Prof Imtiaz Ahmad’s passing on 19 June 2023 marked the end of an era in Indian sociology. Widely celebrated for his pioneering scholarship on caste and social stratification among Muslim communities in India, Prof Ahmad was one of the most influential political sociologists of his time. Yet, beyond the public recognition and academic acclaim, there was another Prof Imtiaz Ahmad whom his students knew intimately – a teacher whose empathy matched the depth of his intellect.
My first meeting with him remains vivid in my memory. What began as a discussion on Durkheim and Weber soon evolved into a long conversation on society, modernity and critical thinking. Before I left, he recommended an article – ‘Open Society and Closed Minds’ – a gesture that reflected his enduring faith in intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. While many of us are familiar with his scholarly contributions, few know of his extraordinary devotion to reading. His relationship with books was not merely academic; it was deeply personal, almost spiritual.
Whenever I found myself struggling with an intellectual, emotional, or moral dilemma, he would ask me to quietly walk into his personal library, take the suggested book and note the date on which I would return it. More often than not, the answers I sought emerged from those readings. Each book became an invitation to think differently, to question more deeply, and to grow as a human being. Through this simple practice, he taught that education is not the accumulation of information but a process of emancipation.
Prof Ahmad’s concern for his students extended far beyond the classroom. In their tributes, many of his students recalled a remarkable quality he possessed – the ability to sense when someone was troubled, stressed, or feeling helpless. He would call them for tea, listen patiently, offer guidance, and provide support without making it appear as an obligation. Such gestures were never part of his professional duties; they emerged from a profound humanism that defined his character.
Today, I miss the warmth of his handshake, the gentle smile he carried even through personal pain, and his effortless sense of humour. One of his cherished lessons remains with me: “Every day should have some learning, some critical questioning, some debate, and, most importantly, some laughter. Laughter is the dessert of your day.” In that simple statement lay his philosophy of life – intellectual rigour balanced by human warmth.
Prof Imtiaz Ahmad was a legend in Indian academia. Though he was never my formal supervisor or classroom teacher, I consider myself fortunate to have become one of his last informal students. His scholarship will continue to guide generations of researchers, but for those of us who knew him personally, it is his kindness, generosity, and faith in people that will remain his greatest legacy.
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