‘Dreams and Destination’: Struggle for women’s education
By Azra Naqvi
This excellently illustrated book is dedicated to Shaikh Mohamed Abdullah and his legacy of selfless commitment to the education of Muslim women in India. Generations of women experience a profound sense of gratitude for Shaikh M. Abdullah - affectionately known and remembered as Papa Mian (1874 - 1965) - and his wife Waheed Jahan Begum.
The couple started a small madrasa in 1906, in a small house in Aligarh,U.P. which is now called Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Women’s College and is considered one of the best residential women’s college in India. So popular and well-established is the institution that monthly dormitory fees come up to little more than two hundred rupees - a paltry sum these days.
Shaikh M. Abdullah received a prestigious award ‘Padama Bhushan’ by the Indian government in 1964.
“Dreams and Destination” gives a detailed history of Shaikh M. Abdullah’s life and his endeavors. He was born in June 1874, in a small village in the Poonch district of Kashmir, in a Hindu family and was named Thakur Das. His grandfather Mast Ram, popularly known as ‘ Mehta’ was a prominent landlord.As was the custom in those days, Shaikh Abdullah started his education by learning Persian and was then admitted to the Maktab of Nizamuddin. Mian Nizamuddin was very much impressed with him and sent him to school in Jammu, where he learned English. He then joined Government High School in Lahore. Due to the influence of his teachers and associates at Lahore, Thakur Das embraced Islam and became Shaikh Mohammed Abdullah. At Lahore he attended a meeting of the Mohammeden Educational Conference and got his first glimpse of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the pioneer of the most important movement for the education of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent, to date. Abdullah was so impressed by Sir Syed’s lecture that he proceeded to Aligarh for further studies at the Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental college (later known as Aligarh Muslim University) where he received an LLB degree. He started his Law practice in Aligarh and became an ardent follower and supporter of Sir Syed. One challenge that Sir Syed was not able to directly address was the promotion of modern education for Muslim women. Shaikh M. Abdullah took up this cause and devoted his life to it. He started a monthly magazine “Khatoon (Ladies)” to create awareness for the promotion of female education. Though the magazine provoked a lot of opposition, it also rallied support for the cause.
Shaikh Abdullah also established the Female Education Association and organized meetings in different parts of the country to discuss issues related to education. Her Highness Sultan Jahna Begum of Bhopal - a dedicated patron of education for Indian Muslims - who later became chancellor of AMU was the first one to financially support the cause and agreed to give an initial grant of 100 rupees per month for the madrasa.
Boarding facilities were established in 1906 in small a rented house, and initially, 17 girls enrolled in the institute. The madrasa slowly grew and in 1909, it boasted of 100 girls. Abdullah’s wife and her sisters were charged with the running of the madrasa. The unprecedented and irrefutable success of the madrasa brought recognition and funding from government grants too. Abdullah duly bought an old orchard for the new building of the school where this grand institution now stands. The foundation of the school building was laid in 1911 by Lady Porter, wife of the acting Lieutenant Governor of U.P. The editors have gathered precious old photographs, personal and official documents and the available remaining literature for the book. It has several pictures of Shaikh M. Abdullah’s family, his supporters and friends.
His children - a son and five daughters - went on to receive distinguished educations and brought laurels to the family and institution alike. Personal details and pictures of the distinguished visitors and dignitaries to the college, events, meritorious students and prominent alumni makes this both an excellent and inspirational read. - SG
“An Illustrated History of 100 years of women’s education (1906 to 2006)”. Editor-in-chief : Azra Alvi, Associate Editor: Roomana .N. Siddiqui at Century publication, Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, India
Dreams and Destination’: Struggle for women’s education
Respected Dr. Roomana Siddiqi and Dr. Ather Siddiqi sahabana,
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
I am thankful for your kindness to send me the copy of dreams and destination. This is among the most wonderful gift I have ever received from my fellow Aligarians.
I am sure you have gone through my article Aligarh Movement: Struggle for Women’s Education and establishment of Women’s College
http://www.twocircles.net/2009jul11/women_s_college_aligarh_muslim_unive...
Of course this is not very good but this a little I can do while sitting in different hemisphere.
Of course I am planning to have a complete series on Wome's College and its founder Shaikh Abdullah Papa Mian. My second article of this series will be out very soon Insha-Allah.
I am thankful to Dr. Ather Siddiqi and Dr. Zakia Siddiq saheban for their extended and unconditional help.
Remember me in your dua.
Wassalam.
--
Afzal Usmani
‘Dreams and Destination’: Struggle for women’s education
Dear Aligs,
After reading the review of the "Dreams and Destination: Struggle for women's education" by Azra Naqvi saheba, I was very anxious to get hold of a copy this book.
