Prayer and Memorial Meet in Memory of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam at Kolkata

Prayer and Memorial Meet in Memory of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam at Kolkata 

Kolkata, January 28: A dignified Prayer and Memorial Meet in remembrance of the renowned scholar, visionary thinker, and institution builder Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam was held successfully today evening at Aliah University’s Auditorium, Park Circus Campus, Kolkata. The programme was jointly organised by Puber Kalom; All India Milli Council (West Bengal); The Muslim Institute; and the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), Kolkata Chapter.

The gathering witnessed participation from people belonging to diverse walks of life, including academicians, scholars, Imams, Ulema, social activists, intellectuals, and students, reflecting the wide influence and legacy of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Founding Chairman and Chief Patron of the Institute of Objective Studies, and General Secretary, All India Milli Council.

The meet began with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Mohammad Shahid, followed by its translation by Ahmad Ali Qasmi. Mahtab Alam Nadvi presented a detailed account of the life, thought, and multifaceted contributions of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam.

The introductory remarks was delivered by Mr. Abdul Basit Ismail, Coordinator, IOS Kolkata Chapter. He highlighted Dr. Alam’s firm belief in the Qur’anic principle “Wa Laqad Karramna Bani Adam”, emphasising the inherent dignity of human beings. He recalled Dr. Alam’s enduring message—“Sit together, think together and work together”—describing it as the essence of his intellectual and social philosophy. On this occasion, Mr. Ismail also proposed the establishment of an Academic Chair in the name of Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam at Aliah University, Kolkata. He further expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Nadimul Haq, Member of Parliament, and Prof. Rafikul Islam, Vice-chancellor, Aliah University, Kolkata, for their support in the successful organisation of the meet.

Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan spoke on the multidimensional contributions of Dr. Alam, underlining his work in education, research, social justice, and institution-building. Mr. Rafey Siddiqui urged the community to continue and strengthen the legacy of Dr. Alam in thought and action.

A message from Dr. Alam’s eldest son and the Secretary General of the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, Mr. Mohammad Alam was read out by Ghulam Rabbani Nadvi, reaffirming the family’s and the institution’s commitment to carrying forward his mission. An audio message by Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, Visiting Professor at Aliah University, was also played, in which he paid rich tribute to Dr. Alam’s scholarly and global contributions.

Mr. Ahmad Hasan Imran, Former Member of Parliament and editor, Puber Kalom, Haji Shahood Alam, and Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, from All India Milli Council, shared their personal associations with Dr. Alam and highlighted the vast scope of his intellectual, social, and humanitarian work.

Prof. Rafat Ali, Associate Professor at Jadavpur University, stated that Dr. Alam’s contributions remain a lasting source of inspiration and that it is the responsibility of the academic community to carry his legacy forward. Dr. Sabah Ismail observed that Dr. Alam was a da‘ee in the true sense of the term and had a profound impact on the intellectual and social consciousness of Indian Muslims.

The Prayer and Memorial Meet concluded with the presidential address and a collective du‘a led by Qari Md Shafiq Qasmi, seeking divine mercy for the departed soul and peace and harmony for society. The programme was efficiently conducted by Mr. Mohammad Shahjahan, Vice Principal, Jibreel International School, Kolkata.