As a son I feel his absence too much. He always showed us the right way. He stressed the importance of education and said, money comes and goes but morality comes and grows. I have no words to express my thoughts about my father. He was active in different programmes and conferences even a week before his demise. He was a social worker as well as a good father who cherished us and played a very important role in shaping our career, said Iqbal Asad Ansari while addressing a condolence meeting of his beloved father and human rights activist Prof. Iqbal A. Ansari at Gandhi Peace Foundation in the Capital on October 22. Prof Iqbal Ansari, 74, passed away following a cardiac arrest on October 13.
Secretary of Gandhi Peace Foundation Surendra Kumar said it is hard to believe that he is no more. It is a major jolt to the society as well as human rights activists. Such people come to the world after a long time, he said.
Anant Kumar Asthana, an advocate, who was also a student of late Professor of AMU, said, he taught me a lot of things which helped me remove my misapprehension at different stages. He was not bent to a particular community or society but was secular and had good and amiable relations with all the people and parties. He had differences with the RSS over some issues but had also good relations with them.
Manoranjan Mohanthi, a retired Professor of Delhi University, while expressing his grief, said, he had been in contact with the late Professor for the last 12 years. He has been and will be great inspiration for the society.
Mahipal Singh, representing People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), said Prof. Ansari was not only a teacher and social activist but also a very good writer who wrote not emotionally but scholarly. He was one of the greatest fighters for civil society and civil liberty. He was committed to his words.
Intizar Naeem, assistant secretary Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said Prof. Ansari was really a man of extraordinary qualities. He used to feel the pain of people. He had meagre resources but even then he did not lose his courage and committed his life to the society and raised his voice against violence done to innocents.
Human rights activist from Kashmir Ved Bhasin said he passed away at a time when we need him seriously. At least people of Kashmir cannot forget him for his cooperation and assistance. He never lost his temper. The best tribute to him would be if we follow his guidelines to serve the society.
Harsh Mander said Prof. Ansari fought a long battle and spent his life for the sake of humanity. He not only felt the pain of the victims but also tried to find out the solution. He had a dream for a riot-free India and he also wrote a book on this topic.
Senior Journalist John Dayal said Prof. Ansari was not confined to the Muslims only but he also helped the Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.
Former diplomat and parliamentarian Syed Shahabuddin said one who comes goes back but some persons go vacating a large gap that takes a long time to fill. Really he was a Professor in English but he had great command over Indian laws and constitution. He had qualm that the government took insufficient action to make laws and to curb communal violence. Indian society and the government did not value him as he deserved. He should be given an award for his extraordinary works for communal harmony. He will be remembered as a great Professor, scholar, writer, social reformer and human right activist.