It was today in 2010 that we lost Dr. Omar Khalidi in Boston.
Tribute to Late Dr. Omar Khalidi, from a Friend
Dr. Omar Khalidi was the type of person for whom it was said that, “you can get out of India, but India can never get out of you”. Without him, the Indian community in and around the Boston area can never be the same again. It was an honor and a privilege to know a person of his caliber. I came across him in early nineties, when the Babri Masjid in India was demolished by the religious zealots. At that time he was one man army, doing all by himself, for a good cause. It was his sheer determination and friendly personality, which people in the United States, although from different corners of India with diverse backgrounds, flocked to him. And yes, the rest is history.
He believed in high thinking and simple living. He was a great unifier and always went the extra mile to ensure that two persons, if they have something in common should meet. He was constantly providing me information about people originally from Gorakhpur, in case I may want to get connected with them. In him, I found a friend and a well-wisher. He was the first one to arrive at the gatherings at my house and always was the last one to leave. Our interests were same, so the conversation could never end. From now on, without his company, I will be at loss at the gatherings.
Although he was originally from Hyderabad, but his knowledge of Uttar Pradesh was quite comprehensive. He was very much attached to AMU and its affairs, and was an avid participant in the AMU related activities here in USA. He was well travelled and impressed many and was quick in making friends everywhere. His books can be found at many book stores. I was surprised to see that he was widely quoted by the intelligentsia in India and elsewhere (i.e., “Confession of a Secular Fundamentalist”, by Mani Shankar Aiyyar). He was equally challenged by his opponents. I remember Advani once saying in an accusing sense that “people like Omar Khalidi and Arundhati Roy who lives abroad…” This is a manifestation of the fact that he was successful in making the life miserable for the ones who were not playing as per the dictates of the Indian constitution. He campaigned hard to ensure that the architect of Gujarat pogrom Modi is not allowed to keep his foot in USA and elsewhere. With him gone, the mischief mongers may breath in relief. But he has set the standards, which will ensure that the down trodden and the ones taken for granted are not taken for a ride. Now it is up to us to keep his legacy alive. But for any of us, it will be an impossible act to follow. He will be missed by all. His was an untimely departure. May Allah provide him a place in the heaven.
Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaihe Rajeoon.
Tanvir Salim
Tribute to Late Dr. Omar Khalidi, from a Friend
Dr. Omar Khalidi was the type of person for whom it was said that, “you can get out of India, but India can never get out of you”. Without him, the Indian community in and around the Boston area can never be the same again. It was an honor and a privilege to know a person of his caliber. I came across him in early nineties, when the Babri Masjid in India was demolished by the religious zealots. At that time he was one man army, doing all by himself, for a good cause. It was his sheer determination and friendly personality, which people in the United States, although from different corners of India with diverse backgrounds, flocked to him. And yes, the rest is history.
He believed in high thinking and simple living. He was a great unifier and always went the extra mile to ensure that two persons, if they have something in common should meet. He was constantly providing me information about people originally from Gorakhpur, in case I may want to get connected with them. In him, I found a friend and a well-wisher. He was the first one to arrive at the gatherings at my house and always was the last one to leave. Our interests were same, so the conversation could never end. From now on, without his company, I will be at loss at the gatherings.
Although he was originally from Hyderabad, but his knowledge of Uttar Pradesh was quite comprehensive. He was very much attached to AMU and its affairs, and was an avid participant in the AMU related activities here in USA. He was well travelled and impressed many and was quick in making friends everywhere. His books can be found at many book stores. I was surprised to see that he was widely quoted by the intelligentsia in India and elsewhere (i.e., “Confession of a Secular Fundamentalist”, by Mani Shankar Aiyyar). He was equally challenged by his opponents. I remember Advani once saying in an accusing sense that “people like Omar Khalidi and Arundhati Roy who lives abroad…” This is a manifestation of the fact that he was successful in making the life miserable for the ones who were not playing as per the dictates of the Indian constitution. He campaigned hard to ensure that the architect of Gujarat pogrom Modi is not allowed to keep his foot in USA and elsewhere. With him gone, the mischief mongers may breath in relief. But he has set the standards, which will ensure that the down trodden and the ones taken for granted are not taken for a ride. Now it is up to us to keep his legacy alive. But for any of us, it will be an impossible act to follow. He will be missed by all. His was an untimely departure. May Allah provide him a place in the heaven.
Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaihe Rajeoon.
Tanvir Salim