New Delhi: The Twelfth IOS Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Prof. Z. M. Khan (Zahoor Mohammad Khan) the former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, at an impressive investiture ceremony organised by the Institute of Objective Studies at its auditorium on November 5, 2025.

 

The function began with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Dr. Nakhat Husain Nadwi, In-charge of Arabic section of the Institute. The recitation was accompanied by its translation in English.

 

 

In his welcome speech, the secretary general of the IOS, Mr. Mohammad Alam, highlighted the activities of the Institute. He said that during its existence spanning four decades, the Institute engaged itself in working in several areas. These included research on status of deprived sections, particularly the Muslims. A number of projects were undertaken to study the exact position of their socio-economic plight. Reports of these studies and surveys and the outcome of research were published in book form. The Institute has so far published more than 400 titles on politics, sociology, law, religion etc., in English, Urdu and Hindi. With a view to entering into cooperation with the institutions of higher learning, a number of MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) with reputed universities and institutions from India and abroad have been signed by the Institute. These MoUs are aimed at organising joint programmes for academic exchange. The IOS caravan is continuing its on-going journey under the guidance of its founder-chairman and now the chief patron, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam. The Institute has honoured individuals, institutions and NGOs, which have rendered invaluable service to national life with the IOS Lifetime Achievement Award. So far, 11 personalities have been honoured with the Award. The twelfth IOS Lifetime Achievement award goes to Prof. Z. M. Khan in recognition of his service in the field of education, administration, planning, organisation and implementation.

 

 

Ex-President of the Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan and professor emeritus, Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Padma Shri, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey presented the scroll of honour to Prof. Z. M. Khan.

 

 

The citation was read out by content editor, Faisal Hashmi. It described Prof. Z. M. Khan “An educationist par-excellence, an institution-builder, a researcher-writer whose innumerable works have stood the test of time, Prof. Khan had adorned the world of academia in India, for over six-long decades. His in-depth knowledge places him in a unique position of authority as he worked tirelessly, and lived his entire life, upholding the righteous traditions of the Holy Qur’an.”

 

“Prof. Z. M. Khan’s life story is one of the steadfastness, determination, unwavering integrity and extraordinary commitment to learning and public service. His journey from a humble village in Uttar Pradesh to the highest positions in academia—stands as a testament to what dedication, vision and moral strength can accomplish. Prof. Khan’s academic contributions are as vast as they are profound. A prolific writer and deep thinker, he has authored and edited nine major books and produced over twenty scholarly articles in national and international journals. His writings explore themes of Indian government and politics, minority affairs and international relations. But beyond subjects and data, they carry a moral vision—a concern for justice.”

 

“No tribute to Prof. Z. M. Khan would be complete without acknowledging his remarkable contribution to the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) – a pioneering institution dedicated to the study of socio-economic and political issues affecting India’s marginalised communities.”

 

 

The chairman of the IOS, Prof. M. Afzal Wani presented a cheque of One Lakh rupees while Former judge, Allahabad High Court, Justice Zaki Ullah Khan presented the momento to Prof. Khan.

 

 

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Justice Zaki Ullah Khan, observed that political science has been his choicest subject. Referring to Prof. Khan, he said that a teacher must be remembered by his students because it is he who shared knowledge, acquired after several years of teaching, with his students. He expressed the confidence that Prof. Khan would continue to guide the younger generation. He hoped that Prof. Khan would be remembered for all the times to come. He had the distinction of teaching so many students, many of whom were holding important positions in different fields of life. He is a true patriot and his contribution to the promotion of knowledge was noteworthy. It was an occasion to celebrate his achievements and the recognition he received from noted institution like the IOS, he added.

 

 

Speaking as a guest of honour Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, said that Prof. Z. M. Khan spent three decades as a teacher and administrator at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He had been Prof. Khan’s junior colleague at the Jamia. He is credited with starting the law department there. He played an important role in making the Jamia as a premier institution of higher learning in the country. He described Prof. Khan as a man of action. He did his every bit to take the university to high levels of teaching and research. His worth was recognized by Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, the then chairman of the IOS, who made Prof. Khan the secretary general of the Institute. As secretary general, Prof. Khan took forward its mission and vision and made the Institute a think-tank to reckon with. While wishing him a good health and longevity, he hoped that the Institute would continue to expand its activities under his stewardship.

 

 

Another guest of honour, former professor and dean faculty of education, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Mohammad Akhtar Siddiqui, said that the gathering on the occasion was enough to show Prof. Khan’s popularity and respect among his students and colleagues. He had been a teacher as well as an activist. He was well-known in academic circles. He did a lot for the upliftment of the Muslim community. He is a serious thinker and researcher. It was Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam who recognised the gem in him and brought him to the IOS. Owing to his efforts, the Institute was held in high esteem for research and objective study of socio-economic issues of the marginalised sections. He pooled together the academic minds and gave them an opportunity to share their knowledge for the benefit of society at large. He said that the IOS contributed volumes of research materials under the guidance of Prof. Khan. The late Justice Rajinder Sachar had himself once said that without the cooperation of the IOS, the Sachar Committee would not have prepared such an important report. He authored and edited several books. The book ‘100 great Muslim Leaders of 20th Century’ published by the IOS, was prepared under his guidance. He wished Prof. Khan good health and alacrity.

 

 

Editor of Urdu newspaper, Akhbar-e-Nau and former member of Rajya Sabha and ex-Indian ambassador to various African countries, Mr. Meem Afzal, held that Prof. Khan raised the issues confronting the Muslim community. The Institute had been working at different levels. Congratulating Prof. Khan for receiving the award, he said that it was in the fitness of things to honour him with this prestigious Award. He did a lot for Jamia Millia Islamia to raise its status among the finest educational institutions of learning. He said that he himself did his post-graduation in political science from Delhi University. The popularity of the IOS could be gauged from the fact that the deputy speaker’s hall of the Constitution Club of India was packed to capacity when the book on Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam compiled by Mr. A.U. Asif was released last month, he noted.

