Firdous Khan

Advocate Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan often goes out of his way to help his clients, at times, even waiving his fee to plead the case in a court of law.

However, today at 71, Mohammad Chauhan wears many a hat: he is not only a legal expert but also a committed teacher and an insightful writer who has devoted his life to public service in Karnal city of Haryana.

“To make life better, a person should not depend on destiny alone. Destiny and hard work together bring success,” he says.

Rafiq Chauhan‘s conviction comes from his own struggles. Born in Uchana village of Karnal district into a modest family, he grew up with limited resources. His father, Nawab, was a farmer, and his mother, Maqsudi, homemaker. Though his parents were uneducated, he always had a thirst for knowledge.

His journey was far from easy. He remembers a time when, after completing class eight, his mother wanted him to work as a domestic helper, but he felt he was meant for something more. He somehow completed class ten and took up different jobs to support his education.

Advocate Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan at a public function

He sold goods on a bicycle, ran a tea stall, and worked as a compounder with a doctor for two years. He even learned to repair radios and transistors and opened a small shop in Ramnagar, Karnal in 1975.

He continued this business until 1995. His routine was demanding—college classes till 2 PM, followed by work at his shop from 2 PM to 8 PM. He married at the age of 19.

Alongside managing his family responsibilities, he completed his M.A. in Public Administration from Kurukshetra University.

In 1983, he co-founded Geeta Public School in Tarawadi, but he could not run it for long. However, he did not lose his hope and established Saraswati Public School in Tarawadi in 1984. Later, he opened its branch in Pakhala village. His sons are running both the schools today.

These institutions emphasise practical knowledge along with strong moral education, teaching students about the lives and values of great personalities on their birth and death anniversaries.

In 1983, he co-founded Geeta Public School in Tarawadi, but he could not run it for long. However, he did not lose his hope and established Saraswati Public School in Tarawadi in 1984. Later, he opened its branch in Pakhala village. His sons are running both the schools today.

These institutions emphasise practical knowledge along with strong moral education, teaching students about the lives and values of great personalities on their birth and death anniversaries.

Advocate Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan in his chamber

He expresses concern about the increasing trend of impulsive love marriages. Many young couples defy their parents to marry, only to break the marriage when responsibilities arise.

He has seen numerous cases where husbands abandon their wives, leaving them with no support. The girl suffers the most, often rejected by even her own family. “Love should build life, not destroy it. Parents must maintain friendly relations with their children so they do not go astray,” he advises.

Despite trying his hand at many professions, his true calling remained education and justice. In 1997, he chose to pursue law and has since been practising as an advocate in Karnal.

Known for his honesty, he has helped countless victims secure justice, often representing poor clients free of charge. He pays for paperwork and stationery himself and offers free legal consultation to anyone in need. “It pains me to see women thrown out by their families with nowhere to go. Helping them is my duty,” he says.

Advocate Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan at the local mosque

His social work extends online as well. He manages several Facebook support groups focused on legal and social awareness. He also heads a voluntary organisation called Haryana Muslim Khidmat Sabha, which promotes education, health, environmental awareness, and women’s rights within the Muslim community.

Another major contribution was the restoration of the Jama Masjid in Tarawadi, which had been functioning as a police outpost. After his efforts in 1990, the mosque was revived, repaired, and an imam was appointed. Today, prayers are held there regularly. He also helped rebuild an old mosque in Mazara village in Punjab’s Sangrur district, a village that had long been deserted.

From 1986 to 2006, he contributed to several newspapers, extending his influence beyond the courtroom. His book, Family Law in India, was published in 2021 and received an appreciative response.

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Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan’s life is a testament to perseverance and compassion. From a struggling student to a respected advocate and social reformer, he continues to inspire many through his unwavering commitment to justice, education, and humanity.