Whatever Justice Yusuf did, he did with unflinching dedication, commitment and with an enlightened and enlivened conscience. The personality of Justice Yusuf emerged like that of a shining star in 1980. The people of Bengal will never forget the commendable services rendered by Khwaja M. Yusuf,” opined Dr. Mohammed Mansoor Alam, former Member, Public Service Commission, West Bengal and former General Secretary, Iran Society, Kolkata when he was delivering the 15th Justice K.M. Yusuf Memorial lecture-2020 at the Iran Society Hall, Kolkata on January 12. The lecture titled “Justice Khwaja Mohammed Yusuf – Ek Kaseer-ul Jehat Shakhsiyat” (Justice Khwaja Mohammed Yusuf: an embodiment of versatile and manifold qualities) was organised by the Justice K.M. Yusuf Memorial Trust, in association with the Iran Society, Kolkata.
Dr. Alam enthralled the audience with his beautiful speech and elucidated the various aspects of the life and career of Justice K.M. Yusuf. He also highlighted the achievements of Justice Yusuf and presented a handout comprising the various accomplishments of Justice Yusuf.
The learned speaker further said: “If the services and achievements of Justice Yusuf are analysed minutely and prudently, it would be evident that he was greatly influenced by the life and achievements of Syed Nawab Abdul Lateef who, in the 19th century left an indelible mark on the pages of human history through his socio-political, cultural, religious and literary/educational services. K.M. Yusuf followed the footsteps of Syed Nawab in letter and spirit.”
Dr. Alam pointed out: “Justice K.M. Yusuf never compromised with his principles while delivering his judgments and never conceded to unfair, illegal and selfish interests for personal gains. He joined Calcutta High Court in 1957 as a lawyer and in 1959 became a member of the Supreme Court of India. He was a specialist in dealing with the cases related to civilian affairs and constitutional matters. Considering his ability, the Government of West Bengal appointed him Senior Government Advocate in 1977. After Independence he was the first Muslim to get this prestigious position. Justice K.M. Yusuf was appointed Justice of Kolkata High Court on 1st January, 1987, which he served with utmost dedication and commitment. In November, 1992 he retired from this prestigious post. Noting his achievements and noble services as a judge, he was entrusted with the responsibility of running and guiding the “Yusuf Commission”. He submitted his report in 1996. Afterwards, the Tripura Government also appointed him ‘head’ of two commissions which continued from 1996 to 2000.
“Whenever there was a search for an able person to be appointed to the post of Chairman of a ‘Minority Commission’, Justice K.M. Yusuf was always the first choice. During the period of his Chairmanship (1999 till the end of his life), he took keen interests in solving the problems encountered by the members of the minority communities, especially the Muslims. It must not be forgotten that he played a pivotal role in putting the Madrasa Board on a strong footing by providing it with the necessary ‘legal-status’. Justice Khwaja Yusuf has left an indelible mark in the hearts of people through his outstanding contribution to education and this is why he would always remain an inspirational and motivational figure for the Muslims of Bengal.”
Narrating a story from the life of Justice Yusuf, Dr. Alam elaborated: “Once a poor student from Midnapur district in Bengal, wrote a postcard to Justice K.M. Yusuf, highlighting his grievances relating to the pending result of an examination and consequently the blockage of his scholarship. Justice Yusuf converted the postcard into a petition and got it registered in the Kolkata High Court. Consequently, the Education Department of the Government of West Bengal sincerely looked into the matter and ultimately the problems affecting the student’s career were solved to the satisfaction of the said student. Although Justice K.M. Yusuf was associated with legal matters, he was well versed in Islamic history and culture and wrote many books and articles on these subjects which were published in many national and international journals. He used to organise seminars, symposiums and create platforms for discussion on subjects concerning social and national interests.”
Khwaja Jaweed Yusuf, Managing Trustee of the Trust and General Secretary of Iran Society, briefly introduced the distinguished guests. Dr. A. Rahman welcomed Dr. Mansoor Alam. Dr. Fuad Halim, Council Member of the Iran Society, introduced Dr. Md. Mansoor Alam to the audience. Other speakers who spoke on the occasion were Mr. Arun Kumar De, President, Iran Society, who delivered the welcome address. Prof. Jameel Manzer, President, Qaumi Tanzeem, West Bengal, Shahzad Shibli (Retd IAS), Prof. Tanweer Ahmad, former professor of Maulana Azad College, Kolkata and former Registrar in the Aaliya University, Kolkata, Mohammed Humayun Khan and Anjum Azimabadi, a poet also shared their thoughts and memories. The meeting came to an end with the vote of thanks extended by Khwaja Iftekhar Yusuf, General Secretary of the Trust.