Aligarh Muslim University has expressed grief over the death of Shahla Haider, an alumna whose family is closely tied to the history of women’s education in Aligarh. The university issued a condolence note on 14 October 2026.
A family that built women’s education at Aligarh
- Parents: she was the daughter of educationist Mumtaz Jahan Haider, the first Principal of AMU’s Women’s College, and scientist Prof. Haider Khan.
- Grandparents: she was the granddaughter of Sheikh Abdullah, known as Papa Mian, and Wahid Jahan Begum, known as Ala Bi. Their work laid the foundation for women’s education at Aligarh, which grew into the Women’s College.
- Sibling: she was the sister of diplomat and scholar Salman Haider.
Her work
Shahla Haider was associated with journalism and served as Director of the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP). She was also known for social work, especially for helping underprivileged families and girls who needed financial support for marriage.
She kept a close link with AMU and regularly attended the Founder’s Day celebrations of the Women’s College.
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What the Vice-Chancellor said
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon called her passing “a profound loss for all those who cherish Aligarh’s rich educational and social legacy”. She said Shahla Haider carried forward the values of compassion, service and social responsibility of a family that dedicated itself to women’s education.
Why the family matters to AMU
Sheikh Abdullah and Wahid Jahan Begum opened a girls’ school in Aligarh at a time when education for Muslim women faced strong opposition. That school grew into today’s Women’s College, and Abdullah Hall and Abdullah School still carry the family name. Read our full list of AMU halls.
The Aligarian joins the AMU community in offering condolences to her family.
Source: AMU Public Relations Office, 14 October 2026.
