As soon as we entered the "Beshkayragoch" quarter, one of the ancient corners of Tashkent, warmth entered our hearts. Bright streets, well-kept courtyards, intellectuals sitting in front of the door talking - all aspects of the Uzbek environment were embodied in this corner. People are open-minded and sincere.
- Excuse me, on which side are father Meliboy's apartments? - we asked those we met along the way.
"You're right," said one of them. - At the beginning of this street, next to the mosque.
When we arrived at the apartment, we met the deputy head of the IIOFMB of Uchtepa district, lieutenant colonel Sharapat Gudiyarov.
"We often receive messages from the teacher, we listen to his advice," he said. - I thought I would take your prayers today.
a man started coming towards us from the courtyard with bold steps. It was 95-year-old father Meliboy. At first glance, I was surprised: he was not an old man with slow movements, as I had imagined, but on the contrary, he was a strong, upright person, with sparkling eyes, full of enthusiasm. Our conversation started in the courtyard, over a cup of tea. Naturally, my first question was:
"Father, what is the secret of your healthy and energetic walk even at this age?"
"Every morning I wake up at five o'clock," says Father Meliboy. - Then I will train for at least half an hour. The body should be caught in motion. It is necessary to eat in moderation and in order.
As the man spoke, my eyes fell on a simple but well-equipped sports corner at one end of the courtyard. There was a tourniquet, a punching bag, gloves...
- Your age is approaching a hundred, - I said respectfully. "When you look back, what do you remember?"
- My childhood... was very difficult...
Behind these two words was the painful truth of an entire era. War years. Famine. Orphanage. A family with nine children.
"We were hungry until spring," he says. - There were days when we were satisfied with five or six raisins. When spring comes, sheep's milk is the greatest blessing. But it was not easy to drink either: milk products were sent to the front.
During the war years, both father and elder brother from the same family go to war. A brother who returned alive from the battlefield was poisoned in the cotton fields and died prematurely. In one year after him, three more people: his bride, his mother and his father, will leave this bright world one after the other. In this way, father Meliboy's childhood turns into an adult in an instant. However, despite these difficulties, he had a dream in his heart - to study.
"I was interested in science," says the father. - I used to go to school with my notebook in my arms. The only thing I wear is a simple hand-woven shirt. One day it was also torn. my teacher saw this and patted me lightly on the shoulder and said, "You will be a man." Perhaps, that simple word awakened a lifelong confidence in my child's heart.
In fact, the trials of life made Meliboy's father grow up early.
After graduating from school, he went to military service shortly after. After returning from the army, he went to the capital on the recommendation of his teacher. His goal was to study at the police school.
- There is no place. The places are full, - said the head of personnel department shortly.
Father Meliboy, without hesitation, enters the reception of the Minister of Internal Affairs. the confidence in the young man's eyes and determination in his words do not leave the minister indifferent. As a result, he is admitted to the Police School. After graduating, he was sent to Surkhandarya - Termiz. Here he started working as a precinct supervisor.
"I worked for three and a half years," he says. - But the work was hard. One day, the situation changes because of a colonel who came from Tashkent with an inspection.
It is for this reason that he continues his service in the capital and is appointed as an educator in a children's colony. Then he continues his work as a district inspector. Over the years, he becomes a senior inspector with rich experience and respect.
Working in one system for thirty years. A life dedicated to peace and tranquility, concerned with the fate of people. Over the past years, there have been many trials in his personal life. He built a family. She had a son. But fate was not spared again - her husband died prematurely due to a serious illness. He swallowed his pain and went on with his life. Despite all the difficulties, he did not turn back.Instead of breaking, it got stronger.
Years later, he connected his life with a woman named Munira. Four sons and one daughter were born in this family, which gave new meaning and happiness to his life.
Father Meliboy does not like to talk much about his achievements during his service career.
"It is not necessary to list the work done," said the man. - The main thing is to serve honestly.
But during the conversation, some events unfolded by themselves. One of them was a serious crime that remained a secret for a long time.
"A person nicknamed 'Japonets' was caught," he recalls. - During the investigation, his previous crimes were revealed. In those years, a famous doctor of Korean nationality worked around Tashkent. A young man comes here to heal his mother. Seeing the long queue and the flow of people, the following thought comes to his mind: "The doctor has a lot of money." This thought gradually turns into an intention, and the intention turns into a crime. He finds partners. Makes a plan. Eventually, a murder is committed. The doctor is killed. His wife is seriously injured. Criminals disappear without a trace. This case will not be open for a long time. Therefore, it is taken under the control of the ministry. Father Meliboy, during the questioning of "Japonets", proves that it was this person who killed the doctor.
He served in Uchtepa district Iib for many years and retired with honor. He lived together for almost 55 years with his beloved wife, Munira Aya.
Yes, the life of the hero of our film did not pass without a trace. As the owner of kindness, demandingness and incomparable experience, he is still active in public affairs and is an example to young people. Otakhan's love for life means that his heart is still young and active.
Justice FAYZIYEVA,
our own reporter.
Photos taken by Abu KENJAYEV.
Tashkent city.