Email from Dow Canteen/Snack Corner to Dow Students
Written by: Shariq Ali
Dow 1985
Subject: It’s Been a While
My Dear Friends,
I am sure you haven’t forgotten me—your favorite spot at the college canteen/snack corner. Quite some time has passed, hasn’t it? I thought it was time I reached out to you myself.
I have always been in tune with the heartbeat of Dow’s students, sharing in both their personal experiences and the excitement of student union elections. I’ve always admired the democratic spirit and the joys that come with it. Despite all this enthusiasm, it might surprise you that I’ve never cast a vote, nor will I ever. My happiness and freedom lie in accepting every person who steps within my boundaries. That’s why my friends include all of you, regardless of your diverse backgrounds, colors, races, religions, and beliefs. This unconditional acceptance gives me the feeling of being a garden, where each of you blossoms as a flower of different colors, shapes, and fragrances.
My openness in thought and environment has always welcomed friendship and joy, embracing diverse opinions, beliefs, and ideas—even the strange and occasionally controversial fashion choices of the ’70s and ’80s. On the benches and chairs of my heart, there has always been, and will always be, a place for everyone.
Whether it was under the scorching sun or a light drizzle, you would gather here with your cups of tea, juice, and hot samosas whenever you wished. Engrossed in your lively discussions, sometimes you and your friends would even break into song, chanting with new resolve and conviction. I would join in, smiling, without any distinction. I knew that one day you would all grow up and revisit the simplicity of your current thoughts and ideas with the wisdom of experience, discover new realities and truths, and write new songs.
Occasionally, a lack of reasoning, heated arguments, or the intensity of a one-sided passion would lead to a lapse in civility. When harsh words were exchanged, it pained me deeply, but it was always temporary. My faith in love and belief in friendship, shared by all of us, never wavered, and time proved us right. Love and friendship are far stronger and more enduring than ideological differences. We have now reached an age where the importance of friendship and shared purpose far outweighs differences of opinion.
Just yesterday, the Moeen Auditorium told me that many of our old friends have now grown up—at least some have! You are all now financially stable, professionally successful, and scattered across the world. Most of you are leading content and prosperous lives. Many have now retired and are entering the second innings of their lives, realizing that true happiness lies not in worldly achievements, but in human relationships—the companionship of family and friends. Hearing this filled me with pride and joy, which I immediately shared over a cup of tea with the Sports Arena.
Although I am still full of energy and the presence of new faces, I sometimes miss old friends like you. I am sure that wherever you are now, you have remembered the lesson I taught about embracing diversity and individuality. And you have learned to celebrate differences in thought with an open heart.
I hope you haven’t stopped humming the tune of the shared purpose of human betterment. I hope you are still continuing the journey of human love, the pursuit of justice for all, and enduring friendships. I send you all the same old warmth and love!
With Sincere Affection,
Your College Canteen/Snack Corner
(A tribute to the alma mater from Shariq Ali,
Dow Graduate of 1985)