As I reflect on my life’s journey, filled with both triumphs and tribulations, I am overwhelmed with emotion. Born in the picturesque city of Srinagar, I embody the adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Each moment, from cherished childhood memories to significant challenges, has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.
My early years were spent in the city heart Khanquah Moulla before moving to our family home, “Darul Iftikhar,” in Lalbazar, built by my grandparents. This house symbolizes their love and dedication, grounding us in our heritage and values. Although I was a shy and average student, my family’s unwavering support and guidance became my strength.
The first blow to my life came when my father passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest at just 50 years old, while I was only 24. Fortunately, I had already begun my career as a government employee, which provided some stability during this tumultuous time. After my father’s death, my grandfather, Syed Abdul Rashid Gilani, a retired government officer and poet, took sole responsibility for our care and nurturing. May Allah bless his soul.
My educational journey began at Caset Experimental School in Srinagar and continued at Green Land High School, Hawal, where I completed my 10th standard. I then attended Government Higher Secondary School, Soura, and the prestigious Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue my studies in the second year of my B.Sc. program.
My career started as a casual copyist in the News Section of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar. However, I resumed my studies through IGNOU, ultimately earning my degree and a post-graduate degree in Public Administration. I also obtained a diploma in Journalism from the Institute of Journalism in New Delhi and specialized in Journalism and Creative Writing from the British Institute of Engineering and Technology in Mumbai.
Writing has been my passion since my college days. My first article was published in Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Times during my degree first year, and since then, I have contributed to various dailies, weeklies, and magazines. I began my writing journey before I had a computer, crafting articles on plain white paper and keeping records with carbon copies. I personally delivered my submissions to newspaper desks and occasionally sent them via registered post. Recognizing my passion, my grandfather gifted me a Remington typewriter, which greatly facilitated my writing. Writing has become my only hobby, my sole companion for expressing my emotions.
My career started modestly in the Excise and Taxation Department as an executive staff member. After passing the mandatory Departmental Examination for Excise and Taxation Sub Inspectors conducted by the J&K Public Service Commission, I was promoted to Sub Inspector in the Vigilance and Inspections wing. Later, I qualified the Excise and Taxation Inspectors Examination and was promoted to Inspector. Allah has blessed with three wonderful children—Syed Arshad Gilani, Syeda Sarah Gilani, and Syed Murshad Gilani. Their love and affection give me the strength to face life’s challenges. My three loving children, my lifeline, my only purpose for living—have, for now, been kept away from me. Nonetheless, I am endlessly striving to reunite with my lifeline, my sole legal heirs. May Allah open their hearts and eyes so that the blurred vision they have been given becomes clear.
I am heartbroken by the betrayal of my only friend, who backstabbed me perhaps for some reason which neither I know nor understand. This has left me feeling an overwhelming sorrow. This friend, whom I loved and trusted, with whom I shared my heart, has betrayed me in a gruesome way. This painful experience serves as a harsh reminder of life’s realities. The scars linger, but I refuse to let them define me. I continue to seek answers and justice, holding on to hope and faith that truth will triumph and my heart will heal.
I reflect on my struggles, the lessons learned, and the strength gained. My children bring me immense joy, and writing serves as my passion and solace. I promise to rise above the pain, find strength in my struggles, and never lose faith in the goodness of life. I will continue to cherish my family’s love, embrace my passions, and stand tall against adversity.
My story is a testament to resilience, a reminder that regardless of life’s challenges, we possess the strength to overcome and emerge stronger. I stand firmly against falsehood and deceit, detesting dishonesty and liars. I believe in integrity, trust, and loyalty, and I have full faith in Allah, confident that His decisions are always for my benefit.
Looking ahead, I am committed to upholding the values that define me. I will continue to seek truth, embrace the love and support of my family, and nurture my passions. I am determined to rise above past betrayals, find strength in my journey, and maintain faith in the inherent goodness of life. Today, I celebrate not just my journey of resilience but the strength that have brought me here.
Syed Majid Gilani is a writer and works as a GST Inspector for the Government of J&K. He can be reached at [email protected]
