“We in India are so happy for him and all of you”
Snippets from emails between retired Indian Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju and Dr Chishty’s family and friends
From: Markandey Katju
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012
To: Chishty family
Cc: Friends and fellow activists
Subject: Re:
Dear Shoaji, Amnaji, Ali, and other family members of Dr. Chishty, It is 2 a.m. in the night in Delhi, and for the last two nights I could not sleep thinking of Dr. Chishty and all of you. Has Dr. Chishty reached Karachi? … How happy must he be on reaching home, and how happy must you all be on receiving him! I remember meeting his gracious wife and Shoaji at Delhi some months back. They were so sad and depressed. My secretary Salim wept on seeing them, and I too was sad on seeing their plight. My concern, however, is of his health. He is an old man and a heart patient and therefore cannot stand strain and emotional stress. He must be very excited on returning home. Have you consulted a good cardiologist and general physician? If not, please do so immediately. His health must be monitored regularly We in India are so happy for him and all of you. I tried to meet him in Delhi and spoke on telephone to him, but was told that instructions had come from Islamabad that no one is allowed to meet him. He told me on telephone that he would like to shake hands with me. Please give him my regards.
Regards to all of you Justice Katju.
From: Ali Chishty
To: Justice Katju, Chishty family
Cc: Friends and activists
Date: Thursday, 17 May, 2012
Subject: Re:
Dear Katju Sir, I was trying to call you soon after I received your email. Will try contacting you tomorrow morning again. But I have talked many times with Dr. Chishty during his departure from Delhi till his arrival at our home in Karachi. I cannot express in words how emotional is this moment for all of us. Sir I can definitely tell you that this is the biggest moment in our lives in the last 20 years. Dr. Chishty is extremely happy reaching home and the first thing he did after landing he bowed to thank God. His family, his friends, and his ex-students all were gathered at our home in Karachi. He reached at 11 pm and was given a heroic reception both in Islamabad and Karachi. Sir, in each of his interviews he have praised every one and I personally have never seen him complaining for his difficulties. Sir, I would like to say that this was not possible without you and Kavita, Beena and Mahesh ji and all other friends. Your guidance and help has made this day in our lives possible. I have never seen a man of such great courage and personality standing by the truth and humanity. I feel proud that I am in some way associated with you and had the luck to meet you in Delhi.
My grandmother (Dr. Chishty’s wife) is personally thankful to you and she remembers visiting you in Delhi. I can still remember the lost hope in her eyes at the time we came to India and the questions she used to ask me when we visited Ajmer Jail to meet him. She asked me that ”un kay kamray mein khirkian hain hawa ati hai k nahi” (Does his room have windows, does he get air). Sir, I don’t have words to thank you for your support and help. May God bless you give you happiness, long life and health. I am grateful to you on behalf of my whole family. It will be a pride and honour for us if some time we can host you in Pakistan and at our home in Karachi. I am sure Dr. Chishty will be more than happy to receive you. Once again I am thankful for your concerns and we consider you as part of our family. Looking forward to see so you some time at our home.
Regards, Syed Ali Ghalib Chishty (Dr Chishty’s grandson in Oman)
From: Markandey Katju
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012
Dear Ali, Please telephone me on my mobile or landline. I am keen to know about Dr. Chishty’s health, and if possible speak to him I wish I were with you all in Karachi at this time of joy.
Regards Justice Katju
From: Markandey Katju
Subject: RE: To: ali chishty
Date: Thursday, 17 May, 2012
Can you please send me your mobile and landline numbers. I will try to call you. Justice Katju
From: ali chishty
Subject: RE: To: justice katju
Date: Thursday, 17 May, 2012
Dear Katju Sir, My grandfather is trying to call you on both your numbers but some how it’s not connecting. Hope you guys will be able to talk soon.
Regards, Syed Ali Ghalib Chishty
From: Markandey Katju
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012
To: Amna Cc: Ali Chishty, Beena Sarwar, Mahesh Bhatt
Subject: Re: Fw: RE:
I just now spoke to your father. I also spoke to Tariqaji, and told her to get a thorough medical check up of Dr. Chishty done in the best Medical College in Karachi. I told them both not to worry, as I feel confident every thing will turn out o.k. Justice Katju
From: Amna Chishty
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012
To: Markandey Katju
Cc: Ali Chishty, Beena Sarwar, Mahesh Bhatt
Subject: RE:
Dear Justice Katju, Thank You so much for taking the time to call papa, I am sure it must have meant a lot to him. Amna Chishty
