By: Dr. Mehraj Bashir
Walking down the memory lane, I take myself to the year 2002 pensively absorbed in an indecisive situation in the corner of Seminar library of the Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, preparing synopsis for my M.Phil. programme. All of a sudden, I see a fair, tall, handsome being with scholarly attire entering the library. Just as great people operate, probably noticing the vibes of anxiety and doubt surrounding the space around me, he came and asked what I was looking for? Upon hearing my cause, he not only suggested several novel topics for my research but also shared some valuable tips of research on Wildlife Biology. I wondered how someone unknown can shower such words of compassion, encouragement and concern. In the whirlpool of that library, the saying flashed into my mind instantly, “A good teacher is worth more than a library”. Strangers as we were then, this was the first instance of his empathetic and philanthropic nature that I witnessed. Adding to my surprise, I met this person again and this time as the supervisor for my Ph.D. programme and I was his first candidate to carry out research under his supervision and guidance. Here I introduce the prolific personality Dr. Mustahson Farooq Fazili, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir.
Dr. Fazili was one of a kind and a true personification of dignity and generosity. I thank my stars enough for getting a chance to work under his supervision, each bit of which kept aggregating into a treasure for life. His guidance in conducting the fieldwork, data collection, interpretation and analysis were just exemplary. Additionally, he would always motivate his research scholars and make them understand the importance of publication of research articles in reputed journals during the Ph.D. programme. He would invest his time to make our manuscripts precise, exquisite and worth publishing in reputed journals. He was such a blessed scholar, and his grandeur of thought was evident in everything he did—be it dealing with our mistakes and suggesting the ways to rectify them or the interest he showed towards our future career, could just not be described in words. Believe me, it is not extravagant eulogy, he really was such a noble soul and a God-fearing person, a man of vision and an honest personality who was always looked upon as a ray of hope all through the difficult times.
He would always urge us to dedicate our time for research and would say that your research should contribute something to the scientific community and your findings in the research should act as a guide to scientists for finding solutions to existing problems —for practical problems need practical solutions. He, as a supervisor, was most selfless person and would always dissuade his scholars from putting his name as an author in the research articles wherein he would consider he did not contribute much. Besides, he would always be involved in constructive discussions about the development of academic and research milieu in the campus. I am indebted to you sir, for all the transition and transformation that you have forged in me discreetly. “A good teacher is like a candle that consumes itself to light the ways for others,” this quote of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, beautifully defines you sir, as I remember the day you touched my life, my simple world bloomed into a scholarly one.
As my teacher and mentor, he has taught me more than I could ever give him credit for here. He has shown me, by example, what a good mentor should be like. I believe that you were a born scholar and you have transformed the common minds through your critical acumen. The emotional bond through which you dealt with your scholars was extraordinary as it not only modified their character but gave a sense of positivity and hope to them. A considerable number of your students-cum-scholars I met and all of them have been praising your uniqueness, dynamism and flamboyant attitude. In you, my boss, I have found the perfect manifestation of what Henry Adams said about a teacher “A teacher affects entirely; he can never tell where his influence stops”. I met a junior scholar who was working with you on a science project and he burst into tears while hugging me, even I was broken inside and was not in a position to console him. He narrated many flashbacks that acted and would act as a catalyst for us all to survive and to serve. Another researcher who in his sudden sighs with parched lips expressed your dignity, calibre, wisdom, creativity, novelty, imagination and intellect. The Prophet (saw) said: “The best among the mankind is one who benefits people” and believe me Dr. Fazili, you were a true embodiment of all these qualities and a true preacher. It is pertinent to mention, “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher”.
That unfortunate moment of hearing that ominous news of your demise shook the entire university and a queer uncomfortable dejection began to invade everyone around. Not in the wildest dreams would anyone have ever imagined of such a tragic happening. We could not complain as we are helpless before the stroke of fate and Allah’s will. You are not with us physically but you will always remain in the hearts, minds and souls of each one of us. Sir, you are inseparable part of our lives and this existing bond of colourful networks through which I feel the sense of togetherness is for sure ceaseless and eternal. I owe a lot to you.
Your absence has created a huge void in the academic circles in general and in the school of Zoology in particular, which seems irreparable. To me, your absence is more personal as you were a friend, a brother, a guide, a teacher, a mentor and whatnot. My boss! It is really heart-wrenching when my little kid kisses your photograph and with an acute note of distress in his voice, he would mumble, “Baba, it is Fazili Sir, your Boss”. Sir, there is a special place in the hearts of my family members, my spouse my kids and relatives. The bond of spiritual alliance that you share with my family is simply inseparable.
The sense of duty, commitment towards work and belongingness with your students is just incomparably outstanding. You were the truest example of professionalism, perseverance and dedication. Surely, Dr. Fazili was one of its kinds and no one could replace such higher degrees of greatness. All that you advocated via your ideas, beliefs and deeds are overly missed.
A great scholar you were and you will be remembered forever. I remember you once quoted a great saying “If you want not to be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either do things worth writing about or write things worth reading”. Whatever you have done is worth writing about and whatever you have written is worth reading. The School of Zoology, University of Kashmir, stands true witness to your contribution to it through your scholarship—articles, research papers, editions, books and experimental works.
You will be missed by one and all as you were a man of matchless modesty and refinement. I cannot undo the things that happened, but it is my duty to carry forward your legacy of teaching, compassion, responsibility, empathy and discreet selfless service towards humanity. With trembling hands, heavy heart and moist eyes, I bid farewell to my beloved. I pray your soul rests in peace and ask Allah to grant you the highest place in the Heavens.
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
Dr. Mehraj Ahmed Bashir is HOD Zoology, Degree College Kupwara
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