Tributes to the former Press Secretary to the President of India who breathed his last in New Delhi this week. He became the public face of CBI and frequently addressed the media
Afroz Alam Sahil
ON this very day, exactly five years ago (November 19, 2019), the auditorium of Jamia Hamdard was filled to capacity, and on the stage were former Central Information Commissioner Prof M. Sridhar Acharyulu, Prof M. Ansari, the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, Prof Syed Ihtisham Hasnain, and the Dean of the Law School, SM Khan.
I, too, was present on the stage, seated in a corner, a silent witness to the brilliance of the gathering. Beside me sat Khan, whose presence radiated an aura of wisdom and intellect. At that time, I knew him more as an author than for his many other remarkable qualities.
His famous book, The People’s President: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was released by Vice President Hamid Ansari in January 2017. The book became well-known for beautifully capturing Dr Kalam’s experiences, thoughts, and human values during and after his presidency. It presented various facets of Dr Kalam’s personality in an engaging and accessible way, offering readers a fresh perspective.
Sitting there, I felt a sense of pride to be in the presence of someone whose pen had not only paid tribute to a great figure but also belonged to a person rich in knowledge and wisdom.
SM Khan served as Press Secretary to the President of India from 2002 to 2007, a distinguished chapter in his illustrious career. I knew him as a person of sensitivity and taste, particularly as an admirer of films. He had also served as the Director of the Directorate of Film Festivals for the Government of India and had chaired the International Film Festival of India, a prestigious platform for both Indian cinema and international films.
The world knew him from television, as he was the prominent face of India’s premier investigative agency, the CBI, often appearing in national and international media. His eloquence and deep understanding of issues had earned him a unique position in the media world.
I often thought of starting a conversation with him to say, “Your book is truly wonderful.” However, his stature and presence made me too intimidated to speak, and I kept my admiration to myself. The dignity of his persona and the seriousness of the occasion made me hesitant to say anything.
Then, finally, my turn came. After I finished speaking and returned to my seat, he looked at me and offered wholehearted encouragement. His tone was so gentle, so sincere, and filled with kindness that a wave of joy and peace washed over me. It felt as though his few words not only dispelled my hesitation but also infused me with fresh energy and confidence.
He did not stop there. When he stood up to speak, he mentioned me, among other things. His words took me by surprise. As I sat in my seat, listening to him, I kept wondering whether he was truly speaking about me.
It was hard to believe that the distinguished person, with whom I had hesitated even to exchange a simple hello just moments earlier, was now speaking about me with such warmth and admiration. His words not only filled me with pride but also sparked a new sense of self-belief within me. That moment, his words, and his kindness became an unforgettable part of my memories.
Even after the program ended, he not only introduced me to many people but also extended another warm invitation, saying, “One day, take some time and come back to the university. We’ll arrange a program with the law faculty students.”
But fate had different plans. In the rush of time, that promise faded, and that meeting never became a part of my destiny. Even today, there remains both a sweet and bitter longing in my heart for that unfulfilled wish. I wish I hadn’t let that precious moment slip away. That promise, that moment, and that meeting will forever remain deeply etched in some corner of my heart, like a story that always longs for completion.
May Allah grant SM Khan a high place in Jannah and make each of his efforts a source of His pleasure, Amen!
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This tribute has been taken from Afroz Alam Sahil’s Facebook page. Mohammad Alamullah translated it from Urdu for Clarion India. Afroz Alam Sahil is a journalist, author, and editor at BeyondHeadlines.
