SRINAGAR: Today marks the end of an era as the Sonawari area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district mourns the loss of a true education luminary, Abdul Rahim Kaloo, the first headmaster of Lower High School, Ajas.
Kaloo Ebreathed his last at his residence last night in Naninara Sumbal. His indomitable spirit and pioneering approach to education have left an indelible mark on the community.
In the early 1960s (precisely in 1962-63), one of Kaloo’s colleagues said, when Lower High School in Ajas was upgraded to high school status, Kaloo, hailing from Sambal Sonawari, was appointed as its first headmaster. It was during his tenure that he showcased unparalleled dedication and commitment to the welfare of his students and the school.
The school initially faced challenges as it operated in an old rented house, prompting concerns about the safety of the students. Kaloo voiced these concerns during an inspection by officials, and, in response, they promised a new building if the school performed well in examinations. Undeterred by the circumstances, Kaloo took proactive measures, deciding to stay in Ajas – and not go home, purchasing lanterns for the school, and organising extra study periods for matric and middle classes.
His commitment reached its zenith when he initiated a unique and intensive teaching method. Recognising the potential of each student, Kaloo and a team of dedicated teachers, including the late Sanai Sahib and Ghulam Nabi Wani Hakeem Sahib, visited the homes of matriculation students every evening, meticulously checking their progress by the light of lanterns.
The fruits of this labour became evident in the 1962-63 academic session, with one student securing the third position in the entire university, five achieving first division, and the remaining five attaining upper second division. Notably, the student who secured the third position, Muhammad Yusuf Rather, later became a renowned Chief Engineer in Kashmir.
In recognition of the outstanding results, the government rewarded the school with a magnificent building, solidifying its status as an educational institution of excellence. Kaloo’s visionary leadership continued until he retired from education as Chief Education Officer.
Sadly, today, on December 31, 2023, the education fraternity bid farewell to a Kaloo who was laid to rest in his native graveyard near the Hazrat Sheikh Kamal Sahib shrine, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire generations.
Kaloo’s son Prof Zahoor Ahmad Kaloo is currently the Head of the Department of Botany at the University of Kashmir.
