OBITUARY KHALID TEGALLY
KHALID Tegally’s passing away at 73 left those who knew him with a great sense of shock and loss. Shock, because he departed for ever at such a young age. He has left behind his wife Hazra, two daughters, two sons, all professionals, as well as four grandchildren.
Khalid had a very successful and fulfilling life – good grades at HSC at Islamic Cultural College, a short teaching stint at his Alma Mater, a long stay in the UK where his father was settled and where he obtained his qualification as a lawyer. He returned to Mauritius to join the bar, made a name as a trustworthy professional and then joined the judiciary. He served as a member of the National Assembly, representing one of Port Louis constituencies for one term. Having had enough of the judiciary and politics, he accepted an appointment as Head of the Tax Appeal Tribunal and finally Head of the Equal Opportunities Commission when the Almighty decided to terminate all his worldly engagements.
Khalid was a thoroughly honest man, a humanitarian who could empathise with those who felt victimized: numerous aggrieved with the fines inflicted by the MRA or injustices meted out to them by their employers, would be happy to tell their stories as to how Khalid gave them justice as well as a taste for life. He was also a great intellectual and a polymath, a master well versed in a boundless range of subjects – one never felt bored in his company. He would talk with such relish on the subject of one’s choice and with such depth that one would not want to leave his company.
Without pretentiousness or ego, he had the key traits of the great Muslim. He was the initiator of the Muslim Family Council. He would go round Masjids to campaign in favour of the Muslim Personal Law. He always saw to it that he would use halal means to earn a living; once at an Alif Investment meeting he asked questions which required detailed answers as to whether Alif funds were invested in halal products.
We’ll miss this tall man, with mild manners, a soft voice, a great sense of humour, a warm and generous spirit who would strike you by his sharp intelligence and empathy. Asthma never prevented him from enjoying life………. going out fishing, watching and paying football. This fine raconteur with a wealth of anecdotes derived from his wide life experiences has left a void among those who have known him.
Rest in peace, dear Khalid. May Allah swt give you a comfortable place among his chosen ones.
Dawood Auleear.
8 August 2021