Aziz Qureshi (1941-2024) - Memories of Mamu Saheb | Nazia Qureshi

The power of one, fearless and focused is formidable.’; ‘Honesty and Courage are the foundation stones of forthright straightforwardness.’—These quotes reflect the character and personality of Aziz Qureshi. Qureshi was a lifelong member of the Congress Party; he did a lot of ground-level work for his party and strongly endorsed the principles of ‘Unity in diversity’, he taught University students and became the guiding light for them. He was first elected as an MLA in 1972 from the Sehore seat in his native Madhya Pradesh. In 1973 he was nominated minister in the Madhya Pradesh Govt holding the charge of Education. In 1984 he was elected as the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for the term until 1989. He served as a Governor of three Indian States, Uttarakhand (2012-2015), additional charge of Uttar Pradesh (in 2014 for a Month), and Mizoram (Jan toMarch 2015) An incident that exemplifies his life’s commitment to the underprivileged and the downtrodden is when he was a sitting Governor of one state but due to some unforeseen circumstances, he was also assigned additional duties as the Governor of another major state of India for the time being. Here he encountered a case of the struggle by the backward region of that state that had tried unsuccessfully for decades to get a university established and each succeeding Governor had sat upon that file without taking any action. But, Governor Qureshi granted the underprivileged people the university they had long craved as he signed approval and his official stamp without any delay. The people were so elated that they cried tears of joy when they got their long-standing well-justified demand accepted. After his term as Governor, he served as chairperson of Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy in 2020.

Memories of Mamu Saheb

In the quiet corners of my heart, where memories linger like echoes of the past, there resides a profound grief intertwined with an abundance of love for the father figure who shaped my world. He played several roles in my life and was more than just an uncle to me; he was a father figure, a guide, a mentor, and a teacher. Mamu Saheb, as I fondly called him, was the steady presence in my life, the voice of wisdom in times of uncertainty and the source of unwavering support in moments of need. With each passing day, the ache of his absence is keenly felt, a reminder of the irreplaceable bond we shared. How can I begin to express the magnitude of the loss we feel? How can I convey the ache of longing that now consumes us? As I sit down to pen these words, I am having an acute, painful feeling as if my own father has died a second time. I am filled with both sorrow and gratitude as I reflect on the beautiful life he lived. His presence in this world was a gift to all who knew him and his legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will forever be cherished.

Mamu Saheb was more than just a presence in our lives; he was our guiding light, our pillar of strength, and the embodiment of unconditional love.

Mamu Saheb’s laughter was a melody that filled our home with warmth. In his embrace, we found solace, security, and the reassurance that will be cherished beyond measure. With unwavering dedication and boundless empathy, he tirelessly championed the cause of the underprivileged, lifting up those who had been forgotten by society and giving voice to the voiceless. His acts of kindness were countless, and generosity boundless. But it wasn’t just the actions that made him extraordinary; it was the way he lived each day with humility, grace, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Among the many passions that defined him, his unwavering affection for books and perfumes shone brightly. I recall the countless hours he spent lost in the pages of literary masterpieces. His library was not just a collection of books but a testament to his insatiable thirst for learning and exploration. Equally captivating was his fascination with perfumes, each scent carefully chosen to evoke memories and emotions, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to experience it.

I remember the joy that lit up his face when I shared the news of completing my PhD, the excitement that filled him up at the time of my marriage, his eyes sparkled with joy as he lovingly welcomed Nasir (my husband) into our family.

But even as I cling to these memories, I cannot escape the harsh reality of his absence. The world seems a little dimmer, a little colder without his presence. Mamu Saheb, How can we navigate this journey without you by our side?

Mamu saheb’s presence in our lives was not merely a stroke of luck, but a divine gift—a beacon of compassion, kindness, honesty, and intellect that illuminated the path of all who had the privilege to know him.

We thank you, our dearest Mamu Saheb, for the love you showered upon us, for the sacrifices you made, and for the lessons you taught us.

Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved him. Let us find solace in the knowledge that he is at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, watching over us from above with a smile on his face and love in his heart.

We pray that our Mamu Saheb be rewarded in heaven for all the good deeds he performed during his time on earth.…

As we grieve his passing, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived. Let us remember the joy he brought into our lives, the wisdom he imparted, and the love he showered upon us.

Rest in peace, my dearest dearest dear Mamu saheb, knowing that your life was a gift to us all, and your memory will be cherished for eternity.

Fi Aman Allah! My dearest and nearest Mamu Saheb, Khuda Hafiz!

Nazia Qureshi