An Elderly Role-model Teacher
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambiance of Rafiabad, long admired for being the place of intellect, religion, cultural harmony, brotherhood, and civilization; Dangiwacha, often referred to as the “village of elderly teachers”, has distinguished itself to hold the rich legacy of having produced legendary teachers who continue to be remembered and respected even today. There are several names whose legacy remains etched in the memories of the people they helped, even though many of them are no longer alive.
Though, their footsteps may have faded, yet their wisdom walks forever in the lives they have touched. Their contributions are cherished, forming an invaluable part of the local history. Among them was a very renowned elderly Master, Haji Said-ud-din Shah aka Sa’ad Sab who died last year on 22nd February at the age of 82. In the paragraphs that follow, I’ll share his story as the most leading teacher in the vicinity, once.
But before painting a rich picture of him, I must recall my readers, names of some expired but well-known teachers like: Masoodi Sahib (Gh Ahmad Masoodi, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi’s father), Sa’ad Sahib (Said ud Din Shah), Shum Sahib (Shamsuddin Shah), Shah Sab (Gh.Mohammad Shah), Nub Sab (Gh.Nabi Shah Makhdoomi), Noor Sab (Molvi Noor-Ud Din Shah), Hassan To’ath (Gh. Hassan Shah), Hub Sab (Habibullah Shah), Sharief Sab (Sharifud Din Shah), Mohiuddin Sab (Gh.Mohiuddin Shah), Amin Sab (Molvi M. Amin Shah), Rashid Sab (Abdul Rashid Shah) Ta’eth (Begum Hafiza Masoodi), Begum Amina Ji aka Master Bai, etc. Mentioning them here will be like paying tribute to them.
One such admired elderly Master whose valuable role, and lasting contribution is being posthumously written here, is undoubtedly Lt. Haji Said-ud-din Shah, whose charismatic personality has illuminated the lives of hundreds of students in Dangiwacha and the adjacent villages.
As John Keats has said, “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter...” Sa’ad sab’s unheard but inspiring story is indeed sweeter and, if truth be told, he is believed to have taught nearly everyone in Dangiwacha and the adjacent villages. The credit for enlightening the lives of his students is what prompted me to share with you his captivating character with laudable contribution as a teacher which stands as a testament to transformative power of education in Rafiabad. Having imparted wisdom, values, and life’s precious lessons beyond textbooks; he nurtured and illuminated young minds with patience, care, professionalism, dedication, kindness and helped them grow amid poverty and low economy.
Born on 17th June, 1937 in a Peerzada family in Dangiwacha, Said-ud-din Shah received his early education from a local Govt. primary school and then passed his middle levels from St. Joseph School, Baramulla with flying colors. His father Peer Hafizullah Shah had a dream from the very start, and that was to see his son Said-udd Din, become a teacher in the society. And that’s what came true later. With his dint of hard work, and relentless zeal towards his studies, Said-ud-din Shah became a teacher with his initial appointment on 1st April, 1962 in a far-flung village of Nagri, in district Kupwara.
Performing his duty in a remote village that too far away from home, didn’t deter Sa’ad Sahib a bit in his noble mission of spreading education. After his years’ duty at Nagri, he was transferred and given the opportunity to serve in his parent zone as teacher in many institutions like Govt. Middle School Charligund, Rawoocha, Hardu Chanum, Dangiwacha, etc. His 33 years’ highly fruitful service in the education department had made him a legendary educationist, having taught a great number of students. He retired as Master from GHS Dangiwacha on 30th June, 1995 and spent his post-retirement life at home continuing to learn and grow in his own quiet way.
The most notable characteristic of him is that he preferred brotherhood, community and harmony over other things. He was a philanthropist, his love towards Sikh and Pandit community was so admirable that some Sikh and Pandit brothers loved to spend time with him and often talked to him on phone till he breathed his last. Besides being a duty-bound, kind-hearted, God-fearing, soft-hearted and dedicated teacher, he too was a caring father, a compassionate grandfather, and a true paragon of inspiration who left a lasting impact, not only on his students but on his colleagues and the community as well.
What better could be Lt. Said-ud-din Shah Sab’s great legacy than having left behind brilliant students from his classroom like Dr Rafeeq Masoodi (former secretary Cultural Academy & ADG, Doordarshan), Dr Abdul Qayoom Shah (General Surgeon), Dr Ravinder Singh Bali, Dr.Irshad Ahmed Shah, Dr Mohammad Ashraf Shah (former Principal, GDC Sopore), Er. Zahoor Ahmed Shah (Executive Officer), Principal Nuzhar Parveen Ji, Mr. Javaid Iqbal Bhat (Tehsildar), Prof. Reyaz Ahmed Rather (Watergam), DySP Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Mr. Abdul Rahim Dar (manager J&K bank Marazigund) and others.
Needless to mention that a greater population of Dangiwacha is that of the Peer dynasty who always chose teaching, bringing laurels to this village. Being an exemplary educator from this dynasty, Sa’ad sab never entered his classroom unprepared and delivered lectures without objectives—ensuring his students not only received the best possible education but also being an example for others. However, among the living there are also quite many retd. Masters that had taught students with passion, and treated them like their own children. Though I can’t mention them all here, yet, to say the least, each one was better than the other.
Tail-piece: Too often, we say that old teachers were sincere, affectionate and in our Kashmir, doubtlessly, there are ample examples of such honest and dedicated elderly Masters (retd.) who have laid indelible imprints upon the minds of the people. May God bless them all because those distinguished veteran elderly Masters, like Sa’ad sab were true pillars of knowledge with exceptional qualities and outstanding contributions.
Manzoor Akash is a regular GK contributor, educator and author.
