Naseem Mirza Changezi

Naseem Mirza Changezi (1910 – April 12, 2018)[1] was an Indian independence activist. He was also believed to had been one of the oldest living persons in India at the time of his death.[2]

Early life and education

In 2016, Naseem Mirza Changezi claimed to be 106 years old.[2][3][4] Naseem Mirza Changezi traces his family's roots in Old Delhi from the times of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who had decided to shift his capital from Agra to 'Old Delhi' area and ruled India from 1628 to 1658. 'Old Delhi' was then known as Shahjahanabad. Naseem says that his ancestors and family have been living in the area for many generations now. He was educated at the historic 'Anglo Arabic College which is now called Zakir Husain Delhi College. Over the years, he has collected a large number of books in Urdu and Persian.[3]

Family life

In 2016, he was still living with his 90-years-old wife Amna Khannum and a 60-years-old son Mirza Sikander Beg Changezi in the Old Delhi area. His wife and son both took care of him. His youngest son Mirza Tariq Beg lives in Karachi, Pakistan. Mr. Changezi had seven daughters and two sons. Many of them still live in the Old Delhi area. He had 20 grandchildren.[3]

Association with Bhagat Singh

He met revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in 1929. A Congress leader had sent Bhagat Singh to see him. Bhagat Singh told him of his intentions to bomb the Central Legislative Assembly and wanted his help in finding a 'safe house' to hide in. He did help Bhagat Singh and then Naseem himself went into hiding in Gwalior after Bhagat Sigh finally carried out his mission.[3]

Commemorative busts unveiled

In March 2016, Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal unveiled three busts of the famous martyrs at Delhi Legislative Assembly who gave their lives for the cause of Indian independence movement - Bhagat Singh, Jayi Rajaguru and Sukhdev Thapar. Naseem Mirza Changezi was selected to address the gathering at the official ceremony. He remarked that martyr Bhagat Singh wanted all religions and sects in India to live together in unity.[4]

Legacy

Naseem, in his lifetime, claimed to have seen many events in Indian and world history – First world war, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Satyagraha (Nonviolent resistance), Khilafat movement, the making of New Delhi, Second world war, Quit India Movement and finally the independence of India.[2] Some people have called him 'the living encyclopedia of India'.[4] His life story has been covered by many newspapers and a number of TV documentaries have been made on it.[3]

References

  1. ↑ City Obituary – Old Delhi’s Living Encyclopedia, Naseem Mirza Changezi, Dies at 108, 1910-2018 The Delhi Walla, Published 22 April 2018, Retrieved 14 April 2018
  2. 1 2 3 Young at 106: Mirza Changezi, the grand old man of Delhi's Walled City Hindustan Times (newspaper), Updated 29 May 2016, Retrieved 21 December 2017
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Biographical Dictionary Of Delhi – Naseem Mirza Changezi , Born Old Delhi, 1910 – The Delhi Walla". Thedelhiwalla.com website. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 Bhagat Singh wanted all religions, sects to coexist: Naseem Mirza Changezi The Indian Express (newspaper), Published 24 March 2016, Retrieved 21 December 2017


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