Thursday, January 17, 2008

Naseeruddin Shah




Naseeruddin Shah

Born : 20th July, 1950, Hyderabad (AP) India
Wife : Ratna Pathak Shah (Cine Actor )
Children: Imaad Shah, Heeba Shah
Brothers: Zaheeruddin Shah,
Lt. General Zameeruddin Shah (Deputy Army Chief of India)


Education:
1973 : B.A. from Aligarh Muslim University
National School of Drama New Delhi.

Awards:
1980: National Film Awards for Best Actor, Sparsh
1980: Filmfare Best Actor Award, Aakrosh
1981: Filmfare Best Actor Award, Chakra
1983: Filmfare Best Actor Award, Masoom
1985: National Film Awards for Best Actor, Paar
1984: The Volpi Cup (Award for Best Actor) at Venice Film Festival for Paar
1987: Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award
2000: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
2000: IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) Award -
Artistic Excellence for Performance in a Negative Role for Sarfarosh
2003: Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award
2004: 7th International Film Festival of Mumbai - Award for contribution to Indian cinema
2006 Honorary Tribute Award : Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
2007: National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor, Iqbal

Naseeruddin Shah was born in Hyderabad, Andhra Pardesh on 20th July 1950. At the age of 5 years he was sent to boarding school, St Joseph's School, in Nainital with his elder brother Zameeruddin Shah who was 7 years old. His eldest brother Zaheerudin Shah stayed with their parents. In fact Naseer’s sibling elder brother Zameer was staying with their aunt in Sardhana, near Meerut in western UP until Naseer was 2 years old. Naseer was failed in 9th grade so he departed from his brother Zameer and joined a different school. After completing his school, Naseer joined Aligarh Muslim University for his graduation in Arts and his sibling brother Zameer went to NDA (the National Defense Academy in Pune, Maharashtra) and later joined Indian Army in 1969. Naseer was very much interested in cultural activities and was an active member of AMU Drama Club. As we have a saying in Aligarh “Those who can face AMU crowd/audience, can face any crowd/audience in the world”. After a great success in AMU Drama Club, Naseer joined National School of Drama in Delhi and decided to make acting as his career.

Naseeruddin Shah made his acting debut in Shyam Benegal's 1975 film, Nishant. He established himself as a good actor and won the Indian government's National Film Award for Best Actor in 1979 for an effective portrayal of a blind man in the film Sparsh. This was also the time when several young directors were making movies that were different from those produced till then. This movement was termed the New wave, with actors such as Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil and Om Puri appearing together in offbeat Parallel Cinema art films like Bhumika (1977), Bhavni Bhavai (1980), Ardh Satya (1982) and Mirch Masala (1986). He also won three Filmfare awards during this period. His performance in the 1982 film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, a comedy, displayed his versatility but at the same time, also made it difficult to categorise him. In the interim, he was considered for the title role in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, but finally the role went to Ben Kingsley. Shah was very disappointed that he could not bag the role.
Like many of the other actors of his genre, Naseeruddin Shah was first noticed by Shyam Benegal. He acted in Benegal's Nishant (1975), Manthan and Bhumika (1976). One of his most intense performances was given in Saeed Mirza's Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai ("What makes Albert Pinto angry?", 1980). In the movie, he plays a garage mechanic from Goa who dreams of the expensive cars that he repairs but that are far beyond his reach. The film is set in a Catholic setting, primarily because Mirza did not have the courage to tackle Muslim issues. Naseeruddin Shah has also acted for other New Indian Cinema directors including Mrinal Sen (Khandan, 1983) and Sai Paranjpye (Sparsh, 1979). Besides these "serious" roles, he has a penchant for comedy.

