Remembering Leila Kabir: Social worker and wife of George Fernandes dies at 88 after battling cancer

Leila Kabir, noted social worker and the wife of late socialist stalwart George Fernandes, passed away on Thursday evening at her residence in Delhi. She was 88 and had been battling cancer for the past two years. Her final rites were conducted at Green Park on Friday in the presence of close friends and family.

Born into a prominent family, Leila was the daughter of Humayun Kabir, a respected educationist and former Union Minister. She began her professional life as an assistant director with the Indian Red Cross, where she contributed to humanitarian efforts, including during the Bangladesh Liberation War in the 1970s.

Her personal and political life became intertwined when she met George Fernandes—then an emerging force in Indian socialism—on a flight from Calcutta to Delhi. The two married on July 22, 1971, and had a son, Sean Fernandes. Although the couple later separated in the mid-1980s, they never got divorced.
 

Leila played a courageous and active role during the Emergency imposed in 1975. While Fernandes went underground as president of the Socialist Party to evade arrest, Leila, along with their newborn son, travelled abroad and led campaigns against the Emergency in the United States and other countries. She returned to India nearly two years later, after the Emergency was lifted.

In later years, Leila resumed her role as caregiver when George Fernandes fell seriously ill with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. From 2010 until his passing in 2019, she oversaw his medical care and remained by his side, offering unwavering support during his final years.

Several political figures paid tribute to her legacy. Former Janata Dal (United) leader Aneel Prasad Hegde, who attended the cremation on behalf of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, recalled her activism during the Emergency and her resilience in exile. Social activist Dr Sunilam of the Kisan Sangharsh Samiti described her as a dedicated social worker who remained engaged in public service until the end of her life.

Journalist and former politician Santosh Bhartiya reflected on her enduring bond with Fernandes, noting that Leila stood beside him and took care of him like he was a toddle.

Leila Kabir leaves behind a legacy of quiet determination, social commitment and personal courage—hallmarks of a life lived with purpose and compassion.