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Ali Haider Naqvi
1942–2014
My grandfather, Sayed Ali Haider Naqvi, was born into privilege as the son of an influential landlord. He could have chosen a life of comfort and abundance, but he took a different path—one defined by hard work and service. Rising to great heights in the Central Bureau of Investigation, he remained devoted to his principles, living a life of truth, self-reliance and modesty. His example inspires me every day, and any philanthropic and/or leadership work I undertake is his upbringing of me shining through.
Biography
The second son of a powerful landlord, Ali was born on the 23rd of December 1942 in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. His parents, descendants of Sharfuddin Shah Wilayat Naqvi (Link), claimed heritage from Abrahamic Prophets through Islamic Prophet Muhammad and consequently held the tenets of 'modesty' and 'truth even in face of adversity with the highest regard—values they instilled in all their children.
Growing up, Ali witnessed India gain independence from the British and be simultaneously partitioned along religious lines—an event that increased religious tensions and prejudice in this newly torn country. Despite this, he moved away from home, leaving the comfort of his family’s influence, to pursue a career in Indian Law at the Aligarh Muslim University. Being an exceptional student, he earned his Master's with exemplary results, was scouted by the Indian govt., and moved to the Capital to work for the Central Bureau of Investigation (Link).
As an incorruptible and capable officer, Ali was predominantly assigned to sensitive cases and deployed to particularly volatile areas. His stoic demeanour made him a steady presence in even the most challenging situations. This earned him the respect of his superiors and subordinates alike, many of whom fondly remember him to this day. He retired from the CBI in 2002.
Back at home, Ali lived a modest life with his wife and three children. To him, the individual far outweighed material possessions. Therefore—beyond providing for them materially—he'd remain a constant presence in his children's and grandchildren's lives, despite his demanding career. His liberal parenting nurtured their independence, allowing them to discover their own paths and build fulfilling lives.
On the 23rd of December 2015, at the age of 73, Sayed Ali Haider Naqvi passed away due to complications of third-stage Parkinson's. He was buried in an Imambara (Link) built by his ancestors, where he now rests between his parents and wife, comfortable in the fact that his body may be dead, but his name will live through the legacy of his work and children.