‘Friendship is hope’: Memories of Firdouse Khan, Bengaluru activist

She was a bridge between various movements against communalism and oppression. To those of you who don’t know her, we hope to give you a picture of who Firdouse was, what she stood for, and the tremendous loss that many of us are feeling with her passing.

ByManavi Atri

Published Nov 15, 2022 | 7:04 PMUpdatedNov 16, 2022 | 5:22 PM

Firdouse Khan (left) with Shantamma, Sister Celia, Madhu Bhushan, and Maitreyi Krishnan at a protest against rising caste atrocities and communalism in Karnataka in Freedom Park, Bengaluru

On the 11th of November 2022, we lost Firdouse Khan. She was 52.

Firdouse brought vibrancy to the resistance and struggles against a fascist, oppressive regime in Karnataka with an effortless cheer and determination. She was a bold, strong, and daring activist.

Firdouse was an integral part of Bahutva Karnataka, a coalition for plurality, diversity, and unity. She was the secretary of Forward Trust, a Jamaat-e-Islami Hind community organisation that was offering support to women, youth and family, and undertook extensive work with many NGOs in Karnataka.

Before her journey began as an activist, she worked in the corporate sector for a decade. Feeling an impetus towards helping others while confronting the larger questions of life, she decided to immerse herself in the work of the people.

This is an attempt to remember her by sharing our experiences with her: Who she was as a person to many of us and the broad array of political work she did. To those of you who don’t know her, we hope to give you a picture of who Firdouse was, what she stood for, and the tremendous loss that many of us are feeling with her passing.

Unfortunately, in the urgency of responding to one political and human rights crisis after another, we often know very little about people who we are holding hands with. After her loss, many of us felt they missed the opportunity of knowing Firdouse better.

‘From IT to Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’: Fatima Zahra Salehaati

Fatima Zahra Salehaati, member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, shares her memories of Firdouse:

“She was highly educated, very intelligent, and modern. Placed in a high position in an IT company, she led a luxurious life.

A conversation with a Muslim auto driver and lectures of Islamic scholar Israr Ahmed put a brake to her fast-paced life. A voice from the inner heart questioned her. Who am I? What is my identity? What is the purpose of my life? Where do I return (after death)?

Firdouse Khan

Firdouse Khan (Supplied)

These were the questions that changed the course of her life, changed the state of her heart, her ideology, her lifestyle, and the purpose of her life.

This change was not temporary, seasonal, or emotional. This was the change after which she never looked back nor wavered nor stopped or gave up. Then she re-equipped herself with knowledge and practice. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind [JIH] embraced her with full sincerity and love.

Here her knowledge, skills, and capabilities were further enhanced. Till her last breath, she strived in the path of Allah for the upliftment of humanity, and contributed to JIH with her skills, talents, capabilities, and wealth.

She was the secretary of Forward Trust and solved the problems of countless people. She also had a good understanding of politics.

She protested against the CAA, raised her voice in the recent Bilkis Bano case, and also against the atrocities on Dalit women. She collaborated with many NGOs for the welfare of society. She was a strong supportive pillar for her family.

She used to explain complicated matters in a simple way and always had time for others.

This was our joyful, always-smiling sister Firdouse Khan. I couldn’t believe the news of her death and was unable to control my emotions. I wondered how in such a short span of time she accumulated so many good deeds and left us with so many fond beautiful memories.”

‘A great loss for Bengaluru’: Md. Yousuf Kani

Firdouse Khan with others including Maitreyi Krishnan and Md. Yousuf Kani at a joint press conference highlighting the impact of Karnataka High Court order on hijab on education and Muslim girls

Firdouse Khan with others including Maitreyi Krishnan and Md. Yousuf Kani at a joint press conference highlighting the impact of Karnataka High Court order on hijab on education and Muslim girls (Supplied)

On Firdouse’s relationship with the community, Md. Yousuf Kani, assistant to Amire Halqa, vice president, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, tells us:

“If there was a protest and voice raised anywhere in Bengaluru city against oppression, injustice and rights, then the first person who arrived, in a burqa, was Firdouse khanum saheba. She became a member of the Jamaat a year ago, and worked actively…”

“She was always caring and concerned about everyone, be it the needy, the oppressed, non-Muslims or Muslims. She would be involved in helping people solve their problems. She also extended financial support. When the Karnataka government brought an anti-conversion bill, during a protest organised by 60+ groups in Freedom Park, she spoke about why we opposed it. … Of course, her demise is a great loss for Bangalore city.”

‘She saved many families from breaking up’: Maulana Wahiduddin

Elaborating on her role within the community, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Umri Madani, secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, shares:

“Undoubtedly, she was an intelligent, highly educated, capable, and respected woman.

Since she joined Tehreek-e-Islami, she devoted her life to its all-round activities.

Her counselling has saved many families from breaking up. She was a seeker of goodness, a seeker of truth and justice, and a true seeker of useful knowledge. … She left us behind with good, true and exemplary memories.”

