---

A condolence meeting was held at the office of Millat Times on Tuesday to mourn the death of noted scholar and thinker Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam, founder of the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS).

Journalists, academics and community leaders attended the meeting and paid tributes to Alam, remembering his contributions to research, education and public discourse on Muslim issues in India.

Those present included senior journalist A U Asif, journalist Md Meharban, IOS General Secretary Mohammad Alam, Mufti Ansarul Haq Qasmi of Jamia-tul-Qasim Darul Uloom Islamia, senior Roznama Inquilab sub-editor Dr Shahabuddin Sadiq Qasmi, Qari Zafar Iqbal Madani, former Member of Parliament and journalist Santosh Bhartiya, senior journalist Anzar-ul-Bari, JNU Assistant Professor Dr Mohammad Ajmal Qasmi, and Arabic scholar from JNU Habibullah.

Speakers described Alam as a multi-faceted intellectual who established and guided several educational and research institutions and remained actively engaged in policy and community issues throughout his life.

Senior journalist A U Asif said Alam, who hailed from a village in Bihar’s Madhubani district, earned international recognition through his academic work. He held a doctorate in economics and later served as an adviser to Saudi Arabia’s finance ministry. Asif said Alam founded IOS in 1986 after identifying the need for independent research institutions in India.

Santosh Bhartiya said Alam was widely consulted on political and policy matters related to Muslims. He said research carried out by IOS played an important role in shaping the Sachar Committee report on the socio-economic status of Muslims.

Mohammad Alam, the scholar’s son, said his father had declined several offers of government positions, including a Rajya Sabha nomination. He said Alam believed independence was essential to raising community issues without political constraints.

Dr Mohammad Ajmal Qasmi said IOS had provided a platform for young researchers across the country. He said Alam helped create a culture of academic research by mentoring scholars and supporting them through scholarships.

Millat Times Chief Editor Shams Tabrez Qasmi said Alam encouraged young journalists and researchers and played a key role in building institutions such as the All India Milli Council and Future News and Analysis (FANA).

The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Mufti Ansarul Haq Qasmi.

---