Abbas Abdul Mujawar, also known as Inamdar, a 98-year-old freedom fighter, was honored with a ceremonial ‘guard of honor’ by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate during his burial on April 1, following his passing on March 31. A long-time resident of Nehru Nagar, Mujawar played a significant role in the Goa Liberation Movement of 1961. He is survived by his four sons and three daughters, along with their families. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ganesh Ingale, confirmed that the burial was conducted with police honors.
Born on January 28, 1928, in the Kavthe Mahankal taluka of Sangli, Mujawar came from an agricultural background and left home at a young age, according to his son Mehboob Inamdar. He initially moved to Satara to work at the Ogale glass factory and later relocated to Pune after one of his sons secured employment at Bajaj Auto.
Inamdar became actively involved in the communist movement and the struggle for Goa’s freedom. His son Mehboob shared, “He, along with many villagers, traveled to Goa to engage in the freedom fight. He endured police brutality, including lathi charges. The turnout at his funeral was significant, with thousands attending.”
The Maharashtra government recognized Inamdar’s contributions to the Indian independence movement in 1990, awarding him a letter of respect. His family also stated that he had been receiving a government pension designated for freedom fighters.
Mehboob emphasized the nationalism present among the villagers, noting, “Many may perceive them as merely farmers, but they possess a profound sense of patriotism. They did not anticipate the independence of Goa or the pensions that would follow; they simply knew they had to act, even at great personal risk. Many were martyred in the struggle without knowing the outcome.”
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Mehboob, a retired senior police inspector, recounted stories of their clandestine protests during the night and the chaos that ensued following police charges. He mentioned that Mujawar bore scars from the beatings he received during those tumultuous times.
Despite having no significant health issues previously, Mujawar faced a heart blockage, and doctors advised against surgery due to his age. About six weeks before his death, he suffered a fall that resulted in a back fracture, leading to a decline in his health, requiring hospitalization where he was placed on oxygen and a ventilator until his passing.
“We had hoped our father would reach the age of 100. He could have lived another decade or more had it not been for the fall,” Mehboob lamented.
Soham Shah is a Pune-based correspondent for The Indian Express, specializing in education and civic matters. With a background in fact-checking, he approaches journalism with a detail-oriented mindset.
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