Shabbir Ahmed Dafadar — Former Headmaster, Islamia Anglo Urdu High School, Bhatkal
By: Muhammad Ahmad Malpa
Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Dafadar, Headmaster of Islamia Anglo Urdu High School, Bhatkal, retired on June 30, 2024 (Sunday), after reaching the official retirement age of 60 years. He was one of the longest-serving headmasters of the school.
He was born on July 1, 1964, in Bijapur, where he also completed his early education. He studied up to the tenth grade at Anjuman High School, Bijapur, and completed his PUC at Government Junior College, Bijapur. Later, he joined KCP Science College, Bijapur, for his B.Sc., and then completed B.Ed. from Karnataka College of Education, Dharwad.
Around 1989, he joined Islamia Anglo Urdu High School, Bhatkal as a teacher, specializing in Science and Mathematics. Along with being an excellent teacher, he also showed great administrative skills. Because of this, after Master Abdul Latif Shaikh, he was appointed In-charge Headmaster of the Nawayath Colony branch of the same school. Under his capable leadership, the branch was managed very efficiently.
In 2001, after Mr. Husaini Baig, the then Headmaster of Islamia Anglo Urdu High School, retired, Mr. Dafadar was appointed the new Headmaster of the main branch. He was only 37 years old at that time — quite young for such a responsible post.
During those days, the school was known for its strict discipline. Senior teachers like Master Nizam and my respected teacher Maulana Muhammad Sadiq Akrami Nadwi (may Allah protect him) maintained a highly disciplined atmosphere. Students hardly dared to speak loudly or break any rules. I was a student during that period and had already seen two headmasters before him, yet Mr. Dafadar continued the same strong tradition of discipline. I clearly remember that no student had the courage to step into the Headmaster’s Office or even the Staff Room.
Mr. Dafadar served as Headmaster for 23 years and gave a total of 35 years of service to the institution. He was known for his punctuality, dedication, and sincerity. He was so committed that even on holidays, he would visit the school. He strictly followed government rules and administrative policies.
For many years, Islamia Anglo Urdu High School was the only high school in Bhatkal, where both Hindu and Muslim students studied together. Even today, the school maintains a good standard of education with dedicated teachers.
Mr. Dafadar also held several important positions in educational associations:
President, Bhatkal Aided Employees Association
Vice President, Uttar Kannada Board of Headmasters
General Secretary, Karnataka Government Muslim Employees Association (Uttar Kannada District)
When I decided to write a few lines about him, I personally met him for some details, and he happily shared information about his life and career. What inspired me the most was that he spent his entire career serving only one institution — the same school where he started teaching.
In his early years, the school’s academic standard was very high. The school received the Rabita Award for three consecutive years. However, later, the results began to decline — perhaps due to changing times or other reasons.
One of his great qualities was that he could recognize each teacher’s ability and assign responsibilities accordingly. He had a good understanding of people’s talents. During his farewell ceremony, Maulana Abdul Hafeez Khan Nadwi, one of the teachers, said that Mr. Dafadar had once asked him to anchor a school event because he noticed his speaking ability.
When I was appointed to the school, my subjects were Urdu and Islamic Studies. Later, due to another teacher’s illness, I was asked to teach English and Social Science. At first, I hesitated, but In-charge Headmaster Mr. Abdun Nasir encouraged me and said, “You can do it.” By Allah’s grace, I am still teaching English today.
May Allah Almighty bless Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Dafadar with good health, happiness, and peace, and may He continue to grant him opportunities to serve the community with the same passion and sincerity.
Ameen.