The Urdu Development Organisation (UDO) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the renowned social reformer, educationist, and founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), be honoured with the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, President of UDO, emphasised that the Government of India had already conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously on Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in December 2015. He pointed out that both Pandit Malaviya and Sir Syed had made remarkable contributions to nation-building and societal reform, making them equally deserving of the honour. He further stated that while Pandit Malaviya had received due recognition, the country is still awaiting the same for Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Dr. Khan highlighted that the Government of India has a tradition of honouring iconic figures who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s social, educational, and cultural development. He asserted that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s contributions to the progress of India are indelible. He noted that while Pandit Malaviya was recognised for his educational initiatives and his significant role in the freedom movement, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is no less deserving of the same honour.
It is noteworthy that Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, who founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916, was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2015. Similarly, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
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