Syed Ainul Hasan, the distinguished Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, was honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for his outstanding contributions to literature, education, and scholarship. His career, spanning over three decades, is marked by academic excellence, innovative leadership, and a deep commitment to promoting Urdu and Persian studies in Bharat and beyond.
Early Life and Academic Background
Syed Ainul Hasan hails from Uttar Pradesh and holds advanced degrees including a PhD, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts from prestigious institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Allahabad University. His academic journey began with a passion for Persian and Central Asian studies, which would define his lifelong scholarly pursuits.
Academic and Professional Achievements
- Teaching and Research:
Prof. Hasan has over 32 years of teaching and research experience, primarily at JNU, where he served as a professor in the School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies. His expertise covers Indo-Iran relations, literature and culture studies, Indology, and globalization. - Course Design and Innovation:
He has designed academic courses for several universities, including the University of Kashmir, JNU, and Cotton College State University, significantly enriching language and literature curricula. - International Engagement:
Prof. Hasan served as a Fulbright Professor at Rutgers University, USA, and has held leadership roles such as President of the Persian Scholars Association of India and the Iranian Section of the All India Oriental Conference. He also played a pivotal role in enhancing Indo-Afghan relations by establishing the Afghan Resource Centre at JNU.
Leadership at MANUU
Appointed as Vice Chancellor of MANUU in July 2021, Prof. Hasan brought a visionary approach to the institution. His tenure is characterized by:
- Promotion of Urdu and Interdisciplinary Research:
Prof. Hasan champions Urdu as a medium for interdisciplinary research and societal advancement, envisioning MANUU as a hub for innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. He emphasizes integrating foreign languages and fostering cross-cultural research. - Embracing Technological Innovation:
Under his leadership, MANUU has prioritized the adoption of technology in education. He advocates for embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving educational landscape, as highlighted during national conferences on remodelling education in the technological era. - Educational Reforms:
Prof. Hasan has overseen the implementation of new educational models in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on interdisciplinary and multilingual traditions.
Recognition and Honors:
In addition to the Padma Shri (2025), Prof. Hasan received the President of Bharat’s Certificate of Honor in 2017 and was named Persian Poet of the Year by Iran’s “Wizarat-e-Irshad” in 2007.
Syed Ainul Hasan’s legacy is defined by his relentless pursuit of academic innovation, cross-cultural dialogue, and the upliftment of Urdu and Persian studies in Bharat. His leadership at MANUU and his scholarly contributions continue to inspire students, educators, and researchers across the country.
The conferment of the Padma Shri on Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan is a testament to his lifelong dedication to education, literature, and cultural enrichment. He stands as a beacon for unsung heroes in academia, embodying the spirit of scholarship and service to society.
