Hyderabad remembers senior advocate and Urdu scholar Ghulam Yazdani
Senior advocate Ghulam Yazdani, known for his contribution to Urdu literature, public service and Hyderabad’s composite culture, passed away at 98. Remembered for his discipline, intellectual engagement and social work, he remained active and connected with society till his final days
Hyderabad: With the passing away of senior advocate Ghulam Yazdani, Hyderabad has lost one of its most graceful and respected citizens. A lawyer, writer, social worker, organiser and lover of the Urdu language, he was truly a man of many parts who defied easy definition. Above all, he was a deeply concerned citizen who remained actively connected with society till the very end.
Yazdani sahib lived a full 98 years, but what made him remarkable was the energy and enthusiasm with which he lived his life. Even youngsters would have found it difficult to match his disciplined routine and commitment to public causes. The common advice given to elderly people, “slow down”, simply did not apply to him. Age sat lightly on him.
Till recently, he remained fit and active. At the age of 88, he won first prize in the backstroke and freestyle swimming events at the Telangana State Masters Swimming Championship. His achievement reflected his lifelong belief in physical fitness and positive living. As President of the Public Gardens Walkers Association, he was regular with his morning walks. After exercise, he headed to the Fateh Maidan swimming pool, where he swam with youthful enthusiasm.
My own association with Yazdani sahib goes back more than two decades. I had the privilege of translating his Urdu autobiography “Kuch Yadeyn Kuch Bateyn” into English. The translated version, “Hyderabad – Down Memory Lane”, was released in March 2015. During the course of this work, I met him frequently and came to know him closely.
Those meetings revealed a man of extraordinary determination and warmth. Even at an advanced age, his mind remained sharp and alert. He followed newspapers regularly, kept himself informed about current affairs and remained deeply interested in the changing social and cultural life of Hyderabad. Conversations with him were always enriching.
A passionate champion of Hyderabadi tehzeeb, Yazdani sahib was associated with numerous literary, educational, religious and cultural organisations. In many of them, he was the guiding spirit behind several important initiatives. Despite his stature, he remained humble and accessible. His moderate views and gentle nature earned him admiration across communities.
One of his most enduring contributions was the promotion of the philosophy and poetry of Allama Iqbal. Since 1997, he had been organising the weekly “Iqbal Shinasi” sessions at the conference hall of Masjid-e-Aliya with remarkable dedication. The lecture series crossed the milestone of 1,000 sessions in October 2019, reflecting his perseverance and commitment to intellectual engagement.
Though he lived alone at his Hill Fort residence, he was never lonely. His life was filled with meetings, reading and social activities. He often called me to discuss current events or simply exchange thoughts. Sadly, because of my own professional engagements, I could not meet him frequently in recent times. His sudden demise has therefore come as a personal shock. The recent murder of his son-in-law, Khaja Moizuddin, was an emotional blow to him.
A large number of people attended the funeral prayers of Ghulam Yazdani held at Masjid-e-Aliya, Gunfoundary.
With his passing, Hyderabad has lost one of the last torchbearers of its composite culture and civility. Men like Ghulam Yazdani leave behind not merely memories, but a lasting example of dignity, discipline and public service.