A. R. Matahanji
“Some lives are measured not by wealth or position, but by the number of hearts they lift and the courage they give to the forgotten.”
Some lives are not measured by wealth, position, or comfort. They are measured by the number of hearts they lift, the tears they wipe away, and the courage they lend to those who have none. Manzoor Ahmad Matahanji, fondly known as Manzoor Brug, lived such a life. His passing is not merely the loss of an individual; it is the silencing of a rare and powerful voice that stood firmly with the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten.
With his departure, the voiceless have lost a listener, the marginalised a defender, and the neglected a source of hope. His absence is felt not only within his village or community, but among countless people who found in him strength, reassurance, and dignity.
Born into hardship, Manzoor Brug learned struggle not as an idea but as a daily reality. Yet adversity never hardened his heart. Instead, it shaped him into a man of deep empathy and quiet resilience. He understood pain because he had lived it, and that understanding never allowed him to turn away from the suffering of others.
He was far more than a community member. He was a pillar of strength and a symbol of resistance against injustice. For the Hanji community in particular, he became an unwavering voice at times when suppression and neglect threatened to erase their concerns. He spoke truth to authority without fear. His courage was steady, his words measured, and his commitment to justice unwavering. He never sought recognition; dignity for his people was his only aim.
Manzoor Sahib remained actively involved in community affairs, public life, and local politics throughout his life. In his later years, he served his village as Sarpanch, participating meaningfully in Gram Panchayat decisions and always placing public welfare above personal or political interests. For him, leadership was never about position or power. It was about responsibility and service.
Behind his firm public stance was a deeply compassionate man. Those who knew him closely remember his gentle nature, his warmth, and his readiness to help without expectation. Strength and kindness coexisted effortlessly within him.
Above all, Manzoor Brug was a devoted father. He believed that education was the greatest inheritance a parent could offer. Despite limited means and relentless hardships, he spared no effort to secure a better future for his children. He knocked on every door, endured every humiliation, and sacrificed his own comfort so that his children could stand with dignity in society. By the grace of Almighty Allah and his tireless dedication, his children grew into educated and responsible individuals — a living testament to his vision and perseverance.
Having studied alongside his son Mohammad Dilawar and later had the honour of working with him in the J&K Forest Department, I witnessed firsthand the values Manzoor Sahib passed on — humility, discipline, and sincerity. Visits to their home remain unforgettable, especially the way his eyes would light up when speaking about his children’s education. I still recall the spark in his eyes and the emotion in his voice as he spoke of his struggles and dreams. His advice was simple yet profound: “Seek education; leave the rest to God.” Those moments, filled with both pain and hope, continue to move the heart.
Manzoor Brug lived not for himself, but for others. He stood tall when many chose silence. He gave strength when people felt powerless. He chose justice when injustice was easier.
Today, tears flow not only from grief, but from gratitude — gratitude for a life that touched so many and inspired even more.
May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bless his family with Sabr-e-Jameel in this immense and irreplaceable loss.
His voice may have fallen silent, but his impact will echo for generations. His legacy lives on — not only in his family, but in every life he uplifted.
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