Echoes Of Enduring Excellence: A Tribute To Timeless Mentors
By: Muhammad Adnan Gujjar
The journey began in 2009 when I completed my BA from Punjab University. At that time, I was uncertain about what to do next, how to think, and how to earn a living while yearning for a family. Upon receiving my BA results, I celebrated with a special dish, Daig, in my village. It was a historic day, marking the completion of my degree. The next chapter was set. It is said that two types of people are truly unforgettable: those who are interviewed during their matriculation and those who are engaged during their graduation. We four met during graduation and have remained close ever since, much like the four essential flavors of life and eternity.
Our leader is remarkable, but the person who guided us there is also an emblem of purity, chastity, dignity, and honesty. He is beyond love and debate. He taught us many valuable lessons: how to maintain integrity, live honestly, wear simplicity, and manage ego through thick and thin. His dedication and hard work were the secrets behind his guidance. He spent much time under the sun, which is why his journey took time.
We, the remaining three, always salute his perseverance and mastery in academia. He is like a hut and a stream where one finds sustenance for hunger and thirst. The beauty of a noble spirit shines through his generosity. Despite living in an urban area, he accommodated so many of us.
He always showed us his best side, and the credit also goes to his Amma and AbbaAs the son of Pehlwan Umar Hayat Sb, who relocated from Gujranwala, known as the City of Pehlwans, to Mandi Bahauddin, often referred to as the City of Lions. He is blessed with a big heart—one that offers space, respect, love, and encouragement, even to those who feel like withered leaves. In our tough times, he cared for us like children.
His kindness and warmth are beyond words; no ink or paper could ever capture them fully. I often think of him as a hymn we recite in his absence, and sometimes, as a ‘Shahkaar of Qudrat’—a masterpiece of nature.
In our group, he is known as “Lala Ji” or “Guru Ghantaal.” If we are still thriving in the world, it is thanks to his efforts. Sometimes, we three believe he embodies love, respect, peace, harmony, and serenity. Indeed, he is deeply ingrained in us: in our conversations, our mission-driven ideas, and our sincere discussions.
He often challenges laziness and complacency. That’s why I describe him as “above love, above debate, and above rate.” Today’s world recognizes him as a great missionary who excels in his craft. He doesn’t stay on the surface but delves into the heart, leaving a profound impact on his audience. He is an influencer, and all credit goes to his creator who knows the alchemy of turning ashes into gold. “May he live long.”
Following that, another figure emerged who was not associated with academia but was known for his mystical approach among his followers. Being the son of Sufi mystic Muhammad Ahsan, Shera is blessed with both spiritual and rational thoughts. His unique vision and mystic approach set him apart, reflecting the influence of his educated mother and Sufi father. He stands tall wherever he appears.
He is also known as ‘Achebe’, a man of fiction, once mentioned by Zeus before Athena in a dream. He is known for his magical spells on his audience. Hailing from Phalia, a place renowned for its grit and grace akin to Alexander the Great, this man of fiction is also a remarkable and thought-provoking figure. His creator, as Philip Sidney describes, is a vate, a worldly and spiritual figure who shapes many ordinary people. He is known worldwide for his unparalleled philosophy and philanthropy. His work is his identity, and his aura still resonates when we share our ordinary ideas. Like “Lala Ji,” he is also associated with a prophetic profession. I am constantly amazed and enthralled when I recall his utterances. His aphorisms are laudable, and his unique style of speaking, where he chews and savors words, is unparalleled.
In his absence, we often call him the Odysseus of an unknown land, and rightfully so. We know his journey, and he remains our pride. His conversations are rich with references to Greek myths and Roman legends, and his words often serve as a balm for weary hearts. Known for his unorthodox and radical vision, his intellect shines through his logical and reasoned speech. In his presence, every discussion feels meaningful; nothing is ever said without thought. He is a mystery—a complex soul whose essence isn’t for everyone to grasp. I often say, “He is my Ahmed, and this is my soothing army.” I love, live, and cherish every moment in their company.
As a feudal, he never flaunts his status. His words—”Daani Ji, Lala Ji, Shah Ji, Sir Ji”—are eternal in our hearts. Like our leader, he is also dedicated to a mission of transforming many young minds. “May he live long too.”
The story does not end here; please be patient for the third flavour of love. He is known as “Shah Ji” due to his spiritual connection with the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He is also called Sweet Shah, as he serves sweets (known as Gurr) with tea during his students’ careers. He served Gurr abundantly. He was generous enough to share and care for his loved ones at that time.
Due to his generosity, we all used to celebrate his successes at his home. There would be a large gathering, and his father was also incredibly happy. I have never seen such joy on the occasion of a son’s success. He celebrated his achievements as if it were a grand festivity. From the beginning until now, he has been a spiritual guide for all of us. Known for his generosity, compassion, and clear thinking, he achieved professional success early in his career. Although we were both students in philosophy classes, I regard him as my lucky charm. During my master’s exams in English, my roll number was associated with his.
I often tell my peers that my success in the exam was due to his grace and holiness, as he was with me even after the exam. In our group, he is known as the wanderer, sharing wisdom on how to soar through the air and climb mountains.
During master’s classes at the “University of Apollo,” he is famous for his humorous talks. We often tease him as ‘Neighbour,’ and he humorously irritates Shera with the story of ‘Tea and Take.’ Oh, his humor, satire, and ability to bring laughter are truly amazing. Once, ‘Shah Ji’ performed the role of Oedipus, and his performance was exemplary. His managerial skills were exemplary. He managed everything beautifully and artistically. His thoughts and actions were of a class apart. A great teacher and a son of a teacher, he shares his thoughts in the remote area of the city of lions.
These remarkable qualities were nurtured by a renowned gardener who can grow and sustain plants even in the harshest desert. All credit goes to his tireless efforts. His unique vision is flawless, and we deeply admire his approach. He cannot be encapsulated in words; indeed, he is a one-man army. As Keats articulates, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” He is truly a class apart. History will not see another like him. He is timeless, and for a long time, he will be celebrated around the globe. “May he live and be loved forever”. From 2009 to 2024, life has been full of twists and turns. This is just the prologue. I will continue with the twists and turns in the next part.
The writer is a full-time lecturer in the Department of (Languages) English Language and Literature at the University of Chenab, Gujrat, and is currently working on the third edition of his Literary Magazine “The Wordsmith E-Magazine”.
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