His roles in Ketan Mehta's films and also in films like Mandi, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, and Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1983), have endeared him to the Indian public. He has also not shied away from accepting roles in mainstream Hindi movies where he has played a variety of characters, though his slight frame has ensured that he is most often cast in a comic role. However, directors also utilize his great acting talent when a "character role" has to be played. What is surely most arresting about him is the sheer versatility of his talent. Naseeruddin Shah has also played and directed English and Hindi plays. This is not unimportant, since many of the most brilliant film actors came to the cinema after a long stint as theater actors. With his wife Ratna Pathak, Naseeruddin Shah continues to act regularly in plays, often at Shashi Kapoor's Prithvi Theatre.
Naseeruddin Shah worked in numerous movies, some of them are mentioned here;
Nishaant, Home Delivery, Paheli, The Great New Wonderful, Valley of Flowers, Asambhav, Main Hoon Na, Maqbool, The League of Extraordinary, Gentlemen, 3 Deewarein, Encounter, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Moksha, Kasam, Monsoon Wedding, Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachaao, Guru Mahaaguru, Gaja Gamini, Hey Ram, Tune Mera Dil Le Liya, Bhopal Express, Sarfarosh, Sar Utha Ke Jiyo, Bombay Boys, Such a Long Journey, China Gate, Dand Nayak, Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge, Daava, Lahu Ke Do Rang, Agni Chakra, Private Detective, Rajkumar, Himmat, Chaahat, Takkar, Naajayaz, Mr. Ahmed, Mohra, Ponthan Mada, Droh Kaal, Triyacharitra, Sir, Bedardi, Game, Hasti, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Lootere, Chamatkar, Vishwatma, Daku Aur Police, Electric Moon, Tehelka, Time Machine, Lakshmanrekha, Ek Ghar, Mane, Shikari, Chor Pe Mor, Police Public, Khoj, Tridev, Hero Hiralal, Rihaee, The Perfect Murder, Zulm Ko Jala Doonga, Libaas, Maalamaal, Mirza Ghalib, Pestonje, Ijaazat, Jalwa, Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin, Karma, Genesis, Shart, Ek Pal, Musafir, Trikal, Aghaat, Ghulami, Khamosh, Mirch Masala, Khandhar, Lorie, Holi, Maan Maryaada, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho, Paar, Party, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Woh 7 Din, Ardh Satya, Haadsa, Katha, Mandi, Masoom, Dil... Akhir Dil Hai, Aadharshila, Bazaar, Sitam, Swami Dada, Tahalka, Tajurba, Chakra, Bezubaan, Sazaye Maut, Umrao Jaan, um Paanch, Sparsh, Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai, Bhavni Bhavai, Shaayad, Sunayana, Junoon, Bhumika: The Role, Manthan, Mixed Doubles, Iqbal, Omkara, Krrish, Valley of Flowers, Parzania & Ek Dhun Banaras Kee.

Naseeruddin Shah’s hard work paid him and he achieved numerous awards including Padam Bhushan from Government of India in 2003. He had played all kind of role from character to lead actor to charismatic Indian Hero to typical Bollywood villain. In 2006 one of the pioneers of the parallel cinema movement in the 1970s, Naseeruddin Shah was honored by the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), which was held from April 19 2006 in Los Angeles in United States of America. IFFLA presented 2006’s honorary tribute to Naseeruddin Shah by showcasing some of his best cinematic works over the last three decades. As part of its celebration of the works of Naseeruddin Shah, who has starred in over 120 films over the years, the IFFLA hosted the Los Angeles premiere of his latest film 'Parzania', a film which features him alongside actors Sarika and Perizaad Zorabian. On April 21, 2006 at IFFLA, he participated in a question and answer session with the audience after the screening. Best known to Western audiences for his roles in 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen', 'Monsoon Wedding', and 'The Perfect Murder'. He had also won the prestigious 'The Volpi Cup' at the Venice Film Festival for the film 'Paar' in 1984. In 2004, Mumbai International Film Festival bestowed him Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Indian Cinema.

Naseeruddin Shah made his Directorial debut with Yun Hota to Kya Hota but did not made an impact as he is doing with his acting. Naseeruddin Shah is married to a fellow cine artist Ratna Pathak, daughter of Deena Pathak and sister of Supriya Pathak and lives in Bollywood capital Bombay (Mumbai). Imaad Shah, son of Naseeruddin Shah, who is playing the lead role in the upcoming film Dil Dosti etc is not really keen on pursuing a career in acting.



My brother Zameer : by Naseeruddin Shah

Naseeruddin Shah recounts growing up with our recently-appointed deputy army chief, Gen Zameeruddin Shah
(As told to Piali Banerjee of Mumbai Mirror)


It's unfair that every news report which talked about Zameeruddin Shah becoming deputy army chief, mentioned that he's my brother. But I guess life is unfair. My name is attached to his ('by the way') all the time. However, I don't think he minds. In fact, he once wrote an article in a fauji magazine where he mentioned six questions he is asked most often about me. The most popular among them is, 'Is Naseeruddin Shah your real brother?' “Zameer is two years elder to me. Since my mother was very unwell when he was born, he was sent to live in our village, Sardhana, near Meerut, and was brought up by an aunt of ours. He came to live with us only when he was around four years old, and I was two. It took me a while to get used to Zameer after he came from the village. He was very different from my eldest brother, Zaheer, and me. For instance, he couldn't speak English, and he had some different habits. He was also still very attached to our aunt in Sardhana “Then, when I was 5 and Zameer, 7, we both were sent to boarding school, St Joseph's School, in Nainital. In school, of course, he turned out to be a big hero, and I, an idiot. He was tall, good-looking, athletic, a boxing champ. And he even had a girlfriend in from St Mary's School. I envied him this like hell! Meanwhile, I failed in my ninth standard and left this school to join another.

