The 37th Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Awards Ceremony, organised by the Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Academy, was held on Wednesday evening at Tasmia Hall in the national capital, marking the 148th Birth Anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, journalist, poet, and educationist Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar. The event brought together scholars, social leaders, doctors, and community members to celebrate Jauhar’s enduring legacy and honour individuals contributing to nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Khwaja Mohammad Shahid, President of the Academy, delivered a powerful and deeply insightful reflection on the life and personality of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar. He described Jauhar as a multidimensional, ocean-like personality, whose depth of intellect, courage, and commitment to justice cannot be measured. Prof. Shahid said that Jauhar’s brilliance spanned politics, literature, journalism, poetry, and leadership, each field enriched by his sharp intellect and moral clarity. His formative years in Aligarh shaped his leadership, eventually making him one half of the influential Ali Brothers, whose voice commanded respect across India.
Prof. Shahid highlighted Jauhar’s heroic role in India’s freedom struggle, particularly the Khilafat Movement, calling him one of the strongest opponents of British rule. He recalled Jauhar’s stirring declaration that he would rather die in a foreign land than return to a subjugated India, a vow reflected in his burial in Jerusalem. He also praised Jauhar’s unwavering support for national education, including the founding of Jamia Millia Islamia, noting that his sacrifices continue to inspire generations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. S. Farooq, President of Tasmia Educational and Social Welfare Society, emphasised that success should never be looked at with envy or diminished in value, as it comes only through great hard work. He acknowledged the enduring legacy of Nadeem Sahab’s father, whose vision and dedication laid the foundations for the Academy’s ongoing work. Dr. Farooq praised the compassionate medical service of Dr. Toor and urged society to embrace greater responsibility for personal health through awareness, observation, and discipline. He noted that many illnesses can be detected early through simple self-observation and encouraged people to maintain active and healthy lifestyles.
Dr. D. P. Singh Toor shared an inspiring account of his journey shaped by his experiences in Aligarh. Witnessing poverty firsthand motivated him to dedicate his life to serving the underprivileged. Rejecting lucrative opportunities abroad, including a settled life in California, he chose to remain in India and “start from zero.” He now performs surgeries at a rural charitable hospital for just ₹20,000, emphasising care for those who cannot afford treatment. Dr. Toor highlighted poverty as the greatest disease and credited his wife for supporting his mission of compassionate service.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding contributions across diverse fields. The M. M. Ali Jauhar Awards were presented to:
* Mr. Shivender Tomar, Corporate Manager
* Dr. Sahar Qureshi, General Manager, Max Hospital
* Dr. Mohammad Uzair Zakai, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology)
The 13th Bi-Amma Award was conferred upon Mrs. Abeda P. Inamdar, while the 12th M. Saleem Memorial Award was presented to Mr. Rauf Ramish, journalist, for their distinguished contribution to the field of media.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ahmad Nadeem, General Secretary of the Academy, who expressed gratitude to the guests, awardees, and supporters for making the programme a resounding success.
