THIS IS MY STORY—28
MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE ERA OF AYUB KHAN TO THE TIMES OF IMRAN KHAN.
GHULAM AKBAR
From Literature to Life
My last months in the University of Sindh were filled with impatience, anxiety and a fierce desire to go through the formality of passing the final examination as early and as quickly as I could.
I had a mixed relationship with my teachers. I have already written about Mrs Khamisani. When I had joined the Department of English she had been its Head. Subsequently Professor Jameel Wasti had taken over as the Head. Then there was Miss Khalida Farooqui who had joined the University as Lecturer the same year I had been admitted.
I remember her often requesting me: “It will be a great favour Mr Akbar if you can skip my class. You ask very difficult questions; and I have to consult new books every day to find answers.”
She even once complained to Professor Wasti about my lack of readiness to be taught quietly.
Professor Wasti summoned me to his office and asked me not to test the abilities of my teachers.
“Miss Farooqui was not serious about her complaint but Professor Jalil is very angry at your behaviour, “Wasti Sahib said.
Professor Jalil was a bearded man of about fifty, and during his lecture used to remain glued to the girls in the class so dutifully that we the boys used to feel left out.
I once got up from the back benches and addressed him. “When you are not looking at us sir, we feel your voice too isn’t reaching our ears. We too are here to learn.”
This innocent plea of mine drew instant laughter not just from the boys but also the girls.
The furious look that Professor Jalil had given me is still printed on my mind.
“Why is Professor Jalil so annoyed with you?” Wasti Sahib asked me.
I reluctantly narrated the incident. Professor Wasti too gave a hearty laugh, but then said in a serious tone of voice.
“You have got yourself in trouble Akbar. He is going to be one of your examiners and he is not the forgiving type.”
“But sir what can he at the best do?” I said. “Be harsh in giving marks to me? I am prepared for it. But if I fail in his paper I will raise hell.”
“I will advise you to be a good boy which of course you are. “Professor Wasti gave me an affectionate look. “I know you are not serious about your studies. Why?”
There was a pause before I said: “Sir I seriously believe I had enough of these studies. Meaning no insult to this University I want to tell you sir, my goal is not to get a degree. I will not need any degree in my life. I will build my career on the basis of what I have within me rather than the degree I will get.”
Wasti Sahib looked at me intently; then smiled and said: “My best wishes and prayers will always be with you my boy….”.
