Shujon,

It is not befitting for insignificance such as myself to be given the arduous task of authoring a few words on greatness. And yet, here I am, fumbling back and forth through the pages of a 1996 calendar, in a desperate attempt to unearth a meaningful date pertinent to your short life. Thus, the more time I spend in this fruitless research, the more I realize the vanity, the inequity, and absurdity of my effort for it'll take much more than a few dates to illustrate the phenomenon that was Rafi Ahmed.

It is difficult to pinpoint an event, a date, a conversation, or a moment that properly describes you. Empirical thoughts equip me with an empty and useless tool chest; an inadequacy that disables me from rendering the behavioral mosaic that is the registered trademark of your brilliant life. As I reflect on your past, I am heartbroken to think of the kaleidoscopic symmetry which was persistently demanded of you. It pains me deeply to note modern society's insufficient capacity to identify its true heroes. For you were not symmetrical, and you could never be. You, were chaotic, you were original, and you were the epitome of a remarkable human being. You reflect the best aspects of our humanity.

Shujon, you found strength in "irresponsibility", defiance in "dereliction", and freedom in "neglect". Your valiant struggle against the onslaught of social mediocrity is an all-time marvel for those fortunate to have befriended you. You could not be framed, for you were free the most emancipated human I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

It is ironic that I should understand such aspects of your life in your eternal absence. Ignorance is often lifted amidst painful losses, and your departure has fostered a longing that has led to your rediscovery in ways previously thought impossible. Today, I better understand your tireless efforts in cultivating a genuine love of learning. I understand your obstinate refusal to commodify knowledge. And I understand your rejection of equating time to money as a most wretched equation. To you, time was not money, but a gift through which to know and learn. And learn you did, my friend you were the brightest star in the Josephite'89 universe. It is your path, and your way, which our ever-struggling conscientious compass would always point to.

But today, I am supposed to remember you in anticipation of what would have been your 27th birthday. My dear Rafi, the world of today is not very dissimilar from the one you left 3 years ago. Races still hate each other, the rich still ignore the poor, and compassion and forgiveness have been categorically banished from our society. You're not missing much, buddy. We, on the other hand, miss so much of your life. Our heartfelt losses would challenge even the deepest humility that is the hallmark of your humanity.

So in closing, I wish to recognize that you have single-handedly set a standard of excellence which most of us can only hope to ever achieve.  You represent all that should be, and all that could be, and ultimately, all that must be. This is your honorable legacy. And in honoring you, we better understand your life a life that inevitably challenges the mind to break free from the mire of self-indulgence, to move forward, and to become truly human.

I leave you with the timeless felicitation of "Salaam Wa-Alaikum".
Peace be unto you, my friend, peace be unto you.

Happy 27th Birthday, Shujon. May God's blessings be with you eternally.