Hakim Abdul Hameed, Physician and Scholar
Physician and Scholar

Hakim Abdul Hameed

Born 14 September 1908 · Delhi — Died 22 July 1999

Founded Jamia Hamdard University and served as its first chancellor.

Hakim Abdul Hameed was an Indian physician of the traditional medicine system of Unani, the founder chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, and a former chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (1996-1999).

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A detail that
surprised us

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His ancestors migrated from Kashgar, present-day Xinjiang, China, during Mughal emperor Shah Alam's reign, linking his Unani practice to a centuries-old Central Asian heritage.

The Story

1
🌿 In 1948, Hakim Abdul Hameed founded the Hamdard Charitable Trust, marking a pivotal moment in formalizing Unani medicine's presence in post-Independence India through organized welfare efforts.
2
🎓 In 1989, he founded Jamia Hamdard University in Delhi, creating an academic institution dedicated to blending traditional Unani medicine with modern scientific education.
3🏥 He established Majeedia Hospital, later rebranded as HAH Centenary Hospital, which uniquely combined Unani and modern medicine under one roof, serving Delhi’s diverse patient population.
4In 1965, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, recognizing his contributions to traditional medicine during a time when modern medical systems dominated.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1983, he received the Avicenna Award, an international recognition from Iran honoring contributions to Unani medicine, underscoring his cross-border influence on traditional healthcare.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Delhi
Hakim Abdul Hameed was born on September 14, 1908, in Delhi, into a family with roots tracing back to Kashgar, a center of traditional medicine.
1908
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Career
Founded Hamdard Charitable Trust
He formally established the Hamdard Charitable Trust to promote Unani medicine and social welfare.
1948
🏅
Award
Received Padma Shri award
The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri for his contributions to traditional medicine.
1965
🏅
Award
Received Avicenna Award
Honored internationally with the Avicenna Award for excellence in Unani medicine.
1983
⚡
Career
Founded Jamia Hamdard University
Established Jamia Hamdard in Delhi, focusing on Unani medicine and allied sciences.
1989
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan award
Recognized with the Padma Bhushan for his sustained contributions across medicine and education.
1992
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Career
Established Hamdard Public School
Expanded educational outreach by founding a public school in New Delhi.
1993
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Career
Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University
Served as Chancellor at AMU from 1996 to 1999, influencing higher education policy.
1996
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Death
Death
Passed away on July 22, 1999, leaving a legacy of integrated traditional medical education.
1999
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Hamdard Laboratories, founded under his trusteeship, established factories producing herbal medicines in both India and Pakistan, reflecting a rare cross-border legacy of traditional medicine.

02 / 05
🔍LESSER KNOWN

The Majeedia Hospital he founded uniquely integrates Unani and allopathic medicine, an institutional model rare in India combining ancient and modern therapies under one administration.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He established the Hamdard Public School in 1993, extending his vision of education beyond medicine to general schooling in New Delhi.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Happy Founder's Day @ Hakeem Abdul Hameed Sahab
·YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Hakim Abdul Hameed transformed Unani medicine from a traditional practice into an institutionalized field through Jamia Hamdard University and Hamdard Laboratories, fostering research and education. His leadership at Aligarh Muslim University and establishment of multiple cultural centers helped preserve and promote South Asian scholarship and healthcare traditions. These institutions continue to serve as vital centers for alternative medicine and interdisciplinary studies in India.

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