Untimely Death of Manzoor Shah, a Passionate Teacher

A guiding light has gone out, leaving us in sorrow. Our beloved teacher, Manzoor Ahmad Shah of Manigam Ganderbal who was currently posted at BMS Dardpora Anderwan, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, wisdom, and love.

With a heart of gold and a mind of wonder, Manzoor Sahib inspired generations of students to reach for their dreams. His passion for teaching was contagious, igniting a love of learning in all who were fortunate enough to be his students. More than just a teacher, Manzoor Sahib was a mentor, a friend, and a shining example of dedication and compassion. His impact on our lives cannot be measured, but it will be felt for years to come. As we say goodbye to this extraordinary individual, we take comfort in the memories we shared with him. We remember his kindness, their patience, and his unwavering commitment to helping us grow. Rest in peace, dear colleague, your lessons will live on in our hearts forever. Amidst the cool breez morning of Tuesday, when I scrolled up the screen of my smart phone, I was stunned to go through the dozens of messages from my colleagues informing about the sudden death of Manzoor Shah, one of the dedicated and humble teacher of our zone. Honestly speaking, I was left in a state of deep shock and melancholy. Only few minutes later the heartbreaking news of his passing away was confirmed through an announcement made through public address system of the main Jamia Masjid of Manigam. When I left my rented residence to attend my duties at Anderwan, an army of teachers was seen coming back from their postings after marking digital attendance to attend the funeral and last rites of their beloved colleague. When the dead body reached the lawns of main Jamia Masjid, thousands of well wishers and loved ones of diseased had already gathered there to offer their final tribute to him. Through social media platforms both ZEO Kangan Sheikh Riyaz and CEO Ganderbal S K Sharma paid their rich tributes to the departing soul. GM War the chief preacher of the Jamia threw light on the teachings of Quran and highlighted the qualities and virtues Manzoor Sahab possessed before leading the funeral prayers. Amidst the moist eyes and ailing hearts, his body was taken to be laid to final rest near the Masjid Ibrahim which to close to his residence. The whole day saw a state of mourning amongst both teaching fraternity as well as students whom Manzoor sahib had taught during his service career. The grief was so heavy that most of the students preferred to sit idle in classrooms and recall the memories of their beloved teacher. Manzoor sahib was heading the institution for many years and under his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to uplift the academic standard of the school, Govt BMS Dardpora Anderwan has achieved many milestones during the past few years and is still showing an excellent performance both in academics as well as in Co-Curricular category. It was through his noble efforts and untiring hardwork that a student of his school bagged the top rank at divisional level National Anthem Singing Competition which helped the student of the school to receive the appreciate and award at prestigious Bakshi Stadium through the august hands of his excellency the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Manzoor sahib’s performance was widely hailed at zonal and district levels as the students of his school are displaying highest degree of discipline and perform well in each category of competition at zonal and district levels. His staff membership are all praise for Manzoor sahib due to his dedication and tireless efforts to make the school an inspiring example at zonal level. Manzoor sahab, wearing mostly a white shirt and a black formal pant alongside lustrous beard on his cheeks would not only display his balmy, soft and gentle nature but through his character and noble deeds also, everyone who happened to encounter him during daily businesses would unequivocally affirm his placid and merciful character. His art of teaching, attitude towards his students irrespective of the class and creed and his pleasing demeanor with his staff members can have a lasting impact both on the minds and hearts of his students and colleagues. Whenever the school would plan for a picnic or all the schools of the belt intended for an outing, Manzoor sahab would always remain at forefront to manage the affairs smoothly and make the trip successful. Besides this, the integrity and honesty of Manzoor sahab is a living example which will continue to inspire and impress his colleagues. He was not just a mentor and guide in academic affairs, but his down to earth nature and God fearing character has always made him special amongst his colleagues. His religious bent is evident from the fact that two of his sons have completely memorized the glorious Quran from esteemed Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Bilalia of Srinagar recently. Apart from this he would offer regular five times obligatory prayers and observe fasting during Ramadan. Though the death of Manzoor sahab has left us anguished and deeply distressed, we will cherish the sweet memories of the time we spent together. Manzoor Sahib, may Almighty Allah grant you highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen.