– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru: A political scientist, researcher and writer Prof. Muzaffar Assadi passed away after a brief illness here last night. He was 63.
A great name in academic and political circles, Prof. Assadi served as a faculty in Mangalore, Goa and Mysore Universities.
Born in Shirva, a remote village in coastal district Udupi, Prof. Assadi raised to international fame with his deep insight in political affairs. After doing postgraduation in political science from Mangalore University, he obtained M. Phil and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University and post-doctorate from Chicago and JRF fellowship from University Grants Commission and Rockefeller fellowship.
Known for his deep insight into history, anthropology, and developmental studies apart from politics, Prof. Assadi presented around 500 papers at home and abroad. Three hundred research articles were published in national and international journals. He has authored 11 books.
His research and contributions spanned areas such as agricultural studies, globalisation, Gandhian philosophy, political sociology, democratic theories, social movements, comparative governance, Indian politics, human rights, and global political theories, earning him significant recognition.
Equally fluent in English and Kannada, Prof. Assadi served as advisor for around 15 prestigious journals. He also served as examiner and interviewer in various state public service commissions. His writings have been translated into French, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu.
Under his guidance several students have obtained Ph.D. degrees in Rwanda, Iran, Afghanistan and U.K. Prof. Assadi served as chairman of High Court Committee on the Displacement of Tribal Communities. He received the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award in 2011.
