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| Gafoor, Hajiar Palli, Malappuram |
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How did Gafoor, a teacher of Malayalam at the Hajiar Palli, Malappuram come to teach Science with the consent of the school authorities? Therein lies his undying interest in lunar studies and the acceptance of his enthusiasm by none other than NASA, USA.
Gafoor’s father’s hobby was to collect newspaper clippings of important world events. When he was a student of 10th standard, Gafoor chanced to see the newspaper detailing man’s landing on moon. Since that day, his interest in the lunar world has been on the ascent.
He was advised to approach NASA to further his quest. On coming to know Gafoor’s interest, NASA made him a member of its Media Resource Centre at a fee of $232. During his long correspondences with the organization, its director Martin Razak became his friend.
Soon information on moon started arriving at his home. Cassettes, CDs, pictures, stickers, booklets etc on the lunar expeditions have been provided to him by the Agency. He has a collection of almost 150 CDs on the flights of Appolo space vehicles.
After persistent requests and the intervention of Martin Razak, NASA finally sent him a 2gm piece of lunar rock for a period of 42 days. Gafoor has displayed the other-worldy object in many venues.
He remembers the constant guidance of his father Khadar and brothers which continues even today. Gafoor, who has the autographed photos of about 30 astronauts including John Young and Sunitha Williams, receives atleast 2 emails everyday from NASA.
No wonder then that he is a right choice to teach Science at the school and inspire the students.
Courtesy:
Sudeen Mubarak, Sree,
Malayala Manorama,
January 25, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
