Aligarh Muslim University celebrated the 206th birth anniversary of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.. Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi, a senior judge at the Lucknow Bench of the High Court of Judicature in Allahabad was CHief guest of the event, he emphasized that the success or failure of an institution is determined by its objective rather than its beginning. He addressed Aligarh Muslim University students and faculty members at the grand Sir Syed Day commemorative function, marking the 206th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the university's founder. The journey of an institution should be directed towards a collective goal. Justice Masoodi, referencing the Indian Constitution, emphasised the importance of shedding self-attributing notions and moving towards goals set by and for the "we." He questioned whether individuals or institutions could become part of a large collective self. Masoodi recalled his visit to AMU in 1985 as an admission seeker, which influenced him to choose legal studies as a career. He attributed his success to his short stay on the campus, where he received valuable advice and hospitality from senior students.
Retired IAS officer and former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Mr Syed Shahid Mahdi, denounced allegations against Sir Syed of being the creator of the two-nation theory or a separatist. Mahdi cited a newspaper story in February 1884 where an Arya Samaj Deputation under Lala Sangam Lal thanked Sir Syed for raising his voice for all Indians, not just Muslims. Lala Sangam Lal expressed pride and happiness at having such a great reformer in India. Mahdi emphasised the need to study and expose this aspect of Sir Syed's personality for public knowledge. Mr Sanjiv Saraf, the founder of the Rekhta Foundation, emphasised the importance of Aligarh in promoting Urdu language and literature. He cited the city's rich resources and the presence of numerous Urdu poets and writers in its hallowed columns. Saraf also highlighted the early beginnings of progressive poetry in Aligarh, with the seeds of purposeful poetry originating from Sir Syed's grappling efforts with Urdu prose. Aligarh's contributions to Urdu literature are significant and enduring. Dr Laurence Gautier, the guest of honour at the AMU, praised Sir Syed as a prolific personality and one of India's most important reformers. She emphasised that a great reformer leaves a body of work that spurs debates and can be built upon by future generations. Sheikh Abdullah and his wife established a school for girls, which later became the famous Women's College, replicating Sir Syed's legacy in light of changing circumstances.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Gulrez congratulated the AMU fraternity worldwide on this auspicious occasion, highlighting the man's vision, resolve, commitment, efforts, and contributions. Sir Syed, the founder of Aligarh University, believed in a strategy of dialogue based on knowledge and articulation rather than confrontation. He aimed to create a college that emphasised collective consciousness, a democratic perspective, and intellectual awakening. He aimed for students to question blind obedience, differentiate between right and wrong, be fearless, possess a deep sense of morality and tolerance, and have a commanding personality. Sir Syed's commitment to social harmony, composite culture, inclusiveness, and collective growth has guided AMU's institutional conduct, preserving the entire Indian heritage. Prof. Gulrez highlighted the achievements of AMU, citing its 9th-best university ranking in the country, 3rd-best in India Today, and 6th-placed in the Times Higher Education ranking for 2023. The mathematics department also ranked the best in the country and 137th globally in the US News and World Report 2023. The university has made significant strides in implementing the National Education Policy 2020 and introduced new programmes to make learning more innovative and industry-oriented. These include M.Sc. Cyber Security, M.Sc. Data Science, B.Tech. and M.Tech. Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor and Master in Visual Arts, Four-Year Integrated Teaching Programme, and ITEP. The Vice-Chancellor urged students to prioritise academics, sports, healthy debates, good sleep, and avoiding dhabas.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that teaching will remain suspended on Wednesday. The winners of the All India Essay Writing Competition on "Sir Syed's Influence on Language and Literature" in English, Hindi, and Urdu were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Justice Masoodi, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gulrez. The winners received cash prizes of Rs. 25,000/-, Rs. 15,000/-, and Rs. 10,000/-, respectively, with a memento and certificate of appreciation. The Innovation Council and University Incubation Centre organised an in-house students' research convention, where winners were praised for their innovative presentations. Faculty members, students, and dignitaries delivered speeches on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's teachings, philosophy, works, and mission. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Dean of Students' Welfare, Prof. Abdul Alim. The programme was conducted by Dr. Faiza Abbasi and Dr. Shariq Aqil. The day began with a Quran Khwani at the University Mosque, followed by a floral tribute at Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's Mazaar grave. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gulrez, and university faculty members inaugurated an exhibition of books and photographs related to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, organised by Maulana Azad Library and Sir Syed Academy.
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has organized various programs to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder. The University Drama Club is staging its prize-winning theatrical masterpiece, 'Sir Syed', directed by Prof F S Sherani and Mr Muzammil Hayat. The play will be staged for the common audience on October 18, 19, and 20, and for AMU staff on October 21, with live streaming for the international audience at 8:30 p.m. A special show for girl students will be held on October 22, at 3 pm.
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