Written by: Syed Majid Gilani
My life began amid the historic markets, narrow lanes, and vibrant bustle of Srinagar. I was born in the Khanqah-e-Moula area. The fragrance of those streets, the liveliness of the bazaars, and the serene atmosphere of the shrine became part of my identity.
My childhood unfolded in the beauty of the city, but the real beauty lay within my home — in faith, love, and sincerity. My parents, especially my grandparents, instilled in me values that held my hand through every storm. Their prayers and upbringing laid the firm foundation of my thinking and character — a foundation on which my being still stands today.
When I was in the early years of school, our family moved from Khanqah-e-Moula to Gilani House, Botta Shah Colony, Lal Bazar — a quiet and charming corner of upper downtown, about eight kilometers from the city center. Back then, the area was filled with apple and pomegranate orchards, greenery, and fragrance. This house was built with love and hard work by my grandfather, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani. It was not just a house; it was a legacy — a symbol of our roots. The walls of Gilani House still echo with prayers, laughter, stories, and affection.
I grew up shy and academically average. I was not an extraordinary student, but the encouragement of my family always supported me. They taught me that success isn’t in grades or degrees alone, but in character, determination, and sincerity. That lesson became the guiding light of my life.
But life is never smooth. My first major heartbreak came at the age of 24 — when my father, Syed Iftikhar Gilani, who was my closest friend, mentor, and support system, passed away suddenly due to a heart attack at the age of 50. He was kind-hearted, disciplined, and noble. His departure left a deep void in my heart. It was then that I truly felt the weight of life. By Allah’s mercy, I had just started my government job during that time, which became a source of support.
In that moment of grief, my grandfather stood by me once again. A retired government officer and a literature-loving poet, his wisdom, patience, and loving words held me up. His voice still echoes in my heart — he would always say, “Every trial carries goodness within it; patience is key.”
His personality taught me that faith and courage are a person’s greatest weapons. May Allah shower him with endless mercy.
My academic journey wasn’t easy. I began at Caset Experimental School Rainawari, completed my matriculation from Greenland High School Hawal, continued at Govt. Higher Secondary School Soura, and then enrolled in B.Sc at Gandhi Memorial College Srinagar. But due to personal circumstances, I could not complete my degree at that time. It was a moment of disappointment, but I took it as a lesson, not a defeat. I did not give up.
Later, I completed my graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, followed by a postgraduate degree in Public Administration. I also obtained a diploma in Journalism from the Institute of Journalism, Delhi, and specialized in Creative Writing from the British Institute of Engineering & Technology, Mumbai. I pursued all this education while working — proof of my determination and confidence.
My professional journey began humbly. I started as a casual copyist at Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, where I learned the importance of hard work, precision, and sincerity. Later, I joined the Excise & Taxation Department. I cleared exams through the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission and rose to the post of Sub-Inspector and later Inspector.
But my real passion, my true love — is writing. Since college days, the pen has been my companion. My first writings were published in Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Times, and Mirror of Kashmir. Computers were rare back then; I wrote articles by hand and delivered them to newspaper offices myself. Impressed by my dedication, my grandfather gifted me a Remington typewriter — still one of my most precious possessions.
For me, writing became worship — I poured my joy, pain, silence, and cries into words. I may not be a master of English or Urdu, but whatever I write comes from the heart — with the ink of sincerity and emotion.
Allah blessed me with three beautiful children — Arshad, Sarah, and Murshid. They are the center of my world, my identity, my reason to live and breathe. Every prayer I make begins and ends with them.
Life tested me with harsh trials, leaving wounds that still sting. Yet, I never let go of patience and prayer. I believe every dark night is followed by dawn. Life also exposed me to betrayal. Someone I trusted deeply betrayed me. That treachery left scars that remain fresh even today. I still cannot understand why he deceived me; the question remains unanswered.
My heart broke, tears fell, but through every shock, I never abandoned my principles or dignity. Loyalty, honesty, and truth — these are my treasures, and no one can take them away.
Through all these trials, my mother, Shahida Chishti, has been my shield and strength. Even at nearly sixty-six, she lovingly manages every responsibility at home. Her prayers, her recitation of the Qur’an, and her love for my children are my greatest support. She is the embodiment of kindness, sincerity, and sacrifice. Alhamdulillah, I consider her presence the greatest blessing of my life.
Now, standing at the doorstep of my forty-ninth year, I look back — every white hair, every silver strand in my beard is testimony to my patience, struggle, prayers, and faith. I have lost much and endured much, but I never bowed. My purpose in life now revolves around my children — they are my pride, my prayer. Betrayal and sorrow are chapters of my story, but they do not define me. My identity is faith, truth, and perseverance.
I trust Allah’s plan. I believe every hardship carries hidden goodness, every test brings eventual peace. My pen is my comfort, my children are my life. I stand with truth, far from hypocrisy and lies. I believe my Lord will write better for me — and the best is yet to come.
Syed Majid Gilani is a government officer and storyteller who writes about human emotions, family bonds, moral values, and true experiences of life.
Contact: syedmajid6676@gmail.com
