Unity College marked Founder's Memorial Day on November 23, 2025, honouring the cherished memory of its Founder, Padma Bhushan Late Dr S Kalbe Sadiq, on his 5th death anniversary. Revered as an extraordinary visionary, a reformer dedicated to social upliftment, an educationist far ahead of his time, and a true “Messiah of the Downtrodden”, Dr Sadiq’s monumental contributions were remembered with deep admiration and gratitude.
Prior to the Founder’s Memorial Day, the College observed the 'Week of Giving' leading up to a series of charitable visits across the city. On November 18, students of classes XI-A, XI-C, and the A sections of classes III to V visited Cheshire Homes India–Lucknow, offering caps, socks, clothing, sugar, and other essentials to the residents. On November 19, students of class XI-B and the B sections of the Primary Wing visited SrimadDayanandBalSadan, distributing similar provisions to nearly one hundred children. The concluding visit on November 20 saw selected students from class XI-D and the Primary C sections visit Rain Basera at the Medical College, where they distributed sugar, oil, combs, toothbrushes, and blankets to patients in need, extending warmth and comfort during difficult times. All three outreach programmes were coordinated by Mrs Nisar Fatima Rizvi under the guidance of Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews and Vice Principal Mr Sachindra Bharti. She was accompanied by teachers Mr Rajesh Pandey, Ms Ghazala Jafri, Mr Heerath Gupta, Ms Kisa Fatima, Ms IqraZehra Rizvi, Ms Maryam Fatima, Ms ShadanAzmat, Ms TasneemZehra and Mr AshabBaqar, along with lab assistants Mr Rajiv Srivastava and Mr Danish, whose support ensured the success and smooth execution of every visit.
The solemn day witnessed the gracious presence of several distinguished guests who shared their reflections, offering insightful speeches that further illuminated Janab’s remarkable legacy. Magsaysay Awardee Mr Sandeep Pandey; Mr Aftaab DG, CRPF; Dr Aftaab from New Jersey; and Dr Abbas Mehdi, Vice Chancellor of Era University, highlighted Janab’s unwavering commitment to quality education for all, inter-faith harmony, and social upliftment. They fondly recalled his role as an educational activist of great repute, emphasising the breadth of his work and his far-reaching international influence. Prominent politician and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr Ammar Rizvi, sent a message describing Dr Kalbe Sadiq as a giant among men whose lifelong mission to dispel ignorance, promote education and social service, and uplift the needy ensures that, though he is no longer physically present, he shall forever live in our memories. Scientists Dr Sana Sarkar and Dr Alika Sarkar, currently working in the United States, also paid homage through recorded audio messages played during the event. Several alumni expressed their heartfelt memories as well, including Dr Rifat Mehdi (Batch 2005); Dr Nazia Rizvi (Batch 2003), Senior Economics Teacher at La Martiniere; Ms Asiya Fatima (Batch 2017), Electrical Engineer; Ms Zaufishan Fatima (Batch 2020), Academic Advisor at Tiwari Tutorials; Dr WafiZehra (Batch 2019),Era Medical University and Hospital; Dr Zehra Akhtar (Batch 2012), MD from KGMU; and Dr Faiz Abbas Abidi (Batch 2013), an award-winning scientist and MD Residential Doctor at KGMU. They shared that although Dr Sadiq Saheb is no longer with us, his visionary roadmaps, values and teachings continue to guide and inspire. They expressed that all they have achieved today, and all they aspire to become in the future, is owed to Janab’s guidance and inspiring legacy. Also in attendance were College Secretary Mr Najmul Hasan Rizvi, Jt Secretary Dr M Talha, Principal Mr Mathews, Vice Principal Mr Bharti, Manager II Shift Dr S Kalbe SibtainNoorie, and Principal II Shift Ms Shabana Ahmed. The programme was seamlessly conducted by teachers Ms Farheen Fatima Naqvi and Ms Gull Sanober, whose anchoring added grace and clarity to the event.
The ceremony commenced with sacred recitations from the Holy Qur’an, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and the Holy Bible, setting a serene and contemplative tone. Principal Mr Mathews extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, paying tribute to Dr Sadiq Saheb and urging everyone to become a light that enlightens the world around them. The Montessori pupils of II Shift presented an action song, ‘Khwaboan Ki NagariHaqeeqatBanane’, echoing Janab’s lifelong message of education and empowerment. This was followed by a thoughtful performance by the Primary students of I Shift, highlighting Janab’s unwavering dedication to providing quality education for all—especially girls. Another impactful skit, ‘Dr Kalbe Sadiq SahebKeKhwab Ki Taabeer’, presented by the Senior Secondary students, featured portrayals of successful alumni and illustrated how Janab’s vision continues to take meaningful shape today. A touching nazm ‘WoKaumKaRahbarHamara’, penned by Office Superintendent Mr ShahidHussain and recited by Falak Fatima (XII-C), along with a motivational group song ‘Manzil Se AageBarhKarManzilTalashKar’, stirred the audience with profound emotion, perfectly encapsulating Dr Sadiq’s values and ideals. Lastly, renowned poet Dr Sabah Zehra Rizvi Balrampuri presented a poignant nazm, ‘KahGaeHai Kalbe’, offering heartfelt homage to Janab.
Secretary Mr Rizvi brought the programme to a formal close with a sincere vote of thanks, beginning with heartfelt gratitude to the Almighty for blessing the community with such an extraordinary personality. Rightly hailed as the ‘Sir Syed Sani’, Dr Sadiq was remembered for ushering in an educational renaissance after Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Mr Rizvi further expressed his appreciation to the Principal and all teachers, acknowledging them as the backbone of every learned man and woman. The event concluded reverently with the National Anthem.
Following the formal ceremony, the dignitaries visited the Organic Garden, where the Organic Club had arranged an engaging exhibition. Students displayed organic plants, demonstrated methods of preparing natural fertilisers, and explained the differences between GMOs, commercially produced items, and sustainable organic alternatives. The interaction underlined the College’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Later the same day, Tauheedul Muslimeen Trust (TMT) held its Talent Search Test Prize Distribution Ceremony at the College, celebrating the top performers of the CHAMPS exam conducted on April 14 across 43 centres in 30 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The State Stars including seven students from Lucknow; four each from Bareilly and Kanpur; two each from Prayagraj and Ambedkar Nagar; and one each from Sambhal, Varanasi and Balrampur were honoured by Chief Guest Mr ShahidManzar Abbas Rizvi, IAS. He commended TMT’s educational initiatives and emphasised the need for excellence in today’s academic landscape. Secretary Mr Rizvi highlighted the vision of Dr Sadiq Saheb, whose efforts led to the establishment of numerous educational institutions and schemes benefiting students nationwide. CHAMPS Chief Coordinator Mr S A A Zaidi announced that the annual test, held on April 14 in honour of Baba SahebBhimraoAmbedkar, will henceforth include five categories, extending participation to pupils of classes II and III. Maulana Kalbe SibtainNoori and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
The commemoration not only celebrated an extraordinary life but also reminded everyone of the timeless values of compassion, equality, service, and educational excellence that Dr Sadiq championed—principles that continue to guide every endeavour at Unity College.
