A Life Remembered
By Syed Majid Gilani
Some people live quietly, yet their presence becomes the heart of a family’s memories. For us, that person was Ghulam Mohammad Tantray, lovingly called Maamkakh. His life was one of loyalty, devotion, dedicated service, and a deep sense of belonging that touched three generations of our family. Though he passed away on 8th February 2017, his memory remains alive, woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Maamkakh belonged to Manigam, Ganderbal…a village of green fields, flowing streams, and simple living. As a young boy, he came to live with our family at Khanqah Moulla, Srinagar, long before my father was born. Under the guidance of our elders, he grew up learning honesty, humility, and piety….qualities that remained with him throughout his life.
He witnessed the birth of my father, then mine, and later the births of my own children. Quietly and without ever seeking attention, he became part of our family’s story across three generations.
From my earliest memories, Maamkakh was always there. At times, he stayed with our close relatives….the same family with whom we had once shared a common hearth and kitchen…..but his bond with us never changed. He was never treated as an outsider. He was one of us, as close as any member of the family.
Maamkakh was deeply pious. Not a single day passed without him offering his prayers, no matter how harsh the weather. I remember seeing him walk through biting cold, heavy snowfall, and pouring rain to reach the mosque or a nearby shrine for the five daily prayers. During Ramzan, he observed every fast with devotion. He had great love and respect for the Sufi saints and often visited shrines to pray quietly and reflect. His faith was simple, sincere, and unwavering.
Despite never receiving a formal education, Maamkakh was remarkably aware of the world around him. He kept himself informed about local happenings, national affairs, and even international events. To our family, he was our own BBC. Long before mobile phones and social media, he seemed to know every important piece of news. I can still hear his soft, gentle voice sharing stories and updates in his own unique way, making us smile, wonder, and sometimes laugh in amazement.
He spoke softly and respectfully, never raising his voice. Calm, honest, and dignified, he had a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and respected. His gentle nature earned him the love of all who knew him.
Maamkakh found happiness in simple things. He loved sweets, bakery items, and sugary treats, enjoying them with quiet delight. He served our family with complete dedication throughout his life. Though he earned his livelihood through domestic service, he was never regarded as a servant. He was always treated as a member of the family.
He spent his earnings carefully and took special pleasure in buying clothes. He liked to dress neatly and always appeared clean, tidy, and graceful. His simplicity was matched by his dignity.
For most of his life, Maamkakh remained healthy and active. Every few months, he would visit his relatives in Manigam. These visits brought him great joy, and he always returned with stories, laughter, and fresh news from the village. Children would run to greet him, elders welcomed him warmly, and he moved among everyone with the same calm and gentle presence that had become his hallmark. Though he visited Manigam often, Khanqah Moulla had long become his home.
In the final year of his life, his health slowly began to decline. The man who had quietly stood beside our family through three generations gradually grew weak. On the night of Wednesday, 8th February 2017, he breathed his last.
As he had wished, his body was taken to his native village of Manigam and laid to rest in the ancestral graveyard near Jamia Masjid Manigam. By the grace of Allah, countless people gathered for his Namaz-e-Janaza, a silent testimony to the love, respect, and goodwill he had earned throughout his life.
Even today, I can see him clearly…..walking briskly through the snow for prayers, sitting among children sharing the latest news, enjoying his favourite sweets, neatly dressed, calm, and smiling gently. His life was simple, yet rich in meaning; humble, yet full of dignity. He lived with honesty, devotion, and deep respect for faith and for people, leaving behind memories that continue to warm our hearts.
For our family, he will always remain Maamkakh…..a name spoken with love, respect, and gratitude. He connected three generations, linking our past with our present. His life reminds us that loyalty, humility, piety, and quiet service leave behind the deepest and most lasting legacy.
May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah and shower His eternal mercy upon his noble soul. Ameen.
Syed Majid Gilani is a Government Officer, Storyteller and Opinion Writer. He writes on family, faith, betrayal, resilience, and moral values. He can be contacted at syedmajid6676@gmail.com
