IN MEMORIAM: MR. RAVOOF: AS I KNEW HIM BY MR. SHEIK P. NOORUDDIN SAHIB - CRESCENT WEEKLY DATED 7TH OCTOBER 1975

IN MEMORIAM: MR. RAVOOF AS I KNEW HIM BY SHEIK P. NOORUDDIN

Ravoof Sab, as Mr. A. A. Ravoof was endearingly called, was in his lifetime an unforgettable person and has now in his death, become one who will be long remembered not only by his family and friends but by all who had come into contact with him.

I first met him far back in 1940 during his visit to Nalgonda to preside over the first annual conference of the local branch of the Muslim Youth Majlis. He had come there not in his capacity as the Editor of the “Deccan Times” but as 'Bhayya,' who conducted in that premier Muslim English weekly of undivided India, the popular Youth Forum, 'Muslim Youth Majlis' which had hundreds of members all over the country. He impressed me as a most affable and loveable person and later I had occasion to see him as a 'Bhayya' not only in letter but also in spirit – a brother, kind and considerate, ever ready to lend a helping hand towards others.

FRIEND, PHILOSOPHER, GUIDE

My article paved the way for my joining the “Deccan Times” under the editorship of Mr. Ravoof. Soon after my graduation, I wrote him a letter expressing my desire to join his weekly and he readily obliged by taking me in as his Assistant. He was not a domineering 'Chief' but one who turned out to be my 'friend, philosopher and guide' in journalism. He used to point out the errors of omission and commission of his juniors in a very graceful manner and allowed them full freedom and scope for the development of their inherent ability. He had a knack of discovering and encouraging new talents. Of them, Yusuf Afghan would have made a high mark in the fourth estate but for the premature touch of the icy hands of death. Another writer moulded by him is the present head of the department of journalism at the Sind University Mr.Shareef Al Mujahid. 

Mr. Ravoof was a versatile writer with a facile pen. In the early days he had contributed short stories, skits and articles to many leading papers and periodicals in India. His articles were noted for their brevity and lucidity. His weekly column: At Random by Razi in a lighter vein and a racy style, was very popular with the readers. His editorials, penned without fear or favour, were marked by depth of analysis and breadth of vision. 

NEHRU’S WRATH

Once Mr. Ravoof courted the wrath of free India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Cause: A front-page article in the “Deccan Times” entitled “A Report to Nehru.” It was a factual story listing the grievances of the Indian Muslims after partition and the need for government redress and published on the eve of one of Nehru’s visits to Madras. However, in a flash of mood, Nehru declared before a mammoth meeting at the Marina Beach to the effect that such editors had no place in the country.

STAR

After partition, due to the changed circumstances, the “Deccan Times” had to close down and he started the “Star” which unfortunately proved a morning star that disappears after a brief while. During the lean years that followed he kept himself buoyed with his inborn sense of humour, what more, he wrote a book: “Nehru, the Man” focussing on an ungouched aspect of the ebullient leader, namely his deep human-ness and humour.

It was at this time that some of the directors of the Board of Islamic Publications at Delhi came all the way to Ambur to persuade him to become the Editor of “Radiance” to be started by them. His unassuming sense of service to his community made him accede to their request. He laid the necessary groundwork for the weekly and soon built it up on firm foundations. However, as ill-luck would have it, after about a year, he had to return home due to an unexpected development of a severe heart ailment which remained with him till his late days.

Like the crescent rising after the end of the waning moon, he started the "Crescent" weekly with the help of Mr. Abdus Samad, M.P. in 1969. And despite his frequent ailments, he strove his best to keep it going. He had plans to make it better and brighter, but alas death came soon and he and his family are left to fulfil his other cherished plans to publish a Directory and Who’s Who of leading Muslims and write a biography of Sadat and an authentic history of the Muslim League after partition.

The “Crescent” symbolised the best side of his nature. Even in the midst of darkness he hoped for the new moon, a positive optimist that he was who deemed a tumbler half full, not half empty. In fact, it was his message to those who came to him with their problems and difficulties. Whatever his worries, he never preoccupied: he was, he never failed to welcome any visitor, be he old or young, with a benign smile on his face, and sweet welcome on his lips.

Never was there a dull moment in his company. He was as good a conversationalist as he was a writer. Indeed, he was a walking encyclopaedia of facts and figures, a storehouse of knowledge on various aspects of life and, above all, personification of genial wit and humour. As the occasion demanded, he would relate an apt anecdote or make a sitting 'quote' of some great man, and sometime he would recite a couplet from Urdu and Persian literature, all in his own characteristic way which pleased all and offended none.

In him one found an affectionate father and a loyal friend. In his service to his community and country, he voluntarily courted hard and austere life. Yes, he was such a person that after his passing away, every one had only a good word to say about him. And, it was Allah’s will that his end should come on a sacred night – the night of Shabe Barat when, it is said, men’s prayers for his infinite mercy and remission of sins are heard. May his soul rest in peace!

CRESCENT WEEKLY dated 7th October 1975.