Professor Abida, lovingly called ‘Abida Apa’, was born on 1st February, 1934 in Gangu Nagla in the district of Bijnor. Her father was the Landlord Gangu Nagla. She lost her father when she was only two years old and the whole responsibility of bringing her up fell on the shoulders of her mother, Mrs. Tahira Khatoon and her maternal grandfather, Janab Moulvi Majeed Hasan Saheb who was the owner of a very popular newspaper of the time ‘MADINA’. “Madina Manzil’, where she spent her early childhood and where she received her primary education, was the nerve center of nationalist activities and the hub where many Muslim nationalist leaders held meetings in connection with the freedom movement. After completing High School from Bijnor, U.P., her grandmother Mrs. Kaneez Fatima, (despite fears of opposition within her ‘khandan’) convinced her husband and Abida Apa’s grandfather to send her to Aligarh to pursue college eduation.

Abida Apa did her graduation and post graduation from this university with distinction. She also was actively involved in extra-curricular activities like debates, dramatics and cultural events throughout her student days. Soon after obtaining M.A. Degree in Political Science, She was appointed lecturer in the Women’s College where she became a very popular and respected teacher, both for her teaching skill, her intellectual depth and for her affection for her students. She was promoted as Reader in due course of time in the Women’s College but on becoming Professor, she came to the Department in the University from where she retired, after a distinguished service, in 1994. She received her Ph. D. from Italy on Higher European Studies and followed it up with another Ph.D. degree in Public Administration. She also obtained Diplomas in French and Arabic languages. During the course of her career, she visited countries like; England, Germany, France, USA, Switzerland, Saudi Arab, Kuwait , Iraq etc., for attending seminars, conferences and for academic assignments. Besides Urdu and English, she was quite fluent in French and Arabic too.

Professor Abida was a prolific writer and contributed a number of articles and research paper s in reputed journals, both in English and Urdu. She authored/edited many books. These include: ‘ Munafi Sahafat: Aligarh Muslim University Khas Nishana’ (1991), Administrative Development in the Arab World (1991), Administrative Development in the Arab World (1991), ‘ The Punjab Crisis: Challenges and Response’, ‘Hindustan Ki Jung-e-Azadi Mein Muslim Khwateen Ka Hissa’ (1994), ‘Bartanwi Amariyat-wa- Istebdad Se Takrao (1995), ‘Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi Aur Muslim U.P. Ke Muslaman’ (2004),‘Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi Aur Muslim Shaura’ (2005), 3 Volumes, and ‘Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi Aur  Muslim Shaura’ (2005), 3 Volumes, and ‘Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi Aur Muslim U.P. Ke Muslaman Sahafi ‘(2007). She also has more than 60 research papers/articles to her credit.

For her exemplary contribution to academics in general and the issues of minorities and women in particular, she was the recipient of many awards and honours which include, Bihar Urdu Academy Award, Imtiyaz-e-Mir Award, Nawa-e-Mir Award and Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy Award.

Professor Abida Samiuddin was a pious lady, and a graceful, affectionate and dedicated teacher, who was loved and respected by everyone who came in her contact. In her passing away, we have lost an excellent author, a brilliant teacher, a loving mother, a dutiful wife and a fine human being. She will always be remembered by all of us and shall survive in our hearts forever

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