‘Firdouse was a much-needed kindness’: Dr Sylvia Karpagam

Firdouse Khan shares a lighter moment with her friends

Firdouse Khan shares a lighter moment with her friends (Supplied)

Firdouse had a deep understanding of the community, an unassuming nature, and willingness to listen to different perspectives without judgement.

How did this response rooted from a sense of community shape her interactions with us?

Dr Sylvia Karpagam, public health doctor, says:

“Firdouse brought joy and life into groups.

She was a sane voice and a sounding board for many of the complex issues we face these days and her responses didn’t come from an intellectual or academic place. It came from the warmth of her heart and her lived experiences and her deep sense of kindness and community.

These things are irreplaceable but also cannot go away just because she is not with us physically. It just informs and softens the work we do.

In a harsh world, Firdouse was a much-needed kindness.”

‘Always calm, always game for anything’: Madhu Bhushan

Having engaged with her in different spaces over the years, Madhu Bhushan, a writer and activist, recollects:

“So many fragments of memories… from Bilal Bagh to Freedom Park where we would meet to vent our collective rage against different forms of violence and injustice, to Aman Chowk in Jayanagar where we celebrated peace and love, to the loving home of Samina where we feasted on delicious food and spicy conversations.

Always smiling, always calm, always game for anything: Be it to get on to the stage or in front of the camera to speak your mind, go for a chai and charche after a meeting, hop on to your bike and drive down to the police station to get permission for a protest, to break into a song or get into difficult conversations made easier with your openness and gentle acceptance of the other.

It is unbelievable that you have gone like this, Firdouse. Our undying love for all that you stood for — with so much conviction, kindness and gentle humour — will keep you in our hearts and our collective struggle for a more humane and inclusive world.”

‘Not one judgmental bone in Firdouse’: Nisha Abdulla

Nisha Abdulla, a theatre practitioner, remembers her:

“Firdouse was the most wonderful person to be around. She was always quick to share a laugh and a giggle even on the most serious occasion, knowing of course that it’s the lighter, softer moments that will sustain us in the darkness.

But what I’ll remember most about her is her compassionate soul. There was not one nasty or judgmental bone in her. She made space for all in her heart — including the ones who chose to lead lives very different from hers.

I wish I had more time to know more parts of her. To be going to Firdouse’s home for the first time on the day of her death is miserable, something I regret.

When the history of these difficult times is written, we have a duty to remember friends like Firdouse who chose to step away from comfort and step into the tiring and often thankless job of community-bridging and peace-making, who chose to always speak truth to power no matter how oppressive the reality.”

‘Hope more Muslim women are inspired by her work’: Tanveer

She provided unrelenting support to struggles across the board – from working class struggles to struggles of women.

Firdouse Khan, Vinay Sreenivasa, and Siddharth Joshi submit a memorandum to the DGP regarding hate speeches in Karnataka demanding urgent action

Firdouse Khan, Vinay Sreenivasa, and Siddharth Joshi submit a memorandum to the DGP regarding hate speeches in Karnataka demanding urgent action (Supplied)

No work was big or small for her. Whether it was joining a delegation to go to give a letter to state authorities or whether it was speaking in protests or whether it was calling people to meetings, she never said no. And she always showed up.

Tanveer, a social activist, shares:

“Firdouse was actively involved with PUCL, she was an amazing personality.

She carried her identity and mingled so well with everyone, whether it was DJ Halli, KJ Halli fact-finding, or the issue of attack on Christians in the name of conversions, or any other protest.

It is a loss for civil society and particularly the Muslim community. I hope more Muslim women are inspired by her work and join in the struggles. It is the need of the hour.”

Counselling during Covid

Guru from SOCHARA shares:

“I worked with her very closely during Covid times.

She was offering counselling services to various NGOs and civil society organisations and I used to accompany her.”

In these especially anxious and isolating times, she provided counselling support to those from marginalised backgrounds. When the Mercy Mission volunteers during Covid were reeling under the stress of providing relief work, she supported them with extensive counselling.

‘Life of the movement against communalism’: Avani

Firdouse Khan and others raise issues of concerns with Congress leader DK Shivakumar prior to an Assembly session

Firdouse Khan and others raise issues of concerns with Congress leader DK Shivakumar prior to an Assembly session (Supplied)

Avani, a lawyer from AILAJ, saw her as a bridge between various movements.

At a political time when building critical solidarities is both so difficult and important, she showed us how this could be done.

Avani says:

“Firdouse was the life of the movement against growing communalism and fascism in India.

She faced the onslaught with determination and strength and was an invaluable bridge between various movements. We saw her in every people’s struggle — be it pertaining to workers, Dalits, women, farmers, minorities, or any other issue.

She faced every challenge with courage, but also managed to find humour in the gravest of situations. She will be deeply missed and we will increase our struggle in her memory.”

“Even at times of difficult conversations, disagreements, she did not get agitated.  She was committed to engaging and reaching resolution,” says Shaheen from Bahutva Karnataka.

