Gratitude to My Mentor

Today, I stand before you with immense gratitude and deep respect for my mentor, guru, and teacher, Mr. Nurul Ain Usmani. He was more than a teacher—he was a living library, filled with wisdom, knowledge, and a passion that touched every student he mentored.?

I had the immense privilege of spending five years of my childhood in Azamgarh, UP, living in his home, and benefitting from his remarkable qualities 24/7. During that time, he profoundly shaped my thinking and outlook on life in ways that still resonate with me today.

Mr. Usmani possessed remarkable qualities that made him stand out as an extraordinary educator.??

Firstly, he was a visionary. He didn’t just teach for the present; he always saw beyond, inspiring us to look at the bigger picture and prepare for the future. He knew that education wasn’t just about memorizing facts but about preparing us to be leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. He envisioned greatness for all of us.??

Secondly, Mr. Usmani was kind. His kindness extended beyond the classroom. He always took time to listen, to guide, and to ensure that each one of us felt valued. Whether it was a word of encouragement or a helping hand, his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Third, he was active. His energy was contagious! He never sat still, always engaging us with riddles, activities, field trips, and community outreach programs. His dynamism made learning fun and exciting, and we could never predict what challenge or adventure awaited us each day.

???One of his greatest strengths was his dedication to experiential teaching. He firmly believed in learning by doing. Instead of just reading about concepts, he made sure we experienced them firsthand. Whether it was taking us on field trips to explore the world outside the classroom or getting us involved in hands-on projects, he showed us that learning happens through real-world experiences.

And lastly, his passion for learning by doing was unparalleled. He never believed in passive learning; he made sure we engaged deeply with every concept, whether through challenging questions, interactive tests, or thought-provoking discussions. We weren’t just students—we were active participants in our education.???

Mr. Usmani had a unique way of keeping our minds constantly active and sharp. He would ask questions endlessly, not to test us, but to ignite the flame of curiosity within each one of us. His riddles weren’t just challenges; they were opportunities to stretch our thinking and look beyond the obvious.

One of my most cherished memories is how my mornings would begin—not with an ordinary alarm, but with the sound of his voice reciting the inspirational verses of Allama Iqbal. His love for Iqbal’s poetry was a constant reminder to push ourselves to new heights. He would often quote:

"?hudī ko kar buland itnā ki har taqdīr se pahle ??

?hudā bande se ?hud pūchhe batā terī razā kyā hai"

(Raise your selfhood so high that before every decree,

God Himself will ask you, ‘What is it that you desire?’)

This powerful verse taught me the importance of self-belief and striving for greatness. He wanted us to know that our destiny was in our hands, and with enough determination, we could achieve anything.

He would also inspire us with Iqbal’s verses on patience and waiting for success, saying:

"maanā ki terī diid ke qābil nahī? huu? mai? ??

tū merā shauq dekh mirā intizār dekh"

(I accept that I may not be worthy of Your sight,

But look at my passion, look at my patience in waiting.)???

This was a constant reminder that perseverance, no matter how long the journey, will always lead us to our goals.

And who can forget these inspiring lines:

"sitāro? se aage jahā? aur bhī hai? ???

abhī ishq ke imtihā? aur bhī hai?"??

(Beyond the stars, there are more worlds to explore,

And love still has more trials to endure.)

It reminded us that life’s possibilities are limitless, and no matter what we achieve, there is always more to strive for. Mr. Usmani encouraged us to spread our wings, reminding us of our potential with:

"tū shāhī? hai parvāz hai kaam terā ???

tire sāmne āsmā? aur bhī hai?"

(You are a falcon, and flight is your destiny,

There are skies beyond this one, waiting for you.)??

Mr. Usmani’s lessons went far beyond the classroom. He made us believe that we could achieve the impossible if we dared to dream. His wisdom, kindness, and visionary teaching shaped my career, and I am forever grateful for his guidance. He didn’t just teach; he shaped lives.??

Mr. Usmani, thank you for showing us the power of knowledge, perseverance, and self-belief. You’ve inspired me to fly higher, and I will carry your teachings with me always.

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Today he is no more with us. But on this International Teachers day, I owe my success to this visionary soul!

May Almighty grant him the highest place in Jannah!

Thank you!

Dr. Haleema Sadia

https://www.edufam.ae/

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/drhaleemasadiacoach/

[email protected]

+971507509125