I never imagined in my wildest dreams, that one day I would have to write an obituary piece about late MR Rauf Khalid. During my years of acquaintance with MR Khalid, I had never met a person, who led a fuller life. He was always bubbling with energy, full of excitement, for his existing and future projects. Whenever I met him, which was sometimes after very long intervals, he always greeted me with his radiant smile and warm embrace. He drank from the cup of his short life to the dregs, and achieved so much in such a short life span.
Late Rauf Khalid’s achievements in life are many, from a civil servant, to a pride of performance winning artist his accomplishments are known to all and sundry. In this short piece I would like to dilate upon his efforts, as an educationist, and a great motivator of the youth of our nation.
During the last phase of his life, as vice chancellor of national institute of cultural studies (NICS); MR Rauf Khalid’s burning desire and aim was the building of character of our youth, and preparing them for leadership positions in the future. It was his conviction that the future of our nation lied in the hand of our youth. He was always busy in providing motivational and capacity building forums to young people, to bring out, their full potential. I had the personal honor, to jointly conduct leadership, and public speaking classes with him, which were arranged, free of cost for young men and women, from different walks of life. Just before his tragic, and untimely death, MR Khalid had arranged a very successful youth leadership conference, which was attended by hundreds of young men and women, from all over Pakistan.
On a personal level, I was also a beneficiary of late MR khalid’s magnanimity, by being a member of the Islamabad Toastmaster’s club a pubic speaking, and leadership forum. The toastmaster’s club has been using the facilities of NICS, free of charge, in conducting its weekly meetings for the last four years. Many young people have benefited from the ITC, curtsey MR Khalid’s love of imparting knowledge and desire of capacity building of our youth.
On the very sad occasion, of his tragic demise, my condolences and prayers are with his wife and three children. It is a great pity, that this great life was cut short, by the cruel hand of fait, in its prime. I am certain had MR Rauf Khalid lived longer, he would have achieved more of his lofty goals. I am sure he died with the satisfaction, that he had lived his dreams, and had tried to provide a correct direction to the youth of this country. May his soul rest in piece.
by
Akbar Jan Marwat
(Past President)
Islamabad Toatmasters Club
