AIMMM Statement on the sad demise of Nirmala Deshpande

New Delhi, 1 May 2008: The All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM) President Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan said here today in a statement that every Indian, in particular those belonging to minority communities, have suffered an irreplaceable loss by the death of the noted Gandhian and celebrated humanist Dr Nirmala Deshpandeji who devoted all her life to serve the downtrodden and marginalised sections of our society. She worked tirelessly and raised her voice whenever the situation demanded to safeguard the interests of the voiceless, especially the Muslim and Christian minorities who have been at the receiving end of Hindutva violence in recent decades. Despite her advanced age and failing health, she was ever-ready to speak, travel, attend conferences and dharnas in any part of the country to save those in trouble.

Dr Khan conveyed his heartfelt condolences to every Indian on this historic loss and hoped that Dr Deshpande’s ideals and memories will keep inspiring us to continue our struggle against the forces of darkness and bigotry which are attacking the roots of secularism and Gandhian values like never before.