SIR ZIAUDDIN AHMAD : was born in 1877 in the picturesque town of Meerut in India. An outstanding & versatile educationist and political figure, he was also the longest serving Vice-Chancellor in the history of Aligarh Muslim University. His close association with Sir Syed Ahmed Khan definitely attributed to the image of an immortal stature of dignity, excellence and virtue. An untimely demise left a big void in the lives of his followers and well wishers. He died on 23rd December 1947 in London. He was buried in the premises of the main mosque of Aligarh Muslim University alongside Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Back to Top
Sir Ziauddin Ahmad did his Bachelor of Arts degree from M.A.O College, Aligarh in 1895 with distinction, Master of Arts in Mathematics from Calcutta and Allahabad Universities in the year 1897 and 1898 respectively. He joined Trinity College, Cambridge in 1901 for Honours degree in Mathematics, and graduated with excellence by securing 1st position. In 1904, Sir Ziauddin was awarded the Sir Isaac Newton Scholarship; a rare honour for a foreign graduate, and he was the first Indian who achieved this award. His thrust for knowledge took him to Gottingen University, Germany and in 1905 he completed his Ph.D. in Mathematics. In addition, Sir Ziauddin visited Paris University in France and Bologna University in Italy in 1905 for advanced studies in his chosen field of Mathematics.
Back to Top
On return from abroad, Sir Ziauddin Ahmed devoted himself to serve the Aligarh Muslim University for the rest of his life. When M.A.O College was given the status of University in 1920, he became its 1st Pro Vice-Chancellor. He was elected as the Vice-Chancellor in 1935 and remained so until 1946, and thus became the longest serving Vice-Chancellor in the history of Aligarh Muslim University to date. In 1946 he was appointed as Rector of the University and held the position until his death in 1947.