By Dr Tauseef Ahmad Parray
“Goodbyes make you think. They make you realize what you’ve had, what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted” (Ritu Ghatourey)
IN the Higher Education Institutions (like Colleges), November and December are the months when we bid farewell to the outgoing batch students. Govt. Degree College Sogam (Lolab), located in the remote but beautiful valley of Lolab of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district (where this writer is presently posted), also bid farewell to its batch-2019 students. The function was organized on 23rd November 2022 and I had the opportunity to deliver a brief speech in this function. Keeping in view the message and spirit of this speech, I hereby present the same in a slightly revised manner as a message from a teacher/mentor for his students/ mentored. It is a message, I believe, every teacher wishes to convey to his students on this occasion.
Dear outgoing students of batch 2019! ‘Farewell Function’ is an “emotional day”; it is the day of cherishing memories, spending last moments with teachers and colleagues with whom you’ve spent your good and bad moments. Someone has rightly said: “The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last”.
Despite some hard and tough tasks, sadness, and grief that you (may have) encountered in the course of your studies in this college, at the end of it all, you completed this part of the journey with great achievements and beautiful memories. So say to Negativity and yes to Positivity; for positivity is what actually matters. Someone has rightly said: “Don’t focus on negative things; focus on the positive, and you will flourish”.
It’s human nature that we remember and recall “bad memories/ tragedies” than we adore, rejoice and relish good moments and incidents. Remember that being tough (hard or harsh) with you at times doesn’t mean that a teacher hates or abhors you (or has any kind of animosity or rancor with you), but its sole purpose is to correct and mend you; to prepare you for a greater challenge ahead; and to foster and nurture you to build a strong foundation for your next level. That is, morality, manners, discipline and decency are the values/ qualities that are very important—as an individual and as a student as well: “It is not enough to be nice; you have to be good. We are attracted to nice people; but only on the assumption that their niceness is a sign of goodness”.
Under the able and dynamic leadership and supervision of the worthy principals—Professor Muhammad Shafi Lone (presently posted as GDC Kupwara) and Professor Dr Shamim Ahmad Dar (the incumbent Principal of GDC Sogam)—and under the guidance and mentorship of active, effective and efficient faculty (be it the permanent faculty or the teachers on academic arrangement) and other staff members, you’ve accomplished this exciting and impressive milestone in your life with great honor, and integrity, decency and diligence. Therefore, I feel privileged to say, we are proud of your many achievements over these years: on your various accomplishments in different kinds of events/ activities/ areas (curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities)—be it in the debates or essay competitions, speaking or participating in seminars, quiz or painting competitions, sports or cultural activities/ events. You’ve showcased your talent and skill; performed well as per your potential and propensity, interest and inclination.
Dear Students! I (personally) feel privileged to acknowledge accomplishments of some of you as “Budding Writers”, which I consider both remarkable and extraordinary. I personally feel delighted that I’ve not only guided and mentored you and refined your writing skills, but have collaborated with you as co-author (Therefore, it is fair to mention some of these ‘budding writers’, of batches 2019 to 2021, by name: Mr Danish Bashir, Mr Fayaz Ahmad (Faiz), Mr Peer Jafar Akbar, Ms Rehana Imtiyaz Wani, Ms Shabeena Bashir, Ms Kulsuma Bano and Shazia Rashid among the outgoing batch and Ms Adfar Farooq, Mr Shahid Shafi Shah and Mr Saqib Sarwar Mir from 3rd and 4th semesters).
Your contribution and achievements, in different capacities and areas, are indeed acknowledged and appreciated. Without mentioning any one by name (here), it will be unfair and sheer injustice if we do not acknowledge and appreciate the uncommon zeal, passion and eagerness you’ve demonstrated towards your studies; in your relationship and rapport with the teachers; in participating, managing and handling events and programs; in participating and cooperating in awareness rallies, NSS activities and outreach programs; in participating and representing college outside college programs and events (and bagging positions) and much more.
To summarize all this, I would like to mention that collectively you’ve left behind a very good legacy for your juniors. As you will be leaving this institution (which is no less than a DanishGah-e-Ilm-Adab-wa-Hunnar: Centre of Knowledge, Disciple and Skills), expect that some challenges await you, which of course (I strongly believe that) you’ll surely overcome. It’s not just any exaggeration and over-praise, but I am saying all this by taking into consideration both your antecedents and the manner you’ve conducted yourselves during your stay in this college and the skills and knowledge, integrity and decency, that the teachers here have imparted in you.
At this point, I want to implore and appeal to you all that you should always see yourself as “good ambassadors” of this college and never allow “selfish interest” to blemish, harm or deface the integrity, uprightness, decency and decorum you’ve developed, nurtured and cultivated over the years in this “garden of knowledge”.
Here is my advice (as Teacher/ Mentor) to you all: Think big; be optimistic; be creative; explore & express whatever potential, propensity and skills you possess; work hard (with dedication and seriousness); face challenges; move on and never look back. Someone has rightly said: “Dear Past, thanks for all the lessons. Dear Future, I’m ready now”.
While I bid you farewell, I wish you the best of luck in your days ahead. I believe each one of you is precious (a star/ a treasure/ a gem in itself) and will take the studying and learning gathered here to a higher level of success. I would like to bid adieu to you all with these two (2) Urdu couplets:
Khoobiyan Itni To Nahin Hum Main ke Tumhe Yaad Aayenge
Par Itna to Aitbaar Hai Hammey Khud Par Aap Hameey Kabhi Bhool Nahin Payenge
Aankh se Duur Sahi, Dil Se Kahan Jayega
Jaaney Waale Tu Hammey Yaad Bohat Aayega
My Dear Students: May Almighty Allah bless you all! I wish you all the very Best! Remember that I am always available for you—to guide and mentor you, to counsel and advise you, and to help you improve and refine your writing skills.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer.
- The author is Assistant Professor, Islamic Studies (and has been Convener, Debates & Seminar Committee and Editor-in-Chief of the ‘LOLOV’—Annual College Magazine during 2021-22) at Govt. Degree College Sogam (Lolab), Kupwara. Feedback at [email protected]. Views personal.
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