New Delhi: Jamia Hamdard held a condolence meeting at the Hamdard Convention Centre here Tuesday, in honour of Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Founder Vice Chancellor, and Mr. S.M. Khan, Former Director of Jamia Hamdard Residential Coaching Academy (JHRCA).
The event was presided over by the Chancellor, Hammad Ahmed, and co-presided by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and heartfelt Duaa led by Abdul Malik Farooqui, Imam of Rabia Mosque, setting a reflective tone for the gathering.
Prof. Afshar Alam expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Dr. Akhtar Hussain in Lucknow on November 19. Dr. Hussain’s legacy as the visionary behind Jamia Hamdard’s transition to a deemed university is monumental. His tenure from May 10, 1989, to May 31, 1990, laid a strong foundation for the institution’s future. A native of Village Handia, District Basti (Uttar Pradesh), Dr. Hussain was an esteemed scholar, holding fellowships in the National Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, and the Academy of Indian Medicine. His academic journey, marked by significant achievements in agriculture and plant pathology, culminated in notable positions, including Director of Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow.
Prof. M. Afshar Alam highlighted Dr. Hussain’s dual excellence as a researcher and administrator, which was instrumental in shaping Jamia Hamdard into a renowned research-focused university. His contributions extend beyond the administrative, embedding a culture of academic rigour and multidisciplinary excellence.
The ceremony also honoured Mr. S.M. Khan, who passed away on November 17. Mr. Khan, a distinguished member of the Indian Information Service (1982 Batch), served as Director of JHRCA from November 20, 2017, to June 30, 2022. His notable career included roles such as Director (Information) at the CBI, Press Secretary to the President of India, Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Director General (DD News). An accomplished scholar with gold medals in L.L.B. and L.L.M., Mr. Khan’s tenure at Jamia Hamdard was marked by significant enhancements in the academy’s performance and outreach.
Esteemed faculty members, including the Dean of the schools, head of the departments, administrative, non-teaching staff, Mr. S.S. Akhtar, Controller of Examinations, Prof. M. Shahar Yar, Chief Proctor and Prof. Farhat Basir Khan, joined the gathering, reflecting on the indelible marks left by Dr. Hussain and Mr. Khan on the university’s history and the broader academic and administrative landscapes.
The meeting, conducted by Dr. M.A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard, concluded with prayers for peace and strength for the bereaved families.
The Jamia Hamdard community extends its deepest condolences to the families of Dr. Akhtar Hussain and Mr. S.M. Khan, praying for their eternal peace and the strength for their loved ones to bear these significant losses.
