Saeed Ur Rehman: a legendary teacher gone too soon

By Zulfiqar Ahmad
The students, colleagues, relatives and all those who knew him have been left devastated by the sudden and tragic death of our much-loved teacher Mr Saeed Ur Rehman – headmaster government middle school Washich.

The 52-year-old legendary teacher along with a five years old grandson (Wajid) died in a fatal accident on June 16 in Washich Torkhow on Saturday. The accident took place when he was  taking a turn at a hilly terrain on way back to his native village after exchanging Eid greetings with relatives at Zanglasht.

Mr Rehman left behind a widow, four sons and four daughters, scores of grandchildren, colleagues and thousands of students to mourn his sudden passing away.

His son Sajjad Ur Rehman, a PhD scholar at the Institute for Rare Earth Magnetic Materials and Devices (IREMMD), Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, China – who could not make it to the funeral – in a post on his Facebook page described the grandfather and the five-year grandson’s relations in following words.

“Baba se kbi dur ni hua. Allah b un ko aik dusre se juda ni kia. Aik sath apne pas bula lia [never separated from his grandfather even for a moment [and] Allah almighty also called them together]”.
We equally share your grief dear Sajjad! We just can’t believe the terrible news…it’s a great tragedy which has struck us all. It was a privilege to have been his student and his loss will be felt by all of us for a long time to come.

Mr Rehman started off his teaching career from the government high school Brep in 1991. He was a larger-than-life figure for all his students. As a teacher, he would always advise, encourage and remind his students of the incredibly high standards.
He would always want excellence, greatness, creativity, critical thinking and ingenuity in his students. He always wanted all his students to excel in any chosen endeavour whether science, medicine, literature, religion, etc.

This is just a tip of the iceberg to describe the commitment of the man who took teaching as a hobby and not simply a profession to make a living. He leaves an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of his ex-students.

He leaves behind a huge space in all of our lives with his absence especially his students all over the valley. He loved people and no matter where he went, he ran into someone he knew. The memories and stories will never end. He will be laughing and smiling along with all of us as long as we’re alive.

Mr Rehman – forever in my heart – you were one of the main reasons I got out of my shell. He has left quite a legacy: literally thousands of young lives impacted for the better by his warm, caring and encouraging personality (and his infamous witty remarks!).
The true meaning of a great teacher, without him I’m sure so many of us would have not succeeded in our professional lives. He was a real role model, a genuine well-rounded person altogether.

A truly gifted teacher even for a student who was not the most dedicated. He will be missed by every student who had the privilege of being in one of his classes. Farewell, sir! May your soul rest in eternal peace!