Sir Zahid Askani: The Lost flame of Education
Editorial
Teachers have been the torchbearers for the nation, whose knowledge and wisdom has led to a well-established society. For every nation, teachers are the most valuable assets, who not only provide an illuminating path but also a clear direction towards education and success. The Baloch nation is fortunate enough to have had great intellectual figures, literary scholars and great educationists who have worked day and night in educating the people to foster a sensible and conscious society— a society that can cope with the challenges of the modern world.
One of them was Sir Zahid Askani, who hailed from the Balochistan’s Panjgur district. After completing his education, he started educating the people of his native land, where he laid the foundation of Oasis school Gwadar. He is known to be one of the first educationist in the Baloch society who struggled to spread knowledge and education.
He had a dream of educating the Baloch people while struggling to promote education to every child of the society. He established literary environment among the youth and taught them for a brighter future. He also did several literary works in Balochi Language while translating the Kafka’s book ” Metamorphosis” into Balochi language.
He was busy in spreading knowledge and educating Baloch children and youth for a better and bright future but was martyred on December 4, 2014 by the known to be unknown religious extremists at broad daylight in Gwadar.
This was not an isolated case nor it ended there, like Sir Zahid Askani, many other educationists— including Professor Saba Dashtiyari, Professor Razaq Zehri, Ayaz Baloch, Rauf Baloch and many more— were subjected to the same fate. It was a deliberate act to deprive the Baloch of educationists and education, aiming to create an illiterate society.
We did not lose an educated man, but a whole generation that was born to educate, lead, teach and to make a visionary contribution to the society. His martyrdom is remembered today; on his 11th martyrdom anniversary, we pledge that his legacy of education shall be continued.
Baloch Students Action Committee