“In school we didn't get together much because it wasn't cool for a senior to hang out with a junior. But Zaheer, Zameer and I bonded during the holidays. That's when we'd play cricket, learn to swim, and learn to ride a bicycle. Of course, Zameer managed to learn everything first. We had huge fights too; we kicked and punched and hit each other over usual things like who'd bat first.“Then Zameer went to NDA (the National Defense Academy in Pune) and changed completely as a person. He got rid of his wild, colorful ways and straightened out. He almost became austere in his ways, which he still is today. Today, he only has what he needs, there are no luxuries in his life. “I still remember the day when Zameer came home in his cadet's uniform. I was so inspired the moment I saw him get off the train. He was actually saluted by the policeman at the station who wouldn't even let me in! And although I knew that I wouldn't be a soldier, the idea actually appealed to me for a couple of days after that. (I had gone through NCC camps and I knew that getting up at 5 am on a winter morning to wear a starched uniform wasn't my scene.)“But the change in Zameer, changed, or rather straightened out, my life too. I was really inspired by the determination with which he quit his old habits and thinking. And I figured that if I focused in the same way on my acting, I could make a serious career of it too. His being a good soldier inspired me to be a good actor.

“In fact, I don't know whether I'd have been an actor if it hadn't been for my brothers. Were it not for the two of them, I'd have probably lost faith in myself. They were the only people in the world I could talk to about my acting aspirations. They were the only ones who listened to me, and didn't laugh at me. (Today, they do watch most of my films and, I believe, are proud of me.)“Soon after his graduation from NDA, Zameer went away to fight in the Longewala battle in the 1971 war. And that's a period in his life that's more or less blank for me. I was scared, of course, at that time, but I was more interested in knowing all the details about what was going on at the warfront. Meanwhile, my parents reacted in their own ways. My dad had a ball worrying, my mother retreated into prayer. Even now, Zameer never talks about those war days. If I ask him questions, he only answers in monosyllables, so now I've learned to leave him alone. They must be his private memories, which he'll talk about whenever he's ready.

“So, I guess, we're close in a way, but not so close in other ways. We don't meet often, but when we do, we pick up from where we left off. Since neither Zameer nor I are too fond of talking, we communicate in other ways, like playing tennis, or going riding together…“Zameer follows a typical military discipline. Even on holidays, he is almost always erect, and maintains his regular routine. Yeah, he can be rather funny when he wants to be but nowadays, as a general, he is almost always surrounded by people and does have an image to live up to.“Right now, of course, he has a good life. A big house, plenty of staff… In fact, I've got to see plenty of interesting places, where I wouldn't otherwise have gone, because of his postings. However, what's interesting is that Zameer is very aware of what a general's life is, after retirement. He has seen his seniors go through it, and is well-prepared. In that sense, he is a true realist.”* “I was really inspired by the determination with which he quit his old habits... His being a good soldier inspired me to be a good actor”

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Mohammad Shamim Jairajpuri


Mohammad Shamim Jairajpuri

Born : 8th April 1942, Jairajpur Azamgarh (UP) India
Father : Dr. Mohd. Moazzam Jairajpuri
Wife : Prof. Durdana Jairajpuri (Department of Zoology, AMU Aligarh)
Children : 3 daughters (Dr. Zeba Jairajpuri,….. )
Grandfather: Maulana Hafiz Mohammad Aslam Jairajpuri,
One of the greatest Muslim Scholars of the sub- continent
and Founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia


Education:
1959,1961,1964 : B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph. D. Aligarh Muslim University.
1970 : Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) was awarded to him in Zoology
by Aligarh Muslim University in 1970 on his outstanding
work on Neuratology in particular on Taxonomy, at a young
age of 28 years only

Career:
1964,72, 83 :Lecturer, Reader, Professor Department of Zoology, AMU Aligarh
1988-89 & 97-98 : Chairman, Department of Zoology, AMU Aligarh
(1993-95 & 1997-98) :Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU Aligarh
1977-79 :Chief Editor of the Indian Journal of Nematology
1979 -81 :President, Nematological Society of India
Fellow , National Academy of Sciences,
Fellow, Academy of Sciences,
Fellow, National Academy of Sciences
Fellow, Asian Academy of Sciences,
Fellow, Zoological Survey of India,
Fellow, Zoological Society,
Fellow, International Body of Life Sciences
Fellow, Indian Society of Parasitology
1978-81: Secretary of the Helminthological Society of India
1989-91 : Vice President of the Zoological Society of India
1989-91 : Director: Zoological Survey of India
(Ministry of Environmental and Forests)
1981-83 : Principal Nematologist: Commonwelath Agricultural
Bureaux International, United Kingdom
1991-93 : Coordinator: Agriculture Center AMU Aligarh
1993-96 : Founder Director: Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Institute of Agriculture,
AMU Aligarh
9th Jan. 1998 to
8th Jan. 2003 : Founder Vice Chancellor: Maulana Azad National
Urdu University
Honorary Professor : School of Life Sciences,
University of Hyderabad
March 2000: Fellow, Third World Academy of Sciences, Trieste, Italy
1999-2003: Vice-President of Indian National Science Academy
2000-2005: President of the Indian Society of Parasitology (ISP)

Honors:
December, 1999: First recipient of the Janaki Ammanl National Award in
Taxonomy awarded by The Ministry of Env. & Forests
June, 2007: Shiksha Ratna Puruskar along with Certificate of Exellence"
by the India International Frienship Society (IIFS).
1977 & 1998: Gold Medal : The Zoological Survey of India

