Remembering S.M. Abdul Rahman Batin: Educator, Poet, and Former Executive Member of Anjuman

S.M. Abdul Rahman, popularly known by his pen name ‘Batin’, was a much-loved and respected figure in Bhatkal. He was a dedicated teacher, a thoughtful poet, and a selfless community servant whose life was deeply connected with the growth of his hometown. His story is one of dedication, sacrifice, and an unending love for his people and the institutions that shaped him.

Early Life and Education

Mr. Batin was born on August 10, 1948, in Jamia Street, Bhatkal, to his father, S.M. Syed Ahmed. He belonged to the well-known Syed Mohiuddin (S.M.) family, a respected land-owning family in the area. His childhood home was the very place where the Anjuman School stands today, a fact that shows his family’s deep roots in the community’s educational journey.

He began his own education at the Anjuman Board School. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in learning. After finishing his initial schooling in Bhatkal, he moved to Mangalore for higher education. There, he studied at the famous St. Aloysius College and successfully earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1968.

An Unexpected Path: The Making of an Educator

Mr. Batin had a dream to become a lawyer. But life had a different plan for him. On the very day he received his B.A. results, a respected headmaster from Anjuman, Mr. Usman Hassan Jabapu, passed away. Before his passing, he had spoken to the young Batin and asked about his future plans. When Batin shared his dream of becoming a lawyer, the headmaster urged him to become a teacher at Anjuman, which was in great need of good teachers at the time.

Moved by the request and seeing the needs of his community’s institution, Mr. Batin accepted the offer. This decision marked the beginning of a long and memorable journey in the field of education. He later continued his own studies, earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in both Urdu and English (with a first-class result) from Shivaji University.

A Long and Dedicated Career

For nearly 40 years, Mr. Batin served as a teacher, shaping the minds of thousands of students. He had a deep love for Anjuman, the institution he credited for his own education. He often said, “If Anjuman was not there, we would not have received an education.”

His talents were not limited to teaching. He was also a gifted poet. One of his famous lines was: “Ishq zahir bhi hai, ishq batin bhi hai, Ishq hi noor hai, ishq hi naar hai” (Love is apparent, and love is hidden. Love is the light, and love is the fire.)

His reputation as a skilled educator grew. He was personally requested by Mr. S.M. Yahya, who was the Education Minister of Karnataka, to take on the role of Headmaster at the newly established National High School in Murudeshwar. He accepted the challenge and helped build the school from its early days.

Later, he appeared for an interview in Dharwad for the position of a Government PU College Principal. The chairman of the selection committee, a man named Mr. Bhandary, was a lover of Urdu poetry. He was very impressed when Mr. Batin beautifully recited a poem by Allama Iqbal. Mr. Batin was selected for the post, proving his merit once again.

A Life of Sacrifice and Service

Mr. Batin’s life was also marked by deep personal sacrifice. At one point, he received a prestigious job offer from the Central Government to be a lecturer in Urdu. It was a great opportunity. When he went home to share the news, he found his mother was gravely ill. He chose his mother over his career and gave up the job to stay in Bhatkal and take care of her.

Even after he retired from teaching, he did not stop working for his people. He became very active in community service and was eventually made the Vice President of Anjuman Hami E Muslimeen Bhatka. He was a humble man who believed in the saying, “Sayyid al-qawmi khadimuhum” (The leader of a community is its servant). Until his final days, he would help anyone who came to him, writing letters and applications for them in both English and Urdu.

Legacy and Final Journey

S.M. Abdul Rahman Batin’s life was a lesson in humility, dedication, and faith. He will always be remembered as a teacher who built futures, a poet who touched hearts, and a leader who served with humility.

Mr. Batin passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 74. His funeral prayer was held at the Jama Masjid in Bhatkal, attended by a large number of community members. He was laid to rest in the oldest graveyard (qabrastan), Kazia Street, Bhatkal. He leaves behind a timeless legacy of service, education, and community spirit.