Col (r) Ikram Ullah Khan
Much has been written during the past few days about the family background, childhood, early education and illustrious long career of the great teacher and educationist, Ali Akbar Khan (late). It makes me sad while suffixing the word “late” to his name because people like him never die, they only change location.
Without delving into his genealogical background and mosaic life history, I would append only a few points to what all has already been written in detail by other writers. I will restrict myself to mentioning only those qualities which endeared him to all and sundry, even to his bitterest critics and hard-core cynics.
Springing from the backwaters of Dizg, an idyllic tiny hamlet of Yarkhun valley nestled right on the bank of Yarkhun river known for its ferocity during summers, spreading panic among the dwellers and washing away everything on its way while flowing down the valley, Ali Akbar Khan widely known as Ali Akbar Ustaz came into sight as a balmy figure and earned an enduring good name by dint of his civility, nobility of character, geniality of disposition, gentility of mannerism and sublimity of silent scholarship and cerebration.
Simplicity, humility, courteousness and placidity of temperament made a rare blend of character traits embedded in his personality. He would always keep himself away from hubris and snobbishness and would always distance himself from those who behaved in a condescending manner.
He stood head and shoulders above his contemporaries and carved out a suitable niche for himself in his own right through sheer hard toil, Iron will and dogged determination. He successfully traversed the rocky path of the long educational journey he had so spiritedly embarked upon in early sixties, and managed to negotiate the obstacles blocking his way and reach the ultimate destination.
Despite having enough resources at his disposal to lead a luxurious life, he prioritized a frugal living yet dignified existence free from any hint of pretence and ostentation. Besides, what made him different from others is that he kept himself well above ethnicity and tribalism, a common malaise afflicting quite a sizable number of population in our society and making the overall atmosphere murky and sullen.
Wearing an abiding smile on his cheerful countenance, he would welcome all and treat them with utmost respect irrespective of age and status. He was very discreet in his selection of comradeship and would remain wary of those whom he judged to be crafty and scheming.
May Allah (SWT) rest his beautiful soul in eternal peace.