Javaid Jawad
Retirement is a natural phase in every professional’s life. Over the years, many employees have retired from their duties, and many more will do so in the future. However, there are some individuals whose work, values, and service leave behind a deep and lasting impact. These individuals become role models, inspiring others with their sincerity, integrity, and dedication. One such person is Master Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, who retired from the Department of Education on April 30, 2025.
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir served at Nadeem Memorial Boys Higher Secondary School for nearly five years before retiring. His retirement, along with dozens of other employees across various departments, marks the end of a chapter not just in his life but in the lives of many students and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He was the youngest son of the late Muhammad Afzal Mir, a well-known and respected teacher and administrator in the region. It is clear that a passion for education and public service ran in the family.
Mr. Mushtaq was known for his calm nature, honesty, and a deep sense of self-awareness. These qualities made him stand out from others. His students and fellow teachers always respected him for his sincerity and ethical approach. He was a postgraduate in Commerce but also had a deep love for literature and poetry, which made his classes lively and enjoyable. He often used poetry and literary references to explain life lessons, which his students found both inspiring and educational.
In any department, it is common for employees to seek promotions, and the Department of Education is no different. Many aspire to become headmasters, lecturers, or educational officers. While ambition is natural, it becomes a problem when promotions are given to people who may not be qualified for those higher roles. Unfortunately, in Jammu and Kashmir, this has become a growing issue. Promoting unqualified individuals has damaged many educational institutions and deprived countless students of quality education. Many capable and hardworking students have suffered due to the incompetence of such promoted officials.
In this context, Mr. Mushtaq set a rare and powerful example. A few years ago, he was offered a promotion to the post of lecturer. This would have meant better pay and higher status. However, he refused the promotion. He explained that although he had completed his postgraduate studies in Commerce, it had been nearly 30 years since then, and he no longer felt connected to the subject in a way that would do justice to students at the lecturer level. He felt that accepting the promotion without the ability to serve effectively would be unfair to the students. Such honesty and self-reflection are rare and admirable, and his decision showed his strong principles.
At his farewell ceremony, held at Nadeem Memorial Boys Higher Secondary School, many speakers praised Mr. Mushtaq for his dedication and moral strength. The school’s Principal, Mr. Abdul Rashid Lone, shared a touching story that revealed Mr. Mushtaq’s true character. He recalled an incident where Mr. Mushtaq had made a minor mistake while registering a student for the board examination. When he discovered the error, he took full responsibility and spent both time and money to correct it. He ensured that the student’s academic future was not affected, just to satisfy his own conscience. This story speaks volumes about the kind of teacher and human being he was.
Mr. Mushtaq’s departure is not just a loss for his school, but also for the entire education system. We are losing teachers who are not only qualified and skilled but who also understand the importance of honesty, responsibility, and commitment to students. The absence of such teachers will surely have a negative impact on the quality of education and the moral values passed on to the next generation.
It is important that we recognize and appreciate the contributions of teachers like Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is the foundation of our society. As we bid farewell to this noble educator, we also express our hope that the values he lived by will continue to inspire others in the profession. We need more teachers who are not just instructors, but true mentors—people who teach not only from books, but also by example.
In the end, we salute Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir for his remarkable service. May his retired life be filled with peace, health, and happiness. And may the seeds he has sown in the hearts and minds of students continue to grow and bear fruit for years to come.
Author is currently HoI GMS Onagam and the best teacher awardee .
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