Syed Nissar H Gilani
I was a mediocre student from Grade One through my postgraduate university classes. In retrospect, I attribute this to my lack of interest in studies, compounded by poor teaching in my early years. Despite my parents’ efforts to arrange suitable tutors for various subjects and their high expectations, I struggled to excel.
As the only child of educated parents, I was an exception in my community. Back then, many parents in my neighborhood and among relatives had limited or no formal education. Consequently, they were less invested in their children’s academic performance. Passing exams with minimal grades was often celebrated, unlike today, where parents place a lot of pressure on their children to achieve high marks.
This difference highlights the changing role of parents in education. While my parents’ support was well-intentioned, it wasn’t enough to spark my academic passion. Their approach differed significantly from that of modern parents, who often prioritize grades above all else. Fast forward to 1963, I passed my 10th class with low marks but secured admission to the prestigious S P College in Srinagar, known for its science programs. In those days, admission to any stream was relatively easy due to the lack of competition, and entrance exams for professional institutions were uncommon.
My first day at college was exciting. I felt confident in my crisp white pants and matching shirt, polished shoes adding to my confidence. Though nervous about the new environment, I was warmly received by polite and respectful teachers who introduced themselves and their subjects. Senior students, however, had a different approach, eyeing us newcomers with curiosity and occasionally making light-hearted jokes, teasing us as “new year fools”
As I progressed through college, I discovered my interests and passions. I formed lasting friendships, participated in sports, and developed a knack for debates. My teachers, particularly Professor Bhan, Professor Sattar Shahid, and Professor G.N. Firaq, played a key role in nurturing my skills. Professor Bhan’s guidance was instrumental, as he helped me prepare for debates, improve my grammar, and work on my pronunciation. His mentorship gave me confidence, enabling me to comfortably address audiences. These experiences transformed me, and I began to find my footing in academia.
“Professor Bhan, a remarkable English teacher and gentle soul, played a pivotal role in my development as a debater. Under his guidance, I competed in interstate college debates alongside the late Agha Shahid, a prodigy with an exceptional grasp of the English language. Shahid’s scripts, crafted by his illustrious father, Prof. Dr. Agha Ashraf Ali, were a testament to his family’s literary legacy. Agha Shahid Ali became a celebrated Indian-American poet known for blending multiple ethnic influences in his work. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Guggenheim Fellowship (1996)
- Pushcart Prize
- National Book Award Finalist (2001)
- Published nine poetry collections
- Translated Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s work
I, on the other hand, worked tirelessly to memorize the scripts drafted by Prof. Bhan and Prof. G.N. Firaq. Prof. Bhan’s mentorship was invaluable; he would take me to various classes, conducting mock drills that honed my public speaking skills. Our hard work paid off, and Shahid and I consistently won medals in debating competitions.
But it wasn’t just Prof. Bhan who left an impact. Other teachers, like Prof. G.M. Mir, played a significant role in maintaining discipline. Nicknamed “Sheikh Mukhtar” due to his resemblance to the film actor, Prof. Mir was a commanding presence. He would patrol the city, ensuring students attended classes. I vividly remember being caught with friends, including Saleem Khan and the late Mushtaq Buch, at the India Coffee House during class hours. Prof. Mir’s vigilance led to our “capture,” and we were fined Rs 8 each by our dynamic Principal, Prof. Saifuddin.
Prof. Mir’s unorthodox methods kept students in check. He would chase those skipping classes, whether on Residency Road or at the J&K Government Information Center’s reading room near Tendel Bisco School. His efforts brought discipline to our college.
However, Prof. Saifuddin’s approach was different. He cared deeply for each student, ensuring their success. Despite strict attendance rules, he would often allow students with shortages to take exams with a small fine or sometimes none at all. I recall my friend Rauf Fazili, who faced disciplinary action due to poor attendance. Rauf’s clever explanation won Prof. Saifuddin over: he had missed classes to support his friends in inter-state college cricket, chairing the college team. Prof. Saifuddin was amused, and Rauf was granted permission to appear in the final exams.
Our college was blessed with an array of dedicated and charismatic teachers. Prof. Surinder Tikoo, our botany teacher, was known for his impeccable dressing sense and royal scooter rides. Prof. M. Yasin Qadri, a zoology teacher who later became the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, was equally stylish. Other notable teachers included Prof. Naqash (Chemistry), Prof. Bashir Hussaini, (affectionately known as “Bashir Botany”), Prof. M. Sultan Wani,prof Nazir Khan who owned a left hand drive jeep ,Prof. Anwar, prof Mohiuddin Hajani,the veteran poet and scholar, prof. Naqash an English teacher. Prof G.H. Nehvi(zoology) Prof. Shahid Sattar (an artist and poet), Prof. Kaul (a botanist and a Christian), Prof. Zaffer (English teacher), Prof. Daftari (zoology teacher), Mr Mohammad Amin Assistant physical director and Prof. Mohd Yousuf, a veteran physics teacher who later became Principal of Islamia College Srinagar.
One memorable incident that stands out was when Prof. Daftari caught a dead pigeon thrown at him by a mischievous student and used it to teach us about the avian family. His quick wit and humor brought smiles to our faces and earned applause from Principal Saifuddin.
There are hundreds of stories revolving around our college days that may take a book to write, but one incident that still hangs in my mind is a fierce hockey match between SP College and Govt College Anantnag. The match turned violent, leaving many students injured. District Magistrate Mr. Khaliq, nicknamed Khallick.DC intervened to restore law and order on the Anantnag college premises, providing police cover for the guest players from SP College.
Before I conclude, I pay tribute to my classmates who left us too soon. Late Mushtaq Mir, who succumbed to a gas leak on a cold winter night, and M. Aslam Kar, who lost his battle to a liver problem. May they rest in peace. To our teachers who have passed away, I offer my respects. To those still with us, I wish them a happy, healthy life.”
The success of SP College Srinagar’s alumni is a shining example of the institution’s impact, with many distinguished individuals making their mark globally. Their achievements have not only brought personal success but also put Kashmir on the map, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates throughout the region.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department.
