Seven years. It’s a surreal span of time, a blur of moments both agonizingly long and fleetingly short, since I lost my father, Maqbool Sahil.
The 20th of March, 2018, remains a stark, indelible mark on my life – the day the light dimmed, the day his voice, so full of wisdom and warmth, was silenced.
My father was more than just a parent; he was my mentor, my inspiration, and my guiding star. He was a journalist, an author, a poet – a man whose life was dedicated to the power of words, to truth, and to the pursuit of knowledge. His dedication to his craft was unwavering, his integrity unquestionable.
The suddenness of his departure left a chasm in my life, a void that no amount of time can fully fill. Navigating life without his physical presence has been a journey marked by both immense challenges and hard-earned triumphs. There have been moments of profound loneliness, times when I desperately wished for his counsel, his reassuring presence.
Yet, amidst the trials, his legacy has been my compass. I find myself constantly trying to embody the values he instilled in me: honesty, perseverance, and a deep commitment to pursuing my passions. “Trying to fit in your shoes,” as I often think, has become my life’s mission.
I still remember the day when my first news item got published in a local daily and you were so proud of me, and I still remember you dropped me at University of Kashmir’s gate saying that my father showed me school’s gate and I’m showing you the university gate, now sky is the limit for you. It was you who believed in me that I could carry forward your great legacy.
Every milestone I achieve, every obstacle I overcome, feels like a tribute to him. I know he would be proud. His influence is woven into the fabric of my being, driving me forward, even in the darkest of times. The stories people share about his kindness and dedication are a constant reminder of the profound impact he had on the world.
This seventh death anniversary is not just a day of mourning; it’s a day to celebrate the extraordinary life he lived. It’s a day to remember his infectious passion, his unwavering commitment, and the enduring power of his words. His legacy lives on, not only in the books he wrote and the articles he penned, but in the hearts of everyone he touched, especially mine.
He may be gone, but his spirit remains a constant source of inspiration and strength. I strive to honor his memory by living a life that reflects his values, a life that would make him proud. Thank you, Dad, for everything. Your legacy will continue to guide me, always.
(Author is a Journalist)
