Before saying a few words about Daud Abdia, I would like to pay tribute to his father, Professor Abdia—a retired Professor of Economics at Forman Christian College (FC College), Lahore, and a former Chairman and General Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan (SCMP).
Professor Abdia joined FC College as a lecturer in 1972 and retired in May 2013. Throughout his long service, he was deeply respected and appreciated as a teacher. He further enriched his academic qualifications by earning a law degree from Punjab University’s New Campus, Lahore, and an M.Sc. in Rural Development from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
From the day he joined FC College, students seeking education were drawn to him. He helped many young people obtain admission not only to FC College but also to other educational institutions in Lahore. Some students lacked the financial resources to continue their education, so he taught them at his own home. His house often became a large classroom for needy students. His children always respected their father’s service and never disturbed him while he was teaching.
Because of his law degree and the fact that his students became judges and police officers, Professor Abdia had a strong source of support. He used this support to help poor and needy families and to protect them from unfair pressures. I am sure that he continues to do this even now.
When FC College was nationalized in 1971, the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan—the only non-political Christian student organization of its kind—faced the danger of being dissolved. Christian students elected Professor Abdia as their General Secretary. In recognition of his service, he was later appointed Chairman of the organization. He played an important role in rebuilding SCMP and believed that students should focus on education, preparation, character-building, and service to their country.
Professor Abdia was also an excellent lawn-tennis player. He belongs to a respected agricultural family. His father was Chaudhry Shujat Fateh, and his grandfather received the title of “Fateh Jang” from the British Government during the period of British rule in the subcontinent.
He is a devoted Christian, a prayerful man, and a good friend of mine. He regularly attended church and held special family prayer times at home. He often kept a harmonium near him and sang hymns and Psalms. His voice was so melodious that visitors frequently requested him to sing.
I knew Nawab Buland Akhtar, the son-in-law of Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister. Although he was known for drinking, whenever Professor Abdia began praising God and singing Psalms, he would put his cup aside and listen respectfully to the prayerful singing in honor of Almighty God.
Professor Abdia showed exceptional kindness to poor students. He gave them far more than education: he provided food, practical assistance, and at times even drove them safely back to their homes. He treated students with great compassion and consistently placed their educational needs first.
By the grace of God, his children have also achieved much in life. Those living in America have become accomplished teachers, while those living in Pakistan have attained respected professional positions.
Daud Abdia, Professor Abdia’s youngest son, is a tall, charming, and capable young man. He currently serves as a lecturer in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Forman Christian College, Lahore. Like his father, he is committed to teaching, guiding, and encouraging students in their educational journey. He also inspires Christian students to honor, worship, and serve Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The advisers and Christian students of the four units of the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan, together with members of other parachurch organizations—including the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the National Council of Churches in Pakistan (NCCP)—have elected Daud Abdia as the Honorary General Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan.
Professor Abdia is naturally very happy and proud of his youngest son, Daud Abdia. I, too, am proud of him and pray that God may bless him with wisdom, courage, humility, and success as he serves Christian students and the wider community.