Bollywood film director and activist Mahesh Bhatt has demanded the Bharat Ratna for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

A programme was held Monday evening in New Delhi to release a re-print of Sir Syed's book "Asbab-e-Baghawate-e-Hind".

A large number of people signed a memorandum demanding Bharat Ratna for Sir Syed, editor of the Aligarh Movement magazine Jasim Mohammed told IANS.

Releasing the book, Bhatt said Sir Syed was a "shining jewel" who had made tremendous contribution to the society and education.


His daughter and actress-producer Pooja Bhatt said Sir Syed's Aligarh movement "was designed to build self-confidence among Muslims and lead the community towards a more progressive future".

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (Oct 17, 1817 - March 27, 1898) was a teacher, politician and social reformer. He founded the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental school in Aligarh May 24, 1875 that later became Aligarh Muslim University.