In the tumultuous times of 1947 when families were being uprooted, Janab Hakeem Abdul Hameed Saheb was scouting for land he could buy and build schools for the thousands of Muslims and other sections of society that stood on the brink of being consigned to the darkness of
illiteracy, and political, socio-economic subservience. Poverty was staring them in the eyes. Hakeem Saheb knew that without modern education these economically deprived masses would remain caught in the vicious circle of abject poverty. Modern education was needed so that the coming generations would step out into the world with the educational empowerment which would put them at par with others. Hakeem Saheb could feel the pain and sufferings of humanity, and had decided to use his God given resources to set up institutions of learning so that the coming generations could become educated and participate in nation building.
Janab Hakeem Saheb laid the foundation of the Hamdard Education Society in 1981 as a charitable society registered under the Registrar of Societies Act of 1860. It is this apex body that runs the Rabea Girls’ Public School and several other schools, and residential coaching centres, as well as the Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research (HIMSR). It is one of the premier NGOs in the country concerned primarily with the education of minorities, rebuilding the nation through participation in civil administration, and the country-wide survey of Muslim managed schools and colleges. Hakeem Saheb also took up research activities establishing the Hamdard Charitable Trust in 1948 and the Hamdard National Foundation in 1964. He also established the Hamidia Charitable Hospital now known as the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital, and the Jamia Hamdard. Realizing the importance of education for the girl child, especially in context with the economic and educational condition of people living in Old Delhi, Hakeem Saheb established the Rabea Girls Public School in 1973 in that part of the capital.
Hakeem Abdul Hameed Saheb’s motto was austerity, simple living and selfless service. He was polite, courteous and compassionate while dealing with people. A down-to-earth god-fearing person, and a philanthropist, Hakeem Saheb left for his heavenly abode on 22 July, 1999, leaving his indelible footprints for us to follow.