Fazil was a talented data journalist, a loving brother and son, and an incredibly kind friend to everyone who knew him. He died on Friday after a fire broke out in his apartment building in Hamilton Heights. He was 27.

Fazil moved to New York from New Delhi in Fall 2020 for a master’s degree in data journalism at Columbia University. He had since established himself as a brilliant reporter covering education inequality at The Hechinger Report, most recently in a project called the College Welcome Guide, an analysis of data from more than 4,000 colleges and universities that helps prospective students assess universities’ receptiveness to students from varying backgrounds. He was previously a fellow at Columbia Journalism Investigations where he reported on children in New York who had lost parents and guardians to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His loss will be felt deeply not only by his close friends and family but also the journalism community as a whole. As we honour his life and remember him fondly, we have decided to raise funds in his memory.  When the dust settles, we will use it to cover funeral costs if necessary, and make charitable contributions on Fazil’s behalf to causes he cared deeply about, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Islamic life centers in NYC. (Donations will be received by Paroma Soni and disbursed accordingly.)  

Fazil is survived by his grandmother, mother, five siblings who live in India and many colleagues and friends in the United States and around the world.

“Fazil lived his life with intention, dedication, and an admiration for the little things, as evident in his morning tea ritual as in his profound storytelling.” – Sheridan Wall

“If I wanted a confidant or advice on any issue, I knew I could turn to my bhai. Fazil should be here preparing for Ramadan which was his favorite time of the year. I am deeply saddened that this bright star has been taken away from us so early.” – Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu

"Fazil was an extraordinary journalist, and more importantly, the most compassionate and thoughtful friend. Fazil was a poet, brave enough to achieve every dream he had, always generous and sincere. His presence was as grounding as it was uplifting, his humour as dry as his observations sharp. For every game of cards he was too competitive to let me win in, he made up for by always being infallibly kind." – Paroma Soni

“He filled the room with kindness and love. He had the ability to make people feel valued and heard. We are lucky to have enjoyed life in his presence.” – Bianca Pallaro

“Fazil was never the loudest voice in the room, but often the most grounded and careful. His loss will be felt deeply by all his friends, who relied on him for wise advice and his calming presence.” – Mahira Dayal

“I will remember Fazil as gentle, trustworthy, deeply caring, and filled with good in every bone in his body.” – James Ziv

“Fazil was, without a doubt, the most honest person I have ever met. He always cared deeply about doing the right thing. He was dedicated to Journalism in its entirety, and the world is a poorer place with his passing.” – Adam Farence 

“Fazil was a deep diver in all aspects of his life, whether it was research for a story he was working on or a sport he took an interest in. He would insist that it be done the right way. Seeing him come a long way and grow from a boy fresh out of college into a man chasing after his dreams in the Big Apple was inspiring, to say the least. His absence leaves a profound void, and I will deeply miss everything he had yet to contribute to the world.” — Pooja Dantewadia

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