The late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum was described by the first recipients of the Hamdan Distinguished Family Award as a father figure, a source of inspiration, and a legend with a lasting legacy.

Even as the Muzammils were the first Indian family to win the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, the country's highest award for academic performance, the Muzammils made headlines after their three daughters won the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, the country's top award for academic performance.

“People in our circle started to refer to us as the Hamdan family as a result of this honor, and we genuinely felt related to the late Sheikh Hamdan, who taught us the value of excellence." We were devastated to learn of his death and felt as if we had lost a family member... the award will never be the same for us because we will miss seeing the late deputy ruler,” 

Dr. Shabana Muzzamil, who described the late Sheikh as the family's guiding light and inspiration for pursuing excellence, said the award was the "start line" for them as a family to start their journey toward working for the greater good of humanity while also excelling in their respective fields as in healthcare.

“The Hamdan Prize supports the philosophy of being human first and encourages us to be all-rounders. It acted as a mentoring tool for my husband and me in terms of how to direct our children toward excellence; how to recognize our children's strengths and hobbies and turn them into abilities and skills. It was because of his efforts that people were able to showcase their strengths, abilities, and skills. He has inspired young people to aim for academic achievement and to engage in extracurricular activities. My daughters are living proof of how the award has motivated them to succeed. My eldest daughter, Dr Faatimah Irfaanah Muzammil, won the Hamdan award twice, in 2012 and 2017, Faatimah Maryam Muzammil won it in 2013, and Hurairah Faatimah Muzammil won it in 2015.”

It is not possible to apply for the Hamdan distinguished student award every year. One can apply only once every three years. Another prerequisite of the award is that a recipient must receive a grade of 90 percent or higher every year to retain excellence, according to Dr. Muzammil.

According to Shabana, her daughters have also sharpened their skills in public speaking, dancing, singing, writing, stamp collecting, environmental events, creativity, and athletics.  

"And I dedicate all of their accomplishments to the late Sheikh Hamdan, who kept the flame burning in their hearts and brought out the best in them by continuously striving hard and aim high." Their life motto is to support and affect as many people as possible, just like late Sheikh Hamdan,” Dr. Shabana continued.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Dr. Muzammil and her husband witnessed the late Sheikh Hamdan recite the Holy Quran at a Quran competition for students.

Seeing a Royal recite so beautifully captivated the viewers. This is how he instilled ideals in children and inspired them. Children learn more through observing. Late Sheikh Hamdan continued the path to encourage future generations to begin their lifelong journey of learning.

“We all want to be legends, but only a handful of us can leave a legacy. Late Sheikh Hamdan has left us with a legacy of greatness and excellence to follow.

Dr. Muzammil concluded, "This is what I tell my children: when you leave the world, you must leave something which the world recognizes and gains from you."