New Delhi: A memorial meeting was held today at the India International Centre here to honor the life and contributions of A.G. Noorani, who passed away on August 29. A galaxy of intellectuals from diverse fields gathered to pay tribute to the noted constitutional expert, historian, and public intellectual. Former Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari, in his presidential address, remembered Noorani as a unique individual and a dear friend.
Ansari recalled their shared fondness for the historical streets of Old Delhi, where they bonded over their love for traditional delicacies.
“It was always a pleasure to go to him and seek his views on matters concerning India-China relations, India-Pakistan relations, the Kashmir issue, or broader global affairs. Few people know that during a challenging period in India’s relations with the United States, Noorani Sahib’s advice was sought and appreciated. He gave it discreetly, without seeking public attention,” said the former Vice President.
Reflecting on Noorani’s legacy, Ansari said, “In his passing, we have lost a great personality, someone who will be remembered not only through his vast compendium of books but also for his invaluable contributions to public life.”
Former Union Minister and MP Mani Shankar Aiyar described Noorani as an encyclopedic figure. “Talking to Gafoor was like talking to a living encyclopaedia. He had an astonishing memory for details, dates, and the nuances of conversations. Approaching him always brought a sense of humility and even an inferiority complex, knowing that one could never match the breadth and depth of his knowledge.”
N. Ram, former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, joined the memorial meeting online and paid his tribute, stating, “A.G. Noorani was the quintessential journalist’s journalist – erudite, versatile, brave, fiercely independent, and incredibly productive on issues that mattered. He was steadfast in his belief in India’s republic and constitution, and as both a lawyer and journalist, he stood as a rock in defense of citizens’ fundamental rights. Whether it was the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, personal liberty, or protection against arbitrary arrests, Noorani would spare no one – neither the executive, legislature, nor even the judiciary – when they failed to uphold constitutional rights.”
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid lauded Noorani’s unmatched scholarship, noting that his research was exhaustive even in the pre-internet era. “He was a scholar of extraordinary caliber, exhaustive in his research, and fearless in his writing. His passion for getting to the root of the issues, articulated in his remarkable range of writings, was unparalleled in both his time and ours.”
Senior journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune, Harish Khare, described Noorani as a one-man institution. “He was often disliked by the security establishment and even by so-called liberals, who found his insistence on anchoring his arguments in constitutional guidance and legal principles irritating. But Noorani was no disruptor – he was a legal fundamentalist who believed that the authority of the state must be exercised within the bounds of the law. In his view, the state’s best interests would always be served in the long run if its coercive powers operated lawfully.”
Siddharth Varadarajan, senior journalist and one of the founding editors of The Wire, highlighted Noorani’s exceptional ability to zero in on key arguments. “Noorani’s emphasis on transparency and debate in public affairs was unmatched. He was a remarkable intellectual and commentator, deeply committed to human rights and secularism. His followers and admirers must strive to uphold these values in order to pay true tribute to his legacy.”
Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, paid tribute to Noorani’s writings on detention, anti-conversion laws, liberty, and human rights, particularly criticizing the courts’ hesitation to take these matters seriously.
The memorial meeting was moderated by senior journalist Qurban Ali, who highlighted Noorani’s multifaceted persona and their close bond. K.N. Shrivastava, Director of the IIC, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most respected legal minds.
