Haroon Rashid Bhat
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
There are individuals whose presence uplifts lives, whose silent deeds change destinies, and whose passing leaves a vacuum that words can scarcely fill. One such soul was Mohammad Ashraf Mir Sahab—a towering figure in the business world, a quiet philanthropist, and a man of profound humanity whose legacy continues to live in the hearts he touched. I write this tribute not merely as a formality but as a heartfelt remembrance of a personal encounter that profoundly shaped my understanding of generosity and vision.
Years ago, while working as a part-time teacher at a local residential school, I witnessed firsthand the dreams and struggles of children from economically challenged backgrounds. These students had little, yet their eyes sparkled with a thirst for knowledge. Their hunger for learning awakened in me a deep urge to offer more than just textbook education—I wanted to introduce computer literacy, a tool that could open doors to the modern world for them. At that time, computers were a luxury for most institutions, let alone for a school struggling with basic infrastructure. In pursuit of help, I came to know that Ashraf Sahab and his brother Abdul Rashid Mir had set up a charitable trust in the memory of beloved son, Mujeeb Mir, to serve humanitarian causes. With hope in my heart, I sought a meeting with Ashraf Sahab at his Shalimar office. I still recall the atmosphere vividly—an office busy with visitors and appeals. Yet when my turn came, I was welcomed with warmth and grace. He listened to my request with genuine interest, and without hesitation, he turned to his staff and gave clear instructions: the school must be provided with computers.
Within days, two computers were delivered—a monumental gift at the time, symbolizing more than just machines. That singular act of kindness was not just about charity; it was about empowerment. He saw beyond the immediate and recognized the ripple effect such a gift could have on the lives of children—children who, with access to modern tools, could rewrite their destinies. His response was swift, selfless, and deeply visionary. But this story is just one of many. Across Kashmir, Ashraf Sahab’s name resonates not only as a successful entrepreneur but as a benefactor to countless lives. Through Cottage Industries Exposition Ltd. (CIE), his enterprise elevated Kashmiri handicrafts onto the global stage, ensuring that our cultural identity received the respect it deserved. More importantly, his business ventures created employment for hundreds of families, helping them earn with dignity and stability.
His success was never isolated; it was interwoven with the success of others. Every carpet knotted, every shawl embroidered under the banner of CIE carried not only the essence of Kashmiri art but also the soul of a man who believed in uplifting others with him. Despite his achievements, he remained a man of humility, away from the spotlight, letting his actions speak louder than words. His philanthropy was quiet, but its impact was resounding. Be it in the field of education, cultural preservation, or social welfare, Ashraf Mir Sahab left behind footprints that time cannot erase. In reflecting upon his life, I believe that the best tribute to such a visionary soul would be to continue the work he believed in.
Therefore, I humbly appeal to the leadership of CIE and all stakeholders associated with his vision, to consider establishing a grand Engineering and Medical College in the memory of Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Mujeeb Mir. Such an institution would serve as a living legacy—a space where dreams could flourish, where children from all backgrounds could gain knowledge and dignity, just as Ashraf Sahab had always envisioned. Kashmir, rich in culture yet yearning for educational infrastructure, needs such monuments of progress—monuments not made of marble and stone, but of hope and opportunity. As we remember this noble soul, let us also carry forward his mission, not just in words, but in action. Let us pledge to uplift the needy, empower the underprivileged, and never ignore the power of a single act of kindness. “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. And some lives, like that of Ashraf Mir Sahab, become guiding lights for generations to come.”May Allah (SWT) grant him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdous. Ameen.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher by profession, can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
