Hello Mumbai National Desk
Preserving a National Legacy: An Interview with Owais Nurie , Grandson of Freedom Fighter Barrister M.Y. Noori
As India continues to honour the forgotten heroes of the freedom struggle under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative, many remarkable stories are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. One such story is that of Barrister Mohammad Yasseen (M.Y.) Nurie, the first Muslim Minister of Greater Mumbai before Independence and a pioneering leader of the Khilafat Movement, whose name was officially included by the Government of India in the Amrit Kaal commemorative initiative in 2023. Despite this historic recognition, his family—residing near the globally revered Baba Makhdoom Shah Baba Dargah in Mahim—has continued to maintain a low profile. Hello Mumbai News Editor-in-Chief Aleem Shaikh had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with prominent businessman and community leader Owais Nurie, grandson of the late Barrister M.Y. Nurie, to explore the extraordinary legacy of this unsung freedom fighter and understand the family’s enduring commitment to preserving his contributions to India’s independence movement.
Brief Background of Barrister Mohammad Yasin Nurie:
Barrister Mohammad Yasseen (M.Y.) Nurie was a distinguished nationalist leader whose contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains largely unknown. A firm believer in a united India, he strongly opposed the Partition and consistently rejected the ideology of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Throughout the independence movement, he worked alongside some of the nation’s most prominent leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Morarji Desai, S.K. Patil, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and was imprisoned twice during the freedom struggle. He also served as the first Muslim PWD Minister of then Bombay Province in 1937 before Independence. Committed to securing international support for India’s freedom movement, Barrister M.Y. Nurie travelled to countries such as the United States, Turkey, and several other nations to raise global awareness and garner support against British colonial rule. His remarkable contributions reflect the legacy of a visionary patriot whose role in India’s independence deserves far greater recognition.
Pls find the Blog Post link for your kind reference Sir: https://amritkaal.nic.in/blogdetail.htm?110
Hello Mumbai News:
Can you share some inspiring insights into your grandfather’s contributions to India’s freedom movement?
Owais Nurie
My grandfather, Barrister M.Y. Nurie , dedicated his life to the nation. One of his most significant contributions was during the historic Quit India Movement of 1942
He played an incredibly active role and was subsequently imprisoned for three years alongside iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, and S.K. Patil, among others. Prior to that, he had also served a six-month prison sentence in 1941.
He was deeply involved in the Khilafat Movement, which made him a prominent and respected face across India, particularly within minority communities. Because of his immense popularity and staunch nationalist stance, Mohammad Ali Jinnah often viewed him as a major political challenge. In fact, my grandfather was one of the first prominent Muslim leaders to vehemently oppose Partition and the creation of Pakistan. His uncompromising stance on a united India made him a target; Muslim League workers even attacked him during a political rally in Gujarat. His sacrifices for the birth of our nation are truly countless.
Hello Mumbai News:
How do you plan to continue your grandfather’s extraordinary legacy?
Owais Nurie
That is an excellent question. To ensure the new generation recognizes and understands his immense sacrifices for the nation, we are currently planning to publish two books. The first is titled “Islam and the New Order,” a manuscript originally written by my grandfather himself on September 29, 1941. The second will be a comprehensive biography detailing his life and political journey. Both books will be launched very soon. Additionally, we plan to institute the ‘Barrister M.Y. Nurie Freedom Fighter Award’ function to honor individuals who continue to serve society in his spirit.
Hello Mumbai News:
What was your initial reaction when the Government of India announced your grandfather’s name under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Freedom Fighter category?
Owais Nurie
We actually found out about the announcement a bit late, but we are deeply grateful and highly obliged to the Government of India. It is a moment of immense pride for our family that the government has formally recognized his contributions and remembered his ultimate sacrifices for the country during this historic Amrit Kaal.
Hello Mumbai News:
As the grandson of an unforgettable freedom fighter like Barrister M.Y. Noori, how do you feel when the public acknowledges this lineage?
Owais Nurie
I feel incredibly fortunate, blessed, and proud to be his grandson. When people learn about my background, they shower our family with an immense amount of love and respect. It is a humbling experience.
Hello Mumbai News:
Have you received any institutional benefits from this legacy, or do you actively leverage the “Grandson of a Freedom Fighter” title in the public domain?
Owais Nurie
No, never. I have never looked at it through the lens of personal benefit. I am not a politician; I am an industrialist, entirely focused on managing my day-to-day business operations. Those who happen to know my background respect me for it naturally. My late father raised us with a core principle: create your own identity through your own hard work. I am the grandson of Barrister M.Y. Noori, but I am not the freedom fighter—I can never take credit for his monumental achievements. However, as a family, we strive every day to follow in his righteous footsteps.
Hello Mumbai News
What is your view on the current situation in the country today?
Owais Nurie
There is no doubt that the nation is progressing rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While this macro-development is essential for India’s future, the ground realities and challenges for the common man remain largely unchanged. Issues like unemployment and rising inflation (price hikes) are pressing concerns that still need urgent resolution. The government must place a stronger focus on these areas.
On the flip side, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s performance in the infrastructure sector has been phenomenal. The transformation in our road and bridge networks is spectacular; it has effectively connected the remotest villages directly to major metropolitan hubs, which is a massive boost for the economy.
Hello Mumbai News
Do you agree with the sentiment that the Congress party failed to do justice to your late grandfather’s legacy by delaying his recognition?
Owais Nurie
Yes, I do. It begs the question: why did it take over 70 years for my grandfather to receive his due recognition? Following Independence, the Congress party governed the nation for more than five decades, yet his monumental sacrifices for this country were systematically overlooked.
My grandfather was at the forefront of the freedom struggle, working shoulder-to-shoulder with stalwarts like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Morarji Desai, and Sarojini Naidu. He even traveled extensively abroad—to countries like Turkey and the United States—to garner international solidarity for India’s independence movement. Given that stature, the neglect is hard to justify. We are profoundly grateful to Prime Minister Modi and his government for finally acknowledging his role and giving him the place he deserves in history.
Hello Mumbai News
What is your primary appeal to the present government going forward?
Owais Nurie
My appeal is straightforward: every single freedom fighter deserves justice and formal recognition. It is vital that our youth learn about the immense sacrifices made to secure our freedom. There are still so many unsung heroes whose stories remain buried in the pages of history; they must be brought to light. Ultimately, this isn’t a matter of seeking special privileges or benefits—it is strictly a matter of historical justice and rightful recognition.
