New Delhi: One of the finest and veteran journalists, author, and columnist Humra Quraishi passed away on January 16 in Gurugram at the age of 69. >
Humra, a fearless and compassionate voice in Indian journalism and literature, was born on April 24, 1955 in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh and was educated in Lucknow. She leaves a rich literature, journalism, and activism legacy. >
Humra was a staunch advocate for truth, justice, and the marginalised. Her words resonated deeply with readers seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary India. Her nuanced and empathetic storytelling, particularly about Kashmir, left an indelible mark on Indian journalism and literature.>
Humra was deeply rooted in the culture of Awadh, where she studied at Loreto Convent. Her childhood was enriched by vivid memories of Jhansi and the many towns of Uttar Pradesh she called home as she travelled with her beloved Amma, Naseema and Abba, Iqtidar Ali Khan, a civil engineer and landowner. She grew up in a household where Urdu and Persian literature instilled in her love for language and storytelling. These early experiences shaped a deep sense of belonging and an abiding connection to her roots. >
And yet, Humra remained a child of her generation. Having grown up in the 1960s, she was free-spirited and rebellious in her writing and point of view. She was renowned for her impeccable taste, effortlessly stylish in a kaftan or a sari. A muse of the great modernist artist M.F. Hussain, her home was scattered with sketches, calligraphy, books, and her own writings. Combining journalistic rigour with the insight of a storyteller, Humra’s columns and articles explored politics, human rights, and environmental issues. A modern Indian woman, “she embodied the spirit of modern India’s spiritual tradition.”>
She was prolific in her writing style. Her most notable writings include Kashmir: The Untold Story, a volume of her collective writings which covers many years spent covering the region on the ground. She followed this up with a novel, Meer – based in Kashmir – which is about the fractured relations and disturbing truths of lives in conflict zones. Meer is also a story of resilience and love. Her other notable works include Views: Yours and Mine, a compilation of her writings, More Bad Time Tales and Divine Legacy: Dagars & Dhrupad. She has also contributed to the anthologies, Chasing the Good Life: On Being Single and Of Mothers and Others.>
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Humra’s longest professional collaboration was with legendary journalist and author Khushwant Singh, who became a mentor. Singh admired her ability to blend seriousness with a unique sense of humour, something that became one of the defining features of her work. And perhaps more importantly, he acknowledged her courage in tackling tough topics and her sharp insight into the political and social landscape of India.They worked on numerous books and publications together, including Absolute Khushwant and The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous. This is in many ways, an intimate, irreverent modern history of the subcontinent which remains a celebrated contribution to Indian literary discourse today. Among those profiled are Jawaharlal Nehru, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, V.K. Krishna Menon, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Amrita Sher-Gil, Mother Teresa, and Faiz Ahmad Faiz.>
Humra’s writing was not just a profession – it was her purpose. Humanism, “insaniyat (humanity)” and “niyat (intention)” were her common refrains. Royalties from her books went directly to orphanages and charities including Mother Teresa’s before they reached her. She once said, “I don’t want to be tempted to keep it,” and so, the funds went straight to them.
She was a tireless advocate for those without a voice, using her platform to challenge injustice and amplify the stories that often went unheard. She was known to speak often against the grain, charting a path for her colleagues and contemporaries. Her work was known to be uncompromising, a reflection of her own indomitable spirit – fearless, thoughtful, unwavering in its commitment to truth. In the words of filmmaker Siddharth Kak, “Hers is a loss not only to the family, but to the world of courageous journalism.” >
It is telling that her last article, published in the online journal Counter-Currents, just five days before her passing, ‘Blood however is Blood,’ was a passionate indictment of the war on the Palestinians, the state of the Middle East, and the rights of Muslims in India.
Beyond her professional achievements, Humra was a woman of warmth and quiet strength. She was loyal to those she loved, with a sense of responsibility and compassion that extended to everyone around her. She balanced fortitude with kindness and left a lasting impression on all who knew her, evident in outpourings from the journalistic community since her passing.>
Humra is survived by her children, Mustafa Qureshi and Sarah Qureshi, three beloved grandchildren, sisters and dear brother and a wide circle of family, friends, and readers who cherished her work and presence. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but her legacy of commitment, courage, and humanity will continue to inspire the next generations of writers and activists.
Her family – daughter Sarah, son Mustafa, daughter-in-law Mansi, and grandchildren Ali, Hasan, and Amna – released a heartfelt statement: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Humra Quraishi. Your presence at the farewell prayers would mean a great deal to us as we come together to remember her kindness, love, and enduring legacy.”>
Prominent figures expressed their grief at her passing. Activist Shabnam Hashmi described her as a courageous journalist and human rights advocate whose work was marked by empathy and dedication to truth. “Her fearless reporting and advocacy for the marginalized inspired countless individuals,” she said. “Humra’s passing is a loss not only to her family but to the world of journalism and social justice.”>
Veteran journalist Yusuf Jameel recalled her professional integrity, particularly in her coverage of Kashmir. “She was truthful and fair, and the stories she wrote on and from Kashmir stood testimony to her integrity. Rest in eternal peace,” he said.>
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Another senior journalist Iftikhar Gilani says, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Humra Quraishi, a distinguished author, journalist, and a fearless defender of human rights. The noble soul and the smiling face is no more. Her profound insights, humane approach, and unwavering commitment to justice and truth enriched our lives and inspired countless readers. Humra Quraishi’s remarkable body of work, including Kashmir: The Unending Tragedy, Reports From the Frontlines, Bad Time Tales, and her collaborative writings with the late Khushwant Singh, remains a testament to her brilliance and empathy. >
Her essays, such as The State Can’t Snatch Away Our Children and Why Not a Collective Cry for Justice!, gave voice to the voiceless and shed light on issues often neglected. Her legacy as a writer, columnist, and humanist will endure, but her absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Humra Quraishi’s courage, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire us. She will be deeply missed.”>
A literary historian and a friend of Humra Quraishi, Rakhshanda Jalil writes, “Another friend gone, and another link with the past broken. Dear, sweet Humra, unfailingly kind, always gentle , she lived her life on her own terms but always with her head held high. >
Uncompromising as a person and as a journalist, she remained committed to her ideals. When the world became too much for her, she withdrew to the sanctuary of her flat in Gurgaon. But now she’s gone, hopefully to a better place. Farewell dear friend.”>
Humra Quraishi will be missed by many of her ardent readers and friends!>
Qurban Ali is a tri-lingual journalist, who has covered some of modern India’s major political, social and economic developments. He has keenly followed India’s freedom struggle and is now documenting the history of the socialist movement in the country. He can be contacted at [email protected] >