Identity: Eminent Educationist, Psychologist, and Influential Academic Administrator of Jamia Millia Islamia

Salamatullah Khan was born on 4 August 1913 in the small village of Sehgal in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh. He received his early education in his native village and completed his Intermediate studies from Government Inter College, Etawah, in 1934. In 1936, he joined Aligarh Muslim University, where he earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees. After completing his higher education, he became associated with the Teachers’ College of Jamia Millia Islamia, where his academic and pedagogical abilities gained recognition.

From 1946 to 1948, he studied on a fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, where he obtained a doctorate in Education. After completing his studies abroad, he returned to Jamia Millia Islamia and rendered significant services in the fields of teaching, research, and educational planning.

Dr. Salamatullah Khan served as the Dean of the Teachers’ College at Jamia Millia Islamia and played an important role in promoting modern educational thought, educational psychology, and curriculum reforms in India. His efforts particularly emphasized teacher training, teaching methodologies, and the intellectual and psychological development of students.

He authored several important books in Urdu on education and educational psychology. Among his notable works are Hum Kaise Padhayen, Taleem Aur Uska Samaji Pas-e-Manzar, Bunyadi Ustad Ke Liye, and Taleem, Falsafa Aur Samaj. In these works, he explained teaching principles, student psychology, educational environment, and the role of education in social transformation in a simple yet effective manner. His contributions to popularizing educational psychology in Urdu are considered foundational. His autobiographical work Yadon Ke Chiragh not only reflects upon his personal life but also sheds light on the academic atmosphere of Jamia Millia Islamia and the scholars of that era.

Even after his retirement from Jamia Millia Islamia, he remained engaged in academic and educational activities. He served for two years at NCERT and later also worked at the University of Kashmir.

Death: He passed away in 2002.