S. M. Khan's Legacy: Humility In Success / A Tribute and Eulogy by Prof. Neelam Mahajan Singh, a colleague of S. M. Khan in Doordarshan News Division.

S. M. Khan's Legacy: Humility In Success 

A Tribute and Eulogy by Prof. Neelam Mahajan Singh, a colleague of S. M. Khan in Doordarshan News Division. 

Mr. Shehzad Muhammed Khan (S. M. Khan, IIS), a suave, affable and competent officer of the Indian Information Service, who worked in different significant capacities including, Director General of Doordarshan News, Press Secretary to the President of India, Bharat Rattan Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Registrar of the Newspapers of India etc. left this world so suddenly after battling a fatal disease in a private hospital of New Delhi. S. M. Khan wasn't just a bureaucrat; having risen through his record of merit and ability, but he was a person gifted with innovative ideas that helped him gain a special regard amongst the colleagues and the government's mandarins whom he worked with! A person of not so many words, he had effective writing skills which he gainfully used to improve the working environment in different organisations even after he relinquished the charge. 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, once his boss in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was heard speaking highly of him in meetings and other informal conversations during Khan Sahib's tenure as his Press Secretary. "I have seen S. M. Khan from very close quarters during his tenure in Doordarshan News. I have seen a very limited number of officers who have no enemies, Khan Sahib is decidedly one of them. In our quest for excellence, we are usually stymied by various factors inherent in the systems and we begin to sulk and sacrifice our health. S. M. Khan Sahib had his own ways to let nothing impact his style adversely," says Fayyaz Shehreyar, ex Director General of All India Radio and Board Member of Prasar Bharati. 

Khan was born in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh on 15 June 1957. He belonged to a family of lawyers. He studied law for his graduation and pursued LL.M. from Aligarh University. He was awarded the 'Chancellors Gold Medal' for topping the University. He later went to University of Wales for a degree in Economics. The never ending tributes on social media, are testimony to the celestial personality of S. M. Khan. Since his ill health was kept confidential, in last few months, those concerned with him were making several guesses. No one ever thought that he would die at the age of 67 years. S.M. Khan served as PIB officer in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), serving as the longest-serving information officer for the agency from 1989 to 2002. During his tenure in CBI, he became the front face of the agency, regularly addressing media persons during high-profile cases, such as the Bofors Gun scandal, stock exchange scams and several other white-collared crimes. Following his extensive service with CBI, Khan was appointed as the press secretary to President Dr. 

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a role in which he further solidified his reputation in public communication. After his tenure with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's, Khan moved to a prestigious position as Director General of Doordarshan News. 

It's here that I came in direct contact with him. When any news story was discussed with him, he would ask about its implications and relevance. He never discouraged or interfered in the making of a news report. We also knew that what could be telecast on the public broadcaster? S. M. Khan had special respect for me and found me endearing, always smiling and working hard. In addition to his notable career in public service, S.M. Khan authored a book titled 'People's President', on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam that was released by Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi. His words immortalized the values of one of India’s greatest visionaries. 

S. M. Khan was deeply involved in the functioning of the prestigious India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. He held the position of vice president and was presently amongst the Board of Trustees of IICC. It is to the credit of S.M. Khan that 'Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture' was organized by India Islamic Cultural Centre. This is an annual function in which a keynote address is given by President of India and other distinguished personalities. He was responsible for cultural dialogues and community development at IICC. Khan's passing away marks an end of era for Indian public service and media relations, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication to his work. His burial was performed in his hometown of Khujra in Uttar Pradesh. 

Salman Khurshid, ex Minister of External Affairs said, "S. M. Khan Saheb's untimely death has left a permanent void in our hearts. He had affable mannerism and gave sane advise. We will miss S. M. Khan Saheb eternally". Sirajuddin Qureshi, entrepreneur and ex President of India Islamic Cultural Centre said, "our hearts are broken and I have lost a good friend, who was a part of my team since many years. S. M. Khan has left a deep legacy in the hearts of Muslim community and members of India Islamic Cultural Centre. May Allah grant him Jannat-ul-Firdous"! Mohd. Furqan, Vice President, Qamar Ahmed, IPS, Sikandar Hayat have expressed their respect to S. M. Khan. Imran Khan CMD of Fasderma (Cosmology) India Pvt. Ltd. and active member of IICC said, "S. M. Khan Saheb was a family member. His persona had multiple qualities that are difficult to put in words. We are now left without a mentor"! S. M. Khan has left a legacy of excellence and integrity. His remarkable life and contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s history and its institutions. His tenure as Director General of Doordarshan News reflected his commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and professionalism in India'smedia. Mudassir Hayat, President AMUOBA said, "S. M. Khan worked tirelessly for the Muslim community, promoting cultural harmony and intellectual growth. In his passing, India has lost a true statesman, a compassionate leader, and a voice of wisdom". His legacy of service, humility, and dedication will continue to inspire generations. Abuzar Hussain Khan, Moin Khan, Abdullah Chaudhary and Akhlaq Ahmad Khan, entrepreneurs and young community leaders have stated that they would attempt to actualize the vision of S. M. Khan. Dr. Kabir Siddiqui, Editor-in-Chief of Aalami TV and Chairman: Aalami Urdu Foundation said, "S. M. Khan's passing marks an end of an era but beginning for all to follow the values and spirit that was a signature line of his achievements."

As a colleague in media, I quote a prayer for Shehzad Muhammed Khan: 'Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa ahyihi 'ala al-Islam, wa man tawaffaytahu minna fatawaffahu 'ala al-iman. Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu, wa la tudillana ba'dahu'. (O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those present and those absent, our young and our old, our males and our females)

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un 

 إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ, 

He was not just a leader but a guiding light for many, inspiring those around him with his wisdom, humility, and kindness. His departure is a monumental loss to IICC, Aligarh Muslim University and the community at large. May Allah forgive him and grant the highest level of paradise: Jannat-ul-Firdous and eternal peace. 

Prof. Neelam Mahajan Singh 

(Sr. Journalist, Author, Doordarshan News Personality, Solicitor for Human Rights and philanthropist)

singhnofficial@gmail.com