By TCN News,
Aligarh: “Muslims in India are lagging behind in comparison to other minorities of the country and they should work in collective manner for their development”, said Dr. Aziz Qureshi, Governor of Uttarakhand at the Aligarh Muslim University. He was addressing the commemorative meeting held yesterday on 196th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University.
Dr. Qureshi said that the greatest tribute to Sir Syed will be that we make efforts to eradicate the darkness of ignorance and illiteracy in India in general and among Muslims in particular.
AMU VC and PVC and others laying chadar at Sir Syed’s Mazar.
Paying rich tributes to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the Governor of Uttarakhand said that he considered this university as a great centre of excellence and its students and teachers have an obligation to develop it into an ideal university which remains far from strikes, chaos and lawlessness. He urged the Aligarh Muslim University community to cooperate with the Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, who is committed to make it the number one university of India.
Dr. Qureshi lambasted the ill designs terming Madrasas as the centre of terroristic activities. He said that Madarsas have contributed a lot to the freedom struggle of India by leading several important movements and worked for the development of the country. He said that Madarsas should not be doubted on their credibility, instead, their students be provided with all facilities and rights to gain higher education and participate in the national mainstreams.
L-R: AMU Registrar, Gr. Cap. Shahrukh Shamshad, AMU VC Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, Chief Guest Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi, AMU PVC, Brig. S. Ahmad Ali and DSW, Prof. Anis Ismail at Sir Syed Day Commemorative Meeting.
Making a point of misuse of Wakf properties, Dr. Qureshi observed that if illegal occupation and encroachment of Wakf properties are ended, they would serve to educate the whole marginalize section of India. He urged to develop a centralized management system for Zakah contributions and Aligarh Muslim University has a big role to play in this direction.
The Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, in his speech, reiterated his commitment to make the university an ‘intellectual powerhouse’. He said that he wanted to invite eminent teachers produced by this university to serve their alma mater and become an active partner in its development. He said that Sir Ross Masood took the initiative, which proved highly fruitful. He said that he wanted teachers to remain available in departments to provide guidance to students.
Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi along with AMU Vice Chancellor leaving for Kennedy Auditorium.
Gen. Shah said that he is busy in preparing the “Vision 2020” plan for the university as it would be celebrating its centenary in 2020. He said that Aligarh Muslim University is the last hope for the community and it is our duty to preserve it for our forthcoming generations. He said that all efforts will be made for its development and he will seek support from its alumni.
Gen. Shah said that he had four children until he joined Aligarh Muslim University, but now he is a father to 28 thousand boys and girls. He said that as a father figure, he has every right to use corrective measures for his children that may sometime be harsh, besides giving them his love and affection. He urged the students to dream big and assured them that he would provide all support to them to fructify their dreams.
Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi giving away prize to a winner of All India Essay Writing Competition on Sir Syed.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Brig. (Retd.) Syed Ahmad Ali highlighted the achievements of the university. He said that the Aligarh Muslim University is passing through a course of positive changes and several developmental measures have been taken to improve the academic and residential life in the campus. He said that new halls of residence are under construction and sports facilities have been considerably improved. The peaceful academic ambiance and improved law and order situation in the campus has enabled holding of classes and other academic activities in an efficient manner. He said that the university administration is committed to restore the golden features of AMU’s glorious past. The restoration of Moinuddin Ahmad Art Gallery in the building of old University Canteen, which has been inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr. Aziz Qureshi a while ago, is one such initiative in this direction, he added.
Brig. Ali We should also never forget that Aligarh Muslim University is not merely a centre of academic pursuits but it also seeks to instill a spiritual and eternal humanism in us that creates a feeling of typical “Aligarianism”, which the alumni of this great seat of learning are proud of.
Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi welcomed at the Kennedy Auditorium.
In his speech, Dr. M. Amirullah Khan elaborated on Sir Syed’s views on education. He said that Sir Syed wanted Aligarh to produce not only good scholars but also loyal and understanding citizens who drew strength from the great human values of the country. On this occasion Dr. Anwar Khursheed, Director, Computer Centre, Miss. Sadia Intikhab, a student of BA and another student of BE, Mr. Amin Ahmad also expressed their views.
The Chief Guest, Governor of Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi gave away certificates and cheques of prize money to the winners of All India Essay Writing Competition held by the University on “Sir Syed’s vision and efforts towards female education”.
Governor Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi at the Moinuddin Art Gallery of AMU.
Group Captain (Retd.) Shahrukh Shamshad, Registrar, thanked the guests and highlighted the importance of the day, which coincided as the International Day for Eradication of Poverty. Dr. Faiza Abbasi conducted the program.
Earlier in the morning, a Quran reading session (Quran Khwani) was held at the University mosque after the Fajr prayer and a floral tribute was paid at the Mazar of Sir Syed. Later, the Vice Chancellor inaugurated an exhibition of books and photographs of Sir Syed at the Sir Syed Academy.