By TCN Staff Reporter,
Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is today celebrating the 195th birth anniversary of its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan with traditional gaiety, book exhibitions, and facilitations, to be followed with dinner.
Mohsina Kidwai, former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member, was the Chief Guest of the commemorative function. She is also an alumnus of the university.
Mrs. Mohsina Kidwai at Sir Syed Day Commemoration meeting
“Nations that ignore changes remain backward in every walk of life,” she said during her address. Referring to Sir Syed’s efforts to give a new outlook and understanding in place of traditional and conservative ideas, she exhorted the University community to adopt a rational and scientific thinking that would enable them to bring changes in the society in accordance with the contemporary challenges.
Paying tributes to the 19th century Muslim reformer and educationist, Kidwai said that Sir Syed showed a new path of educational and intellectual development to the nation. He wanted the education that would provide enlightenment and not merely a degree, she added.
Chief Guest Mrs. Mohsina Kidwai giving away prize to a winner of All India Essay Writing Competition
She exhorted the students’ community to revitalize Sir Syed’s philosophy to resolve and pave the way for development for our next generation.
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, the Vice Chancellor of the university, reiterated that Sir Syed dedicated all his life for the promotion of secularism, universal brotherhood, critical enquiry and scientific temperament. AMU today stand as a living embodiment of Sir Syed’s mission, he added.
AMU Vice Chancellor Lt. General Zameer Uddin Shah inaugurating the book and photograph exhibition
The Vice Chancellor also delved on his priorities that included the development of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, enhancing residential facilities in University hostels, etc.
He assured the student fraternity that a number of development initiatives have been taken by his administration and remarkable changes will be witnessed in the University in the next five years.
AMU Vice Chancellor paying tribute at Sir Syed’s Mazar
A new, better designed website of the university will also go live today.
Chief Guest Mohsina Kidwai also gave away cash prizes and certificates to the winners of All India Essay Writing Competition held on Sir Syed’s vision and the establishment of new centres of AMU.
Later, the Vice Chancellor inaugurated the exhibition of books and photographs of Sir Syed at the Sir Syed Academy organized by it in collaboration with the Maulana Azad Library.
Mrs.Mohsina Kidwai and AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah at Sir Syed Commemoration meeting
The Vice Chancellor, General Shah also inaugurated another book fair at the lawns of Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology organized by the National Book Trust of India with the cooperation of the University.
Another exhibition of books and photographs on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Papa Mian Sheikh Abdullah, the doyen of female education in India, was inaugurated by Her Excellency Milena Santana Ramirez, Ambassador of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to India at the Women’s College Library.
The most eloquent part of the Sir Syed Day celebrations is holding of lavish dinners at various residential Halls of the University where several distinguished personalities are also invited.