Before I say a few words about Daud Abdia, I must pay tribute to his father, 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).
He joined FC College as a lecturer in 1972 and retired from the college in May 2013. Throughout his service, he remained a highly appreciated teacher at FC College. He further enhanced his qualifications by earning a law degree from Punjab University’s New Campus in Lahore and an M.Sc. in Rural Development from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
Perhaps the Holy God made him for this purpose because, from the day he joined FC College, students eager to receive an education began following him. He helped everyone, whether they needed assistance gaining admission to FC College or another educational institution in Lahore. Some students did not have enough money to attend college, so he educated them in his own home. His house was always like a large classroom for such students. His children always appreciated their father and never disturbed him while he was teaching.
Because of his law degree and the fact that his children became judges and police officers, he had a strong source of support. He used this support to help poor and needy families and protect them from unfair pressures. I am sure that he continues to do this even now.
In 1971, when FC College was nationalized, the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan—the only nonpolitical organization of its kind—was in danger of being dissolved. Christian students elected him as their General Secretary, and because of his services, he was later appointed Chairman of the organization. He rebuilt it. He believed that the goal of students was to study, prepare themselves, and serve their country to the best of their abilities.
He was also a very good lawn tennis player. He belongs to a respected agricultural family. His grandfather received the title of “Fateh Jang” from the British Government during the period of British rule in the subcontinent.
He has a wonderful Christian personality and is a good friend of mine. He is an enthusiastic and prayerful Christian, and all of his sons grew up to be good, educated Christians. Professor Abdia regularly attended church. At home, he held a special prayer time with his family. He always kept a harmonium near him and regularly sang songs. His voice was so melodious that visitors often requested that he sing Psalms for them.
I knew Nawab Buland Akhtar, the son-in-law of Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was a full-time drinker, but whenever Professor Abdia praised God and sang Psalms, he would put his cup on the table and enjoy the prayerful chanting in honor of the Holy God.
Professor Abdia was very kind to poor students. He blessed them with much more than an education. He gave them food and sometimes drove them back to their homes in his car. He treated students with great kindness and always prioritized their education while providing them with additional support.
Therefore, the Holy God and the Lord Jesus Christ blessed all his children abundantly. Those living in America became excellent teachers, and those living in Pakistan also became highly accomplished.
Daud Abdia, his youngest son, is tall and charming. He currently teaches as a lecturer in the Department of Health and Physical Education at FC College, Lahore. He is following in his father’s footsteps by teaching and guiding students in their education. He also encourages Christian students to honor and worship the Holy God and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
The advisors and Christian students of the four units of the Student Christian Movement of Pakistan, along 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 very happy and proud of his youngest son, Daud Abdia. I am also very proud of him.