Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Glowing tributes paid to eminent writer Zakir Ali Khan


By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Glowing tributes were paid to the late Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent writer, Aligarhian, former Honorary Vice-Chancellor of Sir Syed University of University & Technology (SSUET), and ex-Managing Director Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB), for his commitment to the mission and vision of great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at a condolence reference for him organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the SSUET’s campus.

The speakers on the occasion recalled the multi-faceted life and achievements of Zakir Ali Khan who served AMUOBA as its General Secretary for five decades and died recently at the age of 86 after a protracted illness..

In his speech the Chancellor SSUET, Engr Z.A. Nizami, spoke about the contributions made by late Zakir Ali Khan, towards promoting the cause of education and literature as outlined by the great Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.. 
He described Zakir Ali Khan as a man having unusual qualities and said he had been one of the most revered and outstanding writer having produced at least 10 most popular books in Urdu. 
He said his sad demise has created a void in both the educational and literary circles besides which would not be filled in near future. He announced to establish a chair after his name at the university in acknowledgment to his services in augmenting the cause of education in general and promoting Urdu in particular.
Engr Nizami said the dream of establishing Sir Syed University in line with the vision of great educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan came true because of his efforts and contribution and he made it possible for the University to get the hockey ground for SSUET students opposite the campus.

“He was a noncontroversial person who was loved and respected by all and nobody ever talked against him”, he said adding that besides education, he always emphasized on extracurricular activities and formed a sports department in the university.

Earlier Syed Afzal Karim highlighted the qualities and efforts of Zakir Ali Khan, observing that he was a great protagonist of the vision and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Born in July 2026 in Rampur, Zakir Ali Khan did his matric from Rampur, B.Sc from Aligarh in 1945 and B.Sc Engineering from the same university in 1948.

In his professional career, the late Khan had served as Managing Director of KW&SB, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Founder Member of Board of Governors SSUET, Founder Member Governing Body Aligarh Institute of Technology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions, Karachi University Syndicate and Academic Council and Selection Board.

Zakir Ali Khan was the recipient of Alumni Award given to him by Aligarh Alumni Association New York in 2000 and was awarded the First Sir Syed Ahmed Khan International Award for Literature by Aligarh Muslim University, India in 2008.

He was the author of 10 books and represented the best qualities of social engineering through the promotion of professional education thereby impacting the life of a large multiple.

He was also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence as being a part of modern Islamic heritage through his writings.

He played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association and since the last five decades had remained in Honorary Secretary.

He was actively engaged in the promotion of sports events and also went as team manager to various countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served as Secretary of Karachi Division Lawn Tennis Association.

The meeting, largely attended by SSUET’s faculty members, staff, students, friends of Zakir Ali Khan and his lovers, concluded with Fateha offered for the departed soul. Dua was performed by renowned Naat Khawan, Mahamoodul Hassan Ashrafi. 


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