He is probably the youngest Professor to shoulder the responsibility of heading a Women’s College in Srinagar, Kashmir. After trying his skills in the media line, he realized very early on in life that teaching was his calling. Prof Mohd. Ayub Gazi today heads Vishwa Bharati College for Women in Srinagar. It was after college hours that Prof Gazi could take some time out to talk to www.thecherrytree.in.
Excerpts from an interaction with Vineet Koul.
It is said that the early days of childhood decide the course of one’s life and career. What were your surroundings like as you were growing up?
Prof. Gazi: Yes, you are right in saying that. The atmosphere you grow up in is always a big influencer not just in shaping your thoughts, and your outlook, but your choice of career and your fundamental approach towards life. I basically hail from Shah Mohalla Nawab Bazar, Srinagar. My surrounding was, I can say, kind of academic in the sense that my father ran his own Urdu Weekly called “Naya Dour”. He was also the editor of “Naya Dour” which was very popular and had a respectable readership. This was one side of the coin or I can say, part of the influence over me. My mother who was a Government employee also had her set of influence over me. But being the youngest of three children, I did not get enough time that my two siblings got due to my parents’ work commitment to their respective professions. So, one can say that there was a mixed influence from my parents, but somewhat much less than my siblings. More so, I spent more time with my relatives as the concept of ‘creches’ was not there in those days. Such a situation in a way somewhat created a “Huckleberry Finn” phenomenon, always moving around and playing most of the time after school hours. When I look back, it brings some very fond memories.
How did you come out of this “Huckleberry Finn” phenomenon?
Prof. Gazi: I graduated from Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar, and then went on to the University of Kashmir. During this time, especially at college, the group of friends and the general atmosphere helped me get out of the cocoon. I used to be quite an introvert.
What was the highlight of your college days?
Prof. Gazi: The most unexpected thing that happened during my college days was that I got elected as the President of the Student’s Union. But, unlike any other Union, I took part in college affairs and tried my level best along with my other elected colleagues in ensuring the smooth functioning of the college by enabling a cordial relationship between students and teachers. I think that I was quite successful in this endeavour.
Today, you are heading to Vishwa Bharti Women’s College. Was teaching part of your career plan or did it just happen?
Prof. Gazi: I had nurtured the desire of becoming a teacher in my early years. With time, the intensity grew stronger as I was influenced greatly by the eminent educationist, Prof. D.N.Madan, who was at that time the Principal of Gandhi Memorial College. He used to teach us English Literature. After completing my studies at Kashmir University, I got a PG Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism from Sister Nivedita College, Kolkata. What followed was a contractual lecturer’s job at Gandhi Memorial College. From Gandhi College, I moved over to Bemin Degree College with a three-year contract. During this time, I got exposed to the best methods of teaching which, with a bit of hard work, set me rolling in the right direction. Prof. Z.A.Shadad guided me in every respect, for which I shall always remain indebted to him. After this, I was selected as a Lecturer at Vishwa Bharti Women’s College, which was for me a dream come true. I dedicated myself to the betterment of the students and the institution for which the management give me the responsibility for the coveted post of the Principal of the institution.
You have had some experience in the media field also. What all did you do in this area?
Prof. Gazi: I used to write for a local daily, “Aftab”, and also wrote for a program like “Tabsara” and a few humor and satire-based programs, but that was during my academic years. I also worked as a Sub-Editor for the reputed Urdu daily, “Quami Awaz” in Srinagar. But, I soon realized that I was best suited for a teaching job.