From Research to Resistance: National and International Voices Unite to Honour Dr Manzoor Alam’s Mission for Justice, Harmony and Muslim Empowerment

Speakers Recall His Visionary Leadership, Commitment to Research, Interfaith Dialogue and Community Empowerment

New Delhi, 10 May 2026: Eminent scholars, intellectuals, religious leaders, politicians and social activists from India and abroad gathered at the Speaker Hall of the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Saturday to pay rich tributes to late Dr Manzoor Alam, former Patron-in-Chief of the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) and former General Secretary of the All India Milli Council, remembering him as a visionary thinker, institution builder and tireless advocate of social justice and national harmony.

The memorial programme, organised to reflect on Dr Alam’s life and enduring legacy, witnessed emotional recollections and thoughtful discussions on his contribution to education, research, minority empowerment, interfaith dialogue and intellectual awakening within the Muslim community.

A Vision Beyond Borders

Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Dawood A. Yahya Al-Hidabi of the International Islamic University Malaysia described Dr Alam as an educational leader who left behind a lasting intellectual imprint. He said Dr Alam consistently focused on the backwardness of Muslims while simultaneously promoting interfaith dialogue, social cohesion and mutual understanding among communities.

“He attempted to connect Islamic sciences with social sciences and played a major role in promoting social justice,” he noted, adding that Dr Alam’s broad worldview and balanced approach continue to inspire scholars globally.

Prof. Dr Jasser Auda, President of Maqasid Institute Global, USA, recalled his interactions with Dr Alam and said his intellectual influence extended far beyond India. He highlighted Dr Alam’s efforts in promoting the study of Waqf and Islamic economics and his contribution to an English translation project of the Holy Quran in Madinah for students and researchers.

“He has left behind a priceless intellectual legacy that will continue to guide future generations,” Auda remarked.

Commitment to Research and Intellectual Growth

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Syed Sadatullah Husaini, said Dr Alam strongly believed that meaningful social work must be rooted in research and intellectual clarity.

“He transformed innovative ideas into practical institutions and maintained dialogue even with people of differing opinions,” Husaini said, adding that Dr Alam effectively utilised global networks and resources for the welfare of the community.

Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani described Dr Alam as a man who respected differences of opinion and believed in constructive cooperation.

“He had the rare ability to identify talent and bring together people from different backgrounds for the collective benefit of the Muslim community,” Nomani observed, noting his balanced approach in dealing with religious and social issues.

Focus on India’s Future and Communal Harmony

Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Dr Alam remained deeply concerned about India’s future and consistently worked to protect the country’s pluralistic fabric.

“He brought together intellectuals and thinkers to deliberate on how society, particularly Muslims, could overcome emerging challenges and threats facing the nation,” Khurshid said. He also acknowledged Dr Alam’s intellectual engagement with initiatives such as the Sachar Committee and Kundu Committee.

Prof. Emeritus of Jamia Millia Islamia, Akhtarul Wasey, said Dr Alam played a transformative role in creating intellectual platforms like the Institute of Objective Studies at a time when divisions and bitterness were widespread within sections of the community.

“He united people of different ideologies and established institutions that produced historic contributions,” he said.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar remembered Dr Alam as a principled and unbiased personality committed to national service.

Christian leader and senior journalist John Dayal praised Dr Alam’s efforts toward communal harmony and inclusive social engagement. “Quality and sincerity were the defining features of his work,” he remarked.

International Recognition for a Global Thinker

In an online address, Dr Abdullah Al-Luhaidan from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education recalled Dr Alam’s early professional journey in Saudi Arabia and described him as a practical visionary committed to institution-building and international collaboration.

“He linked sociology, economics and media studies with community development and initiated projects whose impact was felt in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Jeddah and Malaysia,” he said.

Several other dignitaries, including religious scholars, academics, journalists and public intellectuals from India, South Africa, Qatar and the Middle East, also paid tribute to Dr Alam’s services and expressed solidarity with his family and associates.

The four-hour programme was coordinated by Sheikh Nizamuddin, Assistant General Secretary of the All India Milli Council. The event concluded with prayers led by acting president of the organisation, Maulana Aneesur Rahman Qasmi, who prayed for Dr Alam’s contributions to continue benefiting the community as a lasting legacy.