Amit Kumar: The Quiet Strength Who Touched Many Hearts at Jamia Millia Islamia

We are deeply troubled by the passing of our dear friend, classmate, and a true lover of composite culture, Amit Kumar. Late last night, I came across this heartbreaking news through a social media post shared by one of our classmates. It was difficult to process this information in the quiet of the night. I immediately reached out to friends to know more, and they shared that Amit had been unwell for some time and was facing serious health issues.

After completing his M.A. in History from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2005, Amit devoted himself to preparing for the Civil Services Examination in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi. He was deeply committed to his goal and, as far as I know, achieved considerable success, even though he could not make it to the final list. Later, I learned that he joined Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to pursue a Ph.D. in History.

During my previous job, I often traveled to eastern Uttar Pradesh. Once, while visiting Varanasi, I called Amit. Though he was not in the city at that time, he cheerfully told me that he had completed or was close to completing his doctoral work. We promised to meet soon.

We remained in touch over the years. I vividly remember that around 2013 or 2014, friends shared the wonderful news that Amit had been selected through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) as a Cooperative Extension Officer. I immediately called to congratulate him, and he mentioned that he had been posted in Madhubani district. Currently, he was posted in the Siwan district. 

Amit was an integral part of our journey at Jamia Millia Islamia. His warmth, sincerity, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him. I still remember our first meeting. Amit, a young and slender man from near Muzaffarpur, Bihar, who had migrated to Delhi with big dreams for education and a desire to achieve something meaningful in life, not just for himself but for his family. His calm nature and soft voice drew people to him. He was sincere, thoughtful, and deeply engaged both inside and outside the classroom.

I was always curious about his political leanings. Amit rarely expressed his views beyond academic discussions, and for a long time, I assumed he leaned rightward. But I was wrong. During our conversations in the politically charged atmosphere of 2014 and 2019, he made his stance clear, firmly opposing far-right politics. His social media posts reflected his belief in composite culture, secular values, and the inclusive vision of India envisioned by Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, and Kalam.

Amit had an easy smile and an earnest curiosity about life. In class, he listened deeply and spoke with care. Outside the classroom, his humor and kindness brought people together. His humility made him instantly approachable, and he had the rare ability to make everyone feel valued.

For those of us who studied and laughed alongside him, Amit will always be remembered not just as a classmate, but as a true friend whose presence brightened our days. His absence leaves a void that words can hardly fill, yet his memory will remain with us,  in the corridors where we shared ideas, in the laughter between classes, and in the countless small moments that defined our time together.

As we mourn this loss, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Amit’s family and loved ones. May they find strength in knowing how deeply he was admired and cherished by his friends, peers, and colleagues.

Rest in peace, dear Amit. You will always be part of our Jamia family.