‘Unrelenting support to working-class struggles’: Clifton

Clifton D’Rozario, national secretary of AICCTU, remembers her in the same vein:

“We are shocked at the loss of Firdouse, an ardent activist against the growing hate and communal polarisation in Karnataka.

She always extended her unrelenting support to the working-class struggles of AICCTU, whether the ongoing struggle of workers thrown out of their jobs in ITI Limited, Bengaluru, or that of Powrakarmikas during the July strike.

Amicable and ever-smiling, her inspiring presence will be sorely missed.”

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‘Firdouse’s love was like a hug that enveloped people’

Mamtha Yajman, a feminist activist, remembers Firdouse’s politics and work that cut across caste, gender, and religion, and says:

“Firdouse’s love crossed the boundaries of caste and religion.

Her love was like a hug that enveloped various people together. Her dream for a plural society shone through in her eyes.

She built bridges between various people and in doing so, rooted herself in all our hearts. Those of us believing in a plural society are unable to imagine a world without her. Come, let us carry forward her dreams together.”

‘Very few like Firdouse‘: Geeta Menon

Remembering her role in organising during the anti-CAA movement, Geeta Menon, a women’s rights activist, writes:

“In this solitude of the night, in the ease with which Firdouse passed on, I can only remember the smiling, softspoken, but committed person.

It was in the CAA struggle that I knew her and would like to remember her! As a person of values, honesty, and grit! And in Bahutva Karnataka as a strong, constant force of activism! Very few left like Firdouse, and her spirit will continue to show the oath for harmony and justice!”

‘Firdouse fought for a world that was humane’: Maitreyi

Firdouse Khan at the report release of Criminalising Practice of Faith: Attack on Christians in Karnataka, in 2021. Manavi Atri (fourth from left), Maitreyi Krishnan (sixth from left) and Tanveer Ahmed (second from right) can also be seen

Firdouse Khan at the report release of Criminalising Practice of Faith: Attack on Christians in Karnataka, in 2021. Manavi Atri (fourth from left), Maitreyi Krishnan (sixth from left) and Tanveer Ahmed (second from right) can also be seen (Supplied)

Maitreyi Krishnan, a member of Bahutva Karnataka, shares:

“We have lost a strong fighter against this fascist regime, an extremely brave and daring person, who always spoke truth to power.

She fought for a world that was equal and humane. She was a strong voice for communal harmony and for actually doing something to create a fair and just society.

Whenever there was any issue, one could be assured that she would be one of the first people to come forward to address it.

She was also a great supporter of the working class and various AICCTU struggles, be it pourakarmikas, the ITI workers struggle, or the Bellary mine workers. We have much to learn from her on courage, kindness, generosity, and standing for what we believe in.”

‘The world & I needed more of you, Firdouse’: Manavi

I can hear her laughter ring ever since I heard the news of her death.

In the brief time I knew her, we knew her, she brought effortless cheer, honest joy, and concern for everyone and everything she touched.

She knew in a room full of people if you were struggling. She knew how to hold you and offer you her love. All in the spirit of her vision of an equal tomorrow. A loving tomorrow. A tomorrow free of anxiety and full of hope as she’d say.

For every meeting I missed she’d ask me, ‘yeh chand sa roshan chehra kahan tha’. She didn’t hold back in either her commitment or in expressing her kindness.

The world needed more of you, Firdouse. I needed more of you. You will live on in our dreams of a tomorrow that give us the space to emulate your smile, empathy, and kindness.

Her work and the people that she engaged with are reflective of her inclusive politics. And in all these multitudes and spaces that existed, she brought an unending love and kindness. Firdouse is a sum of all these experiences and more.

People’s memories of her show how she exemplified ‘personal is political’.

As Dr Asifa, member of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, and coordinator, Doctors for Humanity, says, “She was a lady with a beautiful heart who loved everyone without any discrimination. She has always been the first to help, share, and care for others with her infectious smile.”

In the women’s march for dignity, choice and education, at the footsteps of the town hall, a handful of us, holding hands, including Firdouse sang, “Hum jabr ka nizaam girane waale hai. Hum ek naya samaj banane waale hai. Hum inquilab hain, hum inquilab hain.” One cannot forget the child-like enthusiasm with which she learnt the lyrics and the huge smile on her face.

Firdouse singing 'Hum Inquilab Hain' at the Women's March for Dignity, Plurality and Choice

Firdouse singing ‘Hum Inquilab Hain’ at the women’s march for dignity, plurality and choice (Supplied)

That day, we had promised each other we would sing this again. You physically left us before we could, but we will, Firdouse. We will sing this, holding you in our hearts and fists. We will draw inspiration from your belief that “friendship is hope”.

We will remember how you nurtured friendships, love, and laughter, especially in these times, and continue the work you believed in.

Rest in power Firdouse. Salaam.

(Manavi Atri is a member of Bahutva Karnataka working on issues of human rights and documentation of state violence. These are the personal views of the author and the others quoted)