Books Authored:
1. Chand Yaadein Chand Baatein: Autobiography
2. Dorylaimida: Free-Living, Predaceous and Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
3. Snakes and human welfare
4. Predatory Nematodes (Mononchida) with special reference to India
5. Morphology and variability of dorylaimus stagnalis dujardin, 1845, and
their juvenile stages
6. Nygolaimina of India


Mohd. Shamim Jairajpuri was born on 8th April 1942 in a well educated and learned family of Maulana Salamatullah and Maulana Hafiz Mohammad Aslam Jairajpuri in the village Jairajpur, District Azamgarh, U.P. His father Dr. Mohammad Moazzam was having his resident-cum clinic in mohallah Takia in Azamgarh city. His great grandfather Maulana Salamatullah Jairajpuri was a well known scholar of Hadith. His grandfather Maulana Aslam Jairajpuri was one of the greatest Muslim Scholars of the sub- continent and a strong supporter of Aligarh Movement. Maulana Aslam Jairajpuri was a founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia. Maulana Aslam Jairajpuri was a faculty member of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. The young Mohammad Shamim completed his primary education in Azamgarh. After completing his Intermediate from Shibli National College of Azamgarh in 1957 he joined Aligarh Muslim University in July 1957. He obtained his B.Sc. in 1959, M.Sc. in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1964 The degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) was awarded to him in Zoology by Aligarh Muslim University in 1970 on his outstanding work on Neuratology in particular on Taxonomy, at a young age of 28 years only. He was first appointed a Lecturer (1964) then a Reader (1972), Professor (1983), Chairman (1988-89 & 1997-98) of the Zoology Department and Dean (1993-95 & 1997-98) of the Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU. Shamim Jairajpuri married to Durdana Jairajpuri. Her family belongs to Sitapur. She completed her Ph.D. in Zoology from AMU Aligarh in 1967 and joined the department of Zoology as a faculty member. They have three daughters.

Prof. Jairajpuri has done pioneering research on plant and soil nematodes for which the Zoological Survey of India awarded him with gold medal in 1997 and 1998. He is considered a renowned world authority in this subject. He has published over 20 Books and Monograms, over 350 research papers and contributed numerous book chapters and general articles in reputed Journals of the world. He has the distinction of publishing over 80 research papers in Nematologica (The Netherlands) and over 40 papers in Revue de Nematologie (France), the two top most international journals in the subject of Nematology. He has traveled widely within India and abroad (USA, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Egpyt, Pakistan, Bangladesh) in pursuit of his scientific work and has inaugurated and chaired many national and international conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops etc. Prof. Jairajpuri is Fellow (FNA, FASc, FNASc, FAAS, FISP, FZSI, FZS, FIBOL etc.) of several learned societies of the world. He was the President of the Nematological Society of India (1979 -81), and Chief Editor of the Indian Journal of Nematology (1977-79), Vice President of the Zoological Society (1989-91), and Secretary of the Helminthological Society of India (1978-81). He is on the Editorial Board of a number of national and international journals. He has guided 28 students in their Ph. D and equal number in M.Phil degrees. He was the Principal Nematologist to the Commonwelath Agricultural Bureaux International, United Kingdom from 1981-83. He has held the higly prestigious and coveted position of the Director of Zoological Survey of India from 1989-91 under the Ministry of Environmental and Forests and in that capacity he was advisor to the Government of India on all matters pertaining to Zoology.

In 1991, Prof. Jairajpuri was appointed Coordinator of the Agriculture Center at AMU and became the Founder Director of the Institute of Agriculture in 1993 and worked in that capacity until July 1996 and through ceaseless efforts he developed it into an organization of national status. He was the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and also simultaneously Chairman of the Department of Zoology, Museology and Wildlife Sciences. Prof. Jairajpuri is member of several high powered committees of the Government of India. After the early exit of AMU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M.N. Farooqi in December 1994, the Executive Council of Aligarh Muslim University recommended a panel of five names including the name of Prof. Shamim Jairajpuri to AMU Court for the coveted position of Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. The AMU Court did not recommend his name in the final list of three names to the Visitor of Aligarh Muslim University.

Prof. Jairajpuri has a great love for his mother tongue Urdu. His biography in Urdu Chand Yaadein Chand Baatein is hailed by the critics. On 9th January 1998 Prof. Jairajpuri was appointed as the Founder Vice Chancellor of newly established The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad. Simultaneously he was also appointed as the Honorary Professor in School of Life Sciences of the University of Hyderabad. He worked very hard to make MANUU as working University. Numbers of new courses were introduced. The facilities and head office of the University was established in Hyderabad in his leadership.

