Shazia Sharif of Deoband Becomes a Doctor, Completes PhD from IIT Delhi Develops Aptamer-Based Kit to Detect Aflatoxin, Brings Global Recognition to India
Deoband (Saharanpur):
Deoband’s brilliant daughter Shazia Sharif, daughter of Dr. Sharif Ahmad, has achieved a major milestone in the field of education and research by obtaining a PhD from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. During her PhD, Shazia developed a state-of-the-art aptamer-based kit capable of detecting a dangerous food toxin called aflatoxin, which is found in food items and can cause severe diseases like liver cancer.
A New Dimension in Research
Aflatoxin is especially found in grains, peanuts, and animal feed due to fungal contamination, posing a serious food safety challenge in India and many other countries. The aptamer-based test kit developed by Shazia is not only affordable but also easy to use in rural areas. With this kit, such toxic substances can be detected at an early stage, helping to prevent serious diseases.
Global Recognition for Deoband
Shazia has not only made India proud at home but also gained international acclaim by presenting her research on global platforms. In 2024, she presented her research at a prestigious international conference held at Oxford University (England), where her innovation received much appreciation from the global scientific community. Additionally, she presented research papers in several countries and participated in scientific discussions.
A Family Dedicated to Education and Service
Shazia hails from a respected and educated family. Her father, Dr. Sharif Ahmad, is a seasoned medical doctor. Her elder brother, Dr. Mohammad Asif, is also a medical doctor and currently a professor at Jamia Tibbiya Medical College, Deoband. Her other brother, Aamir Sharif, is a Gold Medalist in Mechanical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia and is currently working at a reputed institute. Her youngest brother, Aaqib Sharif, who was also a college topper, has completed his engineering studies and is now working in the private sector. The entire family excels in education and is also deeply rooted in community service.
Shazia’s Inspiring Journey
Shazia completed her early education in Deoband and later entered IIT Delhi, one of the country’s top institutions, for higher studies. Despite facing challenging circumstances and limited resources, she worked tirelessly to make her mark in the field of science. Dr. Shazia Sharif credits her success entirely to her parents and family. She says,
“If you have your parents’ blessings, no power in the world can stop you. Every difficulty became easier because I had the prayers and support of my parents and family behind me.”
A Wave of Pride in Deoband
Shazia Sharif has proven that with hard work and determination, no goal is impossible. Her achievement has been widely celebrated, especially by Dr. Anwar Saeed, Dr. Akhtar Saeed, Principal Dr. Anees Ansari of Jamia Tibbiya, senior advocate Tahseen Khan, Dr. Nawaz Deobandi, former principal Shamim Murtaza Farooqui, Sulaiman Farooqui, former MLA Mavia Ali, Haji Rehan-ul-Haq, Saad Siddiqui, Ahmed Siddiqui, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Farhan-ul-Haq, Municipal Council Chairman Vipin Garg, councilors Syed Haris, Iram Usmani, Master Mumtaz, Rahat Khalil, Jamshed Anwar, Asad Jamal Faizi, Councilors Arif Ansari, Waseem, and Taufiq Jaggi.
Everyone unanimously stated that this accomplishment is not only a matter of pride for her family but also a source of inspiration for the entire region.
