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Ahmed
Nazir Kidwai was in Sherwood from 1926 to
1934 where he established himself as a
student of high calibre. Not only did he win
academic prizes in the languages (Urdu and
English) and in general knowledge throughout
his school career, but he also earned top
honours in the Cambridge School final
examination where he scored a staggering
84.6% (the equivalent of a percentage in the
high nineties in modern times).
In
addition, he was a fine chess player and he
was numbered among the top five players of
the school.
His
passion lay in reading, reflected thus: 'Kidwai
A. shuns strenuous play/Sexton Blake he reads
all day.'!
But
this is not to suggest that he was book-bound
with no interest on the playing-field. He was
a fair hand at tennis and in one occasion
partnered Gerry Burge to win the doubles
title. He also represented the school in
matches against Oakgrove.
However,
the following article published in 'The
Statesman' tells us in eloquent terms of
Ahmed Kidwai, the man. If all that has been
said about character-building at Sherwood
were to be distilled into a single drop,
perhaps part of this 'drop' would be Ahmed
who, from the account given below, represents
all that is noblest and finest in the
Sherwood tradition.
Mr. A. N. Kidwai, I.C.S.
Though
he died ten years ago, he is still warmly
remembered as a caring, affectionate friend
to all and a fair and just man.
Born
on 14th February, 1916, in a Talukdari family
of Barabanki, U.P., Ahmed Nazir Kidwai had a
high academic record in his school Sherwood
College, Naini Tal, and excelled in studies,
sports and debates.
While
in Lucknow University, he won a record honour
of receiving three gold medals.
Throughout
his distinctive service as an I.C.S. officer
in undivided Assam, his one ideal was to
serve the people. He kept in direct touch
with all, irrespective of rank. All felt free
to approach him, confident of getting a
sympathetic and just response.
The
cause of the needy and especially of the 4th
grade in Government service was dear to his
heart throughout his career.
His
ten years as Chief Secretary, Assam, a record
of brilliance, were full of critical and
historic events, like the Chinese War, the
Pakistani War, constant border conflicts with
East Pakistan and Mizo and Naga rebel
problems. He played an important part in
settling the language trouble in Assam. For
his upright stewardship through crises, he
was much appreciated by the Government and
colleagues in State and the Centre and most
of the people he served.
He
was a D.C. in Nowgong when the dreaded
earthquake of 1951 took place. He is still
remembered there motoring around the town,
even when strong tremors continued one after
another, to infuse confidence amongst the
frightened population.
A
sportsman himself, he championed the cause of
sports and sportsmen; provided the districts
with stadium, helped in the formation of the
N.S. Club of Assam. He won trophies in
tennis, golf, billiards, squash, chess etc.
he was considered an authority in bridge and
yet enjoyed a game of 'guli-danda' and
marbles with the servants' children of the
neighbourhood, a game he played with
abandon.
Ahmed
Kidwai had a brilliant mind with no
intellectual arrogance. His career was
particularly distinguished because he set for
himself a very high standard of morality and
justice that was further embellished by rare
qualities of humility, friendliness, and
humour. Due to his ability, he was honoured
with the privilege of handling the
administration of three states Assam, West
Bengal and U.P. during President's Rule in
1971 and 1977, respectively. In addition, he
handled the Damodar Valley Corporation for a
period, was Additional Secretary of Health to
the Union Government and retired as
Secretary, Works and Housing to the
Government of India.
The
interesting combination of youthfulness and
fatherliness, together with his wonderfully
open and broadminded approach won him the
love and respect of all who came in contact
with him.
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