The True Wealth of Education

The True Wealth of Education

BY:Ubaid

Shah Mir and Shaheer had been classmates since childhood. Though they sat in the same classrooms and listened to the same teachers, the difference between them was like night and day.

Shah Mir was bright, hardworking, and deeply passionate about learning. His notebooks were always neat, his assignments always on time, and he absorbed lessons like a sponge. In every exam, he passed with flying colors, often ranking among the top students in class.

Shaheer, on the other hand, was cut from a very different cloth. Born into a wealthy household, the son of a successful businessman, Shaheer never truly cared about books or grades. Surrounded by luxury, he saw money as the ultimate power. Why struggle with studies, he thought, when wealth could buy anything? That arrogance slowly grew into pride, and soon education meant little to him.

By the time both boys reached matriculation (10th grade), their choices began to shape their futures. Shah Mir passed with an impressive Grade A, while Shaheer barely scraped through with a Grade C. After the final bell rang, their paths parted. Classmates hugged, promised to stay in touch, and walked into separate destinies.


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A Scholar’s Journey

Shah Mir’s journey was clear. Step by step, he continued climbing the ladder of education. He worked tirelessly through his intermediate and bachelor’s degrees, eventually excelling in his M.A. in Urdu Literature. His dedication soon opened doors, and before long, he was appointed as a lecturer at a local college.

For Shah Mir, teaching was not just a job—it was a calling. He poured his heart into his lectures, speaking passionately about the beauty of the Urdu language, its rich poetry, and the legacy of its great writers. His favorite poet was Allama Iqbal, and when he recited Iqbal’s verses, the classroom fell silent, captivated by his voice and emotion.

But Shah Mir did more than just teach literature. He guided his students about life. “Knowledge,” he would tell them, “is a light that not only brightens your mind but also your path. Never stop learning, for education is a treasure no one can steal.”

His students adored him—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor.


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A Fall from Fortune

One sunny afternoon, as Shah Mir finished a lecture and stepped out of the classroom, he noticed a man waiting near the college gate. The stranger’s clothes were shabby and unkempt, his hair disheveled, his face lined with hardship. He spoke in a humble voice, almost pleading:

“Sir, I have only passed matric. If there is any job available in your college, even a small one, please consider me. I will remain grateful for life.”

Something about his voice tugged at Shah Mir’s memory. He looked closely, his eyes searching for familiarity beneath the rugged exterior. Then, with a shock, he recognized him.

“Shaheer…? Is it really you?”

The man froze. His eyes widened, and he nodded, tears glistening.

“Yes, Shah Mir. It’s me—Shaheer. Once your classmate… now broken by life.”


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The Forgotten Lesson

Choking back his emotions, Shaheer began his story.

“You used to tell me, Shah Mir, that education is the true wealth of a person. But I laughed at you. I thought money was enough. After matric, I left studies behind and joined my father’s business. It seemed easy—I had everything.

But fate had other plans. One day, my father met with a tragic accident. He never returned. He left us with nothing but grief. Our business partners tricked us, took everything, and I was left empty-handed.

My mother sold our mansion and bought a smaller house. Slowly, even that money was spent on survival. When I went searching for a job, I discovered the bitter truth—without education, no one values you. I was just a matric pass with no skills, no degree, no recommendation. I became a laborer, surviving on daily wages. For six long years, I tasted the pain of poverty. I realized how wrong I had been.

You were right, Shah Mir—education is the light that guides, while money can vanish overnight. I had lost everything, but most of all, I had lost time.”

Tears rolled down Shaheer’s face as silence hung between them. Students passed by, curious, but Shah Mir remained still, his heart heavy with compassion.


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A Second Chance

Placing a reassuring hand on Shaheer’s shoulder, Shah Mir spoke gently:

“My friend, the past cannot be changed. But the future still lies in your hands. Don’t give up. Come with me. I will help you.”

True to his word, Shah Mir offered Shaheer a job as a clerk in his evening academy. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was dignified—a place to restart. More importantly, it gave Shaheer access to an environment of learning.

Encouraged by Shah Mir, Shaheer began studying again during his free hours. Slowly, steadily, he chipped away at his neglected education. Nights of hard work replaced nights of regret. Years passed, and finally, Shaheer achieved what once seemed impossible—he completed his M.A. as a private candidate.

Now transformed, Shaheer too stood at the front of classrooms, guiding students with the wisdom he had earned the hard way. Side by side with Shah Mir, he taught the next generation not just language and literature, but also the true meaning of success.


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The Light That Lasts

From that day forward, the bond between Shah Mir and Shaheer was no longer just of old classmates—it was of two teachers united in purpose.

Wealth had once made Shaheer arrogant. Poverty had humbled him. But education gave him back his dignity. He finally understood that riches can fade, but the wealth of knowledge multiplies when shared.

The chain of learning continued—one candle lighting another, one teacher inspiring many. And in this way, both Shah Mir and Shaheer proved that while money may fill pockets, it is only education that truly fills lives.