In December, 1999 the Ministry of Environment & Forests chose him to be the first recipient of the Janaki Ammanl National Award in Taxonomy for his work in the field of Nematology. In order to encourage work of excellence in taxonomy and also to encourage young students and scholars to work in this science, the Ministry has instituted a National Award in Taxonomy, named after the late Prof. E K Janaki Ammal, an eminent botanist of International repute. Taxonomy is the science of identification, classification and naming of organisms. Taxonomic work involves study of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationship of organisms which is essential for applied biological sciences including medicine, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Current requirements of taxonomic work and available expertise and studies indicate a dire need to encourage excellence and motivate experts to do work in hitherto neglected groups of organisms e.g. microbes, lower groups of plants, animals etc. Professor Jairajpuri has made notable and very substantive contributions in the field of Nematology. Nematodes constitute a highly diversified group of invertebrate animals occurring in all biotopes. Commonly called roundworms, nematodes are parasitic or free-living worms. These are not only important from biodiversity point of view, but are also of immense economic importance from agricultural point of view. The monumental work of Prof. Jairajpuri has immensely contributed to the systematic, structural, behavioral, developmental biology and the biological control of nematodes. He has discovered over 500 new species and about 100 new genera of nematodes. Prof. Jairajpuri has been a prolific researcher and author. He is amongst the pioneer scientists in the country who have initiated studies on plant-parasitic nematodes. His work led to the understanding of biological control of the nematodes pests, thereby contributing to an increase in agricultural productivity. The ceremony was held on 11thApril, 2000 at New Delhi. Thiru TR Baalu, Minister, Environment and Forests, presented the first Janaki Ammal National Award for Taxonomy to Prof M S Jairajpuri. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and citation.

In March 2000, the Third World Academy of Sciences, Trieste, Italy has elected Prof. M. Shamim Jairajpuri as a fellow. In he same year he also got elected as President of the Indian Society for Parasitology (ISP). After becoming the President of ISP, he has given a call to Scientists and academicians interested in research and teaching of parasite and the diseases these cause to man, animal and plants to join the ISP in large numbers. Those scientists who are are already members are requested to convey the message to non members and encourage them to join. All those working on the distribution, structure, biology, ecology, pathogenicity and insects of medical, veterinary and agricultural importance are invited to become a life member. There is enough room for all of us in this Society. The protozoologist, helminthologists, animal, plant and soil nematologist, medical and veterinary entomologists etc. are all most welcome. His sincere efforts were very fruitful for ISP. His leadership abilities were vital to the organization and he became the longest serving President of Indian Society for Parasitology. He served in his office till 2005.

A major tragic event in the spring of 2002 devastated the family of Prof. Jairajpuri. On the eve of Eidul-Azha in the first week of March 2002, Prof. Jairajpuri’s younger brother, a well known heart specialist Dr Muhammad Salim Jairajpuri, his son Dr Yasir Salim Jairajpuri and daughter Dr. Suman Salim Jairajpuri had been brutally killed at their residence in Azamgarh by some unknown Kachha Banyan gang. Dr Salim’s wife too was beaten by iron rods, but she survived at the time but died later in the hospital. This incident has sent waves of shock for the family and community. Dr. Salim Jairajpuri was also an AMU alumnus and his children, Yasir and Suman were still students. Yasir Jairajpuri had set a record after he topped in MBBS in Aligarh Muslim University at a very young age and was pursuing higher education in London. The death of the entire family has sent waves of shock among the family, friends and people of Azamgarh and the surrounding areas.

In June, 2007 Prof. Jairajpuri has been selected for the "Shiksha Ratna Puruskar along with Certificate of Excellence" by the India International Friendship Society (IIFS), New Delhi. India international Friendship Society is a voluntary organization established to forge greater unity and integrity among the people of Indian origin living anywhere in the world. This award was conferred on July 7 at New Delhi. The award is an ultimate mark of recognition to Professor Jairajpuri for his landmark achievements in academics, research and society in India and abroad. Dr. Abu Sufyan Islahi of Department of Arabic, AMU Aligarh had compiled literary essays and articles of Prof. Jairajpuri and has published in form of a book “Mir-e-Karwaan”.

Professor Mohammad Shamim Jairajpuri had retired from his services from the department of Zoology, AMU Aligarh on 30thApril, 2004 but still associated with research projects of various research institute of national and international fame. He still has a laboratory in the department of Zoology in Aligarh Muslim University and conducts research. He is living in Aligarh with his wife Prof. Durdana Jairajpuri.

Aligarh March 12, 2009: Prof. M. Shamimm Jairajpuri, INSA Senior Scientist, Aligarh Muslim University and former Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University has been appointed Chairman of the High Power Appeals Committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The first meeting of the committee was held recently to address the grievances of the accredited Universities and institutes pertaining to their grading and other related matters.

The Committee was constituted by Prof. G. Mehta, Chairman, EC, NAAC. Prof. Suranjan Das, Vice Chancellor, University of Calcutta and Prof. Rupa Shah, former Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai are the two other members of the Appeals Committee of NAAC while Dr. Jagannath Patil, Deputy Advisor, NAAC is the Member Convener of the Committee.


