MUMBAI: Fauzia Ansari, the mother of Versova engineer Hamid Ansari who was released from prison in Pakistan in December, broke down at the news of Sushma Swaraj ’s death. Swaraj as foreign minister had taken multiple steps to seek consular access and secure Ansari’s freedom. Fauzia said, “How can I ever repay her debt in getting my son released? She was so proactive that my family and I are ever indebted to her. She was my Jhansi ki Rani. That is how I addressed her. How she would laugh!”

The Ansari couple, Nehal and Fauzia, met her seven or eight times in the course of their campaign, often without appointment. Swaraj never turned them away, always hosted them with warmth.

Fauzia said, “I vividly recall my first meeting with her. It was the day she took office as external affairs minister. Throngs of party workers and commoners had gathered outside her bungalow to greet her. I rushed ahead amidst the crowd and followed her to her car. I said I was carrying no flowers no gifts to greet her, my tears were my only present. As she heard that, she turned and drew me to her in emvrace. She said, meet me in my office at 4.00pm. I waa so stunned, I said this very evening? She said yes, this evening.”

Fauzia arrived at the ministry at the appointed hour. “As I presented my letter to her, she scanned it with her eyes and said, ‘I remember seeing this letter in my office this morning’. She was so sharp. I had indeed dropped off a copy earlier in the day.”

Over the months and years, Fauzia and Nehal approached her numerous times — until the day dawned when Hamid was released and came home December 18. They first went to Delhi to thank Swaraj.

“She was so happy for us. She said to me, Hamid is like my son. She embraced us both and said your trials and tribulations were part of destiny. Now the worst is over. Your son is home safe and sound.” A few weeks later, Fauzia attended a felicitation function for Swaraj in Mumbai.

She said Tuesday, “Sushmaji was a rare Parliamentarian whom even the Pakistanis respected. Pakistani journalist Zeenat Shehzadi who helped me fight my case often said Sushma Swaraj is well regarded in Pakistan. I will miss Ma’am so much. This is such an untimely loss. I pray for peace for her soul in the afterlife.”

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