Born on November 10, 1925 at Belgodu (Karnataka), Prof Sheik Ali is author of about two dozen books. He is also known as an educationist. He has set up two universities—one at Mangalore and the other at Goa and served both the universities as Vice Chancellor. He is also Editor of the Mysore-based Urdu education quarterly “Noor-e-Baseerath”.

The previous recipients of the award are Justice A M Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India; Imaarat Shariah Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal; and Dr A R Qidwai, former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana and former Chairman, Union Public Service Commission..

The award is given every year in recognition of services rendered by the individual/ institution to the cause of the nation. It carries a citation, memento and a cash award of Rupee one lakh.