Saturday, January 5, 2008

Syed Zillur Rahman



HAKEEM SYED ZILLUR RAHMAN

July 1, 1940: Born in Bhopal (M.P)

Education:
1955: Did Alimiat Course from Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow
1960: Graduated BUMS from Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU Aligarh.

Career:
1963, 73, 83: Lecturer, Reader, Professor Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, AMU Aligarh
19th Dec., 1978 to 5th March 1985: Chairman Ilmul Advia, A. K. Tibbia College, AMU, Aligarh
March 25, 1988 to March 24, 1991: Chairman Ilmul Advia., A. K. Tibbia College, AMU, Aligarh
January 7, 1992 to Dec 20, 1995 : Chairman Ilmul Advia., A. K. Tibbia College, AMU, Aligarh
Dec 21, 1998 to Dec. 20, 2001 : Chairman Ilmul Advia., A. K. Tibbia College, AMU, Aligarh
1989-90: Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
1996: Appointed as Short-term Consultant, World Health Organization (WHO) to the South
East Asia Region for development of Unani Medicine in Bangladesh.
1997: Visiting Professor, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan

2001: Inauguration of Ibn Sina Academy Medieval Medicine & Sciences in Aligarh and became
Founder President of Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine & Sciences, Aligarh.
Started (1) Publication Division, (2) Division of History of Medicine & Sciences, (3) Centre
for Safety & Rational Use of Indian Systems of Medicine (CSRUISM).
2002: Founded Karam Hussain Museum of Art, Culture & Sciences. “AIDS Cell” came into
existence in January 2002.

2003: Visit Munich, Stutgard (Germany) & London, Scotland (UK)
2007: Elected Member of Majlis-e-Amala, All India Majlis-e-Mushawarat, New Delhi

Awards/Honors:
2006: Entitled with Padam Shri by President of India;
1995: Awarded Certificate of honours for outstanding contribution to Persian, (President of
India Award)
1997: Awared lmtiaz-e Mir Award


Books/Journals Edited/Published:
1958: Edited Shaikh al Rais (Ibn Sina) Special number, Tibbia College Magazine, AMU, Aligarh.
1963: Published first book namely Daur Jadeed Aur Tibb
June 1965: Started editing AI-Hikmat (Monthly), Delhi. It was published till November 1970.
1967: Published Tarikh llm Tashrih
1969: Published Ilmul Amraz
1971: Published Resalah Judia
1972: Published Tajdeed Tibb
1974: Published Bayaz Waheedi
1976: Published Matab Murtaish
1978: Published Tazkerah Khandan Azizi
1980: Published Kitabul Murakkabat
1983: Published Safvi Ahad Main Ilm Tashreeh Ka Mutala
1983: Published Hayat Karam Hussain
1983: Published The Azizi Family of Physicians
1984: Published Aligarh Key Tibbi Makhtootat
1986: Published Qanoon lbn Sina Aur Uskey Shareheen wa Mutarjemeen
1986: Published Risalah Nabidh
1990: Published Tibb Feroz Shahi
1990: Published Research in Ilmul Advia
1993: Published Risalah Atrilal
1994: Published Studies in Ilmul Advia
1995: Published Delhi aur Tibb Unani
1996: Published AI-Advia al-Qalbia
1998: Published Iran Nama
2000: Founded Ibn Sina Academy (Trust) in Delhi
2001: Published Tibbi Taqdame
2001: Published Aina-e Tarikh Tibb
2001: Started Editing Newsletter of Ibn Sina Academy (NISA) – A quarterly Newsletter
2002: Published Asmaul Advia
2002: Published Maqalat Shifaul Mulk Hakim Abdul Latif
2004: Published Hakim Ajmal Khan, National Book Trust, India; Qanun Ibn Sina and its Translation and
Commentators (In Persian), Society for the Appreciation of Cultural Works and Dignitaries, Tehran,
Iran, pp 203. Visit Hamadan, Qum, Mashhad & Tehran (Iran); Karachi, Lahore, Sukkar, Multan and
Islamabad (Pakistan).
2005: Edited Musalmanon Ke Sainsi Karname by Zakaria Wark, Centre for Promotion & Advancement
of Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh;
2006: Founded Ghalib Study Centre; Published Safar Nama Bangladesh, Ibn Sina Academy, Aligarh.
2007: Published Jawami Kitab Al-Nabd Al-Saghir of Galen; Risalah Fi Auja Al Niqris of Qusta Ibn Luqa

Conference/Seminar Organized:
1968: Organized, Medical Exhibition on the History of Science in India, National Institute of Sciences,
New Delhi
1990: Organized, National Seminar on Unani Medicine, AMU, Aligarh
1989: Organized, Scientific Seminar on Unani Medicine in Allahabad
1991: Organized, International Seminar on Ilmul Advia, AMU, Aligarh
1993: Organized, 1st National Seminar on Ilmul Advia at Binapara, Azamgarh


Professor Hakeem Syed Zillur Rahman has made extensive and highly significant contributions in the field of Unani Medicine, which is an ancient and still practicing system of Medicine. His entire work concerns this exceedingly important branch of indigenous medicine. In India, Unani Medicine was prevalent since ages, but, due to industrial revolution and biased feelings, Europeans and other countries gradually deserted this age-old medicine. Somehow, it is being tried to bring back its past glory. Hakeem S. Zillur Rahman is among the few devoted physicians in this country who actually also introduced this system of medicine in other parts of the world where Unani Medicine had died. He made 22 foreign visits. Besides his work in India, where he moved many cities, he also traveled through Spain, Germany, England, Iran, Uzbekistan, Scotland, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and many Arab Countries, like, Jordan, Syria, Oman and U.A.E, making many discoveries, which have placed his name high among the restorers of letters.

