Lucknow: At a time when education for Muslim women was considered unacceptable, Syed Karamat Hussain took steps to establish what later became Karamat Hussain Girls’ Muslim College. His effort and the challenges he faced were discussed during a session at the 17th Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival on Tuesday.Speakers said that setting up an institution for Muslim women in the early 20th century meant facing opposition from sections of society, along with financial and social constraints. Despite this, Syed Karamat Hussain continued his work, driven by the belief that education was necessary for social change.
Huma Khwaja, principal of Karamat Hussain Girls’ Muslim College, said the idea of girls’ education was strongly resisted at the time. “When Syed Karamat Hussain spoke about educating Muslim girls, it went against accepted norms,” she said. Khwaja added that the college has continued its work in line with its founding purpose. “The focus has always been on education and self-reliance. Many of our students are the first in their families to enter higher education,” she said.Researcher Atif Hussain spoke about the historical context of the initiative. “Syed Karamat Hussain worked at a time when even discussing women’s education invited criticism,” he said. He noted that the college contributed to the growth of educated Muslim women in Lucknow over several decades. “Its students went on to work in teaching, public service and other professions,” he added.The session highlighted how the college’s history reflects the effort required to expand access to education. Speakers said recalling such initiatives remains relevant as discussions on education and inclusion continue today.
