Seeds of Integrity

Hazārān sāl nargis apnī bē-nūrī pē rotī hai,

Barī mushkil sē hotā hai chaman mēin dīdāwar paidā.”

For thousands of years, the narcissus mourns its blindness,

Only with great difficulty is a visionary born in the garden.

These words resonate deeply when I think of Peerzada Abdur Rashid Shafiee, well-known as Hamdani Sahab, whose remarkable contributions to agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir remain a legacy of unparalleled dedication. As his proud granddaughter, I feel an immense honor in carrying forward his memory, which serves as an inspiring testament to excellence, resilience, and integrity. He also shared a profound spiritual lineage and held the esteemed role of Sajjada Nisheen at Khanqah-e-Maulla, embodying the light and guidance passed down through generations. He taught me the importance of kindness, patience, and resilience, and was a living example of a life grounded in faith and grace.

Hamdani Sahab joined the Department of Agriculture as Special Officer (Rice) in the mid-1950s, during a time when the region faced serious challenges in paddy cultivation. Traditional rice varieties were low-yielding and highly susceptible to diseases like blast and lodging before harvest. He played a pivotal role in spearheading a research project organized by the Department of Agriculture to overcome these challenges.

Hamdani Sahab led efforts at research stations in Shalimar, Baghat-i-Shuroo (Srinagar), Khudwani, Dialgam (Anantnag), R.S. Pora, and Ponicheck (Jammu), where scientists and associates worked tirelessly under extreme conditions to develop new, resilient rice varieties. Through their dedication and rigorous breeding and cross-breeding techniques, they successfully introduced high-yielding strains like Ch 1039, Ch 971, K 39, K 78, and K 84. Among them, K 78, also known as "Barkat," was a breakthrough variety that offered yield potential up to 4000-5000 Kg per acre, resistant to blast and non-lodging. This variety was even distributed to regions like Nepal, enhancing the reputation of Khudwani Rice Research Station, which emerged as the primary hub for rice research in the state with Hamdani Sahab as Rice Specialist.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Hamdani Sahab was sponsored for advanced training in Rice Research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. There, he collaborated with scientists of international repute, gaining knowledge and techniques that he later shared with his colleagues back home. Under his leadership, Khudwani Research Station was identified as the Zonal Research Station for the International Coordinated Research Project, specializing in High Altitude and Cold Resistant Rice Varieties. His expertise earned the respect of notable figures like Dr. W. Freeman, Director of the Rockefeller Foundation's International Coordinated Research Project, who frequently visited Khudwani to oversee the progress of research.

Hamdani Sahab’s career culminated in his promotion as Director, Head of Department, and later as Director of Command Area Kashmir, from where he retired in 1986. His dedication and contributions were acknowledged across the agricultural community, where he was known as a kind, soft-spoken, and immensely respected leader.

Our home feels incomplete without my grandfather’s presence, his laughter, and his calm wisdom. His absence is a void that remains heavy, a silence that’s felt in every corner of the house. He was our anchor, and even now, I find comfort in the dreams where he appears, narrating duas for me, blessing me with the same tenderness he always showed. I often think of my grandfather’s stories from his younger days, how he proudly shared that he won a dictionary and a grooming kit for securing first position in class 4. For him, it was a simple yet meaningful reminder of what dedication could bring, even at that young age—a testament to his lifelong commitment to excellence.

I also remember asking my grandfather to read me Grandpa Tickles a Tiger, and he would bring every character to life with his warm voice, a memory I can still feel so vividly. He was more than a revered officer; he was the heart of our family, a role model who showed us the strength of sincerity and kindness. His legacy, woven through his work and values, continues to inspire us every day. His voice, his duas, and his love for each of us remain forever in our hearts, guiding us as he always did—softly, patiently, and with endless love.