Col. Faiz-Ur-Rahman - “A legend of unwavering principles”

Firmness can be executed extremely kindly. Discipline is the cornerstone of any journey, be it life or business. Respect is something you earn and cannot demand. I could go on imparting life lessons from a larger-than-life personality with whom many of us had the fortune of associating over the years. Col. Faiz-Ur-Rahman was all that and more. Sadly, he is no longer with us, leaving a vacuum that would be virtually impossible to fill.

Leadership comes in all forms and shapes, and Col. Faiz, as we affectionately called him, fits into many of these forms. He was a mentor when needed and could easily switch roles depending on the situation. He led by example and always stood for righteousness and discipline, probably stemming from his military background. He was never afraid to voice his opinion but was equally adept at listening and arriving at what was best for all. He was the first person most of us would turn to for advice and help in the face of any issue, be it personal or professional.

Several years ago, when we had to make the tough decision to completely revamp the constitution of the management club, our first stop was Col. Faiz. Not one to shirk any responsibility or evade a problem, he was quickly on it, and he not only advised but also spearheaded that change plan personally. That was Col. Faiz-Ur-Rahman, someone who never took no for an answer. From Chartered Management Institute activities to the Management Club activities, he was always a steadfast pillar behind the stories being enacted. He was a gentle giant of the fast-depleting breed of men and women who stood for the values they believed in and steadfastly upheld truth and justice.

Col. Faiz was equally at his best at social gatherings. A man with a lovely sense of humour and the ability to discuss a multitude of subjects made him the envy of many. Eloquently expressive, his presence never failed to enhance any occasion, be it an evening gathering or a more formal social event. Especially in associations, his words of wisdom and guidance always prevailed. Such was the respect for him from everyone. Even his email domain, ‘solankili,’ was special and distinctive, something we will never forget. That was him. He brought a difference to everything he did. That was his specialty.

His passing is a great loss not only to those who knew him as friends, family, and acquaintances but also to the management fraternity and the country at large. Perhaps it is apt to repeat that he was a stalwart of the fast-dwindling breed of courageous and valiant men of yesteryears. We will miss him dearly. His family is sure to feel the loss even more profoundly, but all of us can be happy and proud to have known this larger-than-life personality, yet so humble in his own accord.

Goodbye to our friend and mentor. Your association always brought us joy and wisdom. You may have departed from the physical world, but you will be in our memories forever. Rest in peace, Col. Faiz.

Murali Prakash

Past President – Chartered Management Institute UK

Past President - Board of Management TMC

Fayaz Saleem

Past President – Chartered Management Institute UK

President Emeritus - Board of Management TMC