I am really thankful to Prof. Ather Siddiqi sahab for his kindness to get hold of a copy of this book for me. I am also thankful to Prof. Fasih Ahmad Siddiqi sahab who carried this book for me from Aligarh to all the way to New York and mailed it to Austin Texas. This is one of the most wonderful gift I have received from my respected seniors and teachers. Thank you.
The book is great and the editors have done a wonderful job to bring out this masterpiece. The book has a glimpse of Struggle for women's education and life of its Founders and historical journey of Women's College. This is a nice addition to my personal library.
I would like to request all the lovers of Aligarh Movement and specially alumni of Women's College of Aligarh to get hold of a copy of this great Souvenir.
Congratulations to Editors Azra Alavi and Rommana Siddiqi.
Re: Dream and Destination
Asak Afzal bhai,
I am an Ex student of Women's collage and ex residence of Abdullah Hall.
nice article and illustrative work and deep consoles For papa Mian..
I am an Ex student of Women's collage AMU , and Ex Residence of Abdullah hall
I know those who belongs and stayed In Abdullaha hall and bee there would easily identified but here but this to every Friend who was a part of Abdullah hall or not hardly matter is a part of AMU first.
the legend only shows the courage of one common person to put the subject of Muslim girls education in height,
I don't how can i make my contribution in the dream which he live but would always remember and be proud of to an integral part of women's collage and Abduallah hall no matter where i will be tomorrow.
Best Wishes to Azra Mam ,and Thanks to you to bring this subject in the light.
Regards.
Allah Hafiz
Naaz
B.A Honours 2003
New Delhi
Dreams and Destinations
Dear Mr Afzal Usmani
Assalamoaliakum
It was extreme pleasure to read your comments on and recommendation of Dreams and Destinations. The book was the dreamchild of the team at Women's College and the highlight of the Centenary Celebrations of Women's Education movement spearheaded by the illustrious couple Papa and Aala Bi. I am very appreciative of your sustained interest in the issues regarding Women's education and especially Women's College AMU.
The legacy of Papa needs to be nurtured well. I am happy that well wishers like you are coming forward to put the Women's College on the broader map of the world of higher education. Truly the College has sustained its spirit of dedication to excellence. It is not simply a college for Women. It is a milestone in the history of Women's Education. We of Women's College always say that it is a glorious tributary of the mainstream Aligarh movement. Like an oasis it has nourished and nurtured young women towards a meaningful flowerig of the personalities. One highlight of the character of the institution is that it is a totally a-political, and student friendly place. AMU is very supportive of the needs of the College. Appropriately the College is a permanenet member of all the governing bodies of the University and has a say in all matters concerning women students in the College or in the Departments of studies.
Much still needs to be done. The little school that is run as part of social service in memory of Papa (SHAMS) in the premises of Abdullah Lodge needs to be given a fillip. This is possible if AMU takes up the issue of recognizing it as a University managed school and accords proper facilities like building etc. At present it is looked after by the College with contributions from the College students, the FEA, and donations from well- wishers.
The matter regarding Abdullah Lodge is also a pending issue. I had written earlier to you regarding this. The Will of Papa bequeaths the Lodge to the Women's College under the Mutawalli-ship of the Vice chancellor AMU. The present Mutawalli is Birjees Apa the youngest daughter of the illustrious Founder of the college. She is frail and old and unable to manage the Lodge as it should be. She has been requesting the University to lend a helping hand in the maintenance of Abdullah Lodge. It would be in the fitness of things if AMU draws up the plan of the upkeep of the premises even while honoring the status of Birjees Apa as the official Mutawalli.
I am writing all this because I have found a kindred soul in you.Place histories and institutional histories are very interesting to read. That is exactly why we had thought of bringing out Dreams and Destinations. But I also believe that we should take proper care to safeguard the present face of that historic phase. This present face is the Women's College, the Girls' High School, the SSS Girls, AMU the Women's residential Halls, and SHAMS. It is the responsibility of the people at the helm of all the institutions and the authorities of AMU of course. It is also a commitment that all alumni of the college and AMU should attend to.
I am sure that you will continue with your interest in the issue of Women's education at Aligarh and build up a worldwide Project of Friends of Papa's daughters. My thanks to you for highlighting the issue and for being interested.
Let me also thank you for the compiments youhave paid to my erstwhile colleagues at the College, Azra Alavi and Roomana Siddiqui, the editors.
That is a long letter I have written. I hope you find time to read it. I got carried away. I have a great affection for the College and anything related to it.
Warm regards
Sincerely
Amina Kishore
Former Principal, Women's College, AMU Aligarh