By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: Abdul Haque was earlier a caretaker of Bagmari Burial Ground of Kolkata, but for last 31 years he has served as Pharmacist of renowned research organization, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata.
The man looks back and feels satisfied at his long journey.
Abdul Haque was born in Kumirmora Village of Hooghly District of West Bengal. After studying in Kumirmora School he was admitted in Chaktajpur High Madrasa. As he came from very poor family, he appealed for free lodging at the madrassa premise itself. After Matriculation he setteled in Kolkata.
Abdul Haque
In 1946 communal riot he was attacked by the mob, but was saved by some well meaning Hindu from the locality. He then decided to migrate to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). However, soon he came back and started working as the caretaker of Bagmari Burial Ground of Kolkata at Maniktala area.
To add to his income, also out of interest, he began assisting a doctor as a compounder on aprt time basis. The doctor advised him to take on a pharmacy course, which helped him land a job in the Muslim charitable Islamia Hospital. Meanwhile he kept his former job of the care taker of the burial ground as well.
In 1964, he applied for a job of Pharmacist at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata where he worked till 1995. He feels nostalgic remembering working with famous scientist Prasata Mahalanbish and many other renowned scientists.
That is not all, at leisure, he writes poetry and articles on Islam and related issues., several of which have been published in many newspapers and magazines. He has also authored two books: one is the description of Holy Prophet’’s life and works `Ayna’ and another on Akherat and Duniya (this world and the here after) `Muktir Karagare’ (Prisons of Azadi).
Now 83 years old, Haque is a satisfied man and lives with his wife and four sons and daughter.
His word of advise for Muslim youth is to aspired to do well in life. He says that as a caretaker of burial ground, he never thought he could come that far, but it was the grace of the Almighty that made him successful.