Syed Nissar H Gilani
Every year on September 5th, we pause to celebrate Teachers’ Day, a day dedicated to those who shape minds and build nations. While parents are our first guides, it is our teachers who take over, equipping us with the knowledge and skills to navigate a successful life. As I reflect on my own journey, I am reminded of the incredible individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping my destiny.
My first teacher was my mother, who laid the foundation of my education at home. Her initial guidance was followed by the compassionate “utooun jee,” an elderly neighborhood woman who ran a free Quranic teaching center. This beautiful tradition, where local Syeds or Pir families or even learned respectables would teach young children for free, once flourished across Srinagar. Wealthy families might have hired an “Oukhoon” for private lessons, but the community-based centers, known as “Tchat hall,” were a testament to a culture that valued shared knowledge. This beautiful custom, sadly, seems to have faded, though the spirit of giving remains in modern institutes.
I also had the privilege of learning the Qur’an at home from Molvi Mohd Yousuf Kamali of Gojwara Srinagar, an elderly man in his late 70s, who taught me with dedication. Following his passing, his nephew Molvi Ghulam Mohd Kamili continued my education, guiding me through the revision of the Qur’an, known as “Galtana.” This experience not only deepened my understanding of the scripture but also instilled in me a sense of respect for tradition and community.
While most of my teachers were kind and dedicated, a few instances stand out for their harshness. I recall Molvi Noor Din, my theology teacher at Islamia High School, whose corporal punishment for a missed prayer left me faint. The incident, which led to my transfer, highlighted a stark contrast to the gentle and educated principal, Mufti Ghulam U Din, who apologized for the episode. Another memory is of a merciless home tutor from my primary school days, whom I had to fend off with the help of my dog, Tiger. These experiences, though isolated, served as a powerful reminder that while some teachers can be difficult, the vast majority are empathetic and humane.
The true heroes of my story are the ones who left an indelible mark with their kindness and dedication. Mr. Bushan Lal and Mr. N.N. Kaul, both government employees who taught privately, were instrumental in my success in science, mathematics, and English. Mr. N N Kaul, of Rainwari Srinagar in particular, with his mastery of palmistry and his family’s warm invitation on Shivratri, taught me English so well that it became a strong subject for me. I will never forget the kindness of his family, who would always send me home with soaked walnuts.
My college years brought new mentors like Prof. T.N. Bhan and Prof. G.N. Firaq, who nurtured my debating skills. Yet, one name stands out for his extraordinary courage: Prof. G.M. Zaz, my zoology teacher. During a police crackdown, he shielded a student late M.Ayiub kanth from a brutal lathi charge with his own body. In doing so, he fractured his leg, leaving him with a limp for life. This act of self-sacrifice is the ultimate testament to a teacher’s protective nature and unwavering dedication.
In my higher classes at the postgraduate level, I would specially mention the world-renowned scientist Prof. Dr. S .N Das, who resembled our former president APJ Abdul Kalam. A great teacher and student-friendly, along with Prof. Dr. D.N. Fotedar and Prof. Dr. M.Y. Qadri, who became Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, were all kind enough to guide and shape our destiny.
The stories of these teachers—the kind, the strict, the brilliant, and the brave—are a reminder that their influence extends far beyond textbooks. They are the true nation-builders, shaping not just our intellect but our character, and for that, we will always be grateful.
Before I conclude, I pray for all my teachers at different levels who were instrumental in imparting knowledge and education to us. Most of them have passed away; let their souls be in peace, and those living may live a healthy life.
The writer is an author and formal civil servant
