By TCN news,
Aligarh: The Aligarh Muslim University and its maintained institutions and offices were closed today on the demise of Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader and former Chancellor of AMU, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. He took his last breath in Mumbai.
Addressing the condolence meeting held at the Conference Room of Administrative Block, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah paid rich tributes to the departed soul and expressed deep sense of grief on the irreparable loss. He said that the spiritual leader was a great philanthropist and was always available to help the needy. Under his leadership, the community has achieved remarkable social, economic and educational successes across the world. He also established Saifi Educational Trust to provide financial assistance to the needy and deserving students of the Aligarh Muslim University.
Gen. Shah said that Dr. Syedna Burhanuddin served the AMU as its Chancellor from 3rd October 1999 to 2ndOctober 2002. In recognition of his efforts for social and educational development of the country and services to humanity, Syedna was conferred Doctorate in Theology, honoris causa, by renowned institutions like the Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Aligarh Muslim University and Karachi University. The AMU conferred the honorary degree of D.Th. at the Sir Syed Day commemorative meeting on October 17, 1966.
Syedna Burhanuddin’s father, Syedna Tahir Saifuddin Sahab has also served AMU as Chancellor from 12th April 1953 to 2nd April 1965, the date of his sad demise. As a mark of respect, AMU has named its school Minto Circle and the Saifi Hall of Institute of Ophthalmology after him, which is a living testimony to his relationship with this great seat of learning.
A condolence resolution was also passed in the meeting expressing solidarity with the bereaved family.
Pro-Vice Chancellor, Brig. S. Ahmad Ali, Registrar, Group Captain (Retd.) Shahrukh Shamshad and a number of officials and faculty members were present in the meeting.