Adhil Bakeer Markar

youth leader of uncommon enterprise

Adhil Bakeer Markar was born on March 11, 1990 to Imthiaz Bakeer Markar and Ummu Fareeda. He was an Attorney-at-Law and a youth leader who made a strong case for the causes of Sri Lankan youth. Adhil passed away at the age of 26 on October 12 , 2016 while he was reading for his Masters at the London School of Economics.

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Adhil Bakeer Markar was the fourth son of Imthiaz Bakeer Markar and Ummu Fareeda. Although only 26 at the time of his untimely death, Adhil made an everlasting impact on everyone who crossed his path - be it family, friends, colleagues or ordinary folk.

A product of Royal College Colombo and Asian International School, Adhil took to law like a duck to water just as his father did and his paternal grandfather before him. Having passed out as a young lawyer from Sri Lanka Law College, Adhil went to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as a Chevening scholar in 2016 to read for his Masters in Comparative Politics. Barely a month into his promising stint at the LSE, Adhil left the world, uniting with his Creator, leaving everyone who knew him in shock, dismay and grief.

Adhil represented Sri Lanka  as one of the two national youth delegates at the United Nations General Assembly held in 2013 in New York. At the Assembly, he had the privilege of delivering the national statement on behalf of Sri Lankan youth. Adhil was the President of the Rotaract club of Colombo North during 2011/2012 and was also the club’s International Understanding Director. The club was adjudged as the most outstanding club of the year in Sri Lanka under his Presidency, recognising the diverse nature of projects carried out. Adhil was also the Founder Secretary-General of the Youth Model United Nations (YMUN)2011, which brought together 250 youth across Sri Lanka to a common platform to discuss issues of global concern. Adhil was also appointed as the Director at the National Youth Services Council at the then Ministry of Economic Affairs and Policy Planning after an extremely competitive nation-wide selection process.

Adhil was a living reverberation of his alma mater, Royal College’s school song; ‘we will learn of books and men and learn to play the game’. He excelled both in and outside the classroom. His stellar academic record was complemented by his penchant for sports. Adhil played Junior Cricket at Royal College and captained the Senior Team at  the Asian International School.

 

The vibrant young leader who was passionate in making a voice for all youth in Sri Lanka at numerous international platforms which he represented, Adhil showed early signs of carrying on the legacy of his forefathers. He demonstrated his family values of integrity, unity and humility at all times. Numerous tributes made by his own colleagues in the university and youth circles following his demise, bear testimony to Adhil’s commitment to national reconciliation taking a cue from his father and grandfather who would call for an unpolarised Sri Lanka.

Adhil was a pious believer, conscious and cognizant of God. His last journey was to seek knowledge, to pursue higher studies. Adhil gave much importance to seeking knowledge. He would gain knowledge by just listening to both young and old, and by reading avidly. He always encouraged youth to pursue a path of seeking knowledge.

Helping anyone in need and having empathy were trademark features of Adhil. The emotionally-charged eulogies and messages of condolences from all corners of Sri Lanka and beyond at his untimely passing, testified that a kind soul, a friend, a colleague and a dear brother was lost forever. With his contagious smile and inherent warmth, Adhil earned friends wherever he went.

A strong believer of ‘always doing the right thing’, Adhil was an epitome of kindness. Adhil Bakeer Markar Foundation was set up by his family and friends with the vision of keeping Adhil’s dream alive, by striving for the kind of future he envisaged for Sri Lanka and youth. 

“Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.”

Surah Al-Zumar, Verse 9