New Delhi, March 12: The New Delhi-based Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) has decided to confer its first lifetime achievement award on former Chief Justice of India, Justice A.M. Ahmadi. IOS governing council reached the decision after long deliberations on the proposals of a number of organisations, scholars and intellectuals. The yearly award will go to those who have served the society in their respective fields. It will comprise Rs 1,00000 and a memento.

The governing council has taken some other decisions, too. IOS will organise a two-day programme to celebrate the 20th year of its existence. A compendium of six volumes will be inaugurated on the occasion to mark the 150th anniversary of the First War of Independence of 1857 and the contribution of Indian Muslims to national liberation struggle. The council meet was presided by IOS Chairman Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam.

A seminar on interest-free banking will be held on May 13 and 14. IOS welcomed the charter issued by CPM regarding advancement of Muslims. The IOS governing council was of the opinion that it should form the beginning for other political parties to take a clear, bold and open stand on issues concerning Muslims in India. It also decided to appoint a committee to look into the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s High-level Committee’s report on socio-economic and educational status of the Muslim community in India (Sachar Committee Report). It will evaluate and monitor the progress made in the direction of measures to be initiated in relevant areas.

Participants of the governing council meet included IOS Vice-chairman Manzoor Ahmad, Secretary-general Prof. ZM Khan, governing council members Prof. ZA Nizami, Prof. AR Momin, Prof. Shanghsen Singh, Prof. MA Quddus, Dr Ishtiyaque Danish, Dr Karamatullah Bahmani and Dr Ausaf Ahmad.