Abid Hussain

Abid Hussain Biography

Abid Hussain was an economist, civil servant and diplomat who served as India's Ambassador to USA from 1990 to 1992 and a member of the Planning Commission from 1985 to 1990. One among his 7 siblings, his younger brother Irshad Panjatan is an actor and veteran mime artist, based in Berlin. He has played supporting roles in Bollywood films since 1965, and has been credited to introducing the art of mime to Indian entertainment field in the 1960s. Dr. Hussain was honoured in 1988 with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions as a diplomat and economist. He died in 2012 following a massive heart attack.

Dr. Abid Hussain was born in Hyderabad, Telangana on 26 December 1926 into a big family. He was married to Trilok Karki, a renowned writer. He grew up in his hometown Hyderabad where he completed his schooling and college studies. He completed his studies from Nizam College in 1942. He got through civil service exams and served as an IAS officer. As a successful diplomat he served as India's Ambassador to the United States of America from 1990 to 1992. He has also held many administrative positions during his professional career such as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Heavy Industry, Member of India's Planning Commission from 1985 to 1990 etc.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian Muslim diplomats, and is best remembered for the roles he played as an Indian ambassador to US. He also served as Chairman and board member for many committees and organizations. He was also President of Katha, Chairman of Research Council of National Institute of Science, Technology & Development Studies and served as an administrator of many organizations. He was President of Lovraj Memorial Trust.

Published: November 18, 2018

Updated: November 18, 2018