The All India Bahadur Shah Zafar Academy founded in memory of the last ruler of Mughal dynasty and a pioneer of Hindu Muslim Unity who led the 1857 freedom struggle and sacrificed lives of his young sons. This Academy contributed a great deal towards the cause of National Integration ever since its inception in 1959. The main architect of the academy were Dr. Sumpurna Nand then Chief Minister of U.P., Sri Prakash Governor of Maharashtra, Hafiz Mohammad Ibrahim, Union Minister, Prof. Humayun Kabir, eminent writer, T.N.Singh Governor of West Bengal, C.B.Gupta ex-Chief Minister of U.P., Lala Shyam Nath Mayor of Delhi and Mir Yaver Hussain the famous lawyer of Benares.

        The academy which has 300 members out of which 40% are Muslims and 60% are hindus has been constantly striving for Hindu-Muslim Unity. Many eminent persons are associated with the academy including ex-Vice President of India Mr. Mohd. Hidayatullah who is chief patron Dr. B. Gooala Reddy former Governor of U.P. who is the Chairman, Prof. Raja Ram Shastri former Vice Chancellor of Kashi Vidya Peeth who is the President. The General Secretary and founder member is Mr. Kazim Rizvi, an eminent journalist.

        To achieve its main objectives of bringing about a harmony between the two major communities the academy is fighting for representation in the National and State Integration Council. It has also prepared a list of all the people who played a vital role in the Freedom Struggle and in the cause of National Unity and has planned to erect marble plaques in their memory with their teachings inscribed on them for the benefit of the younger generation.

        There has been several statesman, politicians and important personalities from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to Gyani Zial Singh who has participated in several functions and programmes of Bahadur Shah Zafar Academy at Benares.

        At present the academy is situated in a small rented building but there are plans to shift into a three storey building which will be called 'EKTA BHAVAN' (Unity House). The construction up to the first storey which would cost about Rs 2 lacs has been started.

By INDRA GIDWANI
Evening News of India
April 27, 1987
Bombay