By TCN News,
Aligarh: At the completion of 50 successful years, Maulana Azad Library of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) celebrated Golden Jubilee on 7th Dec. 2010. The noted historian and ex-Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mushirul Hasan inaugurated the Golden Jubilee program.
The present seven-storied building of the library was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India on December 6, 1960. The library was named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the great educationist and the first education Minister of independent India.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. Mushirul Hasan, who is alumnus of AMU, said that this library is one of the finest libraries in India and he had a privilege of using this library.
“Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Maulana Azad both believed in inclusive society. AMU has played a vital role in the educational regeneration of Indian Muslims. It should initiate a dialogue between other communities on religious civilization and Hindu-Muslim unity” said Prof. Hasan who is also director general of National Archives of India.
In his presidential remark, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis said that this library has witnessed remarkable transformation in the last three years.
In his address, Prof. Shabahat Husain, In-charge of the library, informed that by the efforts of the present VC the University Grants Commission (UGC) has provided a grant of Rs. 4 crore for the expansion of the library.
“With the advent of information technology, the library services around the word have undergone revolutionary changes and this library has been streamlined by using information technology. A digital and resource centre was established to provide access to about two lakh e-books and online catalogues have been made accessible on the university campus network” added Prof. Shabahat.
On the occasion, three books on different topics were released by AMU V-C Prof Azis. Dr. Shariq Aqeel conducted the program and Deputy Librarian, Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, proposed the vote of thanks.