Aslam Reflects on Decades of Service at Ghalib Academy in Central Delhi
Aslam, a longtime staffer at the Ghalib Academy in Central Delhi, shared reflections on his life, work, and personal philosophy during an evening interview session at the literary institution. The academy, which is dedicated to Urdu poetry and literature, employs Aslam as an all-rounder who manages daily hospitality and hall logistics.
Describing his day-to-day responsibilities, Aslam explained that he prepares tea and serves biscuits and water to visitors at the institution. He also arranges the auditorium whenever the facility hosts meetings and conferences. Aslam stated that he is capable of performing the work of two people alone, adding that the mutual support and lack of discrimination or favouritism among colleagues helps him remain calm throughout the day.
Reflecting on his journey to the capital, Aslam recounted arriving in Delhi from his ancestral village in 1993. Upon his arrival, he worked as a helper in a local eatery, noting that he might still have remained in that occupation had he not joined the academy staff.
Aslam also detailed his personal values, identifying his favourite human quality as ikhlaq, which he described as speaking politely, keeping a cool temper without anger, and using appropriate words. Regarding companionship, he remarked that he prefers keeping a measured distance in friendships, observing that excessive closeness can eventually lead to bitterness and enmity.
Outside his working hours, Aslam resides in Khadda Colony in Jaitpur and finds his greatest happiness in returning home to his children and grandchildren. After his retirement, he plans to leave Delhi and relocate permanently to his home village of Tara Na Kho in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, citing its greenery and fresh produce.
Speaking on personal tragedy, Aslam noted that several major misfortunes have marked his life, including the deaths of his father and mother. His son, Salam, passed away in 2018 at the age of 18.
As the session drew to a close near 6 p.m., Aslam prepared to carry out his evening routine of shutting down the academy. His duties include locking the ground-floor side doors, securing the second-floor library, checking the top-floor museum lock, turning off all water taps, and switching off the lights. He noted that his guiding motto is that life is worth living if one's work helps support and feed people beyond one's own family.
