Prof. Hasan Mansur, 85, a retired HOD of English in Bangalore University, noted human rights activist and a close associate of People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL), passed away here on February 12.
Prof. Mansur, MA in English, taught at Government Arts & Science College (GAS) and the prestigious Central College, Bangalore.
Though a professor of English, Mr. Hasan Mansur was a very prominent person in the human rights movement in Karnataka. He founded the Karnataka Civil Liberties Committee ( KCLC ) in 1984 and was associated with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties ( PUCL ) throughout his life.
His early life experience with the police, as a young communist activist made Mr. Mansur a fighter against police violence. He steered the PUCL’s focus towards violation of socio-economic rights, including right to housing and water, in addition to civil liberties. He led the PUCL to concentrate on spheres of rights of marginalised sections and deprived communities of society, such as women, dalits, adivasis, slum dwellers and others.
Prof. Mansur was an epitome of modesty, gentleness, intellectuality and tremendous leadership qualities, who had no desire to steal the limelight.
He was accompanied by his wife in many meetings on human rights issues. Mrs. Hasanath Mansur, his wife is also a retired professor of English. They shared an ideal relationship of love, mutual admiration and understanding for more than 45 years.Courtesy:Karnataka Muslims
http://karnatakamuslims.com/portal/doyen-of-human-rights-movement-and-voice-of-the-deprived-goes-silent/
Mrs. Mansur, born and brought up in Hyderabad, belonged to an educated and broadminded family. Her father was a judge who believed in favour of women’s education and justice to them.
Speaking to Karnataka Muslims, Mrs. Mansur said, “ Professor saab was a good human being, a man of few words and a well read person. He was a voracious reader and studied translations of German, French and Spanish literature. He was a wonderful man with a pleasing personality, who essayed the role of a husband and father, in his own way, in spite of being actively involved in several human rights activities.”
Fondly remembering him, she said, “he gave me the respect and space I needed. He was a very handsome man, I was simply in love with his lovely eyes. Ours was a beautiful relationship based on mutual respect for each other. He died a sudden and peaceful death, leaving back wonderful memories.”
The couple have an only son, a software engineer settled in the United States.