Hassan: Extraordinary human being, respected & trusted in auto industry

Nagpur: A pall of gloom descended on Bishop's Chawl at Mohan Nagar after 78-year-old Zahoor Hassan, owner of Hassan Garage, passed away in a tragic road accident on Sunday. Residents, customers, business associates and family friends paid glowing tributes to Hassan, whom they described as a remarkable businessman and an extraordinary human being.Hassan Garage was almost a community meeting point due to Hassan's great work and goodwill. Neighbour Sanjay Raut broke down, saying, "Sir (Hassan) was a very good human being. He would always give a hearty donation for all festivals celebrated in the chawl. Vehicles of his customers were never a hindrance. He never uttered a single bad word. He would close his workshop early to help us prepare for functions. He even used to clear one side of his workshop to make space as the chawl residents could not afford to book a hall for all functions. His son Shiraz Hassan is just like his adorable father. There is nobody who did not like and love him. He even solved our domestic problems."Bernard D'Souza, a Mohan Nagar businessman, said, "Hassan was very polite, a gentleman, always meticulously dressed. He was a problem solver for his customers. A true and trustworthy businessman."Kala Bai, another chawl resident, said, "He never discriminated, supported celebrations of all religions with generous donations, which were always the highest."An emotional Trevor Francis, proprietor of DG Francis Garage at Mohan Nagar, said, "He was very dynamic, people recognised with work. Very friendly by nature, he was the one who delivered the first Maruti to the late Dr Shrikant Jichkar in 1984. He started the garage in the name of his father Hassan in the early 1960s. Despite being in the same industry, we were never rivals. In fact, when I needed any spare parts, he would deliver them personally. He would send work to us if he had too many vehicles."Former Nagpur CP and DGP Arvind Inamdar too was a regular at Hassan Garage. "A thorough gentleman, ethical, honest and trustworthy in the automobile sector," said Brian Fernandes, businessman and a Hassan Garage customer."Our families have known each other forever. He was passionate about cars, and had great acumen. The news about his demise is extremely shocking," said Huzefa Hussain.