Syed Hassan (educationist)

Biography

Syed Hasan was born on September 30, 1924 in a small town Jehanabad, Bihar, India. When he was 10 years old his parents enrolled him in Delhi at Jamia MIllia Islamia (JMI). During his early education at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Hasan had the opportunity to assist Mahatma Gandhi and also came under the tutelage of Zakir Hussain, who would later become the first President of India. He graduated from JMI and started his career as a teacher there where he stayed till he moved to the US, on a fellowship from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania in 1955. He moved, subsequently, to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and stayed there till 1962 during which time, he obtained a doctoral degree (PhD). He also became a member of the educational societies of the Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi and is reported to have financially assisted some of the students from JMI to pursue education in the US. In 1962, he took up the post of the assistant professor of Psychology at Frostburg State University, Maryland, and during the three years he spent there, he was awarded the Instructor of the Year once.

Dr. Hasan returned to India in 1965. In India, he had offers from many Universities, but he started to lay the groundwork for his own educational work. Though he had several areas in mind he finally had chosen Kishanganj area (also known as Seemanchal which includes Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria, Katihar districts of Bihar and neighboring Darjeeling District of West Bengal), at the time, the most backward and illiterate area, as a challenge to start his mission. He had toured this area in 1952 and had been in his mind ever since. He toured many localities, towns, and villages, many times tens of miles on feet and up to knee in mud. He campaigned for educational awareness and social upliftment.

Dr. Hasan continued spreading his message and vision. He helped and thought in local madarsa. He helped in foundation of National High School in Kishanganj, and Nehru College in nearby Bahadurganj, where he also taught classes. People were affected by his charm and styles. They were particularly amazed by his humbleness as saw him working side by side with low earning laborers shoveling dirt, cutting bamboos, and hammering nails. He would encourage students and others to join him and help themselves in building their classes. In 1965 he assisted in the founding of Nehru College in Bahadurgunj, and later National High school in Kishanganj.

After nearly one year of ground work he founded, Taleemi Mission Corp (Educational Mission Corp) in February 1966, and Taleemi Biradri (Educational Brotherhood), an educational journal in March 1966., And nearly after two years of ground work he started an elementary level INSAN School, on 14 November 1966, with 36 students, which became the flagship institution of its kind. Initially the school operated inside the premises of the National School before or after its school hours. Later, he moved the school to a rented hut. The institution grew over the years to include INSAN School, INSAN College and INSAN Adult School, operating still mostly from huts, now instead of bamboo in brick and tin style.

His active role in the field of education has not been limited to Insan School. He has helped many schools and educational causes. A vast list of services and contributions with which he has been involved in include many provincial and national educational projects; such as Educational Panel of the Bureau for Promotion of Urdu, New Delhi; Children's Literacy Panel of the Bureau for Promotion of Urdu, New Delhi; Bihar State Adult Education Board; Bihar Urdu Academy; Jamia Faculty Selection Committee. He has been a life member of the Indian Adult Education Board. He has also served in Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), Grants & Aids Commission for Experiments in Education, District Primary Education Program (DPEP), and Decentralization of Education Management.

He has also given lectures to many universities, spoken on numerous occasions, coined many slogans, and written many articles. In all these, his approach has always been finding constructive and peaceful solutions, many times followed by actions, for the benefit of people at large. His efforts literally started in the jungles of Bengal but his messages and missions have powerful humanitarian universality.

Philosophy of Work

"Our institution is community centered. We believe in total development. We feel that education should lead to self-development. This development should take place by means of self-help and self-reliance. In a way, education means independence. It should make us free from others. We should become capable of running our own affairs without the help of others as far as it is possible. Hence, we the educators are here to facilitate and to assist this process of development".

In the very first public appeal introducing his goal he said:

“It is not our aim to produce degree holders, but to produce well-educated and enlighten people”.

and later:

“It is not our aim to produce degree holders, but to produce well-educated and enlighten people with all around development”.

Education & Humanity

INSAN has been directly and indirectly a positive influence to the region and beyond in many ways. It has encouraged and led many social and humanitarian causes since its inception. The name of the institution, INSAN meaning human, reflects the ambitions of its founder Dr. Syed Hasan. He has named the campus Shiksha Nagar, meaning City of Learning. The link that begins to appear between human beings, education and social units is not entirely coincidental.

He believed that "the most valuable resources our societies have are INSAN ie the human themselves, and education plays a vital tool in developing this precious assets. He further believed that education is a key in solving some of the challenges we face whether locally or globally".

Dr. Syed Hasan does not see education as a means of securing employment only. He believes in an education that helps the individual identify and realize his full potential; an education that makes him self-reliant and an education that imparts a sense of social responsibility to him. Education is a tool that carves and shapes the thoughts and deeds of individuals and therefore, determines the directions and responses of a society. In his view, education is the means of delivering a healthy, balanced and permanent social change. He wants change that accommodates and encompasses the whole society and development that permeates through all layers of society. He feels that evolutionary approaches produce results that are long lasting and deep-rooted. Education, he says, is the most potent medium for such an approach. INSAN is the vehicle for such a change; Shiksha Nagar is the model of the society he has in mind.

“…Education is not just bookish knowledge, philosophies, and theories. Education should be action and community oriented. It should provide peaceful solutions to social and global challenges and bring reform to many of their ills. It should be a means to bring compassion and understanding, integration and equality, social justice and equal opportunities, reform and upliftment.

Therefore, education should be a means to serve others. Therefore, education should be a model to bring about a kindler, gentler and better world”.

INSAN Anthem Following are few couplets from the INSAN Anthem which testifies his message of humanity above all.

