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Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh PalThis is the life story of Dr. K. Rahman Khan, Former Union Minister, who for forty long years served the country in various capacities – as a Member of the Legislative Council of Karnataka State, as General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, as Chairman of the Legislative Council of Karnataka, as Member of the Rajya Sabha, as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, not once but twice, and as Deputy Leader of the Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha.
After having retired from political office in April 2018, some people may have thought that he should now spend the rest of his time leading a quiet and sedentary life! But for a person like him, for whom social engagement has been heart and soul, that may not be quite the thing to do. He has learnt many lessons from life, and sharing them may hopefully give some direction to others.
Shri Rahman Khan has been deeply connected with a wide spectrum of social, cultural, literary, educational, artistic, scientific and other social interests. He has been involved with several trusts and foundations for promoting education and uplifting the weaker sections of society, including minorities in southern India, and has come to be known as a popular philanthropist. His mantra is to accord topmost priority to education for the all-round development of the people.
One of the purposes in penning this autobiography is to help future generations learn and be inspired by Shri Rahman Khan's story, so that they can set their wings high to work for the wider society.
K. Rahman Khan
This is the story of someone whose life conforms to the dictum of Winston Churchill—that it is far better to do mighty things even though chequered by failure than to live in the twilight of history that knows no defeat, no victory. The life of Dr. K. Rahman Khan, Former Union Minister, is quite fascinating. Having firm faith in God with an irresistible urge to move forward and rejecting all negative impulses of any risks involved, he reaches the goal. Pragmatic in approach, the canvas of his activities is large. The political field is his major area. The reformation of Muslims is his passion. Building institutions in educational, banking, finance and media sectors is his prime priority.
It is also his good fortune that he happens to be the first Muslim Chartered Accountant of Karnataka as well as the youngest Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, apart from having been a Member of the Rajya Sabha four times, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha twice and Union Minister in the Government of India twice. He was gifted with the aristocracy of intellect to build institutions, the latest being Delhi Public Schools in Karnataka; with integrity of character to be loyal to the Indian National Congress; with good temperament to earn the tribute of “Ideal Presiding Officer” of the Rajya Sabha, and with unifying, pacifying love and regard for all, which stand for the sublimity of his soul. His simplicity, sincerity, humility and modesty, together with his genial temperament, cheerfulness and calm understanding of the problems of others, have earned the heart and love of one and all. At the same time, his courage and combative spirit have helped him face the challenges of life.
As a humanist, a rationalist, a nationalist, an activist, a journalist and as a leader, he can look back with pride at the services he rendered to the society through the best of his skill, energy and potential. We wish him long life, health and happiness.
Prof. B. Shaik Ali
Former Vice Chancellor
Mangalore & Goa Universities
