Obituary

Prof. Hasan Mansur
By A Staff Writer
Bangalore: Noted human rights activist Prof. Hasan Mansur died on February 12 at his home in the city. He was ailing for some time. He was 84.
Prof. Mansur was president of the Karnataka chapter of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) for several years and also set up Karnataka Civil Liberties Committee.
He was born in a Naidu family and later embraced Islam. He retired as head of the department of English in Bangalore University in 1994. He regularly contributed columns for Islamic Voice for several years.
In a press release, the PUCL State committee has said that Prof. Mansur played a significant role in broad-basing the concerns of PUCL and taking it beyond the traditional human rights issues to focus attention on violations of socio-economic rights, including the right to housing and the right to water.
Modesty and gentleness that characterized his manners were seen to be believed. When it came to defending the rights of the minorities, Dalits, adivasis and even sections such as sexual minorities, Prof. Mansur was never found wanting in being outspoken. Man of unimpeachable integrity, Prof. Mansur was always available for his services for any humanitarian cause. He was part of several fact-finding teams and committees probing violation of human rights. He was also a founding member of the People’s Forum for India-Pakistan Friendship.
He is survived by wife Prof. Hasnath Mansur and a son who is settled abroad.