By Mujahid.Md
Hyderabad: Veteran High Court advocate and a noted figure in Hyderabad’s legal and social circles, Ghulam Yazdani, passed away on the night of May 28, 2026. He was 98.
Widely regarded as a guardian of Hyderabadi culture and an unwavering advocate for public service, Yazdani’s death marks the end of an era for the city’s intellectual community.
Born and raised during a transformative period in Indian history, Yazdani was a witness to some of the most significant events of the 20th century. His life spanned the eras of the First and Second World Wars, the Partition of India, the Hyderabad Police Action, and the eventual merger of the Nizam’s state into the Indian Union.
Drawing from his experiences during these turbulent times, Yazdani championed the cause of education as the primary engine for progress. An alumnus of Osmania University, he established himself as a prominent legal professional, though he was noted for his distinct commitment to ethics over financial gain. Peers and colleagues often noted that his name was conspicuously absent from the lists of high-earning advocates, a testament to his pursuit of justice rather than wealth.
Beyond the courtroom, Yazdani’s contributions extended to social reform, education, and philanthropy. He played a pivotal role in the development of several local educational institutions and was a founding member of the Public Garden Walkers Association. His career was also defined by his commitment to community health, often spearheading the organisation of free medical camps for the underprivileged.
In the legal and social community, he is remembered for his courage during the communal riots of 1990, where he risked his life to maintain peace and assist those in distress.
Yazdani also left an indelible mark on the cultural and religious landscape of the city through his long association with the Jamia Masjid Alia. He was instrumental in evolving the mosque into a centre for Islamic discourse and knowledge, organising regular public forums that benefited generations of students and scholars.
Friends and associates describe his passing as a significant void for Hyderabad, particularly at a time when the city faces a scarcity of voices committed to intellectual integrity. Observers noted that in an age increasingly dominated by social media discourse, Yazdani’s legacy of quiet, selfless service serves as a reminder of a bygone standard of public life.
