By Michelle Fatima
In the holy month of Ramadan, the entire community comes together for acts of service. The lessons derived are symbolic of the importance of compassion, empathy, selflessness and devotion to the betterment of the people. It is in these virtues that the life of Late Mirza Shaukat Ali is truly reflected. His unmatched contributions to education became a form of service not only for individuals, but also as an example for the entire nation itself.
Born on June 9, 1927 in Mansehra, the beginning of Mirza Shaukat Ali’s journey from modest circumstances later manifested itself as a prominent presence in the education sector, driven by his aspirations that were anything but ordinary. His early education from Jhelum, and then moving to Gujrat, all contributed towards him developing a holistic perspective of the realities of this world, and how vital it was to uplift those around him. He graduated with distinction from the Zamindar College in 1947-48, at a time when heightened sentiments raged across South Asia. His excellence was never subdued still, as he stood out due to his academic accomplishments and active participation in extracurricular activities. Therefore, from his student life, he earned an exemplary reputation among his peers and teachers alike.
Mirza Shaukat Ali’s professional career and youth coincided with one of the most significant political developments in recent history, the partition of the subcontinent. As a passionate supporter of the Pakistan Movement, he played a significant role in mobilizing support. So much so, that his dedication earned him the honor of an interaction with the Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during his visit to Gujrat. The meaningful encounter left a lasting impression on Mirza Shaukat Ali, as he was entrusted with a mission that would not only shape the course of his life, but of the entire region. The mission was to spread education across Gujrat, where the literacy rate was alarmingly low.
As life is to all, it was to Mirza Shaukat Ali, oscillating between moments of glee where his abilities shone through, but also bringing with it financial hardships. As a result, despite graduating with a distinction, he was compelled to initially accept a government position as a Rehabilitation Officer. However, his true calling was elsewhere, which is why he left his government post and joined Public High School No. 1 in Gujrat as a teacher in the early 1950s.
From that moment on, education and Mirza Shaukat Ali’s name became synonymous. Determined to improve himself as a teacher, he went on to acquire further qualifications including MA, BT and BOL degrees, all while continuing to teach. His dedication and discipline were soon recognized, and he was promoted to the position of Second Master. However, what truly distinguished Mirza Shaukat Ali was not his titles alone, but the tireless commitment to his students, not only as a teacher but as a father figure. Tales of him travelling long distances on his bicycle to nearby villages and encouraging families to send their children to school, still echo in the streets of Gujrat. His belief that education was not a privilege for the few, but a right of all, especially those hailing from underprivileged backgrounds carries with it the very essence of humanity that we direly need today.
As should be the legacy of a great educator, the performance of Mirza Shaukat Ali’s students reflected the hard work of their patron. Those under his guidance achieved outstanding academic results, and many scored top positions during their board exams. His command over the English language was particularly admired, as it helped students gain confidence and overcome the inhibitions that come with learning a foreign language.
Mirza Shaukat Ali’s efforts were not contained within the four walls of the classroom alone, they extended to all those aspiring to learn, as he authored English grammar books with the aim of imparting quality knowledge at an accessible and affordable range. In doing so, not only did the child going to the school daily learn the art of connecting the dots in English, but so did the young boy working at a garage or a girl staying at home.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Mirza Shaukat Ali no longer was an educator alone, but had become an institution in himself. His work not only uplifted the lives of people, but led to the intellectual growth of an entire region. The people of Gujrat reciprocated his unmatched determination, by bestowing upon him the title of “Sir Syed of Gujrat”, which acts as a testimony of the larger-than-life figure he has become.
His legacy reminds us that true service is rooted not in personal gain, but the lasting impact one leaves behind, all the smiles one is responsible for, and the prayers one receives long after leaving this temporary world. Like the spirit of Ramadan teaches us that the greatest charity is one which empowers others, Mirza Shaukat Ali’s life is the embodiment of exactly that, giving the gift of knowledge to people, resultantly equipping generations to come with the power of shaping their own future.