AZEEM Khan has always had a clearly defined mental picture of what his goals are, and he has always been strenuously working to achieve them.

Having already achieved some of those goals, the 29-year-old Azeem has once again become a bookworm, this time studying to become a lawyer.

Born to Ameer and Taramattie Khan at Good Hope Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, Azeem attended Helena Nursery and Primary schools before moving on to the Bygeval Multilateral Secondary and Nations University.

He started his working life as a Communications Officer at the Government Information Agency (GINA), before becoming the Projects Officer at the Ministry of Education. He was later appointed Public Relations Officer of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), and later served as Personal Assistant to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, at the Office of the President.

Azeem grew up determined to become successful at whatever he sets out to do. His “biggest ambition” was to become a reporter, which he fortunately achieved when just 18 years old, and which has granted him almost eight years of practical working experience.

“Much to my surprise, my work in the media has even landed me an award from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in 2005-2006 for Excellence in Health Journalism,” he told Pepperpot a few days ago.

His long-term career goal, however, is to become an attorney-at-law, and he has already commenced studies in this regard. “That’s currently a work in progress,” he declared.

Commenting further on his future, Azeem said: “I am currently working on, or have started, the foundation for my future. The last time we spoke, I was building my house; and that has, so far, been completed. I am now preparing for fatherhood, since my first child is on the way, expected early in the month of June; so I am extremely happy about this. The ultimate goal is to basically build a family and settle in.”

Azeem says he comes from a family comprising three very simple, humble people; being his mother, father and only other sibling, his sister Fazeela, who currently heads a department at the Ministry of Agriculture. He describes them as people who are contented with what little they have, and who always try to help other people as much as they can.

“Now having a house of their own after all these years is something they are extremely grateful for. Coming from very hard days and having to make use of the little they could afford back then, their first priority was to ensure that their children complete school — at least to secondary level — at all costs.

“A lot of us who come from a past where our parents struggle and every drop of sweat counted have really learnt to appreciate the small things in life, and that has made us better individuals,” Azeem observed.

Almost one year ago, Azeem was accused of larceny, precipitating a period in his life that he describes as “a dreadful nightmare.” “And it’s a case of a real life lesson learnt,” he said. “The matter was, however, dismissed on the second hearing in the courts.”

RESPECT AND COURTESY
Azeem believes that children are obligated to their parents, no matter how good or bad they consider those parents to be. “We as children owe it to our parents to take care of them when it is our time, because they did what they knew best to raise us with whatever they had; and, good or bad, we should be thankful for them.

“For as long as I can remember, I have always had this urge and desire to reach out and help other people. My heart is specifically directed at caring for old people. It has been something I have been doing for years,” Azeem disclosed.

He said that in those deeds he finds peace of mind and personal satisfaction. “There must be a reason for this, I am sure; and, believe me, it has to be bigger than me,” he said.

Azeem has come to the realisation that society continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the young minds, making youths more liberal and open-minded.

“My advice to young people would be one of encouragement and reassurance: that you can be somebody, anyone you want to be; just hold your head up and follow the right directions. Too many times, some of us are misguided and used as weapons for fighting the battles of others. It is time we focus on us — on you as an individual — and be that person whom you have always desired to be deep down inside,” he said.

“Be dedicated to your cause. Stand up and fight for what’s right, and be happy and comfortable with who you are,” he encouraged.

“I always say that the older folks aren’t always right. Sometimes we just have to remind them that things are changing and most of it is done differently from what it used to be,” Azeem advised.

Azeem says that being respectful, showing courtesy, and leading by example are things that make us unique individuals.

“No matter who we are, we are all capable of dreaming big dreams and becoming the person we want to (be); but we need the support and guidance of those who really care for us. I have been lucky to be given the support (of) so many people whom I never knew or realized cared for me. That support has been completely responsible for who I have become, my success at an early age, and for the dreams and aspirations I have for the future,” he declared.

By Telesha Ramnarine

***PHOTO saved as: Azeem Khan,

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**PHOTO saved as: Azeem Khan 1.

CAPTION: Azeem is now studying to become a lawyer