Baba Ali Moallem, my uncle and the first teacher of our village, has passed away today (Sep 12, 2019 = 21/06/1398 Khorshidi).
Beside being a highly respected personality and a mentor of our family, he was a beloved teacher, a great conflict-resolver, one of the elders of our village (Chal village), and one of the well-known and influential figures in Jaghori District.
In addition, Moallem was a great man whose name was synonymous with “teacher” in our village. Whenever this title was used alone, his personality resonated in everyone’s minds. The reason is that he was among the first students who attended government schools and the first person in our village to reach the position of “teacher.”
Then, Moallem spent a part of his life in educating the children of his homeland. The distance he walked to reach the school (from Chal village in the suburbs of Sang-e-Masha Bazar to the Golzar village) took at least six hours. He had walk this distance every week for commuting because he had devoted himself to educating the young generation.
Baba Ali Moallem was a great man whose name was synonymous with “teacher” in our village. Whenever this title was used alone, his personality resonated in everyone’s minds. The reason is that he was among the first students who attended government school and the first person in our village to reach the position of “teacher.”
But after the seventh of Sawr coup , due to the needs of that time, Moallem turned to social activities. Besides providing for his family, most of his time and energy was spent on dealing with social issues, such as resolving legal disputes and community conflicts, and until recent years, he was active as an influential figure in this field.
He was not only the teacher of school students but also the teacher and guide of his people. He was well-known in patience, endurance, eloquence, and amiability.
Three weeks ago, when he came to Kabul for treatment, I went to see him. We talked for more than two hours. Although he was ill and 87 years old, he spoke very sweetly, clearly, and maturely.
We talked, laughed, shared memories of the past, and took commemorative photos together. He was so alert that it was unbelievable for me that this would be our last meeting with the great teacher and he would leave us so soon for his irreversible journey.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to his dear sons and daughters, his honorable grandchildren, and all his relatives, friends, and acquaintances, and I wish him the highest paradise.
Written by Murtaza Meraj
Kabul, 12/09/2019
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