BY Mir Imaad Rafi
An individual in the public life is naturally inclined towards the people, devoting their entire being to the service and representation of public welfare. One such figure was Mir Ghulam Ahmad, my beloved grandfather. Affectionately known as Mir Sallar by the people of our native place, Sallar, the picturesque gateway to Pahalgam.
One of the distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly of J&K, he was a man who traversed through life’s many paths, possessing a wealth of experiences. He didn’t chase after conventional career prospects; instead, he had a passion for serving humanity. Well-educated and widely read, he believed that the noblest form of public service lay in the realm of politics.
My grandfather’s life serves as a testament to a bygone era when public service was defined by unyielding integrity and a sincere aspiration to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of the people. His path was defined by integrity and devotion to public service through political engagement. This stands in sharp contrast to the modern scenario, where democratic principles are frequently eclipsed and the allure of shortcuts to success diminishes the core values of accountability.
Mir Sallar was a man touched by fortune, inheriting the prosperity and the revered position of his father, who was a well-known Zaildar of his era – Zaildar e Sallar. These were the times of feudal dominance, filled with painful tales that seldom find their place in the documented history of Jammu and Kashmir. Anecdotal evidence speaks of an era marked by hardship for the people, characterized by stark class divisions perpetuated by the ruling class, leaving no stone unturned to widen the gap between the haves and have-nots.
During this turbulent period emerged a young, sharp, and intelligent man, the successor to his father, Mir Ghulam Mohiudin, the Zaildar of Sallar. He carried forward his father’s legacy of compassion, unwavering adherence to Islamic traditions, and a deep connection to Kashmiri culture. While his father had fought against the Begaari system under the Maharaja’s rule, the son waged a different kind of battle to address societal imbalances, harboring a vision of closing the gap.
He opened the doors of his heart to the people, vowing to bridge the divides that separated them. He embarked on a journey of extensive social work and outreach, particularly in his youth, focusing on establishing strong religious centers where knowledge was accessible to all. He had a pivotal role in developing the infrastructure at the historic shrine of Khiram Dargah Hazratbal in the Bijbehara area. Throughout the Sallar, Pahalgam, and Bijbehara regions, he worked tirelessly to uplift people economically.
He stood as a contemporary figure alongside prominent leaders like Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, Girdhari Lal Dogra, and D.P Dhar. His boldness, clarity of thought, and strong advocacy were evident in the legislative debates, where he ardently supported initiatives like the Land to Tiller Act and many other landmark legislations. He had the distinction of being one of the most vociferous Constitution framers. Smaller groups of Assembly members were constituted into Committees tasked with producing draft articles on specific themes. Moreover, he pioneered agricultural practices, transforming the region’s landscape by promoting scientific techniques, farmer unions, and agricultural progress.
In his presence, there was a unique aura, an air of wisdom and simplicity. He chose his words carefully, showing a preference for attentive listening. His sole luxury was his radio. This radio served as his lifeline to the outside world through the medium of news. The exercise of listening to the news was a precious and treasured time, providing him with a sense of connection and luxury in its own right.
According to an anecdote, one evening, he gathered a curious group of local children. As my grandfather tuned the crackling old radio to the evening news broadcast, he began translating the news, making every detail come alive for his young audience. The children huddled around him and listened with rapt attention as he explained the significance of each news item, emphasizing the power of knowledge and the doors it could open.
This simple act of gathering the children and sharing the world through the radio became a cherished tradition in our village. It was more than a mere translation of news; it was an initiation into the world of knowledge and the importance of education. He shared his dream of a brighter future, where education would illuminate every young mind, and opportunity would knock on every door, regardless of social standing.
Strength of character and resilience marked his life, even amidst the most heart-wrenching tragedies. The loss of his elder son, Mir Ghulam Nabi, a sub-judge, along with their entire family due to a tragic cloud burst in Pahalgam would have shattered anyone. But he was not an ordinary man. This tragedy undoubtedly shook him to his core, yet it failed to deter his unwavering commitment to serving his people. He bore the weight of grief and the responsibilities of public service with astonishing fortitude.
The core of his life’s ideals rested upon the profound principles of contemporary Islam. For him, these principles were not just a part of his belief system but the very essence of how he lived his life. He staunchly believed that practicing the fundamental concept of Huquq-ul Ibaad, which underscores the rights and responsibilities of one person towards another, was the irreplaceable foundation of the Islamic way of life.
To him, it was a guiding light in his journey. These ideals were sacred and non-negotiable. He understood that being a true believer in Islam extended far beyond the confines of rituals and theology; it encompassed the way one treated and respected fellow human beings.
Mir Sallar’s commitment to democratic principles and his unwavering dedication to serving the nation were the cornerstones of his illustrious career. Whether it was as a legislator or a leader driven by strong religious convictions, he consistently championed democratic values.
Tail Piece:
Mir Sallar’s life reflects that titles and positions do not define one’s true essence; it is the impact of one’s actions and the service rendered to people that truly matters. No task, no matter how small, is insignificant when it comes to contributing to the well-being of others.
Hayat le ke chalo kaainat le ke chalo
Chalo toh saare zamane ko saath le ke chalo