Comprehensive reflection on Prof. Muzaffar Assadi's life, works needed: Dinesh Amin Mattu
Condolence meeting held in memory of political science Professor Muzaffar Assadi
Udupi: Muzaffar Assadi, a former political science professor known for his extensive studies on topics like the Lingayat separate religion, tribal issues, and farmers' movements, deserves a detailed reflection and discourse on his life and writings. His books, life, and thoughts require a holistic study, and the writings by his students and colleagues should be compiled into a book to preserve his memory, said senior journalist and thinker Dinesh Amin Mattu.
Speaking at a condolence meeting organised by an Samudaya Vedike of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Saturday at the Manipal Inn Hotel, Udupi, Mattu said, "While many professors limit themselves to classroom teaching, some engage in research and societal thinking, while a few go a step further by actively participating in protests on the streets. Muzaffar Assadi belonged to this latter category."
Participating in international academic discussions and presenting papers, Assadi also actively protested in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. He wasn’t the kind of professor confined to an ivory tower but was someone who consistently cared about society and worked towards its betterment, Mattu added.
Assadi shared knowledge freely
"This country’s tradition has often been to withhold knowledge, creating barriers for backward communities. Assadi, however, was an exception—he shared his knowledge freely. His concerns extended beyond the Muslim community to society as a whole. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly for those deprived of opportunities and representation,” Mattu remarked.
Referring to the discussions around Assadi potentially becoming a Vice-Chancellor, Mattu expressed regret, stating, "Even though he was deserving of the position, political pressures often led to his name being withdrawn whenever it was proposed to the Governor. This reflects the very environment Assadi sought to change, of which he ultimately became a victim."
On Muslim reservations, Mattu noted that Assadi had conducted extensive research and prepared reports. "If someone questions the need for reservations for Muslims, Assadi’s books provide ample evidence and justification. This is a significant loss, as his work in this area remains unparalleled in the country, and filling the void left by him will be a daunting task," Mattu lamented.
Mattu further elaborated on Assadi’s work, stating, "He dissected the layers of communalism and capitalism, offering insights into understanding and addressing their challenges. Assadi often stressed that to find solutions, one must first comprehend these issues. He explained how communalism and capitalism are interlinked and how the 1991 economic reforms and the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition changed India. These two phenomena have victimised Dalits, backward classes, and minorities, while benefiting the upper classes and castes. Assadi’s intellect and work in this domain were invaluable."
He also credited Afroz Assadi, who organised the event with enthusiasm, travelling from England to ensure the success of this condolence meeting. "Afroz should take the lead in compiling and publishing writings on Muzaffar Assadi’s work," Mattu urged.
Tribute by colleagues and family
Imad Assadi and Riyaz Ahmed, relatives of Muzaffar Assadi, and his college friend Rev. Francis Kotiyan also spoke during the event.
Emotional tribute by Rev. Francis
Rev. Francis Kotiyan, visibly moved, shared, "Assadi and I studied together from pre-university to our degree days. I even stayed at his house, where I received immense support. His passing brings great sorrow. Assadi harboured a social mindset and wished for the welfare of people from all religions. However, political pressures robbed him of the Vice-Chancellor position, which is deeply disappointing. His memory will remain with us forever."
Sahebaan Samudaya Vedike President Afroz Assadi welcomed the gathering, while Secretary Iqbal Manna delivered the vote of thanks. The event also saw the presence of Jafrulla, secretary of the Udupi Jilla Muslim Okkoota, Mustaq Ahmed Belve, president of the Namma Naada Okoota, Udupi, and businessman Shabbir Ahmed.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Population control policies, UCC require public cooperation: RSS chief
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said population control policies and the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code required public cooperation and long-term thinking, and asserted that caste-based politics would disappear only when society stopped identifying with caste divisions.
Addressing an interaction session after delivering a lecture on "Social Harmony as a Catalyst for National Development" at JSS Mahavidyapeetha here, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief also called for harmony among religions and communities. He urged people to practise equality in social life through conduct rather than slogans.
"Because society remembers caste, politicians take advantage of it. Their legitimate aim is to get votes. If they cannot get votes through work, they will get votes through caste," he said.
Replying to a question on the Population Control Bill and Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Bhagwat said the RSS was not the government but a social organisation and emphasised that laws could succeed only with public participation.
"People must first be educated. Policy is necessary, but policy can only succeed with public cooperation," he said.
Referring to population control measures during the Emergency period, Bhagwat said aggressive enforcement had led to public resentment and political backlash.
