RIPRI Adabi Academy

I always consider myself a lucky guy (my other 51 class fellows might have
the same feeling as well) as Ustad Aman Ullah Soomro (may Allah Almighty rest his departed soul in eternal peace) remained our guide, mentor and trainer for three consecutive years i.e. class VIII – X, in Govt High School Ripri. Since our entry into GHS Ripri, we were already passing through difficult times under Ustad Illahi Bux Soomro Sahib who was also famous hard task master like Ustad Jan Muhammad Narejo, Ustad Abdul Latif Rattar Sahib and Ustad Ghulam Muhammad Panhwar Sahib.

We were anxiously awaiting for any soft teacher like Ustad Ali Madad Mangnejo Sahib as our next class teacher for Class VIII, however, Mustafa Kalhoro, with whom I always tried to get myself seated / adjusted to accrue maximum benefits out of his talent / potentials, informed me that Ustad Aman Ullah Soomro has been earmarked as our next class teacher. This news spread like a wild fire in our class. On this, I could still remember some long faces particularly of those who had a poor discipline as well as were partially weak at studies. However, on this, quite a few got delighted in particular Ameer Panhwar (who has the honour to even share the same bed with Mighty Ustad),

Mustafa Kalhoro (most talented and trend setter), Ali Madad Gilal (capable softy boy), Sharif Narejo (height vs height), Aman Ullah Sarohi (good in studies), Mehar Sarohi (afraid yet confident – for a piece of speech paper he can go anywhere even into rostrum and then can resume his speech) and Atta Hussain Jamali (shrewd Baloch). On this Zulfiqar Jamali (Wado) became more pale while Faisal Kalhoro, Azeem Kalhoro, Aman Ullah Kalhoro, Hussain Bakhsh Mallah and Yar Muhammad Kunbhar turned more white. However, sense prevailed and all realized that it would pay rich dividends and later, it really did. With our already strong base, we were properly polished and immaculately groomed. English grammar was our strong point and at the end of the day, we were better trained and well groomed under Ustad Aman Ullah Soomro – to whom we all salute with both hands (less Saadullah Narejo – will use one hand). Ustad was the man of principles who would always prefer to come on foot rather on bicycle of any student; would never like to have tea in such a hotel where students were already present there. He was the true mentor and guide equally for all students as well as junior teachers. He was a tall man (6 feet plus) who always remained on heels while delivering lectures. Punctuality was his hallmark – neither a minute late nor prior. He was always touchy about cleanliness of the class as well as of students (Mumtaz Awan, Ali Madad Gilal, Qurban Odhano and Ghulam Ali Phalio were already particular about talcum powder – Saadullah Narejo and Nasim Panhwar lagged behind). Compelled by his nature and circumstances, he would shout in a lionic voice which would be heard in all corners of the School. Historically, he was known to be very strict in the class, however, as per class requirement, he would often share jokes. Shahmir Phalio (re-named as Lakhmir) and Noor Muhammad Panhwar would often join him in jokes. However, whenever the pair came out of their socks, they really had it (Noor Muhammad Panhwar would never forget his heavy hand once he tried to become extra funny with immature comments). Ustad used to nominate students randomly to read English passages. One day, unlucky Mazhar Kalhoro was picked for the purpose from back benchs (Mazhar never liked English like Ghulam Sarwar Narejo). Shaky Mazhar got up and hurriedly started with Kalma Tayyaba as he was already reciting the same in his heart to avoid sight of the Might, however, clever eyes had already homed on the right target.

One day, Mustafa Kalhoro and myself got hold of an attractive photograph of Ameer Panhwar and Manzoor Odhano (good looking pair) and we both were extra determined not to give the photograph back to the affected pair (mainly to future Soldier despite tears in his eyes), however, with moderate shake up by Ustad, we hurriedly agreed to and returned the photograph within couple of seconds. Usually Ustad used to ask about all those who could n’t get up early in the morning for Fajr prayers. On this, he would often narrate action of setan (devil) on the face exclusively eyes and cheeks of the victim. Routinely, victims used to be Mumtaz Awan, Larak party (Wahid Bux, Pir Bux and Aziz), Gilals (Ameer and Wazir), Nareja party (Ghulam Muhammad, Saadullah, Sarwar and Ismail), Kalhoras (Aman Ullah, Munnawar, Siddique, Shahmeer and Ahmed Ali), Sarohis (Mehar, Irshad and Aziz Ullah – Miandad), Wazir Jagrani, Gohar Marri, Zahid Panhwar, Zahid Kalhoro, cousins (Aijaz and Habib ur Rehman), Nasim Panhwar, Nazir Panhwar (Kapil – could not catch his cricket potential), Hussain Bux Mallah, Ali Mardan (mawali – I suppose he might be enjoying the same setan’s balls even today), Ali Raza Khuwaja, Mushtaq Gad, Saleh Marri (young poet), Atta Muhammad Manglo, Abdul Latif Panhwar, Kunbhar party (Mazhar, Ahsan and Yar Muhammad). On the other hand, Mustafa Kalhoro, Wahid Bux Mallah (Qari Sahib), Abdur Ur Rehman Kunbhar, Ali Madad Gilal, Mujeeb Kalo, Sharif Narejo and Sikandar Mirasi usually used to escape this enjoyment.

In Eighth class, once the Ustad was fully aware of our potentials, he would write English passage (application / letter) on the black board and would give 30 minutes or so and he would then invite the students to narrate the same passage by heart. Mustafa Kalhoro, Ali Madad Gilal, Ameer Panhwar, Aman Sarohi, Sharif Narejo, Atta Hussain Jamali and myself used to be the successful ones in this regard.

Though none of us could succeed to become doctor or engineer like Doctor Ali Gohar Kalhoro Sahib or Faqir Muhammad Mallah Sahib, however, with grace of God, approximately 75% of our class fellows managed to get Government service (later, Mustafa Kalhoro became the Doctor – for whom I was always positive that he can do wonders).

All credit goes to our worthy teachers who directly or indirectly remained associated with our class and taught us in a right way. Special thanks to Sain Ustad Aman Ullah Soomro (may Allah Almighty shower countless blessings on his departed soul) who with his strict discipline and consistent hard work, trained us in the best possible manner. Undoubtedly, the five years we spent in GHS Ripri during first half of 1980s and in particular, last three years we spent with our Mighty Teacher were highly rewarding. The years we spent in GHS Ripri paved individual ways for all of us to successfully enter into our  professional careers / domains.

Note. In advance, I extent my regret to all those class-mates who may get little hurt due to any undesired word in my above passage. This all was endeavoured mainly to cherish our good memories of the school time.

(By Zahid Kalhoro; Contact: zahidkalhoro@hotmail.com / 03073537265)