Recipient of global Sir Syed Award Zakir Ali Khan of Pakistan donates award amount of Rs. 5 lakh for AMU students welfare
By Pervez Bari, Two Circles.net,
Aligarh: “The founder of Aligarh Muslim University, (AMU), Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s intent on modern education went a long way in shaping the destiny of modern secular India and his relentless efforts for spreading the knowledge of English and science and technology has made AMU an oasis of high learning in Uttar Pradesh where education had not taken firm roots”.
The above view was expressed by T.V. Rajeswar, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, the eastern state of India, while addressing the Sir Syed Day celebrations at AMU Aligarh here on Friday. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born on October 17, 1817. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Sir Syed Day every year all over the world wherever AMU old boys reside.
T.V. Rajeswar, who was the chief guest on this year’s Sir Syed Day celebrations, said Sir Syed’s book “The Causes of Indian Revolt” has established his credentials as a visionary thinker. He realized that the knowledge of science and scientific temperament were essential for the Muslims to progress. He wanted MAO College to act as bridge between the East and the West. Sir Syed was not oblivious of the values of oriental learning and wanted to preserve and transmit it to posterity the rich legacy of the past.
AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis said that Sir Syed strove for removing the cobwebs of ignorance. He said that Sir Syed wanted all Indians to join hands in removing illiteracy. Paying rich tributes to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor stressed the need of strengthening the legacy of Sir Syed’s large hearted tolerance and unflinching commitment to secularism as his cherished ideals.
Prof. Abdul Azis has said that the present administration of the University stood committed to make AMU an internationally sought after academic institution. In order to spread the message of Sir Syed the University has instituted international Sir Syed Award for literature. Eminent Pakistani writer Zakir Ali Khan got the first Sir Syed Award. The Chancellor of AMU, Justice A. M. Ahmadi presented the award to him carrying a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000 and a Citation.
Zakir Ali Khan, who was overwhelmed and struggled for words, expressed his gratitude for the award and donated the whole prize money to the welfare of AMU students. He asked the students to imbibe the spirit of Aligarh which stipulates to rise to the occasion despite all odds when the need arises.
Former Chief Justice of India Justice A.M. Ahmadi, the Chancellor of AMU, said that secularism is the ethos of our country and Sir Syed was an enemy of narrow mindedness.
Prof. Hameeda Ahmad and Prof. A.A. Nizami, Ms. Maria Salman, student of M.Sc. (Biochemistry) and Mr. Abdul Haleem Kidwai, student of B.A. (Economics) also paid tributes to Sir Syed on the occasion.
Pro-chancellor of AMU Mr. Rahmatullah Khan Shervani distributed the prizes of All India Sir Syed Essay Writing Competition. Prof. Abu Qamar Siddiqui, Dean Student Welfare proposed the vote of thanks.
The program ended with Aligarh Tarana rendered by the students which made the whole gathering emotional as they tapped their toes and clapped in unison.
On this occasion Governor of Uttar Pradesh Mr. T. V. Rajeswar inaugurated the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hall of residence for boys. He also paid floral tribute at the founder’s tomb.
Earlier, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis inaugurated a book exhibition at Sir Syed Academy. He also released a book ‘Hayat-e-Javed’ translated into English by Prof. R. A. Alvi. ([email protected])