Madam Rukhsana Nazir
Madam Rukhsana Nazir
An Autobiographical Reflection by Madam Rukhsana Nazir
An Inspiring Journey of Compassion, Dedication, and Excellence
A Timeless Inspiration
“Lives of great men all remind us,
we can make our lives sublime,
and departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time”
— Longfellow
These lines have always echoed in my heart, reminding me that a life with purpose leaves a mark long after one’s footsteps fade. My journey as an educator has been a humble effort to leave such footprints — of compassion, learning, and love — on the sands of time.
My Educational Journey
My academic path began at Presentation Convent High School, where the foundation of discipline and dedication was first laid. I graduated from Gordon College, and pursued higher education with passion — completing B.Ed, Masters in English Literature, and M.Ed from the University of the Punjab. Later, I earned MA TEFL (Diploma) from Allama Iqbal Open University, followed by numerous professional courses from international institutions.
There are moments in life that remain etched forever — for me, one such day was January 4, 1971, when I appeared for an interview for the post of a Junior Section Teacher at Islamabad Model School for Boys, G-6/3. I had no idea that this visit would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey with Islamabad College for Boys (ICB) — a place that would become my second home.
I joined the institution on January 5, 1971, under the guidance of our remarkable Headmistress, Mrs. Surriya Shuja Qazi. Together with a team of devoted teachers, we built a culture of teamwork, creativity, and excellence — one lesson plan at a time.
My Teaching Philosophy and Approach
Teaching, to me, is not merely a profession — it is a sacred calling. I have always believed that every child is unique, and it is the teacher’s duty to discover and nurture that individuality. My teaching philosophy is grounded in humility, empathy, and precision.
I designed and delivered lessons that catered to diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to shine. I sought to create an environment filled with curiosity and joy — where learning was not confined to books but extended to imagination, creativity, and character building.
My guiding belief remains:
“It is the teacher that makes the difference — not just the classroom.”
Leadership, Innovation, and Creativity
As my journey progressed, I was blessed with opportunities to lead and represent my country abroad — showcasing Pakistan’s educational and cultural heritage. Leadership for me was never about authority, but about inspiring, guiding, and empowering others.
My creativity found expression through innovative teaching methods, integrating art, literature, and critical thinking into the classroom. As a poet and writer, I found solace in words — using them to uplift and inspire those around me.
Achievements and Recognition
Over the years, I have been honored with numerous national and international awards, including recognition as an Outstanding Teacher. But for me, true achievement lies not in accolades — it lies in the success and smiles of my students.
Every milestone in my career has been a step toward creating something meaningful — whether it was leading delegations, conducting workshops, or mentoring future educators. These honors only strengthened my resolve to continue striving for excellence with zest, humility, and dedication.
My Contributions Beyond the Classroom
My journey at ICB was not limited to academics. I founded both the Girl Guides Association and the Boy Scouts Club for the Junior Section, nurturing leadership, discipline, and teamwork among students. I also had the privilege of serving as Deputy National Commissioner for the Pakistan Girl Guides Association — a role that allowed me to inspire young minds at a national level.
Through co-curricular and extracurricular activities, I aimed to teach students that learning extends beyond textbooks — it is about compassion, confidence, and contribution to society.
A Distinguished Career in Education
My professional journey took me beyond ICB as well. In 1997, I was appointed Principal of PAF College of Education, Chaklala, where our students consistently excelled, achieving top university results.
In 2001, I joined Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, and by 2007, I had become an Adjunct Professor, teaching at seven esteemed institutions, including:
Fatima Jinnah Women University
Institute of Science and Technology
International Islamic University
CESET
Preston University
Allama Iqbal Open University
Over the years, I have conducted more than 100 teacher training workshops, sharing knowledge, experience, and a lifelong passion for education with fellow teachers and scholars.
Personal Values That Define Me
Throughout my life, I have tried to embody the values that education itself teaches:
Compassion — to understand and guide every child with love.
Efficiency — to ensure every effort yields meaningful impact.
Humility — to remain grounded despite recognition.
Dignity — to uphold respect for the teaching profession.
These qualities have been my compass — guiding me through challenges, triumphs, and every classroom I have ever entered.
