Synopsis The contribution of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in several fields was unique in the annals of our history. Born in a well-to-do family of Uttar Pradesh, he took much interest in the development of education, by supporting the cause of a college which later on developed into the Aligarh Muslim University. A nationalist leader as he was he did much for the welfare of Muslims and undertook measures for their socio-economic progress. The theme deals in brief about Syed Ahmad Khan during the formative years; the formulation of his ideas in England, his efforts for the propagation of education, particularly a college at Aligarh, which, later on, development as the Aligarh Muslim University. He was a unique nationalist leader who did much for the welfare of Muslims as he always thought that they, in no way, should remain backward in Indian society.