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| Dr. Aftab A. Maroof |
Dr. Aftab A. Maroof is not just my teacher and my mentor. He has been so to undoubtedly thousands of young and not so young (like me) who frequented the corridors of National University, FAST, Islamabad campus. He has been associated with this institute for approximately fifteen years now and still is. He has also been director of this campus for past ten years. And today, this is the point of this blog. Some such news are circulating that Dr. Waseem Ikram (another most distinguished and very kind of my teachers) has replaced him as director FAST, Islamabad campus. If it is true, it is the most fitting conclusion of a very traumatic week for me when I am greatly missing the company of a few of my friends and a few of my most respected teachers. It seems odd to listen from someone as old (and supposedly mature) a person as myself but the fact is that for me, it is difficult to visualize FAST, Islamabad campus without thinking of Dr. Aftab sitting in director's office. Just the thought of his presence in that prestigious seat filled our hearts with comfort. Respected Dr. was the sole force behind fulfilling the dream of FAST Islamabad campus. He literally built it with his affection, love and toil. Dr. Aftab oversaw the conceptualization, formation and maturity of a very successful PhD program at FAST. He truly was among the three architects of PhD program (the other two being my most respected sir Dr. Rauf Baig and sir Dr. Anwar M. Mirza). So many battles have been won under his guidance, so much wisdom has been learnt through his words. So much respect has been earned because of his teachings.
Dr. Aftab will always be my role model. And role model of many others like me. His humbleness, his humility, his grace, his wisdom and his straightforwardness...wishing all the very best to new director FAST, our most respectable Dr. Waseem Ikram and bidding a very sad farewell to Dr. Aftab as director (thanks god he will be with us in Islamabad...).
Lastly to sir Dr. Aftab...I hope now we shall have ample time to sit together and discuss so many things under the sun about which, we, your students are curious and about which, only you have answers...I still regret my chance of traveling with you when you went on that famous trip to India. May you live long and happy amongst us Dr. Aftab...
No doubt, Dr. Aftab Ahmad Mahroof is our role model. With wisdom and vision, he successfully made the strong foundation of NUCES. Every Institution need director like Dr. Aftab Ahmad Mahroof. May you live long and GOD bless you.
ReplyDeletePlato used to say: “I thank God that I was born Greek & not Barbarian, free man & not slave, but above all, I was born in the age of Socrates”. I wish to say that I thank Allah that I served FAST when Dr. Aftab was its Director and Dr. Waseem Ikram and Dr. Anwar M Mirza as his able associates. The troika have been true embodiment of the term educationists, intellectuals, scientists, teachers, mentors, philosophers, friends, elders, brothers to colleagues, and parents to students. I always took pride in my ability to write--my pen and my keyboard--however, have surrendered out of humility, at a wrong moment--at a moment that I wished to express my profoundest personal and professional gratitude to the three giants. My best wishes with Dr. Aftab, FAST, Dr. Waseem, and all other friends.
ReplyDeleteHe truly is one of the major reasons behind FAST ISB's strong foundations and success. I would like to add here that he is a lot of times misunderstood by his students (specially the later batches) but the ones that have been close to him would definitely second my opinion that he is a very kind hearted soul. People like Dr. Aftab are a rarity these days and i feel blessed to be more than just a student to him. I wish you all the best Sir, may you live a long happy life..
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