Remembering Sir Syed of Kashmir

There is no denying that Kashmir was once depository of distinguished and enviable tradition of knowledge and scholarship for centuries past and has nourished in her lap great teachers, scholars, philosophers, historians and religious preachers and poets.

Kashmir was known as Sharda Peeth, the highest seat of learning and would attract scholars from all over the world. There was hardly any branch of learning in which Kashmir did not make any mark. Due to tyrannical acts of autocratic rulers, however, the people were demoralized and passed through the most miserable days resulting in educational and social backwardness.

   

The people were in worst conditions almost in every respect. Their condition had sunk to the lowest level.

Deeply moved by the deplorable condition of the people Mirwaiz Moulvi Rasool Shah who had memorized the Quran when he was barely seven years old setup a primary school in 1890 A.D. The school eventually converted to middle school and then in 1899 high school presently housed in heritage building in Shari-Khas Rajouri Kadal Srinagar. Mirwaiz besides a religious preacher was a a social reformer.

During successive epidemics of cholera and floods from 1885 to 1904 he acted as a guide to the society. He was a visionary and a thinker ahead of his time. During his sermons he would keep the audience spell bound.

He founded Anjunam Nasratul Islam and from 1898 to 1909 he would often give message about the importance of education to stand the community on its feet. He proved himself the greatest crusader against the hysterical propaganda unleashed upon the introduction of modern education in schools.

There was magic in his words which would continue long afterwards. He succeeded his father Mulvi Yahya, first designated Mirwaiz in 1308A.H. He remained in office for 19 years.

Islamia High School which is now a higher secondary institution had number of branches in different localities of the valley and from the portals of these schools emerged towering personalities who have attained high official and public positions from time to time.

They among others include statesmen, historians, educationists, high court judges, lawyers, noted physicians, poets, intellectuals of repute and administrators.

The selfless teachers who served the institution from time to time were from both majority and minority community. These teachers not only impart lessons but also attitudes, values and ideals.

The love and dedicated services rendered by the teachers still cling to the memory of its alumni.

It is now obligatory on the part of the state government in collaboration with management of the institution to provide all basic facilities to the premier educational institution of the state enabling its students to compete and face present day challenges comfortably.

To preserve spiritual and humanistic values and aspiring cultural heritage it is desirable for the University of Kashmir, and the Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora to institute an Award in the name of Mirwaiz – Sir Syed of Kashmir – for the meritorious students and scholars of Islamic studies as a mark of respect for his remarkable contribution in the field of education.

It is regrettable that we have forgotten such great personalities who have contributed a lot to our day to day social life especially during difficult period of our history.

(Author served Kashmir University in various capacities and is presently Chief Editor Education Mail)

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