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This personal gesture underscores the power of international support for justice.
Hey everyone!
It is wonderful to connect with you here at THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA.
There is something incredibly moving about stories that transcend borders and remind us of our shared humanity, especially those rooted in empathy, resilience, and the fight for justice.
Today, we want to talk about a recent heartfelt gesture that’s touched many: a personal letter from New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, to Indian activist Umar Khalid.
In an era where division often dominates headlines, moments like this shine as beacons of hope and connection.
The Viral Handwritten Letter Full of Warmth
On January 1, 2026, just hours after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor, a touching handwritten note surfaced on social media.
Umar Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, shared a photo of the letter on X, capturing widespread attention.
The message is simple yet deeply poignant:
“Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.”
This note came about after Mamdani spent time with Umar’s parents during their visit to the US in late 2025.
They were in the country for a family wedding and to see loved ones, and the encounter clearly left a lasting impression, prompting this thoughtful follow-up.
A Longstanding Connection Of Solidarity
This is not the first time Mamdani has expressed support for Umar Khalid.
Back in 2023, during a public event in New York, Mamdani read excerpts from a letter Umar had written from prison.
In it, Umar shared his determination to resist bitterness despite his challenging circumstances, a theme that evidently resonated deeply and is echoed in Mamdani’s recent words.
These continued acts of acknowledgment highlight how messages of resilience can inspire and connect people across continents.
The Background: Umar Khalid’s Ongoing Struggle
For context, Umar Khalid is a former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader known for his activism, particularly during the 2019-2020 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and related policies.
He was arrested in September 2020 and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case.
Despite repeated bail applications being denied, Umar has remained in detention for over five years without the trial commencing, a situation that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates for its impact on due process.
International Voices Raising Concerns
Mamdani’s letter arrives alongside heightened global attention to Umar’s case.
Recently, eight US lawmakers penned a letter to India’s ambassador in Washington, calling for bail and a fair, timely trial.
They expressed worries about pre-trial detention lengths and alignment with international human rights standards.
Additionally, human rights organizations continue to question aspects of the UAPA’s application, noting its strict bail provisions and historically low conviction rates.
Zohran Mamdani
The author of this letter brings his own historic significance.
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist with Ugandan-Indian heritage, won the 2025 New York City mayoral election decisively.
On January 1, 2026, he became the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, one of the youngest in its history.
His unique midnight inauguration in a historic setting, swearing on family and library Qurans, symbolized a fresh chapter for the city.
Known for championing affordability, justice, and progressive policies, Mamdani’s global outlook is already evident in gestures like this.
A Sobering Trivia Point
Here is something that often surprises readers: Despite the tough provisions of India’s UAPA, conviction rates in cases under the law have hovered below 3% in many reported periods.
However, lengthy pre-trial detentions remain common, sparking ongoing debates about justice, security, and rights.
Final Reflections
This story, a newly elected mayor extending a hand of friendship to someone enduring hardship thousands of miles away, beautifully illustrates how personal acts can amplify calls for fairness and humanity.
It is a reminder that solidarity can break through isolation.
What do you make of this?
Can such international gestures influence change, or are they purely symbolic?
We would genuinely love to hear your views in the comments!
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are dedicated to sharing insightful, inspiring stories like this one.
If this resonated with you, explore our other pieces on global news, human rights, and remarkable leaders.
There is so much more to discover.
Thank you for reading, looking forward to our next chat!
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