President Droupadi Murmu’s invitation to renowned Unani physician reflects his five decades of dedicated service and scholarship
NEW DELHI/ALIGARH — A wave of happiness and pride swept across the city as news broke that Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman, the renowned Unani physician and Padma Shri awardee, has been invited as the special guest to a prestigious banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the Independence Day.
The invitation, personally extended by the President Droupadi Murmu, is a tribute to Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman’s lifelong dedication to the Unani system of medicine and his significant contributions to both the medical field and Indian culture. The honour shines a spotlight not only on his personal achievements but also on Aligarh’s rich heritage as a centre of Unani medicine.
The invitation brought in an atmosphere of joy and pride in Hakim Sahab’s home. Family members and neighbours gathered to congratulate him, recognising the honour as a triumph of Aligarh’s cultural and educational legacy. Local residents expressed deep pride, seeing the recognition as a victory for Indian Muslims and the Unani tradition.
Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman said, “This is the proudest moment of my life. I have received many invitations before, but none with such respect and feeling. I will attend Rashtrapati Bhavan with my son, carrying the hopes of our city and the Unani community.”
Adding to the significance of the event, the special invitation card itself is a work of art. Crafted from traditional ‘Sikki grass’ from Bihar, it features folk art representing the rich craft heritage of Mithila, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bengal. The card was accompanied by handmade gloves, traditional sweets, and decorative items—symbols of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
His son, Prof Syed Ziaur Rahman, head of the Pharmacology Department at Aligarh Muslim University, shared his pride and emotion. “This invitation honours not just our family but the entire city and the Unani medicine community. The artistry and respect shown in this invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan are truly unique,” he said.
Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman’s journey in medicine spans over five decades. He served at the Tibbia College of Aligarh Muslim University for four decades and founded the Ibn Sina Medieval Medicine and Science Academy. An author of more than 45 books on Unani medicine, Hakim Sahab has earned numerous accolades including the Padma Shri (2006), President’s Award for Persian language contribution (1995), Yash Bharti Award (2014-15), and multiple Urdu Academy and Ayurvedic and Tibbi awards.
His work has bridged Unani medicine with modern science, ensuring that this ancient healing tradition remains relevant and respected both in India and abroad. Beyond being a physician, Hakim Sahab is a guardian of history, language, literature, and culture, tirelessly promoting the identity and heritage of the Unani system.
The recognition of Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman by the nation’s highest office not only honours an individual but also serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of Indian Muslims to the country’s cultural and scientific fabric. At a time when divisive voices seek to diminish their role, such moments reinforce the truth: Indian Muslims, exemplified by scholars like Hakim Sahab, remain proud pillars of the nation’s progress and pluralism.
Aligarh, known as a cradle of Unani medicine and a city with a strong Muslim cultural presence, celebrates this achievement as a collective victory. As one local resident put it, “This invitation is a message to the whole country that the contributions of Indian Muslims must be respected and remembered.”
The Independence Day celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be made even more special with the presence of this distinguished physician, whose life is a testament to dedication, knowledge, and service to humanity.
