Remembering the often ignored Pakistanis at the start of this week, first with Agha Hassan Abedi and now with Major Geoffrey Langlands, we continue with offer efforts to bring hope in often hopeless scenarios being painted around us...
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| Mr. Geoffrey Langlands |
Geoffrey Langlands was a young man fond of studies but IInd world war threw him right in the middle of the action and he was posted in the part of India which now makes Pakistan in 1944. He fell in a sort of charm with this land and stayed back after war. Stayed back even when British left subcontinent at the time of independence/partition in 1947. Even when most of his countrymen were leaving for England or opting for better prospects in India, he decided to live amongst us.
And he stayed all through this time...he stayed like a loyal patriotic Pakistani imparting quality knowledge to young minds of Pakistani students at various schools of repute such as Aitchison College. He taught to several of Pakistani bright minds who were destined to write a few chapters in our national history down the road. Even after retirement from Aitchison College, he not only stayed but went to head a cadet college in Razmak, Waziristan. After that, he thought of a novel way to contribute towards Pakistan. He went to one of the most difficult areas of Pakistan, Chitral and opened a school of such high quality that became an envy of several established ones "Langlands School and College".
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| Langlands School |
His life has not been easy though. He was kidnapped by tribesmen, advised by one ruler to go back to England, lost his dear ones and suffered heart stroke. But he is staying put. At 93, he is still running his college. He is no doubt looking for a replacement so that he may lead a retired life but who can blame him at the age of 93. He has done much more than 3 people of his caliber might have done combined. But unless and until, he finds a suitable replacement, he is not giving up. A true embodiment to our great Quaid's words "work, work and work"
Soon his achievements will be celebrated with a reception at the British High Commission in Islamabad, including a presentation to mark his elevation to Companion of the Order of St Michael and St. George in the overseas honors list this year. None deserved it more than him.
We salute you sir Geoffrey Langlands for your continuous and devoted commitment to our nation and knowledge. We are a better nation because of you. We hope you find an appropriate replacement for yourself very soon though it is very difficult to find someone of matching commitment and devotion.Your retirement home in Aitchison College awaits you and we pray for your long life, beautiful memories and continuous achievements.
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