Our Founders

Dr. Rafiq Zakaria (1920 – 2005)

Dr. Rafiq Zakaria was a versatile scholar on Indian politics, he was closely associated with India’s freedom struggle and spent over 25 years in public service.

Dr. Zakaria had represented India in many countries and also at the United Nations in 1965, 1990 and 1996.

A prolific writer on Indian affairs, Islam and British imperialism, Dr. Zakaria founded a number of schools and colleges in his constituency – Aurangabad. These included a women’s college of arts and sciences and the Indian Institute of Hotel Management, which is now known as the Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad (IHM-A). The Maulana Azad Education Trust Aurangabad operates multiple educational institutions.

Dr. Fatma R. Zakaria (1936 – 2021)

Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria was Chairman Emeritus of the Maulana Azad Educational Trust (MAET), offering quality education and training to the less privileged, with a focus on empowering women and minorities. She was Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors of the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management – Aurangabad for over two and a half decades. A remarkable woman whose career spanned many areas, notably in social work, journalism and education. Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria regrettably passed away on 6th April 2021. She was an inspired academic who specialized in journalism. A leader who infused the campus with her bright energy and enthusiasm for life, she brought about a sea change at Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus.

Dr. Fareed Zakaria, Chairman Emeritus MAET, her son, pays a moving personal tribute to her memory on CNN.

Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria’s work in education is wide ranging and has one common theme, namely to provide opportunities for those from economically challenged backgrounds. This theme lives on through the work at Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus where affordable quality education for all is a testimony of the times. Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria’s work in education has been feted through many awards including honorary positions of regional, national and international responsibility in further and higher education.

In 2006, Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of India for her work in education and literature. University of Huddersfield, UK bestowed upon her the honorary Doctorate in Education for her contribution to international education. Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria continued the philanthropic traditions of her late husband, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, a prominent educator and prolific writer on Indian politics and society. In 2020, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Campus celebrated the centenary year of its Founder as he continues to be fondly remembered as the ‘Architect of Modern Aurangabad’.

Dr. Fatma Rafiq Zakaria continues to be adored and respected by her colleagues and business leaders all around the globe.

To know more about Dr. Fatma Zakaria’s achievements click here.