Janab Hakeem Abdul Hameed Saheb
In 1947 when families were being uprooted, people looted and killed Janab Hakeem Abdul Hameed Saheb was scouting for land he could buy and build schools for the thousands of Muslims and other sections of society that stood on the brink of being consigned to the darkness of illiteracy, and political, socio-economic subservience. Poverty was staring them in the eyes. Hakeem Saheb knew that without modern education Muslims would remain caught in the vicious circle of abject poverty. Modern education was needed so that the coming generations would step out into the world with the educational empowerment which would put them at par with others. Hakeem Saheb thanked his Creator for bestowing upon him wealth with which he would use to set up schools for Muslims.
His foresight and vision saw him buying land in 1947 in what was then a foresaken forested area but is now an overcrowded locality known as Sangam Vihar. On this land Janab Hakeem Saheb laid the foundation of the Hamdard Education Society in 1981 as a charitable society registered under the Registrar of Societies Act of 1860. This haloed campus was aptly named Talimabad. Hamdard Education Society, also known as HES has eveolved as the apex body that runs several schools, coaching centres and the Hamdard Study Circle from here. It is one of the premier NGOs in the country concerned primarily with the education of minorities, rebuilding the nation through participation in civil administration, and the country-wide survey of Muslim managed schools and colleges. Hakeem Saheb also took up education and research activities establishing the Hamdard Charitable Trust in 1948 and the Hamdard National Foundation in 1964. He also established the Hamidia Charitable Hospital now known as the Centenary Hospital, and the Jamia Hamdard. He realized the importance of education for the girl child, and that is why he established the Rabea Girls Public School early in Old Delhi.
Hakeem Abdul Hameed Saheb’s motto was austerity, simple living and selfless service. He was polite, courteous and compassionate while dealing with people. A god-fearing person, and a philanthropist, Hakeem Saheb left for his heavenly abode in 1999 leaving his indelible footprints for us to follow.