Veteran Congress Leader Mohsina Kidwai Passes Away at 94: A Personal Tribute by Adam Rizvi
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By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): The passing of veteran Indian political leader Mohsina Kidwai marks the end of a remarkable chapter in India’s political history. A senior figure in the Indian National Congress and one of the most influential Muslim women in Indian politics,
Kidwai devoted more than six decades to public life and national service.
Born in Barabanki and closely associated with Lucknow, Mohsina Kidwai rose through the ranks of Indian politics during a transformative era.
Also Read: “My Life In Indian Politics” By Mohsina Kidwai
She served as a Union Minister in several portfolios and was widely respected for her dedication, political acumen, and loyalty to the ideals of the Congress leadership. Over the years she worked alongside major leaders of India, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with whom she shared a close political association.
For me, Mohsina Kidwai’s passing is not only the loss of a prominent national leader but also the loss of someone whose warmth touched my early life. During my teenage years, I spent considerable time at her home. Our families shared cordial ties, and I witnessed firsthand the grace, discipline, and humility with which she balanced public life and family responsibilities.
Also Read: “From Legacy to Leadership: A Candid Conversation with Congress Veteran Imran Kidwai”
My eldest brother, Syed Hasan A. Rizvi (popularly known as Betay Mia), was at that time a strong student leader and an emerging political voice. He greatly admired Mohsina Kidwai and often spoke of how her leadership and political insight inspired him. She encouraged and mentored many young people interested in public service, and my brother was among those who benefited from her guidance during his formative years. Today he is an entrepreneur settled in New Jersey, and remembers her mentorship with deep respect.
She was a devoted mother to her daughters — Seema, Farida, and Irum — and maintained a close-knit family whose members continue to contribute to intellectual and public life. I had the privilege of attending the weddings of her daughters, and over the years I have remained connected with several members of the extended Kidwai family.
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One of her grandsons, Adil Kidwai, remains a friend on social media, reflecting the enduring connections that have continued across generations. More recently, The India Observer also carried a feature related to another member of the family, Imran Kidwai.
A few years ago, Mohsina Kidwai’s political memoir, My Life in Indian Politics, was published, offering a rare and candid account of her decades in public life and her experiences witnessing India’s political evolution from the inside. The book chronicles her journey across the eras of multiple prime ministers and provides insight into the workings of Indian politics over several generations.
Also Read: Jawahar Lal Nehru: India’s good fortune to have him at the beginning.
I had the honor of reviewing that book for The India Observer, reflecting on the remarkable life she lived in service to the nation.
Readers can revisit that earlier review here:
For many Indians, Mohsina Kidwai will be remembered as a trailblazer — a Muslim woman who rose to the highest levels of national leadership at a time when such paths were far more difficult. For those who knew her personally, she will also be remembered as a gracious elder whose dignity and kindness left a lasting impression.
Also Read: Manmohan Singh: Decency in Public Life
Her life stands as a testament to perseverance, public service, and commitment to democratic ideals.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
