By: Dr. Sajad Hussain Deen
Life is not merely measured in milestones, but in memories—etched with people who walk alongside us. Among them, friends are the rare gems who turn ordinary moments into extraordinary chapters. This article is a heartfelt tribute to those companions whose presence has shaped my journey, enriched my soul, and added meaning to every step I’ve taken.
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The earliest question that haunted me as a child was, “What will I become in life?” But even before I found the answer, I discovered something far more valuable—friendship.
In the corridors of school life, Altaf was the first to step into my world, marking the beginning of a friendship that would shape my early years. A flamboyant personality, he was effortlessly sociable and charming—often surrounded by admirers. I, in contrast, was introverted and contemplative, admired for my quiet demeanor. While he confidently courted multiple groups, I was content staying in the background, introspecting and observing. Together, we explored places, especially his maternal home in Ganderbal, a place as breathtaking as his personality—lush, serene, and full of life.
My circle soon expanded to include Rahil Amin Baba, Yasir Saleem, and Mudassir Ahmad—a quartet of inquisitive, fun-loving, and academically driven boys. Yasir, tall and elegant, had a literary flair that set him apart. He often walked to school with his equally poised elder sister, both exuding grace and dignity. Mudassir—lovingly nicknamed “Chinese” due to his pug nose—was the heart of our group, known for his wit and gentle spirit.
Rahil, though short in stature, was unmatched in intellect. I still recall how he once wrote a love letter for a girl he admired—but fate had its own script, and the letter was mistakenly thought to be from me! Our lives revolved around books, mischief, and the sprawling school ground in Rajbagh, where eagles would descend in elegant dives to snatch bread from our hands during lunch breaks—a spectacle that lives vividly in my mind.
Syed Shahnawaz, an all-rounder in academics and sports, was another unforgettable character. His popularity was legendary. I remember being warned by my cousin, who studied in the same class, to avoid him—or risk being reported to my mother! His influence was magnetic, leading one of the most spirited student groups in school.
As school years waned, Mohammad Wasim Khan entered our world—tall, lively, and razor-sharp. His wit added new depth to our banter, and his presence enriched our youthful adventures.
Choosing engineering as a career introduced me to a new circle of companions. Nazish Farhan, Sajad Ahmad, and Tahir Qayoom became part of my extended family, though each belonged to a different discipline. Our batch was divided among civil, mechanical, and electronics engineering—with mechanical hosting the smallest tribe, but the most tightly-knit bond.
Those were days of discovery, discussions, and determination—days that molded our ambitions and matured our friendships.
During my M.Tech journey, I found a true partner in Ishtiyaz Ahmad Bhat. Steady, disciplined, and sincere—he made the challenging academic voyage smoother, and his unwavering support added strength to every pursuit.
In my Ph.D. years, Mohammad Jibran Khan and Ashiq Hussain Sofi became integral to my life. Intellectually profound, emotionally grounded, and remarkably genuine, they were comrades in both the rigors of research and the calm of reflection.
Stepping into the corporate world brought with it fresh connections—among the most meaningful was Rashid Saleem, a colleague and confidant during my time at Maruti Suzuki. Rashid was industrious, pragmatic, and full of life. In the demanding environment of the auto industry, he stood out as a beacon of camaraderie—transforming the workplace into a space of learning, laughter, and mutual growth.
Later, during my tenure at Toyota, I was privileged to form a deep bond with Sandy and Karan—two individuals who left an indelible mark on my life.
Sandy was an exceptional talent—renowned for his brilliance in court-style documentation and revered for his incredible typing speed. He was the fastest I had ever seen on a keyboard—his fingers flew with precision, capturing spoken words with machine-like accuracy. His professionalism was unmatched, and his humor made the workplace feel alive. Whether recording complex meetings or light-hearted banter, he did it all with flair.
Karan, in contrast, was composed, insightful, and wise beyond his years. A man of few words, yet every sentence he spoke carried weight. He provided perspective in chaos and calm in pressure—a grounding force in both life and work.
Together, Sandy and Karan transformed my Toyota experience into a season of excellence, balance, and trust.
Across each chapter of my life—from innocent school days to intense academic pursuits, from boardrooms to break rooms—my friends have been my silent strength. They have cheered me in moments of triumph, lifted me in times of doubt, and reflected back to me the person I’ve grown to be.
This tribute is not just a recounting of names—it is a celebration of human connection, of loyalty, and of brotherhood. Because at the end of the day, life is not defined by where we go, but by who walks with us on the journey.
sajad_08phd12@nitsri.ac.in
