Bengaluru, 4 Jan 

Renowned political scientist, senior writer, and former acting vice-chancellor of the University of Mysuru, Professor Muzafar Hussain Assadi, died in the early hours of Saturday at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 63 years old and was recovering from cardiac surgery.

Assadi penned over 10 books, including Alpasankhyataru Mattu Jaati Vyavasthe, Colonial and Post-Colonial Identity Politics in South Asia, Zaat/Caste Among Muslims (Routledge Studies in South Asian History), Kathanagalu Mattu Chalavali, and Gandhiya Hind Swaraj (Kannada). His works delved deeply into themes of caste, identity politics, and social equality.

A native of Shirva village in Udupi district, Assadi’s mortal remains were kept for public viewing at the Muslim Hostel in Saraswathipuram, Mysuru. His last rites were conducted in Mysuru in the presence of family members.

Assadi completed his post-graduation at Mangalore University, followed by an MPhil and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He pursued postdoctoral studies at the University of Chicago. During his tenure at the University of Mysore, he served as the Head of the Department of Political Science, Dean of the Arts Faculty, and later, the Special Officer for Raichur University before retiring last year.

His work on tribal displacement as Chairperson of the High Court Committee was particularly impactful. The High Court accepted his comprehensive report on forest tribes, which played a crucial role in preventing large-scale displacement of Adivasis in Karnataka.

Assadi's research extended to agricultural studies, globalization, Gandhian philosophy, political sociology, democratic theories, comparative governance, social movements, gender rights, farmer suicides, human rights, and global political theories. His latest book, Colonial and Post-Colonial Identity Politics in South Asia – Zaat/Caste Among Muslims, offered rare insights into the complexities of caste among Muslims.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow at Assadi’s demise, calling him "a proud son of Karnataka" and a personal advisor and well-wisher. In his condolence message, Siddaramaiah noted that Assadi’s scholarly contributions brought international recognition to the state and described his passing as a profound loss.

Kannada writer Rahamat Tarikere called Assadi a "people's scholar" and a student-friendly professor who tirelessly worked to uplift oppressed communities. Tarikere urged the government to implement Prof Assadi's recommendations on tribal displacement as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Mysuru, also mourned his loss. PUCL President Kamal Gopinath and General Secretary V Purushottam described his passing as a significant void for people’s movements and civil rights advocacy. -Salar News