Syeda Hameed wins Padma Shri

Realpolitik columnist Syeda S Hameed was honoured with the Padma Shri this year by President A P J Abdul Kalam for her work on social issues, particularly relating to women, minorities and peace.

Dr (Ms) Syeda Saiyidain Hameed is a renowned feminist and writer, who is widely recognised for her passionate engagement with public affairs and social issues, especially for women, minorities and peace. She is currently member of the Planning Commission and has been working in the areas of health, women and children, village and small enterprises, and the voluntary sector.

Born on October 1, 1942 in Kashmir, Dr Hameed completed her BA from Delhi University in 1963, and travelled to Hawai to complete her MA. She went on to complete her PhD in literature at the University of Alberta, Canada, in 1972. She dedicated her career to educating and empowering the youth, and helping them become critical thinkers and leaders. She has lectured both at Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, and at the University of Alberta, and worked extensively on education with the government of Alberta, where she held the prestigious post of Director of Colleges and Universities. She has served as member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and has written extensively on the atrocities and injustices faced by Indian women.

Dr Hameed has been prominent in the movement for peace and human rights in South Asia. She has been involved with several Indian and international civil society organisations in initiating pathbreaking changes. She is founder of many organisations such as the Muslim Women's Forum, the Women's Initiative for Peace in South Asia (WIPSA), the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) and the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation.