Prof Md Taher : A tribute on his Chalissa

Md. Taher,  a retired Professor of Geography, Guwahati University, left for the heavenly abode on February 24, 2015. A noted educationist of Assam, Prof Taher had immense contribution to understanding of the geography of Assam and the world, and left its imprints on the textbooks of geography from class 5 to 10 of the SEBA Board and also in geography books for bachelor's degree and Master Degree. It is noteworthy to mention that he has written 33 articles in various topics in Assamese and has 52 research papers in geography to his credit. His extensive knowledge update in this subject was reflected in the revision of ATLAS of Assam and  India which are much in use by related departments.

He served as the chairperson of the SEBA and was the chairperson of Pandu College, Hadique Girls College and West Guwahati College. He received the KC Das Memorial Award in September 5th, 2014, as a tiol Teacher and just before his death, Assam Xahitiya Sabha felicitated him. He conducted his life - both academically and persol family life - in a most meticulous manner with extreme humbleness and respect to every individual. He left his impressions on his family, friends, neighbours and people in need, as if he was writing his own epitaph while on earth. His prevailing calm and peaceful, secular demeanor showed its best when he was returned to earth on February 25th , where individuals of every field joined hands to pour a handful of soil to send him back to mother earth with gratitude to the creator for having sent such a magnimous person to be amidst mankind.

His constant effort in upholding the understanding of Geography saw its light in the 12 doctorates and 12 M Phil holders during his tenure. He was not only an educationist, he expressed his thoughts in short stories and poems of which he had 48 on record. He was the chief editor of the 8-9th volume of the encyclopedia published by Assam Xahitya Xabha. A very important book was the translation of Andaram Barua's  book 'Ancient Geography of India' which in time may become an important tiol resource book of repute. To give a silver lining to his work, he translated the book 'Basic Concepts of Koran' written by Abul Kalam Azad, in Assamese. In recognition to his outstanding contribution, he was rightfully conferred the Litterateur Award by Assam Government on Independence Day, 2009. There were many more awards and accolades conferred for his distinguished work by various organizations – Radha Govindha Barua Memorial Award 2003, Bharat Saikon Mondal 2010, Mab Vikas  Samaj 2010, Dibrugarh University conferred Hon DSC 2012 in its 13th convocation, and  ERD Foundation for community leadership in 2013 to me a few.

I met him as my brother- in-law way back in 1964 since then he has been our guide and mentor in our family and I remained a silent appreciator of his achievements and organizatiol skills and filly on Jan 1st 2014, I could not but help felicitate him for being in our family and joined hands with the people of Assam for the adoration that was extended to him. Adieu my brother-in-law. May your soul rest in peace.

—Dr Shabi Ahmed

(Sister-in-law)