As the sun sets on this chapter of our lives, it is with both gratitude and a tinge of sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable teacher, Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Parray (Dr Tauseef Sir). With his vast knowledge, unwavering dedication and compassionate approach, he has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, including mine.
Since 2016, Dr. Tauseef sir has been working as an assistant professor of Islamic Studies in the Higher education department (J&K). Hailing from South Kashmir’s Tral (Pulwama), he joined Govt. Degree College, Sogam (Lolab), Kupwara in February 2021. He holds a PG and PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Kashmir and Aligarh Muslim University, respectively. He is the author of eight books on the Islamic intellectual tradition, Islam and modernity, and Quranic scholarship. Recently, he published “Islam and Democracy in the 21st Century” with the prestigious Oxford University Press, a feat rarely achieved by a college professor.
I aim to express my deepest gratitude and bid adieu to Dr. Tauseef, an extraordinary individual who has played a pivotal role in my life. He is not only my best teacher and mentor, but also an incredibly gifted writer. Through his guidance, wisdom and literary prowess, he has left an indelible mark on my journey of growth and learning. Though our journey with him was relatively short (of just two semesters); however, the profound influence he has had on us cannot be measured by time alone.
It is often said that it’s not the quantity of time spent with someone; the quality of that time truly matters. This sentiment rings true for those of us who had the privilege of being Dr Tauseef sir’s students for just two years. In a seemingly short span, we were exposed to a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and inspiration.
His teaching style was not just about imparting information; it was about fostering growth, nurturing curiosity and encouraging us to think critically. Through thought-provoking discussions, engaging lectures and challenging assignments, he pushed us to expand our intellectual boundaries and reach new heights of understanding. The impact of his mentorship extended far beyond the classroom, shaping our character and instilling in us a sense of purpose and determination. His unwavering belief in the potential of each individual has empowered countless students to achieve their dreams.
As we bid farewell to Dr.Tauseef sir, we carry with us not only the knowledge he imparted, but also the values he embodied. His humility, empathy and dedication to his craft have left an indelible impression on our lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been his students, even if for a brief period, as the lessons we learnt from him will continue to guide us in our future endeavors.
In the grand tapestry of our educational journey, the two semesters spent under his able guidance will forever hold a special place. The lessons and guidance he provided will stay with us for a lifetime. It’s incredible how someone can make such a profound impact in just a couple of years. We are forever grateful for the knowledge, wisdom and inspiration he shared with us. Dr Tauseef Sir’s influence will continue to shape our lives as we move forward. “Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever” holds true for him.
We wish all the best in his personal and professional life and hope you will keep contributing and grooming students at your new place of posting (GDC Ganderbal).
Aamina Qadir Bhat is BA 3rd Semester Student at Govt Degree College Sogam (Lolab). Feedback at aaamina672@gmail.com
The views expressed in the piece are the writer’s personal opinions. Global Kashmir News does not endorse any individual’s personal viewpoint.