Syeda Bilgrami Imam

Syed Bilgrami Imam (born 9 November 1941) is a writer and activist based in New Delhi, India. She was a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), India, and has authored a book titled The Untold Charminar, which describes the culture of Hyderabad.

Imam was born into a Muslim family in 1941 at Hyderabad, India. Her father was a magistrate of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. At the age of 15, her family relocated to Mumbai. She completed Honours degree (B.A (Hons.)) in English literature from the Elphinstone College, standing first in the Bombay University. Soon after her graduation she was appointed the "Fellow of English Literature" at Bombay University, where she taught B.A (Honours) for two years. Being more creative, she went on to become a full-fledged professional in advertising and led the creative crew for the New York based JWT and Contract, a subsidiary of WPP plc in various cities across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. She represented India at the "International fora on creativity", and at the "U.S Muslim World Conference" held at Doha. She became a member of the National Commission for Minorities, India in 2010 before her term expired in January 2013. During her tenure she was the only woman member of the NCM. Imam is also a well-known writer. Her book named The Untold Charminar—published by Penguin Books in 2008—deals with the culture of Hyderabad. Historian William Dalrymple, Indian filmmakers Shyam Benegal and Nagesh Kukunoor were other contributors. Imam has also authored other books such as The Positive Side (published by Roli Books, ISBN 978-1-4567-4186-0), The Making of Advertising: Gleanings from Subhas Ghosal (published by Macmillans, ISBN 978-0-333-93916-1) and Editing of Epiphany II and III.

As of 2012, Imam resides in New Delhi.

Imam founded the RUMI Foundation, based out of Delhi and is also the advisor of NIIT University located in Neemrana, Rajasthan.

Imam has received many awards for both her literary contributions as well as social activities. Many of her works fetched her top honours at film festivals such as the Cannes and New York. As an advertising professional, she is a recipient of national and international awards including the "Indira Super Achiever Award" presented by the Institute of Change Management, Pune.