 

 

Former professor of political science, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Furqan Ahmad held that he was junior to Prof. Khan in the political science department. He specialised in public administration. The honour bestowed on Prof. Khan was not an honour to an individual, but to knowledge, dedication and sacrifices. He made a positive impact on the people who came into contact with him. His life was replete with the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His integrity well-deserved this honour. His scholarly contributions reflected his wisdom. Pursuit of knowledge was his life-long journey. Close bonds between Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam and Prof. Khan gave a fillip to the IOS, he added.

 

 

Chief patron of the IOS, Mohammad Manzoor Alam, who could not make it to the function on account of his ill-health, in his message, read out by Prof. Hameed Nasim Rafiabadi, said, “His credentials, his service, his scholarship, and his abiding commitment to the values which IOS holds dear—objectivity of enquiry, inclusiveness of purpose, social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities—make him truly worthy choice for the Award.

 

“This 12th conferment marks another milestone in our journey at IOS, in recognising those towering individuals whose lives embody the union of intellectual rigour and social commitment. In conferring the 12th Lifetime Achievement Award on Prof. Z. M. Khan, we pay homage not only to his individual achievements, but also recommit to those ideals for which IOS was founded and continues to live.” Dr. Alam said.

 

“Prof. Khan embodies the spirit of the IOS Lifetime Achievement Award because his life reflects scholarly rigour and institutional leadership, social engagement and public good, mentorship, community and inclusiveness.” Dr. Alam concluded.

 

 

Ex-Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University and professor of geography, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Mohammad Ishtiyaque, said that he worked with Prof. Khan in the university for years. He presented a shawl to Prof. Khan on the occasion. The daughter of Prof. Khan,

 

 

Dr. Farhat Zahoor Azad said that this was a privileged day for the entire family. 

 

 

Acknowledging the honour bestowed on him, Prof. Z. M. Khan said, “Faith in God and the spirit of service are life’s greatest awards. This is a gratitude which I would like to express.” The bounty of faith and trust could not be achieved so easily. Islam presented a perception of the world to man with a chart of duties to the Creator. It also ensures that the faithful remained accountable to God. He held that this feeling and faith was the higher honour for him. He held that the institutions played an important role in his life. These included Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia and the Institute of Objective Studies. He observed that one should cherish certain values. One of them was the belief that God exists. Then one had to enquire and ascertain whether it was true. He said that this gave him the highest prize of belief in God. There was a relationship of man with the Almighty and a relationship of man with other creatures. Relationship with God leads a man to submit to Him. Underlining the importance of Islam, he noted that universal brotherhood was given to the world by Islam which was wonderful. Everyone’s deeds would by judged by God on the Day of Judgement.

 

Prof. Khan explained that man was only the trustee to every maternal thing created by God on earth. This also explains the relationship of man with man. He said that his spiritual gurus told him to be honest and do not do any immortality even at the minutest. “Family is first. Then go down the list. Islam gave you a worldview to think over issues. Ibadah connects you with God. Save the humanity by selecting a community. I selected Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam. This worldview should be understood.” He said that his wife did a lot for his health and kept him fit. He thanked the IOS for honouring him with the Award.

 

 

Presiding over the function, the chairman of the IOS, Prof. M. Afzal Wani said that the award ceremony was a great occasion. Such an event is organized for the appreciation of any person who had shown some significant contribution in his life time. So, any conferment of an award was something which reminds humanity to appreciate the work done by various persons with distinction. He sought to know about the initiatives to award Muslim legislators, lawyers, social leaders and other distinguished performers. It was the IOS which conferred the first Lifetime Achievement Award to the former chief justice of India, Justice A.M. Ahmadi in 2007. The IOS was not an NGO to carry out campaigns on roads, but an institution devoted to academics and research, creating beneficial knowledge for promotion of humane thought and understanding by books, intellectual deliberations in conferences and field studies. This was an activity connected with Hikmah. The IOS, accordingly, enjoyed the prime position of developing interest and engagement in intellectual pursuits and making the universe of knowledge possibly richer for anyone looking for access to its contributions. Referring to Prof. Khan, he said that he contributed to understanding the society by writing various prolific and guiding concept notes for conferences, seminars and other academic programmes which made them more focused and meaningful. He had the capacity to project ideas with intellectual depth and certainty with his long experience as an academic leader, especially in Jamia Millia Islamia. He said that the Award had a symbolic value. Prof. Khan who taught the political science which was a very important stream of knowledge. His works on governance and empowerment should be understood in the light of that elevating and enriching perspective. The conferment of the award should inspire many more to use their time for knowledge creation. While other things were prone to destruction, thought and knowledge could not be destroyed. Today, there is pressing need for political scientists of high caliber. Prof. Khan deserves lot of gratitude from the society for his contributions in the form writings and producing many scholars worth the name. The Award was an appreciation of Prof. Khan’s sincere efforts and incentive for other researchers and academicians.

 

Prof. Wani pointed out that in his personal life, Prof. Khan balanced the family engagements, intellectual efforts and the social obligation very nicely. He believed in the Almighty and kept contributing for long. Award was just a gesture that reminded other social scientists to sense the pulse of the community and contribute. He suggested to hold a conference on Justice Ahmadi in which lawyers of eminence should be invited to participate. Wishing Prof. Khan a long life, he stated that his way might be followed by committed researchers to mitigate the factors working against the marginalized people anywhere.

 

 

At the end of the function, the vice-chairperson of the IOS, Prof. Haseena Hashia extended a vote of thanks to the attendees.

 

 

A view of the audience