The main contributions of Hakeem S. Zillur Rahman concern the history of Unani medicine. In fact, he is the only one in India who is doing research on primary sources, after his long academic pursuit for 40 years, he is now carefully thought as an authority on history of Unani Medicine. He is a diligent explorer of the Unani Medicine for old manuscripts of Arabic and Persian classics, while he formed a precious collection of his own. It is noted here, Hakeem S. Z. Rahman belongs to a family of Hakeems and learned scholars and this family is known also for its participation in 1857 Independence struggle.

As a scholar of repute, Professor S. Zillur Rahman has to his credit 31 voluminous published books, 10 Addresses, 2 Monographs, more than 150 research papers in both national and international journals. He also contributed 21 important chapters / articles in other reputed books. He edited, AI-Hikmat, a classical monthly journal of Unani Medicine from 1965 to 1970 in addition to 7 other acclaimed volumes of the Conferences. During his academic period, he supervised 25 MD thesis (Post-graduate) in Unani Medicine, attended 20 International Conferences overseas and 83 National Conferences, whereas, acted as chairman / co-chairman of about 75 learned conferences / gatherings. He is involved with /member of 61 learned educational bodies, has written a preface of 37 books of other scholars. He organized himself several national and international conferences, seminars, symposia & lectures, where he amply proved his standing and worth in the Unani field of his choice. Five of his books secured awards of learned academies of Govt. of India. Many scholars and institutions have cited his works. Six scholars dedicated their books to his personality. Scholars in Iran have translated 7 of his important books into Persian. National Book Trust, India and Delhi Urdu Academy (Govt. of India) among other publishers published his books. His name is entered in about a dozen Who's Who the world over. Noteworthy, in the recognition of his expertise, he became short term Consultant to World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South East Asia Region, on the assignment of which he visited Bangladesh in 1996. Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan invited him as Visiting Professor in 1997. However, the most significant recognition of his scholarship is the 1995 President's of India Award for Persian literature given to him on independaence day for his in-depth study of Primary Source-material in lndo-Persian. In 2006, he was entitled with Padam Shri by Government of India. Prof. Rahman was one of the senior most and respected professors of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He had been working in various capacities: Chairman, Department of Ilmul Advia, AK Tibbia College, AMU, Aligarh (December 19, 1978 to March 5, 1985, from March 25, 1988 to March 24, 1991, from January 7, 1992, to December 20, 1995 and from December 21, 1998 for three years); Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine, AMU, Aligarh (December 2, 1988 to December 1, 1990), Member of the AMU Executive Council and of the AMU Court; vice-president of All-India Unani Tibbi Conference, New Delhi; president, All-India Unani Tibbi Conference (UP Chapter) and Chairman, Drug Formulary Sub-Committee, Ministry of Health and FW, G.O.l., New Delhi. Presently, he is the member of AMU Court, Pharmacopoeia Committee (Unani), Ministry of Health and FW, G.O.I.; Drug Technical Advisory Committtee, Ministry of Health and FW, G.O.I.; Governing Body, National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bangalore and founder president, Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine & Sciences (Trust), Aligarh. He is also a Chief Editor of the international newsletter of Ibn Sina Academy (Aligarh / India), member internatioanal advisory board of the Journal for the History of Arabic Science (Syria) and Journal of International Society of History of Islamic Medicine (Turkey). Besides his aforementioned distinguished academic records and administrative achievements, Prof. S. Z. Rahman is also a man of avocations. His library-cum-museum is an eye-catching. He has to his collection more than 500 rare and important manuscripts, besides more than 15 thousands printed books on various subjects, a large collection of postal stamps, coins, old pens and many important memoirs. He is also quite well known in the community of the prominent citizens of this University City of Aligarh.

Contribution / Service to Society and Nation

Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman by his personal efforts made the department of Ilmul Advia (Ajmal Khan Tibbia College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh) a center of excellance. A new building of the department with all modern facilities in the laboratories was constructed under his abled guidance and chairmanship. He raised both name and fame of this department at national and internation level. Former vice-chancellor, AMU, Aligarh, Prof. M. N. Farooqui, in his Autobiography, My Days at Aligarh, remarked (at page 40), "The Ministry of Health gave special recognition to the department of Ilmul Advia. Under the guidance of Prof. Syed Zillur Rahman the progress of the department was excellent".

