Mysore/Mysuru: “Glow of Life”, an English translation of retired Professor of Chemistry Prof. Noor Ahmed Khan’s autobiography “Noor E Hayath” was released at the Lecture Hall of MESCO Complex in N.R. Mohalla on Friday evening.

Prof. Khan, who retired as Head of the Department of Chemistry, Sarada Vilas College, in the late nineties, had compiled his rich and myriad experiences in teaching, extra-curricular activities and social service in an Urdu book titled “Noor E Hayath”, which was released in 2019. The autobiography, which provides a glimpse of the life and charm of old world Mysore through various decades that had passed by, had been translated into English by D. Kareem. 

Releasing “Glow of Life”, Academic Director of Dar Ul Umoor, Srirangapatna, Dr. Mohammed Hazique Nadwi, said Prof. Khan’s autobiography would serve as an inspiration for readers to contribute to the society in whichever way they can.

Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Khan said his autobiography was a compilation of more than 80 years of his life. “These events and recordings is a true story of an average person like me,” he said. 

The autobiography is a “connect” between the educational, cultural, social, religious and national organisations that he had been associated with. “It gives a panoramic view of all the organisations, their aims, objectives and activities. It will give even glimpses of events and programmes of these organisations,” he said.

Kareem, who has translated the book, said Prof. Khan did not rest on the laurels of his elder brothers — late Hafiz Iqbal Saheb and Hafiz Abdul Sattar Saheb — who were recognised for their mellifluous recitation of Quran to memorise which they had been to Saudi Arabia from 1938 to 1942. Prof. Khan earned a name for himself with his social service and commitment to society.

Secretary of Azam Bait Ul Maal, Mysuru, Prof. Riyaz Ahmed, who presided, recalled his more than 75-years of association with Prof. Khan in various social service organisations and appreciated his struggle to come up in life.

Munawwar Pasha, who heads Jamaat E Islami Hind in Mysuru, said the book provides readers a peep into the history and culture of Mysore during 1950s and 1960s. “It shows that there was much love and caring for each other. Unfortunately, such brotherhood is now sorely missing,” he regretted. The invitees were given a copy of the autobiography free of cost.