The generation before 2000 must have read a name in its textbooks, which is proud of not only the Christian community but the whole of Pakistan.
Some names in the history of Pakistan will always live as a symbol of bravery, determination and selfless service. One of them is the group Captain (R) Cecil Chaudhry. Who was a war hero, an educated and enthusiastic protector of the rights of religious minorities.
His journey of life, from warplanes to education and human rights, is an extraordinary story, which is a pride for every Pakistani. The new generation may not be familiar with the names and achievements of Cecil Chaudhry, but they are included in the golden letters of the history of Pakistan. On the occasion of his anniversary, this article is not only a means of paying tribute to them, but also an attempt to enlighten the younger generation with this great war hero, educationist, and human rights guard.
Family Background: Cecil Chaudhry was born in the leading Pakistani Catholic Christian family. His father, Mr. Fuston Elmer Chaudhry, is a famous name in Pakistan, “Uncle Chaudhry”. He was ranked fourth among his five, siblings. The renowned researcher Azam Miraj writes in his book “Shaun Sabzhid”, “He was born on August 27, 1941, the village of Salt Range, where his father was living with his family after emigrating from East Punjab.
After a few years, his parents moved to Lahore and became associated with teaching at St. Anthony School. After receiving his early education from St. Anthani School, Cecil Chaudhry conducted an FSC from FC College Lahore and joined the Aerospace to satisfy the fondness for becoming a pilot and received his as a glide r -Pilot Wing in 1956. He was selected for Pakistan Air Force via 23 GDP Course and entered the Rasalpur Academy on March 12, 1958, where he passed out on June 26, 1960 and was selected in 12 squadon for the fighter conversion course after receiving the commission. He considered it his good fortune that he got his first posting in 5 squadron where the squadron leader had the opportunity to work under the leadership of Sarfraz Rafiqi Shaheed. “
In the Pak -India war of 1965, he showed unprecedented bravery and targeted enemy bases and installations. F-86 Ceber fighter plane, he performed several dangerous missions, including Operation Grand Slam. His bravery brought him to the ranks of the prominent warplants of Pakistan, in which he was awarded the “Stars”. Even in the 1971 war, he unconsciously defended the homeland’s borders and ironed out his great combat skills. His achievements in the 1965 war are part of history that has been written.
In recognition of his services in the 1971 war, he was awarded the “Star Basalt”, during which he was deployed to several key positions, including 9 squadrons commander, deputy directors, commanding officers, Combat Commanders’ School, School. From 1979 to 1983, deputation in Iraq was also on deputation. His glorious career ended on July 2, 1986. In 2013, for his educational services, he was awarded the “Hassan Performance” by the President of Pakistan, which his son received.
He has four children married to Iris Chaudhry in 1964, three daughters Mashil Chaudhry, Kerala Hai, Merlin Khan and son Sicil Shen Chaudhry. His daughter Michelle Chaudhry, in her memory, laid the foundation of an NGO “Cecil and Aires Chaudhry Foundation” active in defending minorities in Pakistan. Cecil Chaudhry came to the field of education after the Air Force and became associated with the Punjab Education Foundation. Before becoming the Principal of St. Mary’s Academy, Rawalpindi, he served as Principal of St. Anthony College, Lahore for many years, retired from here in July 2011.
Cecil Chaudhry continued to work for an influential, free human rights activist as well as the improvement of children with disabilities and educational reforms. He has been the Executive Secretary since the beginning of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) with Shahbaz Bhatti since the early 1990s. He was also affiliated with the National Commission for Justice and Peace and played an important role in leading the 14 -year campaign that led to the restoration of Pakistan’s joint electoral system in 2002.
As Bap, Role Model: Where Cecil Chaudhry achieved his work in every field of life, he was also an example as a father. His son Cecil Shen Chaudhry said, “Abu’s entire life spent following the principles and laws, as a father he was a loving and loving man, but even in the house he did not compromise on principles. We learned from our father’s life, but in practice, whatever works, do it with heart and sincere faith. Then you will be able to do justice to your work. Abu always used to say that always keep his goals bigger so that you make every effort to achieve them and get the best results. “
His daughter, Mushil Chaudhry, said, “We are proud that we are the descendants of a patriot who not only Christians but ordinary Pakistanis are remembered and paid tribute to this day, but they are also known internationally and their services are acknowledged. Being the older daughter of his parents, his ideas still give me light in the dark paths.
To fulfill what they thought for the nation, I have created the ‘Cecil and Aires Chaudhry Foundation’ to represent the backward and oppressed classes in this country and bring them justice and their right. I am proud that they protected the country’s borders, regardless of their lives during their military services. Even after retirement, he also raised the task of protecting the ideological borders of his country and nation. For me, these words – I am a Christian in terms of belief, but my religion is humanity. There is a truth that is nothing short of a scripture. “
Academic services, political, social and human rights scholars: they were the backbone of humanity and interfaith harmony. The passionate service of Cecil Chaudhry was not limited to the military field, but he was also a gentle teacher and a great education. After retiring from the Pak Air Force, he performed the mental and moral training of thousands of students as the principal of Lahore’s St. Anthony High School.
He strives to raise the quality of education. He was supportive of providing quality education to low -class children. After his education, his struggle formed the defense of minority rights. He was a close associate of Shahbaz Bhatti (Pakistan’s first Federal Minister for Minority Affairs) and was active in promoting religious tolerance in the country. He has always voiced the abolition of discrimination laws and for the equal rights of minorities.
An everlasting heritage: Cecil Chaudhry’s life is a bright example of courage, honesty and service. He proved that a true hero is the one who not only succeeds in the battlefield but also made a positive change in the lives of others.
On April 13, 2012, she left the world, but her services and sacrifices are still remembered today. He will always live in history thanks to his valuable services in the defense, education and human rights sectors of Pakistan. Pakistan pays tribute to this great son of Dharti, who was a great soldier, a gentle teacher and a dynamic protector of justice. Someone was well -versed in the life of Cecil Chaudhry, “He protected the land and air borders of the first 27 years of his life and dedicated the remaining 27 years to Pakistan’s ideological borders.”
Cecil is the only Christian figure in Pakistan whose name Pakistan Air Force has created a church in the PFA Base Sikasar called “Cecil Chaudhry Church”, which is a unique honor of its kind. Apart from this, Sargodha, in University Road, Chowk, on September 6, 2016, is named after Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry.
Their services are still the flame for the nation. Recently, in recognition of his extraordinary services, the PAF Hospital has been set up at the Cecil Chaudhry Complex at Islamabad, which is equipped with modern medical facilities. This complex not only pays tribute to their sacrifices and struggles, but also a practical picture of their passion for humanitarianism and service.
It should be noted that Cecil Chaudhry’s life was an example of courage, courage and service. It is a fact that “Legends never die, they are always alive.” Cecil Chaudhry is not in this world today, but his struggles, services and effects can still be felt today. His name is not only listed in the history of history, but is breathing in the institutions and projects that are advancing their mission of morale, dedication and service.
Always living heirs: In recognition of his educational services, the road leading to St. Anthony School, Lahore has been named “Cecil Chaudhry Road”.
Last month, he was passing through this road and thinking that this great man of our era was recovered from the world on April 13, 2012, and is buried in the Christian cemetery of Lahore (Gora Cemetery), but with his achievements he is still alive today and we have become a model of improving his life. He used to say, “I am a Christian in terms of faith, but my religion is humanity.” The life and services of Cecil Chaudhry have proved that Pakistani religious minorities will be committed to the development, survival and stability of their homeland and will keep their shades on the brightness of the green.
