Noted scribe Muzaffar Hussain dead after prolonged illness

Muzaffar Hussain with Mahrashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Noted writer, thinker and journalist Muzaffar Hussain died due to prolonged illness here today, family sources said. He was 78. Hussain breathed his last at Hiranandani Hospital in suburban Vikhroli where he was admitted on January 30. His last rites will be performed tomorrow.

Hussain, a Padmashree awardee and a columnist, is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son. Born on March 20, 1940 in Madhya Pradesh, Hussain came to Mumbai in his youth and soon became proficient in many languages. In his illustrious career, he bagged several state and national level awards in literature, besides Padmashree in 2002.

He was conferred with the Lokamanya Tilak Jeevan Gaurav award for journalism by the government of Maharashtra in 2014. Proficient in many languages, he used to write for a number of journals in various languages and also for a number of vernacular dailies. Hussain, known as a pro-Hindutva writer, was also praised by the RSS.

He penned several books in which he raised questions on Islamic traditions. Head of the Konkan Prant of RSS Pramod Bapat expressed grief over Hussain's demise. "Hussain will always be alive in the heart of people for his progressive and thoughtful writing and thinking. He was fearless author and his creativity will always be remembered," Bapat told PTI. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also expressed condolences.

"Saddened to know about the demise of PadmaShri Muzaffar Hussainji. We lost a spirited nationalist, noted columnist & a very good friend. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & followers," the CM said in a tweet.

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