Reflections and Gratitude
ICB has been more than a workplace; it has been a sanctuary of learning and love. Here, I grew not only as a teacher but as a human being. To see my words and journey remembered as a tribute to the unsung heroes of education fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude.
Even today, I meet my former students and their wonderful families — their success is my greatest reward. Whether in Pakistan or abroad, social media platforms like Facebook have allowed us to reconnect, reminding me that the bonds formed in a classroom truly last a lifetime.
My Tableaus & Achievements
All the tableaus I directed at ICB won first prizes, and many of them were repeated by popular demand. My work was once viewed by President General Zia-ul-Haq, which was a moment of great honour for me.
One of the most special productions I directed was a tableau on Turkey. It received such overwhelming appreciation that it was staged for three consecutive days, attended by the Turkish Embassy and members of the Turkish community living in Islamabad.
These experiences hold a very special place in my life, and I am grateful for the love, recognition, and memories associated with them.
🌍 My Trips & Medals
🇵🇰 Leadership Selection – Pakistan to San Francisco (1985)
I was selected as the leader of Pakistan for the “Pakistan – San Francisco Project” in 1985.
The San Francisco project was a wonderful experience. I visited seven counties where we enjoyed camping, games, and school visits. Students were very excited and happy.
One of the principals wrote:
“You are such a versatile teacher, come and teach our students.”
The entire trip was full of excitement and joy.
🌏 Asia Pacific Regional Conference – Malaysia (2007)
I attended the Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Malaysia in 2007 as an observer.
We stayed in a seven-star hotel. I presented about Pakistan and participated in various activities including:
Hiking
Daily educational sessions
Cultural exchange
Meeting new people and building friendships
Tours to different places
It was a memorable and enriching experience.
🍁 Visit to Alberta & British Columbia – Canada (2019)
In 2019, I went to Airdrie, close to Calgary, Canada. I participated in many events representing Pakistan.
🏞 Banff
I visited Banff, one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen.
The lakes, waterfalls, and colours of nature were awe-inspiring. It is a place where one simply sits and imagines how beautiful heaven must be.
🏔 Jasper
I also visited Jasper. Although it had suffered from a major forest fire the previous year, everyone was working hard to restore its beauty. It remains a stunning and peaceful place.
🌲 British Columbia
I had the opportunity to visit British Columbia as well — equally mesmerizing as Banff and Jasper.
🏙 Calgary – My Home in Canada
Calgary feels like home — serene, lush-green, and beautiful, even with frequent snow. The hustle and bustle of the city remains constant. It has many famous shopping places such as:
Costco
Walmart
Dollarama
And many more
There are also many rivers and waterfalls around Calgary. The environment is very clean, the air is fresh, and citizens strongly discourage littering.
🕋 Visits to Saudi Arabia (2011–2013)
I visited Saudi Arabia three times between 2011 and 2013.
Although the language barrier was a challenge, I successfully conducted teacher training courses at the Pakistan Embassy School and other institutions.
The trainee teachers were enthusiastic and excited to learn new teaching techniques. Education in Saudi Arabia is evolving, with many new initiatives and approaches. Teachers must stay updated with global teaching trends, and thankfully, a vast amount of learning material is easily available online today.
My Family & Journey of Pride
Both of my sons are proud ICBians.
Ch. Ahsan Nazir Ahmed is currently serving as Vice President (Commercial) at PARCO GUNVOR Limited (PGL).
My other son, Asif Nazir Ahmed, is working with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
My husband is a retired banker from UBL, and together we take great pride in the values, education, and achievements that define our family.
In Closing – My Heartfelt Message
To my dear students, colleagues, and my beloved institution:
You are a part of my story, just as I am a part of yours. May you continue to strive for knowledge, kindness, and excellence in all that you do.
Stay blessed, stay inspired, and always remember — teaching is the art of touching lives forever.
I am thankful to Muhammad Tahir for taking this highly valuable initiative, which has brought the ICBian family closer . Well done 👍🏻 and keep up your great efforts of making history . His talent reflects how talented our students are in almost every field. Stay happy and safe . I am proud of you. 👏 “
With love and prayers,
🤍 Rukhsana Nazir 🤲
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