Dr. Najma Akbarali Heptulla is a distinguished Indian politician whose career has spanned over four decades, marking her as a significant figure in the nation’s political landscape. A renowned parliamentarian, she has held several key positions, including sixteen years as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Her work as the Union Minister for Minority Affairs and later as the Governor of Manipur further solidified her reputation as a dedicated public servant.
Born on April 13, 1940, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Najma Heptulla hails from a prominent and respected family. She is the grand-niece of the illustrious freedom fighter and India’s first Minister of Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. This lineage profoundly influenced her political and social outlook.
Dr. Heptulla pursued a strong academic path, earning a Master of Science degree in Zoology and subsequently a Ph.D. in Cardiac Anatomy from the University of Denver in the United States. She was married to the late Akbarali A. Heptulla, and they have three daughters.
A Long and Illustrious Parliamentary Career
Dr. Heptulla’s political journey commenced in 1980 when she was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra as a member of the Indian National Congress. Her political acumen and dedication led to her re-election for five more terms, culminating in a remarkable thirty years of service in the upper house.
Her most significant contribution as a parliamentarian was her tenure as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. She held this esteemed position for two terms, from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 2004. During her sixteen years in this role, she was widely respected for her firm, fair, and adept conduct of the proceedings of the House.
In 2004, marking a significant shift in her political allegiance, Dr. Heptulla left the Congress party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Noteworthy Contributions as Union Minister for Minority Affairs
Following the BJP’s victory in the 2014 general elections, Dr. Najma Heptulla was appointed the Union Minister for Minority Affairs in the cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this capacity, she spearheaded several crucial initiatives aimed at the socio-economic and educational empowerment of India’s minority communities.
Her key contributions include:
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USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development): This scheme was launched to preserve, protect, and promote the rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts of minority communities. It aimed to build the capacity of traditional artisans and craftsmen and connect them with national and international markets.
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Seekho aur Kamao (Learn and Earn): This skill development scheme was designed to enhance the employability of minority youth. It provided training in various modern and traditional skills, thereby improving their chances of securing employment and improving their livelihoods.
- Nai Manzil: This scheme was introduced to provide formal school-leaving certificates and trade skills to youth from minority communities who had left their studies mid-way.
Tenure as the Governor of Manipur
In August 2016, Dr. Heptulla was appointed the 18th Governor of the state of Manipur, a position she held until August 2021. As the constitutional head of the state, she was actively involved in various developmental and cultural initiatives. Her tenure saw a significant push towards achieving “zero malaria” status in the state, a goal that was pursued with vigour during her time in office.
Publications and Authored Works
Dr. Najma Heptulla is also an accomplished author, having penned several books on a range of subjects. Her publications include:
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Life in Pictures
- Indo-West Asia Relations: The New Era
- AIDS: Approaches to Prevention
- In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines
A controversy arose concerning a photograph in her book “Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Life in Pictures,” which depicted a young Heptulla with the Maulana. It was alleged that the photograph was morphed. The matter was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which later reported to the court that the allegation could not be substantiated.
Awards and Honours Conferred
In recognition of her extensive contributions to public life and international relations, Dr. Najma Heptulla has been conferred with several prestigious awards and honours, including:
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Outstanding Parliamentarian Award (2013): This award recognised her significant contributions as a member of the Indian Parliament.
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Wissam Al-Alaoui (Grand Cross): She was honoured with the second-highest civilian award of Morocco for her efforts in strengthening relations between India and Morocco.
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Honorary Doctorate: The University of St. Petersburg in Russia conferred upon her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her work in public affairs.
Dr. Najma Heptulla’s long and impactful career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service. Her journey from the hallowed halls of the Indian Parliament to the Raj Bhavan of Manipur reflects a life dedicated to the principles of democracy and the welfare of all sections of Indian society.