Former Bihar minister and six-time MLA Abdul Jalil Mastan was remembered for his simple lifestyle, commitment to public service and efforts to improve the lives of underprivileged people at a memorial programme held in New Delhi on Sunday, October 18.
The programme was organised by the Forum for Intellectual Discourse in collaboration with The Wings Foundation at Dynamic English Academy in Jamia Nagar. Speakers recalled Mastan’s contributions to the Seemanchal region, particularly his work on road construction, education, public services and the demand for Surjapuri reservation.
The programme began with a recitation of the Quran, followed by a welcome address by Dr Manzar Imam, founder-general secretary of the Forum. He presented a brief account of Mastan’s life and political career, highlighting his simple lifestyle and consistent efforts to support the poor despite winning the Assembly election six times from the Amour constituency in Purnea district.
Abdul Mannan, editor of the Urdu monthly Ajkal, said Mastan’s defeat in the last two Assembly elections was a loss for the people of Amour.
Maulana Manzar Mohsin, from Mastan’s native village of Sirsi, shared anecdotes about the late leader’s personal life and his close connection with ordinary people. Mohd Faiyaz Alam of Hamdard recalled his meetings with Mastan, describing him as one of the old-school political leaders of Seemanchal who maintained strong public connections and lived simply.
Dr Mohammad Ajmal of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Noman Qaisar of Patna University and senior radio journalist Iftekhar-uz Zaman also spoke about different aspects of Mastan’s life and public service. Urdu critic and author Haqqani Al-Qasmi, Ibarat assistant editor Asrar Razi, and poet and research scholar Safeer Siddiqui also shared their views.
A participant named Nasir recalled the difficulties villagers faced when roads were largely absent in the region. He said Mastan’s efforts to build roads across villages had improved connectivity, allowing people to travel more easily, including during the rainy season.
Young participants from Mastan’s village also praised his contributions, particularly the construction of roads and schools and efforts to make government services more accessible in the Amour constituency.
Ammar Jami, joint secretary of the Forum, said the speakers’ accounts had helped him learn more about the late leader’s life and contributions to Seemanchal.
The programme was conducted by Dr Khalid Mubashshir, associate professor of Urdu at Jamia Millia Islamia. In his concluding remarks, Dr Anwarul Haque of The Wings Foundation said Mastan had entered politics to avoid becoming its victim, emphasising the importance of political participation in addressing public concerns.
Other participants, including Md Qamrul Hasan, Md Shahid Alam, Mohd Salam, Mohd Arshad, Mohd Ishaq and Md Shafiq Alam, also shared their experiences and memories of the late leader.
Mastan, a senior Congress leader who served as Bihar’s minister for registration, excise and prohibition, died on September 12 following a prolonged illness while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi. His body was taken to his native village of Sirsi, where he was laid to rest on September 14 with state honours. Thousands of people from Purnea and neighbouring districts attended his funeral.
Participants at the memorial programme also proposed publishing a booklet documenting Mastan’s life and public service. The proposal received support from those present.
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