Zeeshan Rasool Khan
I am not perfect, but my imperfections do not define me. Just like every other person, I possess a little of everything. But every good quality I have is because of certain people in my life who have influenced me beyond what one can imagine. My uncle, Feroz Ahmad Khan, is one of them. He has been more than a guardian. He has also been my first tutor.
As my father spent most of his life away from home, my uncle took charge of my studies right from the beginning. My schooling, submission of fees, and reviewing my academic progress were among his primary responsibilities. Being a teacher himself, he had a deep understanding of every aspect of schooling and education.
Every night, I had to show him my notebooks. He would check whether each notebook carried the teacher’s signature, and then examine the neatness of my work. My uncle had excellent handwriting, so I never needed notebook name stickers. He would bind my notebooks himself and neatly write my name on each one.
As I grew older, I learned more advanced concepts from him. He always wanted me to be independent of classroom teaching and encouraged me to complete the syllabus much earlier. Mathematics and science were his favourite subjects, so they became the main focus. This helped me excel academically, maintain learning discipline, and develop a genuine interest in both subjects.
My uncle always kept a bilingual dictionary beside him, along with monthly GK and science magazines. Gradually, I developed the habit of reading them every day. Each day, I would learn and memorise a new word from the dictionary. Whenever I missed the routine, it felt as though I had wasted the day.
It was during this period that science magazines began to attract my attention. I started collecting and reading the magazines he had discarded. At that time, he maintained a bookshelf, or rather a cupboard full of books, in his room. Whenever I had free time, I would secretly go through the books and pick the ones that interested me to read at my leisure.
I vividly remember that during my board classes, particularly in Classes 9 and 10, he subscribed to a magazine called Wisdom. It covered topics ranging from general knowledge to science, strengthening both my knowledge and my reading habits. After I completed my matriculation, my uncle selected my academic books and also brought additional reading material to broaden my horizons. That was when I began building my own bookshelf.
Today, as I write this piece, countless memories come rushing back, and one of them deserves special mention. My uncle had subscribed to a daily newspaper for his own preparation, and eventually it would find its way into my hands. During my college days, reading the columns of various Valley based columnists became another habit. I not only learned the language but also understood the art of writing a newspaper column.
From then on, I no longer wished to remain just a reader. I wanted to become a writer. Had I not been exposed to the newspapers my uncle brought home, I might not have been able to write even a single line today. That was the stage when I began sending my write ups to newspapers. Naturally, I was not qualified enough for publication, and none of them got published. Yet, my uncle had unknowingly ignited in me a passion for something I had only dreamed of.
Things continued the same way. I kept trying, but nothing worked. Finally, one of my articles appeared in a lesser known newspaper. When I shared it on social media, my uncle wrote the first comment. I still remember his words: “Son, I had wished something else for you, but Allah has something different in store for you, and that is even greater.”
That was more than a compliment. It was, in truth, a celebration of the outcome of his indirect influence.
He never wanted me to become an educator, but who can oppose nature’s plan? Even in this profession, he remains my guide. Memories of his teaching are still fresh in my mind. He never entered a classroom without preparing his lessons. He constantly updated himself with new developments in every subject he taught. As a result, our home would often resemble a tuition centre during the winter vacations, where he taught hundreds of students. The same dedication reflected in his classroom teaching. He never differentiated between private tuition and classroom instruction, and he was rewarded for his commitment every time.
Today, whenever I teach, his teaching skills, sincerity, and integrity often come to mind. I do not claim to do complete justice to this profession. Yet, my uncle’s exemplary approach never allows me to do injustice to it. Somehow, I manage to do a little good. I sincerely wish to emulate him as long as I remain in this profession because I firmly believe that following his example can transform me into the kind of educator our society truly needs.
Once, he advised me, “Fellow, there are many Zeeshans now. Be the Zeeshan of grace, with an identity of your own.” So far, I have not been able to become that person. I regret it. But I have never forgotten his words. Instead, I remain hopeful that one day his aspiration for me will become a reality.
I know that fulfilling his wish would be the greatest tribute I could ever offer him. Still, on the occasion of his superannuation, I hope these humble words will serve as a small token of gratitude for the countless blessings he has bestowed upon me.
Live long, dear Uncle!
Writer: Zeeshan Rasool Khan is a student, educator, aspiring writer, and columnist.