We’ll serve and help humans across boundaries And shall relieve them of their pains and traumas None will be hungry or unclothed We shall strive to create a world like that

Despite the differences of cast, culture or religion To reach across, and teach how to live with amity Pledging to become and teaching to be humans Learning, embracing, and teaching ways to live in harmony

A True Servant of Humanity

He is a very a humble man and maintains a very modest life out of the limelight. Dr. Hasan has always been a very spiritual person and devout Muslim. His actions and mission have always reflected his deep rooted religious beliefs, and peaceful teachings of all religions.

From cleaning the bloods and beds of the T.B. patients to eating with 'mehters' (Indian toilet cleaners, belonging to untouchable class), to caring and treating mentally retarded individuals to simply helping those in needs, Dr. Hasan has been always on the forefront of many social causes. For last 51 years he has not taken a penny for himself. Many have called him modern Gandhi or Mother Theresa, testifying to the magnitude of his sacrifices.

Reflections

“Insan School – A reform movement” _{Sangam, daily newspaper, December 9, 1969, Patna}

“…An experimental institute.” _{Aaj Kal, monthly magazine, September 1976, New Delhi}

“The Place to become Human” _{Septahik Hindustan, weekly magazine, September 23, 1979, New Delhi}

“A model institution of education, humanity, self reliance, and integration…. Others in these fields should learn from Dr. Hasan and his INSAN … _{Karpuri Thakur (1977), Chief Minister of Bihar, India}

" I find atima (soul) of Gandhiji in Dr. Hasan." _{Karpuri Thakur (Numerous Occasion till his death in 1988), Chief Minister of Bihar}

“This institute represents the character of Jamia Millia, Muslim University and Shanty Nineteen”. _{Kalimuddin Shams (1979), Deputy Speaker, West Bengal}

“INSAN School is a model institution of national integration and a great education. It is an institution which should enlighten those who are interested in real education”. _{Anil Bordia (1979), Joint Secretary of Education, Govt. of India}

“…A lighthouse of education”. _{Anil Bordia}

“…The most overwhelming experience I encountered was when I was searching for Dr. Hasan. Looking for him (Dr. Hasan), I asked the where about of Dr. Hasan from a laborer doing something on the dirt with knees down. The person, after wiping his hand on the grass, got up, and extended his hand with smile and said people call me Syed Hasan” _{Anil Sinha, Journalist Septahik Hindustan, 1981, New Delhi}

“…We both took the message of Gandhiji. I headed for cities, Syed Hasan headed for villages. And the villages were the ones Gandhiji emphasized”. _{Dr. A.R. Qidwai (1981), Governor, of Bihar}

“This is not only one of the best educational institutions I have seen, but the most unique institution .The student can not have more ideal atmosphere for their education. The emphasis is on molding every one into a good human being”.

_{Ram Krishna Hegde (1981), Chief Minister, Karnataka}

“INSAN College is trying to present the thoughts of Gandhi and Zakir Saheb in the interest of general public and on the basis of self reliance. The founder of this institute Dr. Syed Hasan, its teachers and students started a community center. Government must make a film on this institution and display it to promote its experiences”. _{Hemvati Nandan Bahugana (1985), Chief Minister of U.P.}

“…It is surprise to know that someone leaves the United States and comes back to India. It is unbelievable to find out that he comes to settle in Bihar. It is incomprehensible to really see someone chooses a place like Kishanganj and starts his educational and humanitarian mission. But it is really happening…” _{Ghulam Sarwar (1986), Journalist & Education Minister of Bihar}

“…the institute inculcates the values of insaniyat (humanity). _{The Hindu, daily newspaper, November 10, 1991}

"People live for themselves; Syed Bhai gave entire life for others. This is an unparalleled example in these times. _{Jawaid Iqubal (2003), INSAN Alumnus, JP Morgan Chase, Chicago}

“Syed Bhai should be quoted as a standard bearer of how people from diverse cultures and religions can cohabit harmoniously given a conductive environment. I think you should send this to world leaders to highlight that divides created by man, can be bridged by man too” _{Shireen Ishaq (2005), Women Activist, Lahore}

“Of all I am more influenced by Syed Hasan of Kishanganj.” _{Meher Fatima Hussain (2008), Author & Historian, New Delhi}

“The person who deserves the highest award is revered Dr. Syed Hasan. Unfortunately even Government of India has not recognized him adequately.” _{Anil Bordia, (2010), Former Secretary of Education, Govt. of India}

“Syed (Dr. Syed Hasan) has done so much for this country which out to be known.” _{Dr. A. R. Kidwai (2011), Former Chancellor, Governor, MP, Govt. of India}

“Whatever Kishanganj and the area around have is the result of Syed Bhai (Dr. Syed Hasan) and his mission.” _{Farzana Begum (2011), INSAN Alumnus & Founder of R.A.H.A.T, Kishanganj}

“Syed Bhai is the Bhishm Pitmah (God Father) of Education. He has given an example how to manage quality education in low cost. Every time I come here I have the privilege to learn from him.” _{Dr. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal (2011), Director of MGM Medical College, Kishanganj}

“A rare work of humanity!” _{Dr. Sandeep Pandey (2011), Humanist & Co-founder Asha, Lucknow}

Awards & Honors

Overs the years Hasan has been honoured with many lifetime awards including National Integration Award, Shiksha Bharti Pruskar, Indira Gandhi Sadbhawna Award, and Nehru Literacy Award to name a few for his services. The Government of India included him in the 1991 Republic Day honours list for the civilian honour of the Padma Shri. In 2003, he was shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize, the honour eventually going to Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian human rights activist.