A day to remember... 5 very lives lost... Four students, One very extraordinary Principal, lost their last breaths to the mighty waters.
I was at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, when Haneef rang me on my cell and told me of this very unfortunate incident. "Its not clear how many died, no exact figures no official statements were issued by any authorities" he told me ...
With no internet, no IDD facility nor STD facility in the "International" Airport. I depended on the different people I spoke on phone. Haneef, Zambe and Azan kept me informed with the updates while Babaa (in tears) and Ahlam Miss confirmed me other details. I was terrified to hear of the death of Ali Nazim and the four students. It was one very sorrowful news I had to digest.
I knew Nazim Sir as the Principal and Group Scout Leader of Hiriya School. He was a kindhearted gentleman who always met me with a warm smile. During the brief encounters we had, he would always ask me how I was doing and how my studies were going on. He would speak very politely, with respect in his tone, to who ever he addressed. I have never seen him say anything loud or seen him rage at anyone.
Last I saw him was in August, while I was on vacation. On road late night while I was heading home with Azan ... he comes up on the side on his Motorbike very calm and informal, actually it was the very first time I saw him not in a formal wear and in shorts, says hi in his very cheerful tone. There he was with his warm welcoming smile greeting me and Azan. (I remember this last meeting with him all too well because he was taking home some Coconuts.)
A simple man, young and wise. Spent his last minutes trying to save his students from the water. Died trying to keep up his responsibility as a Principal. Drowned a savior for those he saved. Showed courage and bravery till his last minutes. Died trying and as a martyr who will be remembered. May Allah almighty rest his soul in peace.
May Allay almighty rest the souls of the four students who left us all in this very tragic incident; Nash'ath Saeed, Mariyam Naaz, Aishath Shaniha and Mariyam Shaiha; in peace and may Allah bless them in the hereafter.
“Prophet Mohamed said one who dies of plague; one who dies of diarrhoea; one who is drowned; one who is buried under debris and one who dies fighting in the way of God is a martyr,”
NAZIM SIR had a blog on Wordpress : Ali Nazim's Blog
And also was on Facebok : Ali Nazim