Zakir Ali Khan to get Sir Syed Award in Literature

?Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award? for literature, instituted by the Aligarh Muslim University will be given to Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent literary figure and educationist of Pakistan. He will be given a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Zakir Ali khan got this honour for his outstanding literary works and for promoting the vision and mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan through his engagements in the field of education. Zakir Ali Khan is also one of the founder of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology of Pakistan and an author of several widely acclaimed books. This award is given by mutual decision of an eight member jury comprising eminent personalities after thorough evolution and careful deliberations held in Delhi; and unanimously recommended the name of Zakir Ali khan for the illustrious international award for the first time by any university. There were total 360 nominees in which 85 were from 16 different countries. This jury was headed by Prof. P K Abdul Aziz, vice- Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. Replying to a question, Aziz said for the upliftment of Sir Syed Academy it is necessary to constitute a committee to develop Sir Syed awareness through the academy. For this award Aligarh Muslim University had invited nominations from individuals, universities, research centres, government and non-government organizations and institutions of International repute, which have rendered outstanding and distinguished service in promoting the vision and mission of the great founder of AMU, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The award was to be given on the basis of the published works of the nominated persons evaluated by a jury comprising of eminent personalities. The award will be presented on the Sir Syed Day on October 17, 2008, in the commemorative function to be held at AMU campus by the chief guest TV Rajesh war, Governor of Uttar Pradesh.