The Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) on Wednesday conferred its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award upon noted scholar, author, and teacher Professor Zahoor Muhammad Khan, former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jamia Millia Islamia and former Secretary General of IOS. The award, consisting of a citation, a memento, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, was presented to him by distinguished guests during a solemn ceremony held in New Delhi.
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Professor Zahoor Muhammad Khan’s contributions span a wide spectrum. As a scholar, teacher, researcher, author, and administrator, his educational and social services extend over five decades. He has authored eight books and dozens of research papers. His association with the Institute of Objective Studies has been of exceptional importance serving as its secretary general for 23 years, during which the institution grew from a modest initiative into a nationally recognised think tank in the field of research. He also played a key role in launching the IOS Scholarship Programme.
IOS Lifetime Achievement Award: History and past winners
Established in 2007, the IOS Lifetime Achievement Award aims to recognise and publicly acknowledge individuals, institutions, and voluntary organisations that have rendered invaluable services to national life without discrimination of color, caste, creed, or religion, and whose work has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of a large number of people across the country.
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The first IOS Lifetime Achievement Award was presented in 2007 to Justice AM Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India. Subsequent recipients include Imarat Shariah of Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand, Dr. A.R. Kidwai, Professor B. Sheikh Ali, Dr. Saeedur Rahman Azmi Nadwi, A.G. Noorani, Professor Akhtarul Wasey, Professor Mohsin Usmani Nadwi, Maulana Hakim Muhammad Abdullah Mughisi, K. Rahman Khan, and Professor Syed Khalid Rashid. The inclusion of Professor ZM Khan’s name in this distinguished list was warmly welcomed by the audience, with speakers extending heartfelt congratulations to both the Institute and the awardee.
Zahoor Muhammad Khan on being honoured
Expressing his feelings on the occasion, Professor Zahoor Muhammad Khan said: “Faith in Allah and the spirit of service are the most precious gifts one can have, and words fall short in expressing gratitude for them. The strength of faith and conviction does not come easily. The worldview Islam presents also places before us a chart of responsibilities and ensures accountability before the Creator—and that awareness and belief are the greatest rewards of my life.”
He further acknowledged the role of institutions in shaping his journey, saying that Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the Institute of Objective Studies have all played significant parts in his professional and personal growth.
The ceremony was presided over by Professor M Afzal Wani, Chairman of IOS. The Chief Guest was Justice Zakiullah Khan, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court. Among the other distinguished guests were Professor Akhtarul Wasey (Professor Emeritus, Jamia Millia Islamia, and former Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur), Professor M. Akhtar Siddiqui (former Dean, Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia), M Afzal (former Member of Parliament), and Professor Furqan Ahmad (former Professor of Political Science, Jamia Millia Islamia).
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Dr. Nighat Husain Nadwi. Mohammad Alam, secretary general of IOS, delivered the welcome address, while Professor Hasina Hashia, Vice Chairperson of IOS, conducted the proceedings and concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
