Nawab Syed Muhammad

NAWAB SYED MUHAMMAD

Date of Birth: 1867 and Date of Death: 12^th November, 1919

            Nawab Syed Muhammad, who is related to ‘Mysore Tiger’ Tipu Sultan, was born in 1867 in Madras of Tamilnadu State.  After completing his higher education, he entered the field of his family business under the guidance of his father Mir Humayun.  While involved in business, he also took interest in public welfare and political activities.  He joined in the Indian National Congress in 1894.  He was elected as the Sheriff for Madras City in 1896.  The British Government honoured him with the title of ‘Nawab’.  He was elected to the Madras Legislative Council in 1900 and also became a member in the Indian National Congress committee in 1901.  Nawab Syed Muhammad became the President of the ‘Madras Mahajan Sabha’ which was formed in order to create socioeconomic and political awareness among the natives.  He also established several new organisations for the development of the poor Muslims.  Nawab Syed Muhammad demanded for decreasing the burden of tax on poor farmers and also wanted the government to help for promoting technical education.  He successfully organised the meetings the nineteenth session of the Indian National Congress held in 1903 in Madras.  As the President of its reception Committee for which he received wide approbation.  Syed Muhammad was elected as the member of the Imperial Legislative Council in 1905.  But he declined to be a member of the delegation that went to meet Lord Minto to demand separate electorates for Muslims in 1906.  He always and on all issues supported the Indian National Congress.  He presided over the Karachi session of Indian National Congress, which was held in 1913.  Nawab Syed Muhammad donated huge amounts and spent a lot from his own property to propagate the programmes of Indian National Congress.  He strived hard to strengthen it.  At a time when several prominent Muslim leaders were opposing the Indian National Congress, he stood by its very firmly and countered their anti-propaganda.  Nawab Syed Muhammad pleaded that unity alone could achieve the common goal of freedom and independence and that only those who supported common interests had the right to demand for their share in the common benefits.  He also appealed for avoiding conflict between Hindus and Muslims, and advocated fraternity.  Nawab Syed Muhammad who was called as ‘A great son of India’ passed away on 12^th November, 1919 in Madras.