Honoring Sir Qurban Ali

Sir Qurban came from an arid farming family near Rawalpindi, the youngest of five siblings and part of the Janjooa Rajpoot tribe. He lost his father in infancy. After completing middle school at Mowara Middle School, he joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1934, where he studied through intermediate and received physical training education.

Teaching was a natural continuation of service: “What else do you expect from a serving military man, way back in the 1940’s.” He joined B.V.S. on April 1, 1957—partly by necessity and opportunity—and poured his discipline into generations of students.

His philosophy & reflections:

• Extracurriculars keep a person physically and mentally agile; march-past builds discipline and leadership.
• He loved his students, even when he had to be strict to instill discipline.
• He saw dedication fading in both students and teachers and urged renewed respect for teachers plus better pay.
• He wished studies were made engaging rather than based on spoon-feeding and cramming.
• After 46 years, B.V.S. felt “in his blood”; the sense of belonging never faded.
• Given another chance, he would have chosen the Navy again.
• Outside teaching, he loved studying Islam, keeping up with current affairs, and sports.
• He noted past students were morally strong and respectful; he worried today’s generation had lost direction.

Advice for teachers: “Being a teacher is an immense responsibility; teachers have the future of a generation on their hands, so try to be sincere towards your profession and students.”

Message for students: “Try to live up to the expectations of your parents as well as your teachers. If you manage to do that the sky will be your limit.”

This interview first appeared in the B.V.S. 2004 Scouts Own magazine—thanks to the scout who conducted it. We thank Sir Qurban from the bottom of our hearts for all he did for the school and his students, and we pray his soul rests in eternal peace. The boys of B.V.S. salute you, Sir Qurban—eyes right.