Haku Shah (1934 - 2019)

Laila Tyabji's heartfelt tribute...as it appeared on Facebook. Laila is an Indian social worker, designer, writer, and craft activist. She is one of the founders of Dastkar, a Delhi-based non governmental organization, working for the revival of traditional crafts in India.

- 

Holi brought colour and warmth, but it also brought sadness. Haku Shah, artist, designer, cultural anthropologist, maker - much loved, is no more.

Haku Shah was a little man, not someone to stand out in a crowd. At least until you saw his smile. It was his smile (so open and radiant) and that amazing mixture of serenity and positive energy that most people remember - something that was difficult to forget. He had friends and admirers all over the world. Simple and unaffected, he was also a universal man. The phrase ‘No man is an island’ might have been coined in his praise. He gave and received like breathing.