Persian writer returns President’s Certificate

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Atif told The Indian Express that the “irresponsible behaviour of Union ministers” was also one of the reasons behind his decision.

“My conscience was pinching me. I did not want to keep anything bestowed by the government. I received the award from the President of India and even he is concerned but no one is listening to him, so I decided to return the award,” he said.

Born in Lucknow’s Malihabad area, Atif, nearing 70, lives in Hussainganj. In 2006, he retired as the Head of Lucknow University’s Persian Department. “I was with the Department for 32 years (from 1974 to 2006). I have published 12 books and another one recently went to print,” he said.

Atif’s political career took a swift turn in 1977 when he won the Bahraich Assembly seat as a candidate for the Janata Party. He had also served as Chairman of UP Handloom Corporation. “I was MLA in 1977 and later joined Muslim Majlis. I was its state president until 2008. Now, I don’t have any political affiliation,” he said.

Atif also claimed to have been “jailed for three months” while participating in the Aligarh movement seeking restoration of the AMU’s “minority character” under the leadership of Dr A J Faridi of Muslim Majlis.

At presently, he spends his time writing books and attending to the mango orchards and nursery in his native village Malihabad. “I don’t have much requirement for money. My needs are fulfilled. One of my sons is in Australia while another is in Dubai. My third son looks after me.”