Before AIIMS in Delhi, Hakim Ajmal Khan had established India’s first Integrated Hospital and Research Centre
New Delhi: In an important meeting, Tej Lal Bharti, a Gandhian leader and National President of Hakim Ajmal Khan Forum for Peace and Communal Harmony, proposed that the Government of India should confer the Bharat Ratna on the eminent freedom fighter Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan. The proposal was unanimously approved, and the participants demanded that Hakim Ajmal Khan be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
The meeting emphasised that, though delayed, it is still appropriate for the present Central Government to take the initiative in honouring Hakim Ajmal Khan with the nation’s highest civilian award for establishing A&U Tibbiya College before AIIMS was established in Delhi.
Tej Lal Bharti highlighted that among the many institutions built by Hakim Ajmal Khan, the “Bachchon ka Ghar” (Children’s Home) remains a remarkable memorial. Its maintenance, he said, depends on the people of Delhi, particularly those of Old City. He urged them to take responsibility for upholding the dignity of this heritage so that the weaker sections and orphans could continue to benefit, and also to protect the educational institutions linked with Bachchon ka Ghar from decline.
During the meeting, the contributions of Hakim Ajmal Khan’s great-grandson, Mr. Masroor Ahmad Khan, were acknowledged, and he was elected Patron-in-Chief of the organisation. Meanwhile, Dr. Lal Bahadur, Hakim S.P. Bhatnagar, and Dr. Shakeel Ahmad were elected Vice Presidents, while Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan was chosen as the General Secretary.
Additionally, the following were included as Executive Members: former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Khalilabad Mr. Lal Mani Prasad, Dr. Sabahatullah Amrohi, Dr. Wajahat Ali, Tahseen Ali Asarvi, Israr Ahmad Ujjaini, Babulal Bharti, Anil Kumar, Aleem Ansari, Hakim Aftab Alam, and Mohammad Imran Qanauji.
