By TCN News,
Aligarh: To mark the birth anniversary of visionary Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on October 17 and as a tribute to him, the India Wisdom Foundation (IWF) on Sunday distributed scholarships of about Rs 1.5 lakh to meritorious and financially needy students from AMU and schools around the AMU campus at Ismat Jahan Literacy Centre here.
The scholarships ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 per annum is given to the students depending on their financial needs and performance in schools. These students are identified and selected mainly from government schools in the vicinity of AMU campus.
Mr. Mustafa Hashmi, USA based NRI addressing the function at Ismat Literacy Centre
AMU Alumni Association, Washington DC and Aligarh Forum have been jointly distributing these scholarships since January 2010 under “The Aligarh Project”.
Dr. Kashif Razi, Convener of Aligarh Project, said, “Education is the first step towards empowerment. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan realized this after India’s First War of Independence in 1857 and took steps to establish what we see as AMU today. Today there is a need to make access to this great institution possible for bright young men and women who cannot otherwise afford a decent education. Under the Aligarh Project we aim to support the aspirations of children living around the AMU campus under restraining conditions.”
Dr. Shahid Jameel, President of the IWF said, “India Wisdom Foundation (IWF) has now formally adopted the Aligarh Project. The IWF is a registered NGO formed by eminent alumni of the AMU, which aims at improving the educational and health standards of poor and marginalized sections of our society. Starting from areas around the AMU campus, we hope that – jo abr yahaan se uthega woh saare jahan par barsega. We appeal to Aligs and other friends to come forward and join hands with us”.
Dr. Shariq Aqeel, Incharge of University Health Service said that AMU alumni all over the world look at AMU with a lot of expectations. AMU Alumni Association will continue to help deserving students in future, he hoped.
Children at a Ismat Literacy Centre
Prof. Razaullah Khan, former Chairman, Department of Civil Engineering addressed the gathering and informed the students about the job-oriented courses run at the University Polytechnic. Prof. Jameela Majid Siddiqi, Dr. Mohsin Raza and Dr. Asim Rizvi were also present on the occasion.
Mustafa Hashmi, representing Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association, Washington, DC and Dr. Afshan N. Hashmi came all the way from the US to attend the function. Mr. Hashmi said his association will help the deserving students in all possible way.
Shazia Iqbal, student of class IX, who received a scholarship of Rs 10,000, aspired she wanted to become a doctor. The students thanked India Wisdom Foundation for this noble work.