Prof. Rahman represented India on Unani Medicine at various national and international gatherings. He assisted in the establishment of Ibn Sina Tibbia College at Beenapara, Azamgarh of which he laid the foundation stone on January 25, 1981. In 2000, Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman founded a national academy, namely, Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine & Sciences (Trust) at Aligarh. He established his personal library-cum-museum in early sixties of the twentieth century. After the establishment of Ibn Sina Academy, this Library and museum have now become a part of the Ibn Sina Academy Trust. The library of IAMMS at present houses one of the most precious and valuable collection of 15000 printed books, 500 manuscripts, some rare books, microfilms, compact discs and a large number of periodicals. Books in many languages like Arabic/ Persian/ Urdu/ Sanskrit and English, on a variety of subjects like History of Medicine and Sciences, Unani/ Greco-Arab Medicine, Ilmul Advia/ Pharmacology, Urdu Literature with special reference to Ghalib, Aligarh and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, besides thousands of bound volumes of magazines are extant in the library of the Academy. On an average a dozen of people daily come in the library and avail its open access facilities. Scholars both from across India and foreign countries visit the library regularly. Apart from the library, various sectors in the Ibn Sina Academy also exists such as Karam Hussain Museum of Art, Culture & Sciences, Publication Division, Division of History of Medicine & Sciences (DHMS), Centre for Safety & Rational Use of Indian Systems of Medicine (CSRUISM), AIDS Cell & Ghalib Study Centre. Prof. Rahman assisted in the Regimental Therapy Project of Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. A Project on “Hammam” included in the programme for Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Srinagar was done under his guidance.


LIBRARY AFTER THE NAME OF PROF. RAHMAN:
Prof. Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman is a man of many interests. On one hand, he is an expert in Unani Medicine, a historian and a scholar of repute; on the other hand he is a philanthropist and a great bibliophile. He established his personal library-cum-museum in early 1960s. After the establishment of Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine and Sciences (IAMMS) in 2000 AD, this Library and Museum have become a part of IAMMS, which is a Registered Trust.

The Library of IAMMS houses at present one of the most precious and valuable collection of over 500 manuscripts; 15,000 printed books in many languages like Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sanskrit, Hindi, even Russian and evidently English; 10,000 periodicals; a few hundreds special number of magazines and many specimens of oriental calligraphy. Most of the manuscripts are very rare and some are unique. The extant copies of the Holy Quran are extremely beautiful specimens of the art of calligraphy. A few illustrated copies of the Holy Quran, having beautiful frontispieces and embellished borders, are so alluring and eye-catching that any one who looks at them is dazzled and stands spellbound in wonder.

Following sections in the Library are noteworthy: History of Medicine and Sciences, Unani Medicine, Ilmul Advia/ Pharmacology, Ghalib Studies, Sir Mohammad Iqbal Studies, Biographies, Bhopal Studies, Aligarh and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
(Ref.: Hakim Zillur Rahman Library – Idrak, Gopalpur, Bakarganj, Siwan, Bihar, 223 & 229:No. 3, 2003)

Reference of the above library could also be found at the website of Directory of History of Medicine Collection, History of Medicine Division, National Library of Medicine, USA (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/directory/151.html)

BOOKS/THESIS DEDICATED TO PROF. RAHMAN:
1. Tibbi Kulliyat, By Hakim Ehteshamul Haq Quraishi, Principal Takmil-al Tibb College, Lucknow, 1983.
2. Kanzul Advia Mufrada, By Hakim Mohd Rafiquddin, Publication Division, AMU, Aligarh, 1985.
3. Mazamin-i Sehat, By Professor Hakim Abdul Hannan, Principal College of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, 1992.
4. MD Thesis, By Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Department of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, AMU, Aligarh, 2000.
5. History of Non-Resident Students' Centre (1910-2000), Aligarh Muslim University, By Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine & Sciences, Aligarh, 2000.
6. Minhajul Saidla wa Kemia, By Hakim Mohd Rafiquddin and Hakim Saleem Akhtar, Aijaz Publishing House, New Delhi, 2001.
7. Tauzihat Kulliyat-e-Advia (Basic Principles of Pharmacology & Pharmaceutics) by Dr. A. Latif, Ibn Sina Academy, Aligarh (ISBN: 81-901362-0-8), 1st Edition, 2002.
8. Tauzihat Kulliyat-e-Advia (Basic Principles of Pharmacology & Pharmaceutics) by Dr. A. Latif, Ibn Sina Academy, Aligarh (ISBN: 81-901362-3-2), 2nd Edition, 2004.
9. Shahad ki Makkhi, by Dr. Tassawwer Hussain, Centre for Promotion & Advancement of Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 2004.

Links
1. http://www.lifepositive.com/Body/traditional-therapies/unani.asp
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/directory/151.html
3. http://www.ou.edu/islamsci/member-list2.htm#Rahman
4. http://www.noormicrofilmindia.com/zillure11.htm
5. http://www.noormicrofilmindia.com/zillur11.htm
6. http://www.noormicrofilmindia.com/cata.htm