Bengaluru, KARNATAKA / Washington, U.S. A / MAHARASHTRA :

One serene morning, Ex-Member of Parliament Mr. Hussain Dalwai’s call broke the tranquility of my routine. His voice, firm yet inviting, conveyed an unexpected assignment, “You have to organize a program for Dr. Abu Saleh Shariff, the Member Secretary to the Sachar Committee.”

This revelation marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, as it was the first occasion I would meet Dr. Shariff and immerse myself in his profound insights on equal opportunities in education.

The program unfolded smoothly, and I was engrossed in Dr. Shariff’s enlightening discourse. As the event concluded, Mr. Dalwai approached me with a proposition that sparked a surge of excitement within me. “You’re accompanying Dr. Shariff on his tour to Aurangabad,” he stated. My response was nothing short of an enthusiastic ‘yes’, buoyed by the thrilling prospect of learning from such a distinguished individual.

With anticipation brimming in my heart, I approached Dr. Shariff. “I am the one who will be joining you on your journey to Aurangabad,” I announced. He gazed at me with a knowing look and responded, “You’re unaware of my daily routines and what traveling with me entails.” His words hinted at the unfolding of an enlightening adventure, one that promised to be as challenging as it was rewarding.

Unfamiliar with Dr. Shariff’s research approach and his perspectives on nature’s mysteries, my mind p quest to understand his methodology in social research and his knack for connecting with influential figures, including politicians from various ideologies. Despite his close interactions with political leaders, he remained apolitical, a neutral observer committed to his research.

I was intrigued by his ability to navigate the complex landscape of national research. How did he formulate the right questions, and what guided his decisions on what to include or exclude in his report? In a nation as diverse and vast as ours, these choices were crucial in shaping a comprehensive understanding of our society. This journey with Dr. Shariff promised to offer insights into these intricate processes.

As our train journey began, Dr. Shariff started talking about his trip to Bryce Canyon, a breathtaking place in the US. He didn’t just tell me about it; he encouraged me to look it up and learn more. This was his way of getting me to think and explore.

When we talked about my studies, every time I tried to explain something, he would interrupt with a friendly joke and a big smile, saying, “I am not such a foolish.” He was playful, but there was a lesson there. He was showing me how to think deeply and understand things better.
He even made a joke about how long I would be traveling with him. When I said maybe three days or more, he just smiled and said, “Oh, it depends on how much I benefit you.” He was being funny, but he was also teaching me to look for the value in things and think ahead.

Throughout our time together, it was clear that Dr. Shariff thought differently. He wasn’t just talking; he was always teaching and helping me see things in new ways. His humor and smart way of thinking showed me how to look deeper into everything and always think a step ahead.
Dr. Shariff had a unique routine; he woke up early for long walks, not in the bustling streets of the city, but in its quieter outskirts. He preferred places rich in natural beauty or historical significance – old forts, hill tracks, or sites where nature met history. That day, he expressed a desire to visit Daulatabad Fort, but not through its main entrance. Instead, he sought a more adventurous path.

We hired a local driver, asking to be taken to the fort’s rear, intending to ascend through the natural trails. Observing my knee pain, I initially hesitated. Yet, seeing Dr. Shariff’s enthusiasm, I gathered my courage and agreed, “Yes, I am with you to climb the fort from the forest side.” In my mind, it was more than just a physical challenge; it was a metaphor for overcoming fears and obstacles in my social and political journey. With Dr. Shariff leading the way, I was ready to face this challenge, hoping to learn from his resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s unexpected turns.
As I busied myself taking photos, Dr. Shariff observed my efforts and remarked, “You have much to learn about photography.” He then took it upon himself to teach me. Under his guidance, I learned about framing, contrast, and the context of a good photograph. It was an enlightening experience; he showed me how to capture not just images, but the essence and story behind them.

His lessons went beyond the technicalities of photography. He taught me to see the world through different lenses – metaphorically and literally. It was about capturing the broader context in our vision, understanding the nuances that lay beyond what meets the eye. He linked this to researching nature, whether it was geology, sociology, or the behavior of people.

With each snapshot, I learned to observe and think deeper, understanding that every picture held layers of meaning and stories waiting to be told. Dr. Shariff’s teachings were transforming the way I viewed the world, urging me to look beyond the obvious and delve into the deeper context of everything around me.

During our return from the fort, we realized we had lost our way. Confused, we tried to remember the path we took to reach the top. That’s when Dr. Sharif stepped in. He revealed that on our way up, he had discreetly marked certain reference points, something I hadn’t noticed.

As we retraced our steps, Dr. Sharif pointed out these markers – subtle hints and landmarks he had mentally noted earlier. His foresight was a lesson for me. He explained that, like in our journey, when conducting research or undertaking significant projects, it’s crucial to remember our path. He emphasized the importance of being aware of our starting point, understanding what we need to gather from our endeavor, and knowing how to return to the base with newfound knowledge.

This experience with Dr. Sharif taught me a valuable lesson about mindfulness and strategy, not just in adventures but in all aspects of life and work. It was about keeping track of our journey, both literally and metaphorically, to ensure we can always find our way back, enriched by our experiences.

Our next destination was the ancient Ajanta Caves. Dr. Shariff encouraged me to delve into its rich historical tapestry, comparing it with the history of the Petra temple. In these magnificent places, he shared a profound thought: he sought the divine in natural wonders and historical marvels, where the art of humans and the art of God intersect. It was here that his research found its true meaning.

This revelation was enlightening. I realized that research wasn’t just an academic skill; it was a habit, a constant pursuit, practiced day and night. This journey unveiled the real Abu Saleh to me – a man who didn’t just author the Sachar report but deeply studied socio-economic patterns and human behavior. His predictions of future events and strategies to combat potential crises were not mere coincidences. They were the results of his continuous struggle and practice, honed over years of dedicated research.

This understanding reshaped my perspective on research. It was no longer just a profession or a duty; it was a way of life, a lens through which to view and understand the world in its entirety.

As our journey reached its conclusion and we headed back to Mumbai, the experiences I had shared with Dr. Abu Saleh Shariff had forged not just a strong bond but also plans for future collaborations in writing and research.

Throughout this enlightening journey, I had been privy to a world beyond the public programs, exploring various minority groups with different mindsets and lifestyles. Each interaction, each conversation with Dr. Shariff, was a lesson in itself. His innate curiosity inspired me to delve deeper into every subject, his humor and wisdom a constant reminder to look beyond the obvious.

His approach to life and research, blending academic rigor with a deep understanding of human nature, reshaped my perspective. The lessons in critical thinking, strategic planning, and the importance of observation have been invaluable. They have taught me to appreciate the complexity of research and life, encouraging me to seek out the deeper meaning in every experience.

As we planned joint articles and research projects, I realized that my journey with Dr. Shariff was more than just a physical travel; it was a transformative intellectual and personal adventure. It was an exploration that extended beyond academic confines, enriching my understanding of the world and leaving me with insights that would guide my future endeavors in research and beyond.

I owe a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Hussain Dalwai, former Member of Parliament and my mentor, for orchestrating this enlightening journey with Dr. Abu Saleh Shariff. His invaluable guidance and mentorship have profoundly shaped my professional path and personal growth. Mr. Dalwai’s vision and support have been pivotal in this transformative experience, and for that, I am eternally grateful. His impact on my journey is deeply cherished and will always be remembered with immense respect.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Positive Story / by Dr Danish Lambe / January 07th, 2023