By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The younger generation may not even remember the name of Hafiz Mohammad Ibrahim. A freedom fighter, a minister par excellence and statesman beyond recognition, Hafiz Ibrahim remains an unsung hero of India.
Hailing from Nagina town in Bijnore district of Uttar Pradesh in North India, Hafiz Ibrahim was part of the cabinet led by Jawaharlal Nehru. During his ministership he played pivotal role in shaping the waqf act. He also played an instrumental role during the Sindhu river water dispute between India and Pakistan.
Born in Mohalla Azi Sarai in Nagina in 1888 Hafiz Ibrahim was educated at Rajkiya Diksha Vidyalaya and joined Aligarh Muslim University for higher studies. He also was a student leader and even was elected as union secretary at AMU. In 1919, he jumped into independence movement.
After joining Congress he participated in Nagpur convention as delegate. Later during 1942 movement he was arrested and sent to Fatehgarh Jail.
After independence he was sent to Rajya Sabha and made cabinet minister in Nehru’s ministry in 1958. He held important portfolios as irrigation, waqf, PWD, food and civil supplies. During this period he was instrumental in shaping the waqf act.
Later he played important role in Sindhu river dispute between India and Pakistan. He was also behind according university status to Roorkee Engineering College. He also organised a convention of Muslim MPs and MLAs in Lucknow. For his service he was made governor of
Punjab in 1966.
A true patriot Hafiz Saheb breathed his last during treatment on January 24, 1968.
TCN salutes this unsung hero of India.