of my subjects. But Maths was not in my destiny; I went for the arts stream. For a long time, you did not talk to me beyond formal greetings. I am sorry if I hurt you at that time. But today where I am, it only because of teachers like you. I still remember the day when while checking my English essay copy, you wrote a note for my family, and even punished me for grammatical mistakes. But that punishment nurtured so many students like me. Today as I recall those days, I know that in your heart there was love, care and concern for students. The entire society in Lolab valley owes you a lot.
Today you are retiring as DIET officer Kupwara. I am certain that great teachers never retire and you are one among them. You will be remembered by your students for ages to come. It is you who cultivated knowledge in the barren deserts of Doursa, Tekipora, Diver, Lalpora, Sogam, Kalaroose and many other hamlets of Lolab. Thank you for everything you have done for your students. You will be in the hearts of them forever.

The writer is a research scholar at Department of English, University of Kashmir. [email protected]

AHSAN UL HAQ