The book is the most moving biographical account of pilot officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (1951-1971) Nishan-e-Haider. This is the first full biography of Rashid Minhas, written by the most stylist modern day writer of Pakistan, Khurram Ali Shafique and is a first publication of Al-Fattah Academy.
The book beautifully captures the formative years of Rashid Minhas , which are so important in understanding his personality and his ultimate decision that has made him the eternal hero, and then progresses like dramatic movie with lively characterization, beautiful narratives of places and exciting cadet life. This all builds up into one of the most sad climaxes with crashing of flight 166.
I personally loved the letters Rashid Minhas wrote to his younger brothers during his training days. These letters show genuineness and maturity of his ideas. He was an idealist but thoroughly practical person as well. The book sizes him on all aspects of his personality, his likes and dislikes, his favorite personalities, heroes, films, books and food.
The book is a great tribute to the sacrifice of this hero and his ideals and at the same time a lesson that life is not the name of mere surviving but life is living according to one’s ideals and if not possible then dying for these.
So sorry to miss this earlier. I am grateful for the notice, Dar Sahib. I remember earlier posts on this most amazing young man of such integrity and courage and do so look forward to reading if there are any English versions available to purchase online. Your review also was just right and compelling.
ReplyDeleteConnie, so far there isn't any English version available but may be someone will do soon, as it is an interesting biography.
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing us the review of the book.
ReplyDeleteI am desperately waiting for the launching ceremony of this book. I hope we will all see each other once again after a long time.
And Sir I would be very happy to see YOU there also :)
Yes Komal, me too waiting for the launch ceremony and meeting the great blogging friends, specially you being the one who has put us in hectic brain storming through "stray reflections".
ReplyDeleteMatiur Rahman (Bengali)was a Flight Lieutenant in the Pakistan Air Force when the Liberation War broke out.For his attempt to defect from the Pakistan Air Force, he was decorated with the Bir Sreshtho award by Bangladesh which is the highest honor given. The Bangladesh Air Force's Air Base at Jessore is also named after him. HIS body was finally returned to Bangladesh on 2006 for a ceremonial and highly symbolic reburial in 2006. He was buried at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard, in Mirpur, Dhaka, with full military honors.
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