This letter is an image of my feelings, a symbol of gratitude for every second of acumen that you installed in me, and for everything that you did for me that today I have grown into a young and professional man. I still consider those days of my childhood, when I used to ask so many ridiculous questions, when I used to discuss the astonishing concepts of life. I still remember those little toys that you brought for me. I still remember those lowest moments of my life when you were and you are the only helping hands around, and yet let me be myself and own my life. As a kid I used to take these gestures of yours for granted, as if every child on this planet is gifted with such opportunities, as if that is how life unfolds between a father and his son. But later, as I grew little older, as I left your homely lap, as I started exploring beyond my gentle gaze, as I started facing the harsh realities of life that I realized how privileged I was and of course how fortunate I am, how gifted my family is to grow in, and how magnificent those opportunities were and are that I came across through you.
I still remember those days when you were keen to question and discuss almost anything with a kid and how this attitude has perfectly installed in me the spirit of inquisition and discourse. All my silly questions were given considerations and respect from you. You always appreciated my curios mind and you always took the utmost care to direct my inquiry in a positive route with the finest reflection. Your level of openness to new ideas has always encouraged me to understand the thin lines of life, to look beyond the thinness of different fields, thus making an attractive world for myself in which everything is in harmony.
During my growing years, I have always found you at my side. I remember that day when my matriculation results were announced and how proudly you shared it with your friends and colleagues that my son is among the top three in the school. I remember that how my intermediate results made your day and how proudly you announced that in your friend’s circle that my son has made to the honor list of Government degree college Chitral. In those gestures of nobility, you provided me the freedom to choose, and the opportunity to grow beyond myself.
At this point in time of completion of one major stage of your life, I salute you for your exemplary life of service, for your ideal teaching and guidance which the whole family would celebrate, in one or other way, for centuries to come. I congratulate you for living such a meaningful life and for being such an amazing teacher and for lighting up so many lives.
This letter is a little tribute to your services, and to acknowledge your services in laying the very foundations of the structures of this society. The coming generations will remember your services to the community, to the AKDN and to AKESP, Chitral more specifically.
[My father Mr. Izzat Wali Shah retired on 16th August 2018 as Principal AKS Parwak, Chitral. His services has produced finest of teachers, academicians, health practitioners, and lawyers. His urge to contribute to the society has led to his association and contribution to different aspects of the society spanning more than 30 years. During these thirty years he served this great organization on different capacities.]
Sincerely,
A proud son
Syed Shujaat Ali Shah
