A persevering Elixir : Md. Shakir Ali

​"I could not walk until the age of four, for which my parents had to admit me to the hospital. Today, I have diabetes because of which I faint quite often. Life isn't easy. It hadn't been for me. But then it is arduous for everyone, and at times there's  a nice reward at the end of it."

As they say: 'Every cloud has a silver lining', mine has too. My wife defeated cancer last year. One life, one wife -- both of whom I love dearly.  It was tough but we managed. Struggle? No struggle Beta (smiles)- Life has been good to me. We have shared everything in life and built a small but beautiful family and house together. I have even serenaded her with a song when she got cured. Every morning when we walk into the kitchen she stews the Seviyan and I fill the bottles.

My scooter is quite popular among students. I have many motorbikes, but I always prefer my LML scooter. My brother sent it to me from Saudi years ago. He died fifteen years ago. I discern his presence, each time I drive it. It takes me to my childhood when we used to ride the bicycle together to steal the raw mangoes around IET. It was deeply forested back then.IET is largely built on the property we owned. The government acquired it and I was given the Lab Assistant's job, while I was pursuing B.A. I got regularized in 1992 after working for five years on a contractual basis. I have worked with Chemicals ever since.

Every new batch that comes along, brings along with itself its exuberance and zest. Students love and respect me. I love them too. I still remember how they gave me a surprise party on my birthday. The best part was that I hadn't celebrated my birthday in decades and it felt to me like a normal day, like all others. What more could I ask for Beta? I just want to see you people become successful. I am due to retire in 2025. IET will be missed! "