Amir Iqbal

This is the story of a family’s love and gratitude toward their guru. Thirty years ago, Habib Mastar, a teacher, had guided the family to send their son to school. This changed the family’s destiny as, today, the child is a Police officer in Madhya Pradesh.

Santosh Kumar Patel, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDOP) in Ghatigaon, Gwalior district, shared a video on social media that won the hearts of thousands. He said he learned that his father's old guru, 90-year-old Habib Martar, was alive and living in Satna.

Hearing this, Santosh immediately set out with his father to meet him. When they arrived at his home, Santosh and his father touched his feet and sought his blessings.

It was evening, and Habib Sir was preparing to pray and break his fast. But as soon as he saw his former disciple, he dropped his plans and blessed them both by placing his hand over their heads.

Santosh Kumar and his father with Habib Mastar and his family 

This scene was not just a meeting between a guru and his disciple, but a beautiful example of humanity and respect.

Today, Santosh Kumar has millions of followers on social media, where he inspires young people to change their lives through hard work and honesty. But within this success story, there's also a chapter that conveys a message of humanity and brotherhood.

Santosh Kumar Patel was born into a poor family in Devgaon, near Ajaygarh tehsil in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh. His father was a mason, and his mother worked as a farm labourer. He spent his childhood in a small hut with a leaking roof. Even food was scarce, and at times the small child would go to bed without enough food in his stomach.

As a child, Santosh also helped his family. Sometimes he would collect tendu leaves, sometimes work in the fields, and sometimes carry bricks with his father. Despite all this, Santosh was very clear about getting an education.

At this stage, Habib Ali Sir entered his life. Habib was posted as a teacher in the local school. He would cycle 20 kilometres to reach the village.

Santosh says that Habib Marsab didn't teach him, but he played a role in sending him to school. Village children often ran away from school, but Habib Sir would waylay them and take them to school, saying, "Only education can change your life."

This small effort one day became a huge change.

Santosh explains that his father had briefly attended school under Habib Sir. Like most other village kids, he soon quit and took to grazing cattle. But those few days of study instilled in him the importance of education.

Many of Habib Mastars students became teachers, and some secured government jobs.

Santosh believes that such teachers are the true strength of society. After meeting Habib Marsab, Santosh wrote an emotional message:

"The one who transcends caste and religion and lights the lamp of education is a true guru." His story demonstrates that the true religion of a true teacher is education. A small initiative by a Muslim teacher transformed the life of a poor family, and today, that family has become an inspiration for society.

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The story of DSP Santosh Kumar Patel teaches us two important lessons. First, education and hard work can transform the life of any poor child.