I first met Major (retd) Geoffrey Douglas Langlands under a Chinar tree in Mountain Inn Chitral, 24 years ago where he was waiting for me. After a brief introduction, he told me that he had come to Chitral to head the Sayurj Public School, now Langlands School and College.In that conversation, he expressed his intention for his services for the education upliftment of the underdeveloped areas in Pakistan. I asked him about his family and he replied that all the students that he had taught are like his own children and are his family. He also shared his stories of mountaineering. He had undertaken trekking with his students and later showed the video recordingsof his travel. A request is to keep these videos safe.I was one of the founding member of the Sayurj Public School now Langlands School and college as well as the member of Board of Governors. The Deputy Commissioner Mr. JavedMajeed at the time who founded the school was looking for an extraordinary person who could set great examples. Major (retd) Geoffrey Douglas Langlands was indeed that person.Being a Britisher, he opted to stay in Pakistan and dedicated his life for educating the future generation of Pakistan. We are indebted to him for his services and today all his students are remembering him and his great services.
In short, I had a deep connection with Major Langlands. He was very honest, straightforward person. He did a lot for the development of the Langland School and College. He often used to come to my house for dinner as well as had come so many times with his students in my village house Pasum, Mastuj to see theShandur Festival. Once he came to my house with his twin brother. I was not able to identify Mr. GD. Langlands andafter great laughter he identified himself.We are also indebted to the authorities of Aitcheson School and College Lahore for taking good care of him during his last years of his life.We have lost our true friend. He lived a meaningful life. The people of Pakistan and particularly the people of Chitral lost their loyal friend. I pray that God Almighty may grant him eternal peace.
Sahib Nadir Khan
Advocate High Court from Chitral
