Shujaat Sir: Man of Principles
Saying adieu never seemed so bad “Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return". (Al-Quran)
Have I really lost my mentor, yet so uncertainty? But his blissful thoughts will always live in my mind. It was a usual evening of Ramadan, the unfortunate news broke out like wild fire regarding the assignation of Editor-in-Chief of Daily Rising Kashmir, Dr Shujaat Bukhari. Initially I couldn’t believe this and thought it to be a social media rumor. In no time I switched on TV and the same unfortunate news was flashing on all channels. Utterly shocked, I couldn’t reconcile with what had happened and sat silently.
Anyone who came in touch with Shujaat Sir had a great regard for this personality- a daredevil, bold, fighter and above all an uncompromising journalist who would uphold ‘facts’ at any cost. A man who valued reason, discussion and accommodation and take life as it came- without much regret or undue fervor, I wonder how exactly did he embrace death? Did he smile one last time!
People come and go and there are a few who leave indelible mark on the minds and hearts of others and Shujaat Sir was one among them and left deep impressions on my heart and mind. A die-hard fan of Journalism, upholding the true spirit of journalism in the most difficult times!
I could have never imagined in my wildest of dreams that I shall lose my mentor and the journalist fraternity shall lose a member par excellence. He truly was an angel, who was sent for very short period of time and who has left us with too early and too sudden. If there were a chance of meeting him now, we would ask him a zillion questions. We know it would seem silly to pose questions now but if spirits can listen, we must seek answers: Dear Shujaat Sir, why did you leave us so abruptly? We miss your embrace. I’m not telling you this to make you sad in the afterlife; I just want to tell you that death may end a life, not a relationship. I will love you forever.
I won’t cry now, because I know you are in a far more beautiful place, which has more love and compassion then this transitory world. Don’t worry about your folks, for time is a great healer. We shall meet on the day, which the Holy Quran talks about.
(Writer is pursuing Electrical Engineering at IUST Awantipora)
