Feature

The story of a knowledge seeker

Zannatul Lamea

I was brooding over a pile of books in my library, to find a reference book from within the pile. Unable to find it I sought the help of our library “Mama” , a mama all NSU students know and equally like. He works in our library, name a book and he will tell you the author's name, the latest edition, publication house and in which shelf to find it. He is our library guide, I am sure without him half of the students won't be able to find their desired book. He is a simple man, working from early morning to late evening, to make his both ends meet. In spite of his financial need , he did not compromise with his passion- the passion for books. His name is Sarkar Md. Monzur Hossain, he is from Kapasia,Gazipur; Due to his extreme interest in books, he selected to choose passion over poverty. When he could have started working at his village at early age and earn his living, he opted to chase his desire instead. Such an instance is truly rare.

Says Sarkar Md. Monzur Hossain “I graduated in Library Science from National University, after that I completed my Diploma in same subject. And at present, I am completing my Masters degree in Informational Sciences and Library Management, from Dhaka University. Also I am working as a library staff at the library of North South University. A lot of people told me you don't need to be an expert in Library science to work as a staff, but to me, the service I render is very important; I was determined to study Library Science because I was sure I wanted to pursue my career in this sector, and I didn't want to work with superficial knowledge, so I studied Library Science because I wanted to love what I do, and I loved books!”

It was really interesting that of all the subjects, he developed interest in Library Science. When asked about the reason behind so, he replied “The word library to me meant treasure chest of knowledge. Whenever I saw a library, I wondered with amazement, thinking how much resource they hold; and I always wondered how to get access to such vast perimeter of books- that's when I grew interest towards Library Science, only to get lost in books. And I am working as a library staff because I don't want to confine the knowledge to myself only, I wanted to help all the students, providing them all kinds of assistance regarding library books so that they can explore the empire of books and take successful advantage for it .I wanted to be their helping hand.”

Sarkar Md. Monzur Hossain has a slight physical disability with his leg. But that didn't stop him from chasing his goal. With a gentle smile, says Sarkar , “ I can't blame a physical defect and pull myself back. If I have a defect it's a part of me, I have to live with it and do what I want to. And no I don't have any regrets, I am working as any normal man would, it didn't hinder me from being what I am today. But yes, I must express my heartfelt gratitude for the one without whose help I couldn't have come this far. My elder brother, Omar Faruq Sarkar has provided me all kinds of financial and mental support and made me feel I can! I am extremely grateful to him for all the strong support he provided.”

His quest for knowledge seemed to be unending. He isn't just satisfied with a masters degree. He wants to study more, he wants to reach the heights, combating all his shortcomings. In this regard, Sarkar Md. Monzur Hossain said, “If I could, I would have studied further in Library Management. I am grateful to VC sir of NSU for giving me the permission to study masters degree, side by side my job here. My dream is to excel further; knowledge doesn't have limits- I want to gain all the knowledge I can in my lifetime- as much as possible.”