J.S. Bandukwala

Dr. J.S. Bandukwala (27 March 1945 – 29 January 2022) was an Indian human rights activist.

Early life and education

Juzar Saleh (J.S.) Bandukwala was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 27 March 1945. He obtained a degree in physics from Bombay University before completing his doctoral studies in nuclear physics from the University of Oklahoma in the United States.

Career

Dr. Bandukwala taught physics at the M S University of Baroda and was elected president of its teachers' union in 1981.[1]

He was vocal about the rights of marginalized groups. He worked tirelessly against the ghettoization of Muslims which included fighting against the displacement of Kalyannagar slum communities. He had led a struggle for their rehabilitation since 2015.[2]

His house was burnt down during the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat.[2]

Dr. Bandukwala also devoted his life to spreading the education among Muslims. He created and was the lifetime president of the Zidni Ilma Charitable Trust. Through this trust he raised money to fund the education of 400 underprivileged children every year.[3]

He was an active member of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties.[1]

He was presented with the Indira Gandhi award for national integration for 2006 by then Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.[4]

Death

Dr. J.S. Bandukwala died on 29 January 2022, aged 77, in Vadodara. He was survived by a son and daughter, who are both settled in the United States.[3] His funeral service took place at the Kalyannagar mosque in Vadodara.[3]

Legacy

The Zidni Ilma Charitable Trust opened a Library cum Reading room in memory of Dr. Bandukwala in the old city area of Vadodara.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Desai, Nachiketa (29 January 2022). "Prof JS Bandukwala: The physicist, activist who tirelessly fought against ghettoization of Muslims". National Herald. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Rights Activist J.S. Bandukwala, Who Fought Against Ghettoisation in Gujarat, Passes Away". The Wire. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  3. ^ a b c "Noted Human Rights Activist Prof JS Bandukwala Passes Away". IndiaTomorrow. 29 January 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Indira Gandhi Award". photogallery.indiatimes.com. 5 November 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
  5. ^ Hussain, Mohammed (4 January 2026). "Zidni Ilma Charitable Trust's Post". Retrieved 4 January 2026.
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